Unique project - mobile CCTV system - Contractor Talk - Professional Construction and Remodeling Forum

mobilecam · 03-04-2009, 09:44 AM

I have a strange situation that I am trying to find a solution for. I am looking to make a mobile CCTV system for scientific research. I am looking to have only one camera attached to each mobile unit. Each unit will include a mini DVR player, a small 24 LED camera, both of which will be connected to a battery. I just need to know if it is doable, and if not, what can I do to make it possible. My budget is for around $1000 per mobile unit, and I am looking to make 5-6 of them. Here are the supplies that I am going to need to purchase.

First, here is a little background on the project and what the needs are specifically. We are conducting research on a bird that nests on the ground. Therefore, we need a small camera that can be set up within 3 feet of the nest. The camera therefore, is small, with a small number of LEDs because we will be using it up close at night so don’t need much illumination. Also, the wavelength of the LEDs is 940nm, so that potential predators cannot see the visible light. The cable to the camera will be at least 50ft so that we can change out the SD card without disturbing the nest. The battery and DVR will be placed inside a pelican case, to protect them from the elements.

To make things easy, all three operate at 12V.

DVR: Supercircuits model MDVR14-3
- 12v, 120mA
- Input voltage 3.7v-14.5v

Camera: Pinhole security camera model PSCIR (24LED model)
- 12v
- unknown amps

Battery: Werker model WKA12-26NB
- 12v 26amp

What I want to know is if these three things would be compatible, even with different amps? Someone on another project made something similar but used a 5v DVR. He used a voltage converter from the battery to the DVR but his system would shut down. He claims that it was due to the voltage of the VC being higher (2ah) than the DVR (1ah). Would this be the case with my system?

The connectors we would be using for this system are alligator clips attached to the battery that will be wired to a Y splitter and go to the DVR and camera. Also included is a male power plug and a female power jack.

Is this doable?

---apparently I cannot post links on the page because I am a new user. If you cannot find the above mentioned items, please send me a message.---

baum · 03-04-2009, 11:21 AM

Look into the brand Crimestopper automotive alarms. The model is UBB-4.0 mobile car dvr.

mobilecam · 03-04-2009, 12:25 PM

Thanks for the suggestion! I will definitely look into that!

ABLE1 · 03-04-2009, 04:23 PM

Interesting project.

What ever components you come up with you need to do some testing and calculations on you load. The battery is fine but will need to be recharged. If this is in the field and there is no wall outlet for a charger you should have two batteries. One that is be used and one that is fully charged. Swap the batteries when the amount of load x 24 x days equals maybe 50% of your battery amps. That way it will always be working when you are there to swap the flash card.

Make sure your wire size to the camera power is at least 18 awg so as to not have any voltage drops.

Make sure your connections stay dry.
Moisture + low voltage = un-happy scientist.

Lastly:
Having more amps than you need is always a good thing.

Having more volts that you need is always a bad thing.

Good luck and report back with some vids.

Les

mickeyco · 03-04-2009, 04:26 PM

What kind of scientific research? You're not planning on spying on kids at make-out point are you?

.

mobilecam · 03-05-2009, 08:04 AM

Les, those are great suggestions! I double checked and the power wire to the camera is 18g. Also, I did not want to mess with a voltage converter, hence all items are 12V. The last guy had a 5V dvr and a 12V battery. I will not be making that mistake. The dvr I am looking at says its 14V but it takes no more than 12V power. I assume I am good in that area then. Maybe I shouldn't assume?

mickeyco, Shhhh! That is what I am really doing ya know! Don't go telling everyone LOL

ABLE1 · 03-05-2009, 09:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mobilecam

Les, those are great suggestions!

The dvr I am looking at says its 14V but it takes no more than 12V power. I assume I am good in that area then. Maybe I shouldn't assume?

Who makes a dvr that runs on 14Volts?. And is that vdc or vac???

FYI 12vdc battery may not run a 14vdc device correctly due to low voltage.

Assume means...................................

slowforthecones · 03-07-2009, 01:58 AM

got a weblink to that crimestopper alarm. seems very promising for a personal or work vehicle install to identify liability in non fault accidents..great to cover my ass from carless drivers.

marcsreddy · 10-18-2009, 11:24 AM

Did you sort this project as we have a solution regards bobcat@guernsey.net

thom · 10-18-2009, 12:12 PM

There is a lot of automotive stuff that might work. Look for the back-up camera stuff. The cameras come with the built in led's.

Security101 · 10-18-2009, 11:43 PM

Looks like your chosen system will work just fine.

Only concern is heat radiated from the DVR being trapped in the case. This type generally doesn't produce to much heat but you may want to give SC a call to double check if it will tolerate being enclosed.

Jim