So, a couple of weeks back I posted this picture of a work caboose that I was in the process of modifying to be a camera car, using a wireless mini-cam.
The mini-camera arrives, and of course it's just a little too big to fit inside the original work caboose body. Not the camera so much as it's associated power connector, which I found out the hard way on previous mini-cam, must remain attached to the camera because it contains electronics that modulate the power supply.
Solution? A three-dollar caboose shell from eBay, and some work with razor saw and glue.
The modified shell now fits the camera and electronics. It's not actually visible in this picture but the camera shoots through the window of the forward facing door. My next xhallenge will be to mount the shell on the flatcar, and rig up the final power connections between the battery box and the mini-cam.
I have figured out what is wrong with my brain! On the left side nothing works right, and on the right side there is nothing left!
Nice work keep us posted.
Thanks,
laz57
Ya know, this is a great idea! Most camera shots I've seen have been from the pov of the front end. But a conductor's eye view of the train winding it's way along the road would be awesome! Nice work!
Becky
Oh and, keep your stick on the ice!
Trains, trains, wonderful trains. The more you get, the more you toot!
So here is the work/camera car as it finally turned out. I have tested it and the camera works just fine. Regretfully I don't have a video capture card on my computer, and until I get one I won't be able to post any videos.
Video capture card on my computer? I found one that takes 9 different cards. The brand name is Belkin model # F4U003. I believe I got it at Radio Shack or Target. Great for transferring movies and picture right to the computer via the UCB port. What kind of camera did you use? I like your idea. Got to make one of the these! Can't wait till you post videos....
AZ-Flyer
“Tell me and I’ll forget; show me and I may remember; involve me and I’ll understand.”
AZ-Flyer@American Flyer Cabinet-top Layout (5'x16'): http://az-flyer.blogspot.com/
azflyer Video capture card on my computer? I found one that takes 9 different cards. The brand name is Belkin model # F4U003. I believe I got it at Radio Shack or Target. Great for transferring movies and picture right to the computer via the UCB port. What kind of camera did you use? I like your idea. Got to make one of the these! Can't wait till you post videos.... AZ-Flyer
That is pretty much the same direction I planned on going, an external pack that connects via USB port. The mini camera I used you can usually get on Amazon for under $50. It comes with a wireless receiver.
http://www.amazon.com/Wireless-Micro-Spy-Camera-Complete-Package/dp/B000JCN6SW
Shortly after purchasing the thing I visited a local HO club's Open House, and they had the same camera. Except theirs was mounted in the open on a flat car. The signal was being sent to a video monitor near the entrance of the layout room. I asked how many receivers they had to use to get full coverage of their layout. They told me one receiver covered the whole basement for them.
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