Lower level camera systems

We might need a little more information here in the task you want to perform.  What is the goal?  Video or still photo?  What do you mean lower level? As in quality or trackside video or photos.  Can you help us understand what it is you want to achieve?  I’m sure someone can help you.

I have a lower level on my layout consisting of a long reverse loop surrounding a storage yard.  It is not landscaped.

I have a small flat panel t.v. and I want to get some cameras etc. to set up so I can monitor the train as it travels down around and then back up.  

Any suggestions is appreciated.

The only member I know who has incorporated cameras in the layout is @Big Boy 4005 (Elliot).  Here is a link to his thread and the huge layout he has constructed.  He might be able to help you.

my-dreamnightmare-layout--update

They don't get much lower than this.

Chris Sheldon

Thanks Ted.

I'm using a 16 camera security system, but my layout is huge with lots of blind spots. I have three hidden yards. Two on the lowest level, and a small three track yard under a bluff. The big yard has five, 120' long tracks with six cameras covering it. The other two yards are much smaller, and have two cameras each. One camera in each of two helixes, and the last four cover about 60' of hidden mainline track.

I don't think there is a "right"answer to your question. There are a zillion products out there. this is the beauty of the internet, you can shop. I just grabbed mine from Sam's Club, but knowing what I know now, I probably could have done this project cheaper. The set I picked up was just convenient.

I have an HO buddy who uses individual backup camera monitors, about 6" screens, and some tiny cameras.

Now if you want all of your cameras to go to a single larger monitor, you'll need a switching box to plug your cameras into.

So how many cameras are you thinking?

Elliot, thx for taking the time to respond.  Your help/info/expertise should get the OP rolling on his specific application.  

Big_Boy_4005 posted:

Thanks Ted.

I'm using a 16 camera security system, but my layout is huge with lots of blind spots. I have three hidden yards. Two on the lowest level, and a small three track yard under a bluff. The big yard has five, 120' long tracks with six cameras covering it. The other two yards are much smaller, and have two cameras each. One camera in each of two helixes, and the last four cover about 60' of hidden mainline track.

I don't think there is a "right"answer to your question. There are a zillion products out there. this is the beauty of the internet, you can shop. I just grabbed mine from Sam's Club, but knowing what I know now, I probably could have done this project cheaper. The set I picked up was just convenient.

I have an HO buddy who uses individual backup camera monitors, about 6" screens, and some tiny cameras.

Now if you want all of your cameras to go to a single larger monitor, you'll need a switching box to plug your cameras into.

So how many cameras are you thinking?

This is exactly what I was thinking about.  I am thinking about 4 cameras in to a switching box to the TV.

I saw a security system with 4 cameras, cabling, switch box and software for about $85 at the W-Mart.

Sounds reasonable. My guess is it'll be fine. Go for it. Camera systems are fun to use, and impress visitors.

I took your advice and Santa Clause confirmed that he will deliver this Xmas.

This should be a blast.

Ahitpy posted:

Big_Boy_4005 posted:

Thanks Ted.

I'm using a 16 camera security system, but my layout is huge with lots of blind spots. I have three hidden yards. Two on the lowest level, and a small three track yard under a bluff. The big yard has five, 120' long tracks with six cameras covering it. The other two yards are much smaller, and have two cameras each. One camera in each of two helixes, and the last four cover about 60' of hidden mainline track.

I don't think there is a "right"answer to your question. There are a zillion products out there. this is the beauty of the internet, you can shop. I just grabbed mine from Sam's Club, but knowing what I know now, I probably could have done this project cheaper. The set I picked up was just convenient.

I have an HO buddy who uses individual backup camera monitors, about 6" screens, and some tiny cameras.

Now if you want all of your cameras to go to a single larger monitor, you'll need a switching box to plug your cameras into.

So how many cameras are you thinking?

This is exactly what I was thinking about.  I am thinking about 4 cameras in to a switching box to the TV.

 

I saw a security system with 4 cameras, cabling, switch box and software for about $85 at the W-Mart.

Today, I put the 4 channel camera set I got for xmas on the lower level.  It was an easy install and worked 1st time out of the box.

Elliot, thank you for the idea!

Here's a pic of the control panel that shows the lower level tracks.... the long yellow block is the lower run reverse loop.

Can you tell us more info about the brand/ name of that camera system as it seems to be a very good idea

I use a Mobius Action Cam in "Web-Cam" mode to view live video of covered storage tracks on my laptop. Check out the website linked. It's tiny, about the size of a box of Tic Tacs, and provides excellent quality high-def video. I also mount it onto a flat car to record "passenger" views of trips around the layout.

Ahitpy posted:

I took your advice and Santa Clause confirmed that he will deliver this Xmas.

 

This should be a blast.

I ment this one.

E-UNIT-79 posted:

Ahitpy posted:

I took your advice and Santa Clause confirmed that he will deliver this Xmas.

 

This should be a blast.

I ment this one.

• The brand name is Floureon.  Just Google Floureon Security system.  There are YouTube videos too.  The pricing is good too.