Environmental recording apparatus

An environmental recording apparatus adapted for use in photographically recording a seismic event, said environmental recording apparatus comprising:

• a base adapted for being securely fastened to a mounting surface;
• a seismic isolation structure disposed upon said base in a statically stable position whereby while a seismic event does not occur said seismic isolation structure does not move with respect to the mounting surface, said seismic isolation structure being adapted for insulating an apparatus secured thereon from movement in response to movement of said mounting surface during the seismic event;
• a camera mount which is adapted for receiving a camera and which is secured on said seismic isolation structure so said seismic isolation structure insulates said camera mount from movement of said mounting surface during a seismic event;
• a motion sensing switch which is secured to the mounting surface and which is adapted for activating a camera in response to a seismic acceleration if such an acceleration exceeds a preestablished threshold;
• and
• an electrical signal cable having a first end which is coupled to said motion sensing switch and having a second end which is adapted for being coupled to a camera secured on said camera mount, said electrical signal cable coupling an electrical signal from said motion sensing switch to a camera for activating said camera during a seismic event, said electrical signal cable having sufficient length and having that length of electrical signal cable disposed such that said electrical signal cable does not restrain a camera from moving with respect to the mounting surface upon the occurrence of a seismic event having an acceleration that exceeds the preestablished threshold to which said motion sensing switch responds.