I finally got a chance to upload videos from the back yard layout onto youtube. I learned several things with this camera on the G scale layout. The first is that the lower the camera is to the ground, the faster the train appears to be moving. When the camera was on a single truck, it gives the appearance that the train is flying haha!! When it was up on the trains, it was much better. Also, I learned that I should but a bit of cushion between the truck and the camera. It was much more shaky footage on the truck than on the trains.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0JSR462yfY
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52BdmKA9PEg
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2lj7xpOFAE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R1XWyIrmxOo
http://www.haworthengineering.com/
~Excellency in the Details ~
Thanks Tom,
And I almost converted it to B&W! :p
Well I suppose we're not limited to the CubeCam for video in this thread.
Here's a demo I recorded with my Canon T2i DSLR. This video was actually recorded in 1080HD, but I rendered it out in 720 to save upload time.
The video stars, once again, my scratchbuilt train (with a little more detail visible), and a remotored Atlas 2-6-0 with gearhead reduction.
watch?v=nNI3 s26eVg
-Mark
www.MarkWatson3D.com
Mark:
That's a GREAT video--that little loco sure pulls like a champ, doesn't she? I really admire that scratch-built freight train, especially in N scale (I'm getting to the point in life where sometimes my HO seems a little too 'delicate' for my fingers, LOL!). Nice job on the 'caboose'--I'm reminded of my old Silver Streak kit from the 'fifties, which sadly disappeared during a move about 30 years ago.
If that video had been in B&W, I'd have thought that I was looking at a shot from one of my favorite Hollywood railroad movies, deMille's UNION PACIFIC!
Tom
Tom View my layout photos! http://s299.photobucket.com/albums/mm310/TWhite-014/Rio%20Grande%20Yuba%20River%20Sub One can NEVER have too many Articulateds!
Here's a quick run-by of Central Pacific "Jupiter" pulling my entirely scratch built freight train, including the most recent addition the "Supply Caboose".
watch?v=DBp8OiHi4lo
Say, Thanks Michael!!!
Actually that was take 8, take 1 throu 4ish had a big giant hand thumbing a throttle roller & also manually attempting flipping the switch from the center of the track & trying to slow down the loco so I didn't short it out like I actually did.
If you watch it it looks like I did the kitty thing throwing the switch rod & yanked on my temporary "remote rod" about 3 to 4 times... That looks so stupid, until I really shorted out the camera loco & two BNSF Gevos out..
I told TomW in a private IM that I suprized myself that there were not 'special explatives' during that breif silence.
Well, at least I was not too embarrassed about it, & shared it as is & I am laughing out loud about it now... Hey I can only get better, right??
I felt like a Putz for not getting the action going sooner, but I needed a couple more DCC things to get everything going right, & hey it all worked out, despite the wait, & I really enjoy it now..
Thanks for the compliments, there was a moment of cold sweat when I realized all the weathering & decaling I need to addend to, I'm pretty booked up, but I want to keep painting those undec shells!
Thanks again!
Chad,
That's a decent video, not bad at all for your first shot. The color and focus looked good, better results than mine. I still need to shoot another video, with some natural sunshine during the day.
Your wavy trackwork cracks me up, but hey it does look like some prototypes that I've seen. LOL
But ya gotta get some switch motors or switch stands, that pole looks kinda weird.
But I love your fleet, some really nice locos, and of course nice choice on your DCC system, I have the same exact one. (NCE PHPro wireless).
Michael
CEO- Mile-HI-RailroadPrototype: D&RGW Moffat Line 1989
Tom,
It might be too late now, but I suggest contacting the seller and getting an exchange (or return). On my dice, objects come into sharp focus about a 1-1.5 feet away. If that's not constant with yours it must be defective. :(
BPG,
Yeah, you can bring it in, but that is assuming your computer has the correct inputs. The average computer will NOT have those inputs and you would need something like the Dazzle input box (about a hundred bucks). Additionally, you will probably need special software to record the input. Computers that have the hardware to receive input generally have a cheap proprietary program that can be used. External hardware such as Dazzle also has included software.
The final reason I'd pass on the video transmitter is that the video resolution is far outdated. They don't list it as HD (which would be a huge selling point), so I can only assume it's 640x480.
