| Page 1 of 2 | 1 | 2 |
|
|
OT Digital camera mod
I know this is WAY OT but I need some clues to get started. I want to
use a digital camera as a security camera. The problem is that all digital cameras that I know about turn themselves off automatically. Turning them on takes too long; I want to disable the auto off or find a simple camera that does not turn itself off. It will be powered from the AC mains so battery life is a non-issue. The best I've found so far is a game camera, which turns itself on when it senses a hot animal and takes a picture. Unfortunately it takes about 5 seconds to turn on, and 5 seconds seems like eternity in some situations. I want instant pictures. I also would like to take pictures from an external trigger signal. It would be a lot easier in a film camera, but the hassle and time delays (and cost) of developing film makes film impractical. Any clue where to find such a camera or to find someone who knows how to modify one? Free men own guns - www(dot)geocities(dot)com/CapitolHill/5357/ |
OT Digital camera mod
On Dec 31, 7:22*am, nick hull wrote:
... It would be a lot easier in a film camera, but the hassle and time delays (and cost) of developing film makes film impractical. Black and white film can be developed in a few minutes without a darkroom. You move it from the camera into the light-tight developing tank inside a black changing bag, then you can pour the developer, stop and fixer in and out under normal indoor lighting. 35mm film is fairly easy to wind onto the reel by feel but I needed some practice with 16mm. Maybe you could use an old computer for video capture. My Canon doesn't power down when connected to USB. Jim Wilkins |
OT Digital camera mod
On Dec 31, 4:22 am, nick hull wrote:
.... The problem is that all digital cameras that I know about turn themselves off automatically. ,,,, Only the cheap ones. The Nikon DSLR types have an on-off switch that is mechanical. They also sell an application which allows you to control the camera remote from a Windoz PC. My D40 has an intervalometer mode allowing the camera to take pictures at preset intervals. |
OT Digital camera mod
|
OT Digital camera mod
Maybe I am confused about what you want, but aside from the
night/infrared issues, what you need is called a webcam. You can make it take snapshots as often as you want and keep a nice rolling archive of them, etc. i |
OT Digital camera mod
nick hull wrote:
I know this is WAY OT but I need some clues to get started. I want to use a digital camera as a security camera. The problem is that all digital cameras that I know about turn themselves off automatically. Turning them on takes too long; I want to disable the auto off or find a simple camera that does not turn itself off. It will be powered from the AC mains so battery life is a non-issue. The best I've found so far is a game camera, which turns itself on when it senses a hot animal and takes a picture. Unfortunately it takes about 5 seconds to turn on, and 5 seconds seems like eternity in some situations. I want instant pictures. I also would like to take pictures from an external trigger signal. It would be a lot easier in a film camera, but the hassle and time delays (and cost) of developing film makes film impractical. Any clue where to find such a camera or to find someone who knows how to modify one? Free men own guns - www(dot)geocities(dot)com/CapitolHill/5357/ One of the neighbors has a complete security system with at least 10 cameras, all of them get channeled to a computer with a couple of large hard drives. It grabs a picture from each camera every 3 seconds. If he needs a set of images he just pulls them from the file. If he doesn't the system just overwrites the data on a 24 hour clock. Camera wise he has used a few different ones. His current batch are all USB cameras with night vision. He tried wireless units but didn't like the problem of interference from other signals. -- Steve W. Near Cooperstown, New York Life is not like a box of chocolates it's more like a jar of jalapenos- what you do today could burn your ass tomorrow! |
OT Digital camera mod
In article
, Jim Wilkins wrote: On Dec 31, 7:22*am, nick hull wrote: ... It would be a lot easier in a film camera, but the hassle and time delays (and cost) of developing film makes film impractical. Black and white film can be developed in a few minutes without a darkroom. You move it from the camera into the light-tight developing tank inside a black changing bag, then you can pour the developer, stop and fixer in and out under normal indoor lighting. 35mm film is fairly easy to wind onto the reel by feel but I needed some practice with 16mm. I've loaded and developed a lot of B&W film, and I prefer digital ;) Maybe you could use an old computer for video capture. My Canon doesn't power down when connected to USB. The site is too far from any possible computer site, at least 1000'. That's why I don't use a video camera, too far for co-ax. Free men own guns - www(dot)geocities(dot)com/CapitolHill/5357/ |
OT Digital camera mod
|
OT Digital camera mod
On Mon, 31 Dec 2007 06:22:26 -0600, nick hull wrote:
