Super cheap night vision idea
I was intrigued by the Rolaids Night Vision setup that uses a backup camera, monitor, battery, and IR illuminator, and have thought of building something similar for a while now. However, I may have found something that might work just as good for even less money, at least for me. It would require a camera mount for my scope, which I already have, a night vision dash camera, and an infrared flashlight off E-bay. Here are the the parts I was thinking of:
IR flashlight – http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ultrafire-Cree-Infrared-IR-LED-Night-Vision-Flashlight-/370372982895?pt=US_Flashlights&hash=item563bf3386f
I would mount the light either on a rail or on the scope, and then the camera behind the scope. Do you think something like this would work for close range work, say under 30 yards or so? If not, just say so, and I will save my pennies for a Rolaids style setup instead.
Thanks,
Chris
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Viewing 13 replies - 1 through 13 (of 13 total)
I don’t have a camera yet. I was thinking of one of the dash cams, but it sounds like that was a bad plan. Based on what you have said here, and what I have seen from doing some research, your setup seems pretty good. How hard is it to take the IR filter out of the bullet camera? Also, how do you mount the dvr on your scope?
Thanks,
Chris
Well, that depends on the camera.
Most of those cheap little backup camera’s are 1/4″ CMOS cameras.
Cmos cameras suck..10 yards at best. The crummy little IR led lights on it are useless past 10 yards. If you add an additional light…MAYBE 30yards
You need a CCD camera, and I can only speak for the 2, That I have played with, posted above..both CCD 1/3″ cameras(more light)
But simply put,
You can spend 400 bucks on a Watec (super camera) then 20 bucks on a cheap illuminator.
Or you can spend 100 bucks on a camera, then 100 bucks on a good illuminator to get the same results.
It far more cost effective to upgrade the illuminator, especially for a 50 yard setup.
Since you only need 30 or so yards for barn rats..try a good light. Maybe a good light with a FOCUS will be enough. Doesn’t hurt to have a good light.
Perhaps you can make up for the cameras weakness by over powering with a big light.
But 30 for screen, 40 for battery,10 for battery pouch, 60+ for a good light and your at $140, and its not a sure thing.
Besides the convenience of that remote on/off was invaluable to me. I can’t tell you how much nicer it is than pushing little buttons in the dark. I would have paid an extra 100 bucks just for the remote!
That larger screen does have a much nicer picture..
Try a good light first, with your camera, it may work to 30 yards, and your gonna need a good IR light any how.
Do you have any specs on that camera that you have?
ps..watch this ..crazy night hunting folk over there in the UK. 😆 😆
Wow, thanks for the info! Looks like a slick little setup. Let’s say I wasn’t really interested in recording, but just wanted to be able to shoot in the dark instead. Could I just use a backup camera with nightvision and attach a 3.5 inch monitor and battery to it? I don’t really need to film, I am just looking for an alternative to using a red light. Seems like the red light is spooking the local rats lately, and so I need something to get back into the rat killing game.
Thanks,
Chris
Yep, I understand 😆 😆
Well if any of you are gonna build the above..let me know.
There are a few little things I can add to tweak things.
The above little setup..really does work VERY, VERY well.
I never got through watching the Rolaids Nightvision stuff…It was a bit long winded and I lost interest before I finished reading about it 😳
No, same as the KCP 190, no menu.
Yes, you do have to open it up and take off the little IR filter glass, just like the 190 and 230 KPC’s in the Roilaids version 1.0 builds
Does that little camera have a night vision setting?
Simple 40-50 yards setup…
This is a little Screen/Recorder/Camera/Battery/ Remote lanyard all in one nice little self contained package.
I really like this unit over the JDX990 that is in the Rolaids build.
I found the JDX diffacult to use, hard to navigate the Menu’s. Mostly, you have to go into the menu every time..set the screen for high res..navigate to the video screen..EVERY TIME it did not remember the preferences.
The one below also comes with a corded remote control. You just turn it on via remote..its already in video mode…..DONE!
Far easier than the JDX.
Downside..smaller screen.
The camera is a Sony 1/3″ Model LS-HQ5 color CCD camera at
520TV line..it is not as good as the KPCE190 or KPC-230 at 700tv lines as outlined in Roilaids build. These both had the 1/3″ 960H SONY EXview HAD CCD. Although the KCP has 700tv line and this one only has 520tv lines, I can’t see the diff.
I would rate it at 90% as good at night vision as the KCP190 that I have…90% is pretty darn close
The resolution is a little lower, but it does work very well. Both camera’s upload vids to utube and they post as 480P resolution.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/251100939498?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649
If you go across the pond to some of the links from Roilaids build, this little recorder unit is called a DOGCAM..All and all the unit is just a pleasure to use. What I LOVE about this setup, is the remote- power control
The light, THIS IS NOT WHERE TO SCRIMP, the light makes or brakes the system.
I use several illuminations but I also have this one, the 5 watt version of the one posted above, the Ultrafire 501b
http://www.ebay.com/itm/270692654604?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1439.l2649
If you really only want to see to 30-40 yards..your all set, it will do the job and do it very well. For around $150 bucks + mounting hardware
But if you buy a better light, one with the ability to FOCUS, you can get out much farther.
Spend 60 bucks on a focusable light and you will get far more range.
You NEED a focusable light!!!
Feel free to lookup that camera..
Also consider rolaids build of screen/ battey/camera and light..no recorder, you might be able to come in a little cheaper.
Thanks for the warning. I am looking forward to what you have to recommend.
Chris
Don’t bother with that stupid little car cam, you won’t be able to see worth a crap with it..
WASTE OF MONEY.
i’ll post later with a few PROVEN recommendations
Have you got a link? The lowest I found it on Amazon was for $22. I’d much rather deal with a US company than have it come from overseas, that’s for sure!
Thanks,
Chris
You can get the ir flashlight on Amazon for $17
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I did this. Not the best setup but it works.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/320971193433;jsessionid=C4B67910DD56D36347029579E22E45A5?ru=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fsch%2Fi.html%3F_sacat%3D0%26_from%3DR40%26_nkw%3D320971193433%26_rdc%3D1
Took the ball mount off the tripod, used the phone holding gadget. Screws right on the picanty rail that Rolaids has in his parts list. There is a hole in the end of the rail, Just had to find a diff screw..a trip to the hardware sore for a 35 cent screw..
It worked out well, tilts pivots, folds down
PS the fancy one outlined in Rolaids build does not fit this screen/recorder unit..to small does not open wide enough.
IR filter removal : Yes a PITA, I have done 3, it is a bit scary. There is a chance of trashing the camera, I agree, but I have done 3, rolaids has done at least 3..so far no trashed units. Its not hard to do, but it is a bit scary.
A super small jeweler screwdriver is what I used.