Armory Sponsor
DIY Target Cam Project (Page 2 of 2)
|
I finally took mine out a couple days ago. I forgot to take any pictures. I went with a Hosafe camera for about 35 dollars, and an older Linksys router. I used an ap on my phone called "IP Cam Viewer Basic" which I used to sort of orientate the camera while down at the target, and then I used my laptop to actually view the target from the firing line.
Both the camera and the router call for 12 volts, so I just plugged them into a 12 volt battery. The voltage was a little higher, something like 12.4 volts, but it didn't seem to cause a problem. I picked up a 7812 voltage regulator, but my battery doesn't supply enough voltage for it to work. Drill batteries are a great idea, and should work with the 7812. Originally Posted By doc_Zox:
you can power these units with lithium ion drill batteries |
Originally Posted By danbaum:
...
3. I really don't need any paranoid dickheads accusing me of being an ATF agent. You don't want to deal with me, fine. But hold off on the insults. Let's be gentlemen.
...
3. I really don't need any paranoid dickheads accusing me of being an ATF agent. You don't want to deal with me, fine. But hold off on the insults. Let's be gentlemen.
|
Dave, what battery pack are you using to power your cam and target router? I ordered the battery pack and target router you provided links to at the beginning of this thread.
The cam powers up and works fine from the battery pack but the router will not run on the battery. All the lights on the router just flash on and off at the same time and it doesn't broadcast a signal. It works perfect if I plug it into the electrical receptacle in the house though, so it has to be an issue with the power being supplied from the battery. I read over in Gunut's original thread that you were able to run your router off the battery pack at 5V before you got your voltage booster.....did you have to do anything special to the router in order to do this? I've ordered this voltage booster to try.....USB 5V to 9V or 12V converter Haven't received it yet, but I'm hoping it will solve my problem. Just figured I would see what battery pack you were using... may have to order one if the voltage booster doesn't fix the problem. Although, thinking about it now, I also ordered the firing line router and the battery pack you had listed for it as well. That router powers up and works fine off that battery pack ( which it should seeing as it runs on 5V). I tried using that battery pack to power up the target router and it does the same thing....so it's probably not the battery pack |
| This is the battery I used, Battery. Mine will flash a few time, then go dark, then fire off. I got My convertor and it really took off, now it just fires off immediately. |
| Well, I finally got out to try my setup this weekend...I followed ChevelleDave's build exactly. With just the Target Router/Camera Box placed down at the target, I was able to get a signal on my LG tablet out to 180 yards. Using the Firing Line router along with that, I was able to get a signal out to 500 yards (the limits of my range). The system works very well and I couldn't be more pleased! Thanks again to Gunut and ChevelleDave for posting and sharing this!! |
|
Originally Posted By va50bmg:
Well, I finally got out to try my setup this weekend...I followed ChevelleDave's build exactly. With just the Target Router/Camera Box placed down at the target, I was able to get a signal on my LG tablet out to 180 yards. Using the Firing Line router along with that, I was able to get a signal out to 500 yards (the limits of my range). The system works very well and I couldn't be more pleased! Thanks again to Gunut and ChevelleDave for posting and sharing this!! So when can we place our orders? |
10/22/14 I stand with Canada
|
The wife and Kids gave me a Amazon gift card for my b-day. I figured this would be a great way to spend it. I ordered my material Sunday and most items arrived yesterday.
I used a different firing line router to match chevelledave target router 300N. Instead of adding larger antennas to the target router. I purchased a Yagi directional. I set up routers as instructed by gunnut in the original thread. I fired it up last night by plunging in everything to the house (I'm still wating on power cords for batteries) set it all up and works great. I can access camera from either router. Im hoping cords will be in by friday so i can distance test this weekend. Thank you to all who shared. |
“Socialism only works in two places: Heaven where they don't need it and hell where they already have it.." - Ronald Reagan
Of all the things you lost it's your mind you miss the most
Of all the things you lost it's your mind you miss the most
| I built one following Daves original post exactly. I was able to get a signal on my LG Tablet using just the target router out to 180 yards. I was able to get a signal using the firing line router set up as a repeater out to 500 yards (limit of my range). Hope this helps... |
|
I have a Tenvis JPT3815W PTZ wireless IP cam that I could use to make a target cam. I love tinkering with hardware so this project is right up my alley. Thanks for sharing your results.