I know this is WAY OT but I need some clues to get started. I want to use a digital camera as a security camera. The problem is that all digital cameras that I know about turn themselves off automatically. Turning them on takes too long; I want to disable the auto off or find a simple camera that does not turn itself off. It will be powered from the AC mains so battery life is a non-issue. The best I've found so far is a game camera, which turns itself on when it senses a hot animal and takes a picture. Unfortunately it takes about 5 seconds to turn on, and 5 seconds seems like eternity in some situations. I want instant pictures. I also would like to take pictures from an external trigger signal. It would be a lot easier in a film camera, but the hassle and time delays (and cost) of developing film makes film impractical. Any clue where to find such a camera or to find someone who knows how to modify one? Free men own guns - www(dot)geocities(dot)com/CapitolHill/5357/ Digital cameras, at least some of them, only turn themselves off after a period of no activity. Many or most digital cameras have a "focus" or "lock exposure" function when you half-press the shutter button. Just do that periodically, and the camera will stay on, while taking photos only when the button is fully depressed. Many also have some means of remote actuation. The Olympus I rigged up for a guy to take wildlife photos remotely (by radio control) had a connector on it. The remote had two resistors and a two-position button. The camera would focus and read exposure with one resistance, operate the shutter with a lower resistance. I just replicated the remote with a radio. He never mentioned having problems with the camera shutting off, so it may be that it would stay on when the remote was connected. My old Oly C2500 has infrared remote control, which would be even easier -- no connector. |
OT Digital camera mod
nick hull wrote:
In article , Jim Wilkins wrote: On Dec 31, 7:22 am, nick hull wrote: ... It would be a lot easier in a film camera, but the hassle and time delays (and cost) of developing film makes film impractical. Black and white film can be developed in a few minutes without a darkroom. You move it from the camera into the light-tight developing tank inside a black changing bag, then you can pour the developer, stop and fixer in and out under normal indoor lighting. 35mm film is fairly easy to wind onto the reel by feel but I needed some practice with 16mm. I've loaded and developed a lot of B&W film, and I prefer digital ;) Maybe you could use an old computer for video capture. My Canon doesn't power down when connected to USB. The site is too far from any possible computer site, at least 1000'. That's why I don't use a video camera, too far for co-ax. Free men own guns - www(dot)geocities(dot)com/CapitolHill/5357/ Ever thought about using a video camera with one of the old Rabbit wireless systems? They operate in the 900 Mhz area, if I recall correctly, and with a pair of small beam antenae might cover the distance. If you were a ham radio operator you could use an amateur radio TV setup. That would surely cover the distance. I've gotten several miles out of the one I had with no trouble at all. Jim Chandler |
OT Digital camera mod
Jim Wilkins wrote:
On Dec 31, 7:22 am, nick hull wrote: ... It would be a lot easier in a film camera, but the hassle and time delays (and cost) of developing film makes film impractical. Black and white film can be developed in a few minutes without a darkroom. You move it from the camera into the light-tight developing tank inside a black changing bag, then you can pour the developer, stop and fixer in and out under normal indoor lighting. 35mm film is fairly easy to wind onto the reel by feel but I needed some practice with 16mm. The only caveat is that it is much safer to have to the developer in the tank and then dunk the reels into it; the risk being air bubbles forming in contact with the film, leaving undeveloped spots. Good agitation usually works, but I cannot recall having trouble after somebody taught me that trick. For the OP's purpose, a single reel tank would do, and it is probably not a big deal - at one time, I found a 8-reel tank to be a little wimpy. If you go the film route, I recommend good plastic reels over stainless steel. The metal ones can be very tricky to load, and can sometimes allow the emulsion side of the film to contact its neighbor, again leaving spots that are not properly developed. I never had a plastic reel do that to me. As far as a camera, I would consider a web cam built for the purpose. Of course, the idea is probably to use an existing camera vs. spending money on a new camera?? Good luck! Bill |
OT Digital camera mod
In article ,
nick hull wrote: In article , Jim Wilkins wrote: On Dec 31, 7:22*am, nick hull wrote: ... It would be a lot easier in a film camera, but the hassle and time delays (and cost) of developing film makes film impractical. Black and white film can be developed in a few minutes without a darkroom. You move it from the camera into the light-tight developing tank inside a black changing bag, then you can pour the developer, stop and fixer in and out under normal indoor lighting. 35mm film is fairly easy to wind onto the reel by feel but I needed some practice with 16mm. I've loaded and developed a lot of B&W film, and I prefer digital ;) Maybe you could use an old computer for video capture. My Canon doesn't power down when connected to USB. The site is too far from any possible computer site, at least 1000'. That's why I don't use a video camera, too far for co-ax. The standard solution is optical fiber. Works well, but is expensive. Joe Gwinn |
OT Digital camera mod
nick hull wrote: I know this is WAY OT but I need some clues to get started. I want to use a digital camera as a security camera. The problem is that all digital cameras that I know about turn themselves off automatically. Turning them on takes too long; I want to disable the auto off or find a simple camera that does not turn itself off. It will be powered from the AC mains so battery life is a non-issue. My Kodak 7590 (I think that's the model #) will not turn off if the USB cable is hooked up. I haven't tried it, but I'll bet there is a command available from the camera menu to take a picture. If you hook up a wall-wart power supply, it should run forever. How about a web cam? Jon |
OT Digital camera mod