It also says line of sight transmission, which might produce faulty video feed while traveling tthrough tunnels, between buildings, scenery ect on a layout.
If you've got a TV out, can't you bring it into your computer through the video inputs?
bigpianoguy:
I started off using a mini-cam setup that I got from MicroMark, a couple of years ago. It connected to a 9 volt battery and had a reciever that could be viewed from a TV monitor. My only problem was that it did not have a card for downloading, it had to be recorded through a DVD burner. I still have it, and I will say that the focus on that camera beats the Dice all to heck.
I've given up on the Dice, the focus is lousy--at least on MY Dice--even before I try reducing it in the computer. What I got for forty bucks is just what you'd EXPECT for forty bucks, LOL! If I were into RC planes, I'd probably have a use for it, but since I"m not, about all it's good for is a 'futuristic' flatcar load.
OK: I'm just a little confused on this. The company that is selling the Dice camera, for $39.95 (sold out), also has that complete remote wireless system, for only $24.95. Personally, as I mentioned, I've used the spy-cams where you plug in the memory card, do your filming, then retrieve the memory card, download it, & finally watch it.
I'm more sold by the system that I can feed directly into my TV/video/computer. Maybe some infinity/POV issues; but it still seems like the better set-up. Or am I way off base on this?
Well, I finally have a video!!!& it sucks, just kidding, ha hah!
Here are the issues;The camera is cockeyed on the 'Truckee'I don’t recall what Peco switch I used on the main, but it is the NON-DCC compliant one & it shutdown all the loki's when I backed into it & ricocheted across the frog & points...I left the wavy Atlas (OLD STOCK) #4 turnouts as they were. Because every time I have tried bending a turnout straight, it does not turn out -well..(Pun)So I have really cool wavy track to test the tracking of the 'Truckee' !!The 'Truckee' was rebounding & Lurching due to coupler slack between itself & the Loco, mostly due to the locomotive's uneven consistent speed; a combination of not the best clean track or wheels, & no customization in DCC settings.Yes I had, & used an old Tungsten style 60 watt bulb because that is what the room had, however I was left handing an LED light bar, & trying to control the DCC (new to me) with my right hand.. (we need a video of THAT anarchy!!!)!And 90% of the staged stand-in's are not finished or weathered!!!! I was forced to point the end of the switch ladder plate towards the window, would have been much worse if the sun was out, so I guess I am glad it was foggy/rainy..Any software I tried to edit & add a title & credits to, made it suck even more, like 40-70% more ugly & loss of quality, so I am showing you the actual camera footage!
Over all, for a raw first time effort, I do not think it is that unacceptable, although it was the 8th take, because I do not have solid switch stands, & some of the tracks are just taped down (staged Locos), & I had derailments due to clingy points...The first siding with the BNSF GEVO's (2 units) are running & making noise. I was hoping they would not over power the Tsunami in the Athearn FP7 & it actually came out OK to me.The 'Truckee' performed pretty well, when I saw it lurching & bounding when I tested it I thought I had a really sad dog, but in the video, it does not look so bad, but there are a couple video jumps, that don't seem like the 'Truckee' did that. However, I do think a heavier longer car (not a bobber) would be much smoother. That is just my thought after experimenting with this.A short two truck caboose chassis would be my next logical step, it would also be easier to hit the buttons too...
Why don't you share your thoughts & tell me what you think!I would like to hear your feedback!I know it is not great, & that is why I wanted to share it in the raw form, cuz it is what it is..
A still shot of the staged setup.
The Video....
watch?v=vUfdIYka4G0&feature=youtu.be
twhite These are really fine videos, Mark and MRH044. But I'm still wondering why nobody seems to be having focus problems except ME, LOL! Tom
These are really fine videos, Mark and MRH044. But I'm still wondering why nobody seems to be having focus problems except ME, LOL!
Couple of thoughts.. wipe the lens area down, might have a finger smudge. And I think it came with the plastic coverings you had to peel off, did you do that?