I am also brainstorming on how to attach my phone to my spotting scope. I am hoping I can use the phone WIFI, bluetooth, or screen sharing to cast the images to other wireless devices nearby. The target cam seems awesome, but I am most intrigued about being able to move my view on the fly from one steel to another at my local range. The target cam wouldn't allow me to do that. |
| Got the camera and router working. Tested it by driving the laptop and IPad down the road maybe 300 yard with the IPad till I lost signal and 500ish with the laptop till I lost line off sight/signal. I didn't use a repeater/router at the laptop. I need to go back and rangefinder the spots to verify the yardage. It's working very good with a nice picture. I purchased the Sabrent USB adapter instead of the NetisWF2414 by mistake. Does anyone know if the Sabrent USB NT-WGHU will work for a wifi hotspot I need for the I pad? I haven't opened the box yet. Thanks for your time. |
|
Originally Posted By jonblack: I am also brainstorming on how to attach my phone to my spotting scope. I am hoping I can use the phone WIFI, bluetooth, or screen sharing to cast the images to other wireless devices nearby. There are lots of vendors that make phone to optics adapters. Here is one that I've used: It attaches to optics by just a friction fit. I've only used it on binoculars, and it works OK. Since the camera part of the phones is usually at the top of the phone, the weight of the phone tends to turn the focus of the binos. But it does work. Originally Posted By jonblack: The target cam seems awesome, but I am most intrigued about being able to move my view on the fly from one steel to another at my local range. The target cam wouldn't allow me to do that. You could use a PTZ camera, but to get enough zoom on the lens, with enough resolution, you would need to spend a lot more than the cameras discussed here. |
| I built one of these using a CHEAP router without the removable antenna. (I had it laying around). It works great but only to about 300 yards. I'm going to move to a router with removable antenna that I can upgrade. Does anyone know if there would be a difference between a 150mbps and 300mbps router in this application? The advantage to the 150mbps router is that it's 5v and will run off my current battery pack without a booster, and that it has 1 antenna to replace instead of 2. |
|
I did not go with the foscam I have a tenvis cam and did download the tenvis app......I think I might be a little confused on how it works.
I switch my wifi on the phone to match the router for the cam but then I can not seem to find the cam in my app. I am trying this right? |
|
I tested both the WR741 (single antenna) and WR841 (dual antenna) with the Netis WF2414 using the site survey. At ~300 yards, single antenna was 76% while dual antenna was only 48%. At ~600 yards, single antenna was 52% while dual antenna was 28%. Surprising to me the dual antenna router was lower even though it has a higher power requirement.
(sorry about the 3 posts back to back - I was having a limitation of characters due to low post count) |
|
Also - was able to package the router and battery in a small Plano 1312 ammo can from Walmart. The TP-link router and 12 volt 7.6 Ah F2 connector from Batterymart (SLA-12V7-F2) just fit. I used Nextrox DC/DC converter to set from 12V to 5V (or DROK 12V to 9V depending on which router I was testing). I used 2.1mmX5.5mm connectors except for the reducer to 3.5x1.35mm for the camera.
I also tested a TL-WA901 Bridge which seems to be stronger than the Netis WF2414. I thought the 3 antenna model would be an advantage to ensure that the device wasn't saturated by local connections at the bench but I'm might get a WA701 to test based on lower performance of the two antenna router. |
|
I have a higher performance system but it is a pain to setup and the system similar to ChevelleDave is getting me to 600 yards. My long range system uses Ubiquiti Nanobeam 5AC-16 for the bridge. The Nanobeams are on Calumet 4 section 10' air-cushoned light stands. I use Plano Shotshell cases to house the 12 volt 7.6 Ah battery and POE injector I'm using Tycon Power TP-DCDC-1224 from Streakwave (note that there is a newer TP-DCDC-1224G that is rated for Gigabit speed - I would have probably purchased that so I could ensure no bottlenecks from injector). For the Foscam camera, I'm using a POE splitter (WS-POE-5v-kit from Amazon) so I just run ethernet cable from my ammo box (Foscam is then on a tripod near target). The Nanobeam just acts as basically a wire from point to point. I connect the Nanobeam at the bench to a TP-Link TL-WR802N (chose that because of low power requirements). The Nanobeam is 5 GHZ while the TP-link is 2.4 GHZ so there shouldn't be any interference. One could use a separate USB battery to power the TP-Link but I got a converter from Amazon to use my same 12 volt battery (HitCar DC 12V to 5V Micro USB Straight 3 Meter).