nick hull wrote: The site is too far from any possible computer site, at least 1000'. That's why I don't use a video camera, too far for co-ax. Huh? You can send video over miles of coax, if you terminate it properly. Hmmm, let's see, 1000' at $0.13/ft = $130, you might be able to do better on eBay. You can probably send the camera power on the same cable with a little ingenuity, too. Jon |
OT Digital camera mod
In article ,
Don Foreman wrote: Digital cameras, at least some of them, only turn themselves off after a period of no activity. Many or most digital cameras have a "focus" or "lock exposure" function when you half-press the shutter button. Just do that periodically, and the camera will stay on, while taking photos only when the button is fully depressed. An idea worth trying ;) Would prefer to do it electrically instead of mechanically to avoid camera shake. Many also have some means of remote actuation. The Olympus I rigged up for a guy to take wildlife photos remotely (by radio control) had a connector on it. The remote had two resistors and a two-position button. The camera would focus and read exposure with one resistance, operate the shutter with a lower resistance. I just replicated the remote with a radio. He never mentioned having problems with the camera shutting off, so it may be that it would stay on when the remote was connected. My old Oly C2500 has infrared remote control, which would be even easier -- no connector. I'm trying to do it with a Olympus 300 which has an IR remote if I can keep the camera on. If it goes off I have to manually push buttons to get it back to remote operation. Would love to attach wires to do it as long as I can keep the camera on. Free men own guns - www(dot)geocities(dot)com/CapitolHill/5357/ |
OT Digital camera mod
In article 0l9ej.6213$4m5.1580@trnddc02, Jim Chandler
wrote: nick hull wrote: In article , Jim Wilkins wrote: On Dec 31, 7:22 am, nick hull wrote: ... It would be a lot easier in a film camera, but the hassle and time delays (and cost) of developing film makes film impractical. Black and white film can be developed in a few minutes without a darkroom. You move it from the camera into the light-tight developing tank inside a black changing bag, then you can pour the developer, stop and fixer in and out under normal indoor lighting. 35mm film is fairly easy to wind onto the reel by feel but I needed some practice with 16mm. I've loaded and developed a lot of B&W film, and I prefer digital ;) Maybe you could use an old computer for video capture. My Canon doesn't power down when connected to USB. The site is too far from any possible computer site, at least 1000'. That's why I don't use a video camera, too far for co-ax. Free men own guns - www(dot)geocities(dot)com/CapitolHill/5357/ Ever thought about using a video camera with one of the old Rabbit wireless systems? They operate in the 900 Mhz area, if I recall correctly, and with a pair of small beam antenae might cover the distance. If you were a ham radio operator you could use an amateur radio TV setup. That would surely cover the distance. I've gotten several miles out of the one I had with no trouble at all. Jim Chandler I'll have to look into that, but I do NOT have a clear line of sight. Free men own guns - www(dot)geocities(dot)com/CapitolHill/5357/ |
OT Digital camera mod
In article ,
Bill Schwab wrote: As far as a camera, I would consider a web cam built for the purpose. Of course, the idea is probably to use an existing camera vs. spending money on a new camera?? Cheap existing is nice but I'll buy something else if required. Doesn't a web cam need a web? No internet connection nearby and my only internet connection is slow dialup - pictures take a lot of time. Or were you thinking of an on-site 'internet'? How does that work? Free men own guns - www(dot)geocities(dot)com/CapitolHill/5357/ |
OT Digital camera mod
On Mon, 31 Dec 2007 06:22:26 -0600, nick hull wrote:
I know this is WAY OT but I need some clues to get started. I want to use a digital camera as a security camera. The problem is that all digital cameras that I know about turn themselves off automatically. Turning them on takes too long; I want to disable the auto off or find a simple camera that does not turn itself off. It will be powered from the AC mains so battery life is a non-issue. The best I've found so far is a game camera, which turns itself on when it senses a hot animal and takes a picture. Unfortunately it takes about 5 seconds to turn on, and 5 seconds seems like eternity in some situations. I want instant pictures. I also would like to take pictures from an external trigger signal. It would be a lot easier in a film camera, but the hassle and time delays (and cost) of developing film makes film impractical. Any clue where to find such a camera or to find someone who knows how to modify one? Free men own guns - www(dot)geocities(dot)com/CapitolHill/5357/ Use a web cam on a cheap computer. Use motion sensing software (if more than so many pixels per second change, it says something moved and captures either still or motion. Check into X10. -- Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com |
OT Digital camera mod
On Mon, 31 Dec 2007 13:14:10 -0600, nick hull wrote:
In article , Bill Schwab wrote: As far as a camera, I would consider a web cam built for the purpose. Of course, the idea is probably to use an existing camera vs. spending money on a new camera?? Cheap existing is nice but I'll buy something else if required. Doesn't a web cam need a web? No internet connection nearby and my only internet connection is slow dialup - pictures take a lot of time. Or were you thinking of an on-site 'internet'? How does that work? Free men own guns - www(dot)geocities(dot)com/CapitolHill/5357/ Use wireless tcp/ip cammera talking to your wireless router connected to your PC. With directional antenna you can reach close to a mile.. No need to connect to the world wide web. Just your local network or "intranet" -- Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com |
