We've seen these windshield-mounted cameras on locomotives and even steam engines.
Where can I get one of these? Is there a standard model that the railroads buy?
Go to your local "cop shop". See what they have installed in their "Money-making Machines" (a.k.a.: cruisers and patrol cars). Of course, they pay too much for that equipment, after kick-backs, bribes, cronyism, etc.. Then go to a good discount electronics shop and duplicate it. Lots easier than trying to gain access to a 'Class I' locomotive to see what's there. You might even be welcome at the "cop shop"! Bring donuts!!!
Hays
If you are looking for a camera to mount on your dash I would say in the age of HD / flash drive video cameras, a little bit of the industrial strength velco, and one of those cameras and you are good to go.
'Velcro' is a good idea. I use 2" self-stick to mount radios in our combines, trucks, and tractors. Instantly interchangable. It might take some ingenuity to mount the camera right-side-up. Velcro would make it easy to remove the camera (perhaps to lock it in your trunk) when not in use. Beware: that self-stick Velcro adhesive is tough, which may mar your dashboard or headliner. Now, get some hi-rail wheels and go cruising!
I was kinda wondering how to avoid the windshield glass reflection and auto-focus problems when it rains. It doesn't need to be right-side up, the software takes care of that.
Thanks.
If you camera has manual focus, set it to infinity and you should be good to go.
aegrotatio I was kinda wondering how to avoid the windshield glass reflection and auto-focus problems when it rains. It doesn't need to be right-side up, the software takes care of that.Thanks.
Most engine cameras are mounted pretty close to the glass.
It's been fun. But it isn't much fun anymore. Signing off for now.
The opinions expressed here represent my own and not those of my employer, any other railroad, company, or person.t fun any
Just a pickup truck with a fairly steep windshield.
Thanks for the info.
aegrotatioJust a pickup truck with a fairly steep windshield.Thanks for the info.
I think a locomotive cam is overkill for this application. They are not exactly tiny. Go find out what your local law enforcement agency uses. Or mount a consumer cam to your windshield (while minding all applicable vehicle codes for your area).
A friend of mine has a battery operated digital camera mounted on his bike takes great movies of him riding . bought it at wal-mart
Eric97123 If you camera has manual focus, set it to infinity and you should be good to go.
Johnny
Not sure what they use.
But if you go to B&H Photo, you can see what is on the market. It one of the largest camera stores in the USA.
Search by Brand = Elmo
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/browse/Elmo/ci/10190/N/4294596672
I got this awesome application that records motion-JPEG from multiple cameras. I thought it would be a fun project.
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