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Reply to "Onboard camera systems"

In my on ongoing quest to build an HD quality FPV camera car that will output to any TV with an HDMI input has yielded a new project.

The Goals in this project were:

1) HD 720p or 1080p output
2) No image delay (Zero latency)
3) Eliminate static interference found in analog wireless cameras
4) Wireless range of 50 feet or better
5) Conceal the entire project in a dummy locomotive and camouflage the camera as best as possible
6) Keep the operation and connection as simple as possible

This is the end result:
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Everything in the dummy is battery powered but I do plan to add a track powered charging system for the battery system. Mounted to the frame is the Camera and Wireless transmitter. In the Shell is a 3000 mAh battery back with 12 Volt and 5 volt outputs. To separate the shell the from the frame two power connectors (12v barrel & 5v mini USB) need to be unplugged. There are three warm LED lights for forward lighting that turn on when all components are powered up with a slide switch mounted on the side of the shell for easy access. There is also a charging port on the back of the shell so that the batteries can be charged externally.

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Lastly there is the external receiver.
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Between the bright LEDs and the very dark opening on the front of the shell, the camera is very hard to see:
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Now the major component Build list with MSRP prices:

Camera: AIDA HD100a (https://aidaimaging.com/hd-100a/) -- $280
Wireless Tranmitter / Reciever : NYRIUS ARIES Pro (https://www.nyrius.com/aries-p...transmitter-receiver) -- $250
Battery: TalentCell Rechargeable 12V 3000mAh Lithium ion Battery Pack -- $25
Dummy: MTH F40PH dummy --$80 (estimated)
MISC. Supplies -- $10

This thing has handily exceeded my expectations! The rated range of the Wireless HDMI ARIES Pro is 100 feet with line of sight. I have tested it to work reliably at 70 feet through scenery, tunnels and one interior wall. There was absolutely no latency and no loss in image quality at that 70 foot range. The camera is performed very well in low light (with night mode & color enabled) and it has many ways for your to customize the the output of the image. It handles the transition from dark to bright situations very well. The battery pack can easily run the whole system for 4 hours and my last test yielded 4.5 hours before the battery shutdown. It takes about 6 to 7 hours to fully recharge the battery pack with the included charger.

It checks all of the right boxes except price. I listed MSRP prices above but the NYRIUS ARIES Pro was bought used for $150 and there are cheaper versions available with less range for $200 (MSRP).  I have already researched alternatives for the camera and one stand out item was the Hawkeye Firefly Split camera (Hawkeye FPV Camera) for $77. It's much smaller than the AIDA, has onboard recording to an SD card and has a Micro HDMI output port which could be adapted to work with the NYRIUS. With this camera and the lower cost NYRIUS systems, it may be possible to build this into something smaller and reduce the cost considerably.

The operation and setup of this system is so simple. Plug in the NYRIUS receiver and connect it to a TV with an HDMI cable, next slide the switch on the "camera engine" to power up all of the components inside. In about 10 seconds or less, the Wireless Transmitter & Receiver will find each other and the live image is displayed on the TV at 1080p 30FPS

I'll get some video of this posted soon, it been outstanding to see how clear the image is and the reception quality it absolutely amazing!

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Last edited by H1000

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