Cheap wireless video setup, will it work?

[jonaddis84]

Ive been looking around for parts to put together a cheap long range video system for observing targets. Wanted to get input from guys that have built one if this would work.

1- Netgear WGR614 802.11g Wireless Router

1- IP Camera

1- Laptop

1- High gain USB antenna

The only reason I chose that router is I have one laying around not in use. I may need to pick another because it seems the antenna is not removable on this model. Im not sure if I would need a high gain antenna on the router also.

Id obviously also need to put together a case with a battery/transformer to power the router and camera.

It would be nice to not have to use an IP camera as they tend to be much much more expensive than standard CCTV security cameras. The problem is converting the analog signal from those cameras into something that could be sent over a wireless router.

Thoughts?

 

[Lindy]

Re: Cheap wireless video setup, will it work?

You might find some useful information in these threads:

http://www.google.com/search?q=wire...om&hl=en&num=10&lr=&ft=i&cr=&safe=images&tbs=

 

[jonaddis84]

Re: Cheap wireless video setup, will it work?

Read most all of them already, thanks. Didnt find exactly the info I was looking for.

 

[mjbine]

Re: Cheap wireless video setup, will it work?

http://www.asianwolf.com/cctv-transmitters.html

 

[jonaddis84]

Re: Cheap wireless video setup, will it work?

Thats an interesting setup, however, I wonder if the range could be easily extended, 2000ft is not as far as I would like to be able to transmit. Looking for closer to 2000-2500yds.

 

[308crosshairs]

Re: Cheap wireless video setup, will it work?

I have been as well trying to put together a camera at a feeder so I can monitor what is going on there in real time.

The camera that I may go with is IR camera. Ipcamerasupply.com has it for sale, it is a all weather day/night camera, it is the Ip7330. They also have a wireless bridge that is good up to 1 mile. This will send pictures to the router which will be displayed on my lap top or PC.

I need to work out the power source to the camera/wireless bridge. A 12 volt car battery may work, have to research that more.

 

[jaychris]

Re: Cheap wireless video setup, will it work?

I built a wireless system for use that is good out to 1400 yards or so. The biggest issue I found was that the typical cheap IP cameras out there do not have good enough resolution to show hits (at least on paper w/ a 6mm) very well. I ended up purchasing a security camera off of Ebay that had an optical zoom (NOT digital like most cheap IP cameras) for about $250.

The USB antenna you list is also probably not going to do it- for a setup to work at those kinds of ranges, you need a hi-gain directional antenna at one end or the other, similar to this:

http://www.hawkingtech.com/products/productlist.php?CatID=32&FamID=122&ProdID=267

In my setup, I attached a hi-gain *omni-directional* antenna to my router + camera setup, which sits out at the target. I attach the hi-gain directional antenna + usb adapter to my laptop back where I am setup. I just rest the panel antenna against something that keeps it pointed at the router downrange and good to go.

EDIT: For power, I bought a couple of these CCTV Li-on batteries- they're cheap and last a LONG time. They work great.

http://www.camera2000.com/en/portable-12v-1800mah-rechargeable-battery-pack-for-camera-pda.html

 

[BMelton]

Re: Cheap wireless video setup, will it work?

We use a wireless video system out here utilizing

a KongsBerg SimRad Color Camera for the video feed

1x 1200 Mhtz Tx/Rx ( one for transmit and receive)you will also need an antenna for the TX/RX

and a Laptop that has a serial port.

The transmitter and receiver can be purchased at RadioShack and if you have a LapTop with a 15 pin DB connector then you're almost set. We have been using ours up to 3 miles apart so Im sure that the particular distance you'll be using will suffice.



Bryan

 

[jonaddis84]

Re: Cheap wireless video setup, will it work?

This sounds interesting. What do you estimate the total cost was (not including laptop)? And do you think a usb>serial adapter would suffice? I dont know where you get laptops with serial ports anymore haha.

Also what is the db port on the laptop?

 

[caustic]

Re: Cheap wireless video setup, will it work?

tag

 

[BMelton]

Re: Cheap wireless video setup, will it work?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: jonaddis84</div><div class="ubbcode-body">This sounds interesting. What do you estimate the total cost was (not including laptop)? And do you think a usb>serial adapter would suffice? I dont know where you get laptops with serial ports anymore haha.

Also what is the db port on the laptop? </div></div>

Couldnt be more than $200. The DB port is just another name for the 15 pin connector on earlier model laptops also called a VGA(used for external monitors). A serial port is usually a 9 pin used for transmitting data strings. Amphenol is one of the manufacturers we use for the 9, 15, 25 pin serial port connectors. We have since moved away from using serial ports for anything other than data and troubleshooting tools. CAT5/6 is easier.

You can run the video straight from the transmitter via USB. It all depends on what device you are sending video to and what you are transmitting from. It our case, we are running coax or CAT5/6 from our video receiver to the laptop(depending on system config.). You will need a VGA/ CAT5 converter if you use this route. I recommend ULead Video Studio software to accept your video signal so you can take snapshots of the live video if you have something you want to examine further. If you have 110 A/C available (at the firing line) then just bring a desk top monitor and run your video straight to the monitor utlizing the VGA adapter/converter and plug your VGA cable up to the screen. That would be the easiest way I could think of. Possibilities are endless. use what is easiest for you.

I know it sounds like a lot of crap but its rather simple...with many ways to do it

Camera--->->--->transmitter(tx)--->>--Receiver(rx)-->>--->>>-Laptop

Just remember,on serial ports, if you try and run twisted wire pair for video, it will seriously degrade the quality. Twisted pairs are good for short runs of data (<150 feet if running RS232 data protocol)thats whole different issue LOL.

 

[o0synge0o]

Re: Cheap wireless video setup, will it work?

Twisted pair will handle video just fine, you have to throw a Balun on each end is all.

 

[BMelton]

Re: Cheap wireless video setup, will it work?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: o0synge0o</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Twisted pair will handle video just fine, you have to throw a Balun on each end is all. </div></div>

which is why we went to the CAT5/6 config with the VGA adapter/ converters.....twp's in our particular set-up is inefficient because of the HV (480vac & 3kvac)leads we have on the system. Less interference with the data cable than with coax or twp.

To the OP.....whichever way you choose is going to get you where you want....ya cant go wrong.
Thanks for bringing up the Balun Synge...

Bryan

 

[sharac]

Re: Cheap wireless video setup, will it work?

The biggest cost (starting from scratch that is) is (wi-fi almost a must to keep it simple) camera with decent optical zoom and a receiver (laptop). Network components are relatively cheap, antennas can be home made (pringles boxes

).

In reality most of the people (assuming private usage) have laptops, routers, antennas, car battery (for power) so only big cost is tilt/optical zoom camera. Tilt comes useful for tracking multiple targets with one camera and optical zoom is a must because standard resolution is not good enough.

 

[tickled pink]

Re: Cheap wireless video setup, will it work?

Some of these will get you out to 2 miles or more:

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store...amp;LiPoConfig=

They come with everything except laptop or TV.

40gt

 

[jonaddis84]

Re: Cheap wireless video setup, will it work?

Would this work with a set of directional antennas? Already claims 2000m with standard antennas.

http://www.securitycamera2000.com/p...-Audio-Video-Sender-%2bReceiver-2000m-2W.html

Id need some kind of adapter to allow inputting the video to my laptop (dont have a video input). Or just get a cheap display and set it up in a small pelican or something.

Or do you think a set of antennas could be adapted to this system for longer range use? Seems like maybe the higher you go in frequency the lower the max range?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/56...z_Wireless.html