OT Digital camera mod
nick hull writes:
I want instant pictures. I also would like to take pictures from an external trigger signal. All the Canon DSLRs wake up from sleep and shoot from the shutter remote, which is nothing but simple switch contacts. Standard 2.5mm 3-conductor plug on the 300D/350D/400D, or the proprietary N3 connector used on the more expensive models can be cannibalized from a $10 import remote. |
OT Digital camera mod
nick hull wrote:
In article , Jim Wilkins wrote: On Dec 31, 7:22 am, nick hull wrote: ... It would be a lot easier in a film camera, but the hassle and time delays (and cost) of developing film makes film impractical. Black and white film can be developed in a few minutes without a darkroom. You move it from the camera into the light-tight developing tank inside a black changing bag, then you can pour the developer, stop and fixer in and out under normal indoor lighting. 35mm film is fairly easy to wind onto the reel by feel but I needed some practice with 16mm. I've loaded and developed a lot of B&W film, and I prefer digital ;) Maybe you could use an old computer for video capture. My Canon doesn't power down when connected to USB. The site is too far from any possible computer site, at least 1000'. That's why I don't use a video camera, too far for co-ax. Free men own guns - www(dot)geocities(dot)com/CapitolHill/5357/ 1000 feet isn't that far really. Co-ax could handle it with a signal amp on the feed end. Then you could connect up a cheap camera and have a live feed. -- Steve W. Near Cooperstown, New York Life is not like a box of chocolates it's more like a jar of jalapenos- what you do today could burn your ass tomorrow! |
OT Digital camera mod
In article ,
clare at snyder.on.ca wrote: On Mon, 31 Dec 2007 13:14:10 -0600, nick hull wrote: In article , Bill Schwab wrote: As far as a camera, I would consider a web cam built for the purpose. Of course, the idea is probably to use an existing camera vs. spending money on a new camera?? Cheap existing is nice but I'll buy something else if required. Doesn't a web cam need a web? No internet connection nearby and my only internet connection is slow dialup - pictures take a lot of time. Or were you thinking of an on-site 'internet'? How does that work? Free men own guns - www(dot)geocities(dot)com/CapitolHill/5357/ Use wireless tcp/ip cammera talking to your wireless router connected to your PC. With directional antenna you can reach close to a mile.. No need to connect to the world wide web. Just your local network or "intranet" There is a hill between the camera site and my wireless router, will a wireless tcp/ip camera work at 1000' with a hill in between? What kind of transmitter is on the camera? I've never used that kind before. Free men own guns - www(dot)geocities(dot)com/CapitolHill/5357/ |
OT Digital camera mod
On Mon, 31 Dec 2007 16:30:54 -0600, nick hull wrote:
In article , clare at snyder.on.ca wrote: On Mon, 31 Dec 2007 13:14:10 -0600, nick hull wrote: In article , Bill Schwab wrote: As far as a camera, I would consider a web cam built for the purpose. Of course, the idea is probably to use an existing camera vs. spending money on a new camera?? Cheap existing is nice but I'll buy something else if required. Doesn't a web cam need a web? No internet connection nearby and my only internet connection is slow dialup - pictures take a lot of time. Or were you thinking of an on-site 'internet'? How does that work? Free men own guns - www(dot)geocities(dot)com/CapitolHill/5357/ Use wireless tcp/ip cammera talking to your wireless router connected to your PC. With directional antenna you can reach close to a mile.. No need to connect to the world wide web. Just your local network or "intranet" There is a hill between the camera site and my wireless router, will a wireless tcp/ip camera work at 1000' with a hill in between? What kind of transmitter is on the camera? I've never used that kind before. Free men own guns - www(dot)geocities(dot)com/CapitolHill/5357/ Should work - it's radio. If it doesn't, put a repeater at the top of the hill. Same kind of transmitter as in the wireless adapter on your notebook, or in your wireless router. -- Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com |
OT Digital camera mod
The R/C hobby industry has many wireless video modules for onboard
video. Cheap. Range over 1k ft. You could run it real-time to the receiver and to a loop or frame program in a computer with a video card. JR Dweller in the cellar nick hull wrote: I know this is WAY OT but I need some clues to get started. I want to use a digital camera as a security camera. The problem is that all digital cameras that I know about turn themselves off automatically. Turning them on takes too long; I want to disable the auto off or find a simple camera that does not turn itself off. It will be powered from the AC mains so battery life is a non-issue. The best I've found so far is a game camera, which turns itself on when it senses a hot animal and takes a picture. Unfortunately it takes about 5 seconds to turn on, and 5 seconds seems like eternity in some situations. I want instant pictures. I also would like to take pictures from an external trigger signal. It would be a lot easier in a film camera, but the hassle and time delays (and cost) of developing film makes film impractical. Any clue where to find such a camera or to find someone who knows how to modify one? Free men own guns - www(dot)geocities(dot)com/CapitolHill/5357/ -- -------------------------------------------------------------- Home Page: http://www.seanet.com/~jasonrnorth If you're not the lead dog, the view never changes Doubt yourself, and the real world will eat you alive The world doesn't revolve around you, it revolves around me No skeletons in the closet; just decomposing corpses -------------------------------------------------------------- Dependence is Vulnerability: -------------------------------------------------------------- "Open the Pod Bay Doors please, Hal" "I'm sorry, Dave, I'm afraid I can't do that.." |
