If you are just wanting live video from a locomotive there are a bunch of tiny wireless cameras available in both 2.4gh and WiFi.I operate my layout dual mode, DC or DCC. All of my camera carrying cars with work on either DC or DCC.This is my first attempt back before I went with DCC in 2007.
This is an Athearn PA-1 dummy, I removed the motor and drive lines. The wireless camera is glued in place and powered from a 9 volt battery. The PA-1 is pushed by a PB-1. No fancy stuff, everything right out of the box.The LED headlight is powered from the rails.The camera has a self-contained 2.4gh transmitter that transmits to a 24gh receiver with video and audio output connectors. It has preformed very well over the years.I bought a second 2.4gh wireless camera and installed it in a Proto E8A dummy. This time I used a pair of 18650 Lithium batteries for power and using a DCC decoder F function from the pusher I can turn the added LED lighting and camera on and off individually. I push it with an Athearn E7B. When operating on DC I installed magnetic latching reed switch under the top of the shell to trip the control relays.
Both of these cameras are huge compared to the cameras available today.For some reason the older wireless cameras would glitch occasionally when powered from the rails thus the reason for onboard batteries. The new WiFi/Camcorders have internal batteries and can be charged from rail power (5 volts) with a DC to DC converter. Mel My Model Railroad http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/ Bakersfield, California I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.
The SQ23 has WiFi as well as record but it’s a bit big for mounting in a locomotive. I have mounted a SQ8 on an Athearn SD40 frame and use a Proto E8 shell. The camera looks out the open front door.
If you want to mount the SQ23 on flat car and push it that works very good.
I power the camera and LEDs from the rails using a micro Dc to DC buck converter.
I went a bit over board with the SQ7This one pans 120° controlled by Andrino Bluetooth.Early on I used a non recording 2GH Wireless camera and that went well.The MS81 camera isn’t very reliable and too big for inside mount. The SQ7 does WiFi and records but it’s too big for inside mount. Mel My Model Railroad http://melvineperry.blogspot.com/ Bakersfield, California I'm beginning to realize that aging is not for wimps.
I'd like to mount a small camera on my engines and stream the image to a video display and/or computer. Can someone recommend a good camera for this?
Thanks in advance!