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I have done quite a bit of testing on webcams and CCD type spy cams for work projects and one point no one has made yet is that CCD spy cams (especially black and white ones) have much better low light performance.
We couldn't get comparable low light performance form a webcam until we spent approx AU$300 compared to a AU$50 black and white CCD(not CMOS).
No this research was all done about a year ago so web cameras may have got better since. Just something to think about.
I personally wouldn't use a web cam.. like mentioned before the majority of them have very slow responce...
Who can write a program that will display a real image with an overlay of selectable weapons to virtually blow away the traffic?
The spycam receiver can be wired into a relay to switch on - if your TFT has auto switching on then perhaps it might automatically switch to reverse when the reversing light is on? (using the signal from the reverse gear switch at the selector).
That way you can have it fully automated - although wiring in a switch would be good so you can keep an eye on the bloke behind you even when not reversing!
Just a thought,
Andy
P.S. I have a front mounted bumper cam in my Fiesta - it's only a cheapo one at the moment but it was just to test it to see if it would get destroyed at high speed or perhaps leak with rain etc. I have taken one of the front spotlight bulbs out of teh unit, cut the back out to squeeze the webcam in and then removed the glass from the front and used some clear perspex sealed into the light unit using some bathroom silicon sealant.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v7...BumperCam2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v7...BumperCam3.jpg
Unfortunately the car hasn't been running enough for me to test out the video recording side of it - but when it has been running it's really cool seeing the view from so low to the ground :)
I'll post some videos up as soon as I get it all running properly although thinking of changing to one of the newer high frame rate webcams to replace it (should be easy - done the hardwork now) :D
Cheers,
Andy
It's something I was thinking about...
The advantage of a webcam is that you could record.
It would be great to have a 'black box' application that just records the last few minutes continuously.
In the case of an accident etc, you could use this as evidence (unless it was your fault, then it gets mysteriously erased :rolleyes: )
Anyone want to write this app?
HoSS
I'm sure I have already seen that kind of software available. I t may have come free with a webcam I had.
I went the composite way, purely as the camera would be able to run without carPC switched on. Better night quality too.
However, one bad point is that I cannot record anything from it, well, not unless I a) install a dvd/vcr recorder in the boot or b) feed it into usb as well and get software to record it all.
However, I dont really think i would ever want to record a rear facing camera - not unless some t*at is tailgaiting me so close that I could get him, his car and his numberplate.
Having said that the police wouldnt do anything about it anyway.
Anyways...
Good to see so much input and discussion from my thread, but there is a question that remains unanswered:
Thankos Muchos!Quote:
Originally Posted by SamDude
It could be powered however you like...
If it is a USB cam it will need 5v, if composite probably 9 or 12V.
I would avoid a direct connection to the car 12v (if it is a 12v cam)
better to run it from a cleaner supply, PC psu or other regulated supply.
HoSS
Thanks Hoss...
How much power does a composite camera draw? (+/- for a USB webcam?)
Are there any particular (wide angle) camera's which work well for the price?
Any hanging around eBay?
Thanks again.