OT Digital camera mod
On Mon, 31 Dec 2007 13:08:39 -0600, nick hull wrote:
In article , Don Foreman wrote: Digital cameras, at least some of them, only turn themselves off after a period of no activity. Many or most digital cameras have a "focus" or "lock exposure" function when you half-press the shutter button. Just do that periodically, and the camera will stay on, while taking photos only when the button is fully depressed. An idea worth trying ;) Would prefer to do it electrically instead of mechanically to avoid camera shake. Many also have some means of remote actuation. The Olympus I rigged up for a guy to take wildlife photos remotely (by radio control) had a connector on it. The remote had two resistors and a two-position button. The camera would focus and read exposure with one resistance, operate the shutter with a lower resistance. I just replicated the remote with a radio. He never mentioned having problems with the camera shutting off, so it may be that it would stay on when the remote was connected. My old Oly C2500 has infrared remote control, which would be even easier -- no connector. I'm trying to do it with a Olympus 300 which has an IR remote if I can keep the camera on. If it goes off I have to manually push buttons to get it back to remote operation. Would love to attach wires to do it as long as I can keep the camera on. Free men own guns - www(dot)geocities(dot)com/CapitolHill/5357/ Check your camera menu -- or (shudder) manual if you still have it. My Oly C2500 of similar vintage can be set to not turn itself off. Also, with the shutoff time set at one minute, I found that doing something with the IR remote (which I think is the same as used on the D300) periodically keeps the camera on. I just hit the W and Z zoom buttons. The camera would need an external power supply of course, or the batteries will be consumed in a couple of hours. The IR remote could be simulated with an IR LED and appropriate drive elex. |
OT Digital camera mod
Jon Elson wrote:
nick hull wrote: The site is too far from any possible computer site, at least 1000'. That's why I don't use a video camera, too far for co-ax. Huh? You can send video over miles of coax, if you terminate it properly. Hmmm, let's see, 1000' at $0.13/ft = $130, you might be able to do better on eBay. You can probably send the camera power on the same cable with a little ingenuity, too. Jon Arcnet will do 2000 ft irrc. Wonder if they ever made pci cards for it? Wes |
OT Digital camera mod
Why not the USB cameras ?
Might be able to wireless some. Look at Sams and Costco and like stores for security systems. For ideas. Martin Martin H. Eastburn @ home at Lions' Lair with our computer lionslair at consolidated dot net TSRA, Life; NRA LOH & Patron Member, Golden Eagle, Patriot's Medal. NRA Second Amendment Task Force Charter Founder IHMSA and NRA Metallic Silhouette maker & member. http://lufkinced.com/ nick hull wrote: I know this is WAY OT but I need some clues to get started. I want to use a digital camera as a security camera. The problem is that all digital cameras that I know about turn themselves off automatically. Turning them on takes too long; I want to disable the auto off or find a simple camera that does not turn itself off. It will be powered from the AC mains so battery life is a non-issue. The best I've found so far is a game camera, which turns itself on when it senses a hot animal and takes a picture. Unfortunately it takes about 5 seconds to turn on, and 5 seconds seems like eternity in some situations. I want instant pictures. I also would like to take pictures from an external trigger signal. It would be a lot easier in a film camera, but the hassle and time delays (and cost) of developing film makes film impractical. Any clue where to find such a camera or to find someone who knows how to modify one? Free men own guns - www(dot)geocities(dot)com/CapitolHill/5357/ |
OT Digital camera mod
On 2007-12-31, nick hull wrote:
I know this is WAY OT but I need some clues to get started. I want to use a digital camera as a security camera. The problem is that all digital cameras that I know about turn themselves off automatically. Turning them on takes too long; I want to disable the auto off or find a simple camera that does not turn itself off. It will be powered from the AC mains so battery life is a non-issue. Hmm ... note that the thing which seems to slow down the power-up cycle of most digital cameras is involved with the autofocus and the "live view" display. In contrast, a *good* digital SLR (interchangeable lenses with the older film cameras for the most part) can power up much more quickly. An example is my Nikon D70 -- which (assuming that I've left the lens cap off) I can switch it on as I'm lifting it to my eye, and by the time it is there, it is ready to take pictures. But the longest that it can be set to stay powered up is 30 minutes, IIRC. Note that just a touch on the shutter release button (to half-depressed) will wake it up as quickly. The Digital SLRs happen to be the most expensive digital cameras in general, so are probably not what you want. However -- what I would suggest is that you look at some of the digital video cameras. You'll need a video capture card on your computer to grab what it sends, of course, but