The AC speed is way overkill for the Foscam, I was thinking in the future I would use a much higher end camera with more pixels (also high zoom) so that is what I speced out. I did some testing with TamoSoft throughput and was pleased (actually convinced that 150 was more than enough for the Foscam setup based on usage by resource manager). I also have the Foscam 9826 - a little higher resolution than the 9816 and has 3X zoom. The zoom is nice (I wish it was MUCH more) for targets but I usually take the 9816 since it seems to have a higher temp rating on spec sheets and it is cheaper (camera has to be pretty close, so if I miss). Anyway - I've learned a lot from everyone on these threads and wanted to give a little back on my testing/progress. |
|
I put together one of these systems. The major difference is I have a WIFI router (old G model running DDWRT) configured as a repeater - an is a client off of the WIFI at the target. At my range I can back up to the rife range - so I'll power the repeater from the car. Any of my wireless devices - phone, tablet, laptop - will connect to the local repeater - and will be able to get to the camera. I had ordered the Foscam F1986P but I get much better clarity with the Amcreat IP2m-841. I'm using the
TP-LINK TL-WR841ND at the target - configured as a normal WIFI AP. Left the default 192.168.0.0/24 network - used 192.168.2.0/24 on the repeater (they have to be different). The repeater is configured to act as client to the target router - and has a "virtual" SSID created for local access (for my devices). How to on the web for more details. |
| Just a heads up for anyone interested in a target camera. Midway has the Bullseye system on sale for $297.00 with free shipping today. Not much more expensive than the DIY system and you get their excellent target software. This is even more relevant for reloading as they just put out a software upgrade which allows you to measure groups and flattens the target on the screen. |
Firefighter/Paramedic/Garanditis vicitim
Joined:
Nov 2010
Posts:
4999
EE: 100% (310)
OH, USA
|
Originally Posted By samurai84:
Just a heads up for anyone interested in a target camera. Midway has the Bullseye system on sale for $297.00 with free shipping today. Not much more expensive than the DIY system and you get their excellent target software. This is even more relevant for reloading as they just put out a software upgrade which allows you to measure groups and flattens the target on the screen. Thanks...I Fent! |
Our adoption journey: mccoyadoption.wordpress.com
|
Originally Posted By mustb123:
Do you even RC? Originally Posted By mustb123:
Originally Posted By djryan13:
What if you have an array of targets. Wonder how well they would work if not focused and zoomed on one panel? I am too lazy to walk out and move it. Do you even RC? If I dont understand a question, usually the answer is no. |
|
Originally Posted By djryan13:
What if you have an array of targets. Wonder how well they would work if not focused and zoomed on one panel? I am too lazy to walk out and move it. According to the Bullseye you set the camera to view the entire target board at one time which can have several different targets on it. Then you just zoom in on each individual target with the software on your tablet or laptop as you shoot them. They even say that multiple people with multiple tablets can use the same camera at the same time, each of them zooming in on just their target as they shoot. All of this has that cool "last shot flashing" feature which supposedly even works with birdshot. Looks pretty slick. (I feel like a product rep for them...lol) |
|
Originally Posted By samurai84:
According to the Bullseye you set the camera to view the entire target board at one time which can have several different targets on it. Then you just zoom in on each individual target with the software on your tablet or laptop as you shoot them. They even say that multiple people with multiple tablets can use the same camera at the same time, each of them zooming in on just their target as they shoot. All of this has that cool "last shot flashing" feature which supposedly even works with birdshot. Looks pretty slick. (I feel like a product rep for them...lol) Originally Posted By samurai84:
Originally Posted By djryan13:
