Safarifriends.org

This is the first part of a multipart presentation on the project to add 5 video cameras for driving and security. The system is built from inexpensive components combined with free software for driving and surveillance. This part deals with the basics of the WIFI system components, setup, and selection of the 1st camera which is the backup camera and its installation. Future presentations will deal with the front display and cabinet modifications and finally the installation of the remaining cameras.
https://safaritoonces.org/safari-toonce ... ty-part-1/

Robert,
No disrespect intended but simultaneously monitoring video from multiple cameras while driving makes my head hurt.

Hello Robert et al
One of the problems you'll run into if locating an IR source behind glass and some plastics, is that the IR will be reflected back from the lense material. You'll need to disable the IR emitters, or replace the portal with an IR AND visible light admitting material.
Below isn't my research, but I use a tic(thermal imaging camera) for my work, and not all materials pass all wavelengths(IR being shorter than visible).
http://www.plasticgenius.com/2011/05/in ... ssion.html

Hi Mel
I would agree about too many cameras... if you are watching them all the time. This for me will be like a big rear view mirror. I like to check and see what happening before making any moves... old and paranoid. Plus the co-pilot can be assigned the task of paying closer attention (if they accept the task willingly which may be questionable).

Thanks Joe. That didn't dawn on me until I installed the camera. Most of these cameras are mounted outside so the problem doesn't arise and I never thought about it before hand, although I would have still proceeded anyway. But what I will do rather than use a different glass or plastic, is to provide an external IR light source. I ordered a 48 IR LED panel today that was inexpensive. I'll mount that outside and turn off the IR LEDs on the camera, the camera has a setting for that. That was a good article, I saved it for reference. I post the results when I get the panel installed and after the next

External IR illuminators are the ticket for night-vision. Depending on their wavelength, their "glow" ranges from an extremely dull filament(red glow), to zero visible(>940nm) to the human eye. I've been using a IR laser pointer and IR googles for work, and the remote illumination is the hot ticket(no pun).
850nm seems to be the best wavelength/compromise for cameras.Tnx agn.

Robert
A foam gasket/ring around the camera lens, when tightly pressed against a clear lens cover, will prevent IR from being reflected back from the lens cover material.

See https://support.amcrest.com/hc/en-us/ar ... on-Issues-

Thanks Mel, good to know.

I will try that Mel. Thanks for the tip. I also used your idea for the salesman switch... changing it over to the toggle solenoid using the slide out switch. One of my favorite projects with a real payback. It dropped the waste of current when on from 3amps to 0. Thanks again.... Robert