it will stay on full time. These cameras can be obtained for very little (IIRC, I got one -- uncased but with lens -- for about $25.00 at a hamfest last summer. These are *made* to be security cameras. Try looking at eBay auction #170182244508 for an example of a packaged one. The best I've found so far is a game camera, which turns itself on when it senses a hot animal and takes a picture. Unfortunately it takes about 5 seconds to turn on, and 5 seconds seems like eternity in some situations. I want instant pictures. I also would like to take pictures from an external trigger signal. If you can involve a computer, and you simply watch and then hit a button to tell it to save a picture -- this should do. It would be a lot easier in a film camera, but the hassle and time delays (and cost) of developing film makes film impractical. Any clue where to find such a camera or to find someone who knows how to modify one? Look at a used Digital SLR. Anything which does not try to use its display as a viewfinder should be pretty quick to turn on. And maybe you can find one inexpensive enough. Do you want to put it in a weatherproof housing -- or just bring it in when the weather threatens? Good Luck, DoN. -- Email: | Voice (all times): (703) 938-4564 (too) near Washington D.C. | http://www.d-and-d.com/dnichols/DoN.html --- Black Holes are where God is dividing by zero --- |
OT Digital camera mod
On 2007-12-31, Larry Jaques novalidaddress@di wrote:
On Mon, 31 Dec 2007 06:10:14 -0800 (PST), with neither quill nor qualm, quickly quoth: On Dec 31, 4:22 am, nick hull wrote: .... The problem is that all digital cameras that I know about turn themselves off automatically. ,,,, Only the cheap ones. The Nikon DSLR types have an on-off switch that is mechanical. They *do* go to sleep -- but wake up instantly with a half-press of the shutter release. They also sell an application which allows you to control the camera remote from a Windoz PC. My D40 has an intervalometer mode allowing the camera to take pictures at preset intervals. How do you like the D40? I'm considering upgrading to that from an old Coolpix 995 which is still serving me well. I want an instant-click digital. My 995 takes several seconds to boot and focus before I can snap a shot, and lots of times that's too long to wait. The D40 (or any of the Nikon Digital SLRs) are very close to instant on. If I switch my D70 on as I'm raising to my eye, it will be ready to take a picture by the time it gets there. And if the light is not terrible, the autofocus will be quick enough to be no problem. Otherwise -- you can turn off autofocus -- and if you know how far away your subject will be, you can prefocus to eliminate even the little autofocus time. Enjoy, DoN. -- Email: | Voice (all times): (703) 938-4564 (too) near Washington D.C. | http://www.d-and-d.com/dnichols/DoN.html --- Black Holes are where God is dividing by zero --- |
OT Digital camera mod
In article , Jon Elson
wrote: nick hull wrote: The site is too far from any possible computer site, at least 1000'. That's why I don't use a video camera, too far for co-ax. Huh? You can send video over miles of coax, if you terminate it properly. Hmmm, let's see, 1000' at $0.13/ft = $130, you might be able to do better on eBay. You can probably send the camera power on the same cable with a little ingenuity, too. OK, the price is reasonable for the co-ax. There would be some problems routing & burying it but it's definitely possible. (since I would have to bury it I can also bury other wires in the same trench) Video cameras are reasonably cheap, the problem then comes in data processing inside my home. I do NOT want to watch live video and am most interested in events that occur when I'm gone or sleeping, so I guess I would need some gismo that would record when x pixel changes occur. Does that mean a dedicated computer with a huge hard drive? My present Mac only has 6 gB, I assume I would have to buy another dedicated computer and software for the application - what is the software called? nick Free men own guns - www(dot)geocities(dot)com/CapitolHill/5357/ |
OT Digital camera mod
In article ,
clare at snyder.on.ca wrote: There is a hill between the camera site and my wireless router, will a wireless tcp/ip camera work at 1000' with a hill in between? What kind of transmitter is on the camera? I've never used that kind before. Should work - it's radio. If it doesn't, put a repeater at the top of the hill. Same kind of transmitter as in the wireless adapter on your notebook, or in your wireless router. OK, I get a vision of camera-(radio)-wireless router-computer. I tried googling on wireless cameras but never saw any mention of range. Do I look for a dedicated radio and how does it fit to the camera? I have a cheap camera now, what is the (radio) called that transmits the camera to my wireless router. May sound like stupid questions, but my computer has no wireless connection so I'm using a wireless router with wires connected (Linksys WRT54G). Free men own guns - www(dot)geocities(dot)com/CapitolHill/5357/ |
OT Digital camera mod
|
OT Digital camera mod
In article ,