What if you have an array of targets. Wonder how well they would work if not focused and zoomed on one panel? I am too lazy to walk out and move it. According to the Bullseye you set the camera to view the entire target board at one time which can have several different targets on it. Then you just zoom in on each individual target with the software on your tablet or laptop as you shoot them. They even say that multiple people with multiple tablets can use the same camera at the same time, each of them zooming in on just their target as they shoot. All of this has that cool "last shot flashing" feature which supposedly even works with birdshot. Looks pretty slick. (I feel like a product rep for them...lol) Very interesting.Thx for posting. Definitely something I would want to try before I buy... Although the DIY one might be interesting to me since I think I have most of the parts in my junk closet... |
|
The current Bullseye system appears to use the Foscam 9803. This is a 1 megapixel camera, the specifications say a horizontal view angle of 70 degrees. You could calculate the view width given a distance from target (I think width=1.4x distance) but the problem is you have to be pretty close to have the resolution to see .22 holes (depending on lighting). I think the amount of area that you will be able to cover with this system and effectively see holes would be limited.
My Point/Tilt 9816 has the same resolution and I have to be very close to target (but obviously I can move it around with the point/tilt feature from the bench). The 9826 has 1.3 megapixel with 3x optical zoom so it gives me more area I can view and then zoom. Rekemp10's Amcrest looks very interesting with 2 megapixel resolution. Foscam is advertising new camera's with 4 megapixels, and 6x zooms. These are digital zooms but given the higher pixel count (and possibly electronics for clarity) it might be effective. I would be surprised if Bullseye doesn't transition to one of these newer cameras with higher pixels. As a turnkey system, I will say the Bullseye system appears to be very good (cost isn't too bad for what you get and the blinking shots is a nice feature). I enjoyed putting together and testing the system, and having the flexibility of making changes, but that isn't for everyone. |
|
I'm using the DIY system with OnTarget.
I was originally looking at that Bullseye system, but it was way more then 297.00. If I remember right back then it was 500.00. It was ridiculously over priced, I think they started to see people making their own systems, and decided to lower their price to reflect that and stay competitive. Hell, I WAS thinking about making some to sell in the future, but there is no way I would try to do it now. I couldn't offer the software. Anybody wanna buy a lightly used DIY system for 297.00? 
That is a joke. |
I just gotta ask........
|
Originally Posted By nomansland:
The current Bullseye system appears to use the Foscam 9803. This is a 1 megapixel camera, the specifications say a horizontal view angle of 70 degrees. You could calculate the view width given a distance from target (I think width=1.4x distance) but the problem is you have to be pretty close to have the resolution to see .22 holes (depending on lighting). I think the amount of area that you will be able to cover with this system and effectively see holes would be limited. My Point/Tilt 9816 has the same resolution and I have to be very close to target (but obviously I can move it around with the point/tilt feature from the bench). The 9826 has 1.3 megapixel with 3x optical zoom so it gives me more area I can view and then zoom. Rekemp10's Amcrest looks very interesting with 2 megapixel resolution. Foscam is advertising new camera's with 4 megapixels, and 6x zooms. These are digital zooms but given the higher pixel count (and possibly electronics for clarity) it might be effective. I would be surprised if Bullseye doesn't transition to one of these newer cameras with higher pixels. As a turnkey system, I will say the Bullseye system appears to be very good (cost isn't too bad for what you get and the blinking shots is a nice feature). I enjoyed putting together and testing the system, and having the flexibility of making changes, but that isn't for everyone. This is one saving grace for me as well, maybe down the road, I can upgrade my camera and get more out of My system. I already own it, and it is getting the job done. I would think that with the DIY, more then person could use it as well. I also think that You might be able to purchase Bullseye's software, and use it. I need to go snoop around their site. |
I just gotta ask........
