Contributed By: Ethan Brady
I finally installed black and white CCD cameras to spot for me!!
I am powering them of 8 1.2V NiMH (rechargeable and no memory effect)
batteries and using a 5" TV as a monitor. A non-shorting rotary switch
allows me to choose between the 2 views and even has 3 extra positions for
later expansion. RCA plugs allow the setup to be removed easily if needed.
I had the camera on during my trip to Denver and back and didn't run out of
power. The cams only draw 1/4 amp each. I might upgrade to a 3 pole switch
to also switch camera power. Until I get more cameras, tho, it probably
won't be an issue.
I mounted on cam on the passenger side spring "box" mounting bracket,
aimed forward at the pass. side front wheel. Now I know which way my front
wheel is pointing, and it will literally prevent me from falling off a
cliff. The second camera is mounted in the trailer hitch (really!) facing
forward. It allows a view of the rear diff and part of both rear tires. I
wish that cam's lens was just a little wider. Oh well. Whaddya want for
$50, right?!?
Speaking of cost, the cams were on sale for $50 each and the other parts
were under $30 (switch, battery holder, metal case for everything). This
doesn't include the voltage regulator I bought and ended up not using! The
TV was free, as I already had it.
Any questions about what/how I did this, lemme know. As for a tech write
up, well, there it is. It's not really too hard. If you can use a
multimeter and solder, you can build the little switching box I made, or go
to radio shack and get a pre-made one (and probably less than $30!) but it
won't be made of metal and nor will it include your batteries!
Also, I didn't seal the cams yet. I'm planning on staying outta the water
for a little while! ;-)
Ethan B