"DoN. Nichols" wrote: Hmm ... note that the thing which seems to slow down the power-up cycle of most digital cameras is involved with the autofocus and the "live view" display. I don't need autofocus, I know the distance to a good enough approx., and I would not use the live view display. How do I look look a camera that LACKS these common features? But the longest that it can be set to stay powered up is 30 minutes, IIRC. Note that just a touch on the shutter release button (to half-depressed) will wake it up as quickly. A nuisance to be sure for remote opeation The Digital SLRs happen to be the most expensive digital cameras in general, so are probably not what you want. True, the camera will be at risk from weather and vandals. However -- what I would suggest is that you look at some of the digital video cameras. You'll need a video capture card on your computer to grab what it sends, of course, but it will stay on full time. These cameras can be obtained for very little (IIRC, I got one -- uncased but with lens -- for about $25.00 at a hamfest last summer. These are *made* to be security cameras. Finding a video camera is easy, getting the signal 1000' and recording it is tougher. I cannot simply capture the entire feed, often 24 hrs goes by without a significant 'event'. If you can involve a computer, and you simply watch and then hit a button to tell it to save a picture -- this should do. I want it principally when I CANNOT watch, when I'm sleeping or gone. Look at a used Digital SLR. Anything which does not try to use its display as a viewfinder should be pretty quick to turn on. And maybe you can find one inexpensive enough. Do you want to put it in a weatherproof housing -- or just bring it in when the weather threatens? It will stay in the weather 24/365, I'll make a housing to protect it. Free men own guns - www(dot)geocities(dot)com/CapitolHill/5357/ |
OT Digital camera mod
On Tue, 01 Jan 2008 09:45:58 -0600, nick hull wrote:
In article , "DoN. Nichols" wrote: Hmm ... note that the thing which seems to slow down the power-up cycle of most digital cameras is involved with the autofocus and the "live view" display. I don't need autofocus, I know the distance to a good enough approx., and I would not use the live view display. How do I look look a camera that LACKS these common features? But the longest that it can be set to stay powered up is 30 minutes, IIRC. Note that just a touch on the shutter release button (to half-depressed) will wake it up as quickly. A nuisance to be sure for remote opeation The Digital SLRs happen to be the most expensive digital cameras in general, so are probably not what you want. True, the camera will be at risk from weather and vandals. However -- what I would suggest is that you look at some of the digital video cameras. You'll need a video capture card on your computer to grab what it sends, of course, but it will stay on full time. These cameras can be obtained for very little (IIRC, I got one -- uncased but with lens -- for about $25.00 at a hamfest last summer. These are *made* to be security cameras. Finding a video camera is easy, getting the signal 1000' and recording it is tougher. I cannot simply capture the entire feed, often 24 hrs goes by without a significant 'event'. If you can involve a computer, and you simply watch and then hit a button to tell it to save a picture -- this should do. I want it principally when I CANNOT watch, when I'm sleeping or gone. Look at a used Digital SLR. Anything which does not try to use its display as a viewfinder should be pretty quick to turn on. And maybe you can find one inexpensive enough. Do you want to put it in a weatherproof housing -- or just bring it in when the weather threatens? It will stay in the weather 24/365, I'll make a housing to protect it. Free men own guns - www(dot)geocities(dot)com/CapitolHill/5357/ This camera http://tinyurl.com/287m7f is a digital SLR, and it does have a setting where it stays on. The LCD display is not active except possibly after a shot -- and that can also be turned off. It can be triggered by IR remote. There is no direct connection to the camera, but an electrically-triggered (and silent) IR remote would be simple enough to make -- or modify the one that comes with the camera or an available replacement. (They're available for about $29) I have one of these cameras. It's dated, but still an excellent camera. I don't lust for a newer one. There is no provision for external power supply, but one could easily contrive something to go in the battery compartment. It uses 5 to 5.2 volts DC, normally supplied by four NiMH AA cells. Another possibility might be a cheap laptop 'puter and a webcam. House the laptop in a suitably secure container. A cheap laptop would cost considerably less than a current-model digital SLR. Thousands of .jpg images can be stored on the harddrive of even an old laptop. |
OT Digital camera mod
Jon Elson wrote:
nick hull wrote: The site is too far from any possible computer site, at least 1000'. That's why I don't use a video camera, too far for co-ax. Huh? You can send video over miles of coax, if you terminate it properly. Hmmm, let's see, 1000' at $0.13/ft = $130, you might be able to do better on eBay. You can probably send the camera power on the same cable with a little ingenuity, too. Have you ever tried to send usable video over miles of coax, without the proper equalizers? We used a modulator/demodulator to move video a half mile, over .500 75 Ohm hardline for a live feed at a TV station, back in the late '80s. You can pick up a lot of 60 HZ hum, due to ground differentials at a half mile, as well. -- Service to my country? Been there, Done that, and I've got my DD214 to prove it. Member of DAV #85. Michael A. Terrell Central Florida |
OT Digital camera mod
On Tue, 01 Jan 2008 09:45:58 -0600, nick hull
wrote: I want it principally when I CANNOT watch, when I'm sleeping or gone. It will stay in the weather 24/365, I'll make a housing to protect it. Hi Nick, Have you found this do-it-yourself trail camera site yet? http://www.pixcontroller.com/ They have some boards, mods, a bit of camera info that may be helpful. I haven't dealt with them, just came across them while searching for something... Sometimes the site is a little pokey loading, be patient. -- Leon Fisk Grand Rapids MI/Zone 5b Remove no.spam for email |
OT Digital camera mod
nick hull wrote:
I know this is WAY OT but I need some clues to get started. I want to use a digital camera as a security camera. The problem is that all digital cameras that I know about turn themselves off automatically. Turning them on takes too long; I want to disable the auto off or find a simple camera that does not turn itself off. It will be powered from the AC mains so battery life is a non-issue. The best I've found so far is a game camera, which turns itself on when it senses a hot animal and takes a picture. Unfortunately it takes about 5 seconds to turn on, and 5 seconds seems like eternity in some situations. I want instant pictures. I also would like to take pictures from an external trigger signal. It would be a lot easier in a film camera, but the hassle and time delays (and cost) of developing film makes film impractical. Any clue where to find such a camera or to find someone who knows how to modify one? Free men own guns - www(dot)geocities(dot)com/CapitolHill/5357/ How about wireless networking cameras? http://www.brickhousesecurity.com/wi...k-cameras.html -- Service to my country? Been there, Done that, and I've got my DD214 to prove it. Member of DAV #85. Michael A. Terrell Central Florida |
OT Digital camera mod
nick hull wrote:
ome. I do NOT want to watch live video and am most interested in events that occur when I'm gone or sleeping, so I guess I would need some gismo that would record when x pixel changes occur. Does that mean a dedicated computer with a huge hard drive? My present Mac only has 6 gB, I assume I would have to buy another dedicated computer and software for the application - what is the software called? A program called Gotchya! does just that, triggers a few second of video or snapshots from a web cam, when ever selected areas (you select them) change by some percent. http://www.gotchanow.com/ I have used the share ware version. jk |
OT Digital camera mod
clare at snyder.on.ca wrote:
On Mon, 31 Dec 2007 06:22:26 -0600, nick hull wrote: Check into X10. Boo----Hisss---- Those jackasses are NOT worth dealing with. jk |
OT Digital camera mod
On Tue, 01 Jan 2008 12:02:29 -0600, Don Foreman
wrote: On Tue, 01 Jan 2008 09:45:58 -0600, nick hull wrote: In article , "DoN. Nichols" wrote: Hmm ... note that the thing which seems to slow down the power-up cycle of most digital cameras is involved with the autofocus and the "live view" display. I don't need autofocus, I know the distance to a good enough approx., and I would not use the live view display. How do I look look a camera that LACKS these common features? But the longest that it can be set to stay powered up is 30 minutes, IIRC. Note that just a touch on the shutter release button (to half-depressed) will wake it up as quickly. A nuisance to be sure for remote opeation The Digital SLRs happen to be the most expensive digital cameras in general, so are probably not what you want. True, the camera will be at risk from weather and vandals. However -- what I would suggest is that you look at some of the digital video cameras. You'll need a video capture card on your computer to grab what it sends, of course, but it will stay on full time. These cameras can be obtained for very little (IIRC, I got one -- uncased but with lens -- for about $25.00 at a hamfest last summer. These are *made* to be security cameras. Finding a video camera is easy, getting the signal 1000' and recording it is tougher. I cannot simply capture the entire feed, often 24 hrs goes by without a significant 'event'. If you can involve a computer, and you simply watch and then hit a button to tell it to save a picture -- this should do. I want it principally when I CANNOT watch, when I'm sleeping or gone. Look at a used Digital SLR. Anything which does not try to use its display as a viewfinder should be pretty quick to turn on. And maybe you can find one inexpensive enough. Do you want to put it in a weatherproof housing -- or just bring it in when the weather threatens? It will stay in the weather 24/365, I'll make a housing to protect it. Free men own guns - www(dot)geocities(dot)com/CapitolHill/5357/ This camera http://tinyurl.com/287m7f is a digital SLR, and it does have a setting where it stays on. The LCD display is not active except possibly after a shot -- and that can also be turned off. It can be triggered by IR remote. There is no direct connection to the camera, but an electrically-triggered (and silent) IR remote would be simple enough to make -- or modify the one that comes with the camera or an available replacement. (They're available for about $29) I have one of these cameras. It's dated, but still an excellent camera. I don't lust for a newer one. There is no provision for external power supply, but one could easily contrive something to go in the battery compartment. It uses 5 to 5.2 volts DC, normally supplied by four NiMH AA cells. Another possibility might be a cheap laptop 'puter and a webcam. House the laptop in a suitably secure container. A cheap laptop would cost considerably less than a current-model digital SLR. Thousands of .jpg images can be stored on the harddrive of even an old laptop. I wonder how much bandwidth an ordinary 56K dialup modem requires to work. Phone lines are nominally 300 Hz to 3000 Hz but I think most are better than that. Inexpensive voice-bandwidth "walkie talkie" VHF and UHF radios are readily available that easily work over a range of 1000 feet (more like miles) without direct LOS contact. A webcam probably needs a PC to work, but old PC's are easily found for 50 bux or so. Once you get it going, it needn't even have a monitor. I see a used 600-MHz Dell Portege laptop on Ebay for $159 with 6 minutes to go. |
| All times are GMT +1. The time now is 12:18 PM. |
|
Powered by vBulletin® Copyright ©2000 - 2025, Jelsoft Enterprises Ltd.
Copyright ©2004 - 2014 DIYbanter