|
Originally Posted By ChevelleDave:
This is one saving grace for me as well, maybe down the road, I can upgrade my camera and get more out of My system. I already own it, and it is getting the job done. I would think that with the DIY, more then person could use it as well. I also think that You might be able to purchase Bullseye's software, and use it. I need to go snoop around their site. Originally Posted By ChevelleDave:
Originally Posted By nomansland:
The current Bullseye system appears to use the Foscam 9803. This is a 1 megapixel camera, the specifications say a horizontal view angle of 70 degrees. You could calculate the view width given a distance from target (I think width=1.4x distance) but the problem is you have to be pretty close to have the resolution to see .22 holes (depending on lighting). I think the amount of area that you will be able to cover with this system and effectively see holes would be limited. My Point/Tilt 9816 has the same resolution and I have to be very close to target (but obviously I can move it around with the point/tilt feature from the bench). The 9826 has 1.3 megapixel with 3x optical zoom so it gives me more area I can view and then zoom. Rekemp10's Amcrest looks very interesting with 2 megapixel resolution. Foscam is advertising new camera's with 4 megapixels, and 6x zooms. These are digital zooms but given the higher pixel count (and possibly electronics for clarity) it might be effective. I would be surprised if Bullseye doesn't transition to one of these newer cameras with higher pixels. As a turnkey system, I will say the Bullseye system appears to be very good (cost isn't too bad for what you get and the blinking shots is a nice feature). I enjoyed putting together and testing the system, and having the flexibility of making changes, but that isn't for everyone. This is one saving grace for me as well, maybe down the road, I can upgrade my camera and get more out of My system. I already own it, and it is getting the job done. I would think that with the DIY, more then person could use it as well. I also think that You might be able to purchase Bullseye's software, and use it. I need to go snoop around their site. Their software is actually free on the Apple and Google Play stores. I'm not sure how or if they make it proprietary to their system so maybe you could use it with the DIY setup. I'll also take a look at the higher resolution cameras when them come out and see if I can do my own mods on the bullseye system. I won't do a review on it when I get it (there are already a ton of those online) but if anyone want's pic of the setup to see if it can be upgraded let me know. Also, Bullseye acutally offers 2 camera tiers now, the $297 one is supposedly good to 300 yards and the $500 is good to 1 mile. Again, I'm pretty sure you could by the 300 yard one and put a booster or directional antenna on it if you wanted to upgrade. |
Global Warming Hoax Skeptic before it was cool
Joined:
Jun 2007
Posts:
41646
EE: 100% (1)
WA, USA
|
Originally Posted By djryan13: If I dont understand a question, usually the answer is no. Originally Posted By djryan13: Originally Posted By mustb123: Originally Posted By djryan13: What if you have an array of targets. Wonder how well they would work if not focused and zoomed on one panel? I am too lazy to walk out and move it. Do you even RC? If I dont understand a question, usually the answer is no. Let's not go off topic on this mustb123. |
Selling agent for Algores carbon credit scam.
Shooting and Reloading, one hobby feeds the other.
Shooting and Reloading, one hobby feeds the other.
|
I bought a baby monitor with direction control of the camera for looking at my chickens It works well at 200 feet to see any direction in the chicken pin Some of these cameras are 2k resolution and rated for 2000 feet distance Put the camera behind a rock for protection and have it 4 feet away or closer from the target to see the 22 caliber holes. Rechargeable battery for the display and usb powered cameras, some I think some cameras are also rechargeable Set up in the middle of several targets and control what target it is looking at You may have to put the display in a box to keep it out of the sun. https://www.amazon.com/s?k=baby+monitor+video&crid=38SA3EDDL4HM2&sprefix=baby+monitor+vi%2Caps%2C148&ref=nb_sb_ss_pltr-data-refreshed_1_15 |
|
Here's a DIY using a drone camera getting a 2 mile reach for under $100. This is 5 years old so tech might have got even better for less? It's small enough to shield with a small steel plate and have it inline with the target. A zoom lens would be nice to get a wide initial picture then zoom in when you get dialed in on the target. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IA_mkJW7Tfs |
DIY Target Cam Project (Page 2 of 2)
Armory Sponsor