Spotting Camera

[expeditionswest]

Since many of us use computers and monitors in our vehicles, we can run waterproof cameras in the front of our vehicles to aid in spotting while driving challenging terrain (it also documents the challenge). It works like the back up cameras in new cars, but for the rock that is about to hit your tie rod.

I have played around with this a little on my Jeep (with a web cam), and it works pretty slick. I know this isnt for everyone, but it is an interesting concept to think about.http://www.4wdtrips.net/forum/emoticons/headscratch.gif

This company makes small, waterproof units: http://www.chasecam.com/bulletcam.htmyou would not an analog to digital conveter too. You can look at the video page to get an better idea.

Scott Brady
2001 Land Rover Discovery II
1998 Isuzu Trooper
1994 Jeep Wrangler Sahara
mailto:guide@expeditionswest.com (guide@expeditionswest.com)
http://www.expeditionswest.com

[MrS]

I remeber Gadget had one on his Blazer at Moab a few years back.

I myself could see a use for a camera hooked to a recorder thats point forward and seeing what the county looks like. Can not see a bumpers view of my trip as useful.

Always neat to learn about what is sold, just in case I see another use.

KF6YSB

[GoodTimes]

Seapahn's setup (click). (http://home.earthlink.net/~seapahn/zr2_style.htm)



olllllllo <---- If you can read that, roll me over.

KG6OWO

Price is soon forgotton, quality is not.

[alanh]

I've given some thought to a camera on the back ofmy 4Runner to help visibility. I can't see much back there. I think I'd want to mount it up high though. First, I hope it wouldn't get so dirty you couldn't see out of it. (Of course, there's always the small wipers like some of the expensive cars have on their lightsto keep it clean!) Second, I'm thinking a camera down by the license plate either wouldn't have a wide enough field of view to see things behind the tires or would be a very distorted view. Maybe one mounted pointing down mounted on the round bar of an ARB or TJM type bumper would do for the front.

I'f I was mounting one to just record the trip, my first thought would be to mount it on the roof rack to get a better view and keep it cleaner. (Don't know why I always come up with schemes requiring wiring to the roof. I'd need a big ugly wire bundle up there if I actually implemented all my schemes.)

As far as sources go, the web outlets selling spy and surveillancetype gear usually have a selection of cameras although a lot of them are NTSC tv rather than computer. Of course, if you get something like a Xenarc LCD there are models with analog TV inputs. I don't remember off-hand though if they reverse the image which I've read is what you want so the screen is just like looking in the rear-view mirror. I've never looked into it enough to learn how light sensitive the camera needs to be or what kind of lense is needed to get the right field of view.

I would think it shouldn't be too hard to make a waterproof or at least water resistant housing if necessary.

One of these days I may get around to cameras, but right now I'mplaying with digital mapping stuff to see if I can come up with a suitable merged photo/topo map using USGS data and a program I downloaded from the web. If I can manage to create something I think is useful, I'll post results.

Alan

[BajaTaco]

I have talked to my bro' in law about this. He is a guru with the little cameras (http://www.tviproducts.com). The biggest problem I see is protecting it from the rocks and road debris. But it would be really cool to have one of his pan and tilt color cams under the truck to see exactly what your wheels are up to. (and how close you are to smacking your diff!)
</div>


http://www.bajataco.com


Post Edited (BajaTaco) : 1/17/2004 4:24:40 PM GMT

[JackSilb]

Huh, I like the idea of monitoring the diff.

Can you see how geek you are going to look? On the top or your current look.
-JACK


So much to see, so little time. Try using your 4WD tosee and do more.
Tread Lightly! empowers generations to enjoy the outdoors responsibly...
http://www.4wdtrips.net