Regarding the BVCAM app comments...I'd like to see an open source solution that would allow me to integrate the Lionel IP Camera videos into my layout controller. I do know these cameras allow for a basic mp4 stream over http but I haven't figured out how to send the auxiliary commands to increase resolution etc...
@H1000 posted:I agree completely, it's a lot of fun watching everyone and guessing where it is! I always thought if one could get a camera small enough that it could be mounted to (or replace) the front coupler, it would at least turn with the truck and the image would follow the rail pretty closely around curves.
Very kewl H1000, Thats the same configuration I use for FPV on my R/C Drones and planes. Nice install. <s>
Some time ago I wanted to do a couple of video clips of the carpet empire to share with family. My first attempt was using what was available,.. added some weight and rubber banded my cell phone to the back of a passenger car. The results were good since cell phones have really nice cameras. Only problem was it couldn't fit through the bridges and tunnels due to height. My next was using a small handheld video camera with a mount made to sit on a flat car,.. this could be pushed by the train and fit through the tunnels but I like a view where I can see the train. My daughter gave me a 90degree periscope adapter for the cell phone (cheap) but still a bridge clearance problem.
My final solution came at a RC hobby shop where they have high quality video cameras in very small packages. Look at some of the FPV used for racing and flying, there are many types that come in component levels. A tiny camera lens unit (or several) can be placed anywhere and wired to the a control unit that records, broadcasts, takes still shots, etc,.. For my purposes I just obtained a RunCam2 4k version which is fully self contained and only 3/4 inch high. Using their app I can live stream the view to my phone. I paid $100 for the camera which I could have obtained for 70 or 80 online, but anytime I can I fully support the local shops.
@Miggy posted:Very kewl H1000, Thats the same configuration I use for FPV on my R/C Drones and planes. Nice install. <s>
Thanks! I have a complete write up on the forum here: https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/...35#72805549098596735
@Stone Rhino posted:The camera's you suggested are 12vDC. That is a bit harsh to match in a conventional control layout. I can easily get a boost/buck to maintain 5-9vDC. My super cap array will is already maxed out and running at its maximum safe voltage of 9.5vDC. Would be nice if the requirement was lower. Are you track powering your's H1000?
I have LiPoly batteries that average 11.2v (3S 1.5C class) and shut off at 10.5v. While at 2200mAh, this usually would last an entire day event, if not the whole convention weekend. But as you know, most people turn their nose up at the LiPoly gel packs due to their frail nature and strict charging requirements. LiFePoly's seem to be the ticket (The venerable 18650's for example). Larger than an AA, but still require special charging systems.
So yes the Camera does state 12v but the operating manual for the AIDA camera does indicate a voltage range from 9 to 15 volts. I did test my camera down to 9 volts and worked just fine.
My camera vehicles are not track powered but I am looking into using track power to recharge the batteries on my latest build. The battery pack (link to product) I dissected for this latest project does use 3 of the "venerable" 18650 batteries that have a charging and over current protection circuit built in. The pack also included a separate board the has the 5 volt regulated output, 12v direct from battery output, 5 led battery level indicator, and an ON/OFF switch.
My battery pack will shut down when the system drops to 9.5 volts and the entire camera system in the dummy engine will draw about 525ma @ 10 volts. The pack is rated for 3000mAh so I predict I should get 4 to 5 hours of constant usage.
Some of my first trials with cheap FPV cameras running on track power yielded poor results due to interference from track power, command signals, chopped sine waves and other unknown variables. I notice improved quality and less frustration when I went solely to battery power, but I do want to revisit a track power solution.
FWIW, I had to go to some lengths in my sound boards to isolate the RF receivers from the noise of track power and of the high current audio power supply current variations that were feeding back and causing communication issues.