This is a little different
I built a retractable shelf for my lap top so i could use Decoder Pro to program my locos
right next to the layout
i dialed up my "Mole Cam " internet security camera that's mounted on top of the door to the train room
to the layout view
TerryinTexas
See my Web Site Here
http://conewriversubdivision.yolasite.com/
Keep the videos coming!!!!!!!
Darren (BLHS & CRRM Lifetime Member)
Delaware and Hudson Virtual Museum (DHVM), Railroad Adventures (RRAdventures)
My Blog
Acela026 By the way, for those of you with cameras... If you don't have a short 'truckee' platform for it like Chad's, would mounting the camera at the back of a flatcar help with the tracking issue? Acela
By the way, for those of you with cameras...
If you don't have a short 'truckee' platform for it like Chad's, would mounting the camera at the back of a flatcar help with the tracking issue?
Acela
I threw the camera on the front of a 40' flat and didn't seem to have problems.
This one has been out for a while, but it's in the spirit of the thread.
It has music by Duke Ellington. I think it's worth power up your speakers for.
watch?v=jQ5OvZtI QU&lr=1
It takes an iron man to play with a toy iron horse.
If you don't have a short 'truckee' platform for it like Chad's, would mounting the camera at the back of a flatcar help with the tracking issue? (Yes, I know some will be opposed because you can see the front of the car and it won't be a 'cab' view. Just a short-trem suggestion until we all find our own little fix)
Just an idea, I don't have mine yet so I don't quite know the physics of it...
The timbers beneath the rails are not the only ties that bind on the railroad. --Robert S. McGonigal
Great footage Mark!
I have been watching this for a while, now I'm convinced I need one.
Thanks for the comparison vid of with and without the IR filter. I will be ordering one whenever they get back in stock... Oh, well. I don't have any trees to turn purple in the first place. Sea of green, anyone?
Cool layout MRH044.
Took me a few days, but I finally have a comparison of color with the IR Cut filter vs without.
watch?v=dtRMbxRBsFo
I also went railfanning a bit yesterday and took this video of Amtrak California at Martinez. Watch out at about 1:40. ;)
watch?v=CyQiUdk5Psk
A couple more tests indoors. Once it stops raining, I will take this outside to the G scale layout.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=89LiEstRR0s
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5qle-8P7Uk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSW96HLtAS4
An astounding layout - I'm definitely getting one of these...
When I saw this post, I ordered a camera for myself. Here is the video after playing around with it. The camera is as is from the box, sitting on a flatcar in front of the train. Towards the end, the camera gets bumped to the side and gives a good 'passenger' view of the layout.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4HghHL6hJY
I'll get a "results" video made later tonight.
Here's where I got the filters. http://www.m12lenses.com/IR-Cut-Filters-s/59.htm
Better hurry, only 4 left in stock! I'm most impressed with their speedy fulfillment/shipping. Ordered mine late Friday night and it arrived today!
I'd recommend ordering at least 2 per DiceCam. They're tiny cuts of glass and chances are you'd lose it when you need it most.
I attached mine by cutting a square hole in a strip of tape, centering the filter over the hole, then taping it to the DiceCam wrapping the tape half way down each side. This way I can easily remove it should I want to use IR light.
Mark Watson Good video Eric. :) YAY, my two IR Cut filters arrived just now. I turned on the halogen work light held the filter over the lens hole and got PERFECT color! :D
Good video Eric. :)
YAY, my two IR Cut filters arrived just now. I turned on the halogen work light held the filter over the lens hole and got PERFECT color! :D
What? Show us what it looks like!!! And where you got the filters?
Here is a video I shot at my clubs layout. some of it is train view and some of it is run bys. I edited it with Windows Movie Maker. Hopefully soon I can direct a good video of the layout with more shots a views.
watch?v=sSoUZRku7nw
Nice Looking piece!!!
Yep, that Burlington O-4 Steamer is another one of my treasures. :) It's a Kato Mikado with a GHQ conversion kit. Huge sentimental value to me. :)
Neat video. I love those V&T ventilated boxcars of yours, the detail is remarkable. I'm going to try using the camera 'off-board' like you did just for some run-by shots. BTW, I noticed that someone in your club has an N-scale Burlington steamer. At least it looks like one. Wow!