Having installed a helix and staging yard under the layout a couple of years ago it has become apparent a camera system would be helpful (but not essential) to help monitor things. Does anyone have any suggestions on a 2,3, or 4 camera system? Or any other relative suggessions, including cost and where to purchase? Thanks.
I bought the one from Harbor Frieght a couple years ago with 2 cameras expandale to 4. I have it so I can see both entrances and exits on my lower level staging. I think I paid a little over $210 for it with their 2-3x a year 25% coupon. I didn't need anything fancy. Comes with a small monitor which I have by the dispatchers panel.
Neal
Neal, any issues with the focal length of the lens? Do they have decent clarity showing engines at just a few feet away? I assume these systems are designed as outdoor home security systems looking 50-100 out. Does the IR capability work well? No lighting issues (I have some decent lighting but not “bright”)? Thanks
I have mine under the main layout in staging. The views are pretty decent and I can read the numbers on the engines and cars as they go by slowly. I haven't looked at staging without the lights on as I have LED lighting going thru the staging area. It's not bad for the money...
Thnx Neal, will definitely check that system out
I bought a number of automotive cameras for my staging. There are back-up camera versions and front facing versions - the back-up versions have a reverse image and the parking grid that you don't want.
By price comparing, I found the rear facing versions were cheaper than the front facing. I was able to get the rear facing camera and 6 inch screen for just under $20. I then bought 2 front facing cameras (the monitor supports 2 cameras) for less than $8.00 each.
The cameras have IR lighting , so work well in little to no light surprisingly good as well. As an added bonus, being automotive, everything runs on 12 volts.
Good ole' ebay. Three momitors and six cameras for about $100.00.
Mark.
¡ uʍop ǝpısdn sı ǝɹnʇɐuƃıs ʎɯ 'dlǝɥ
Thnx Mark, I will check this option out as well