See your Bullet holes at 600+ without spending $800+

[Tesoro]

This is what I mean by light and compact. All fits in 6x6x3.5 in box. Excluding the 36in magnetic mount on a dowel with a steel point to drive in dirt.

 

[JT27]

Since I’m tech illiterate and can’t figure out how to post links to the parts I used, I took a couple of screenshots of my parts order. I ordered these at the end of 2019 so the prices probably will vary. I’m sure you could get a better camera and monitor, but this was my first go at it and I wasn’t sure how it was going to turn out. I must say though, that I’m tickled with the end product. The resolution of this monitor, while not the greatest, is plenty good enough to see the bullet holes. The batteries have lasted me as long as 4 hours without failing. A buddy of mine built one almost exactly the same but used lithium batteries, just a little more $$. I ended up putting a on/off switch from HD on the receiver/monitor can. The connections to the batteries are with some alligator clips so I can take them off when done to prevent any drain. Other connections were made with crimp/heat shrink connectors. Drilled a couple of small holes in the ammo cans for the antenna, and everything fits neatly. The lenses for the camera are the key. I can’t remember if it’s the larger mm lens for a wider field of view or vice versa. The lens just screw on and screwing them in or out will adjust your focus. The camera that I’m using came with a bracket that can adjust up or down. I think I had to rotate the camera in the bracket so I could get a full screen on my monitor. I think the bracket is a must. That way you can adjust your up/down without having to shim your can.

So that’s my po mans target cam. Happy to answer any questions.

 

[Brians356]

Can you use your iPhone as a viewer?

I don't see how unless it is set up as a WebCam, which is actually an idea. You can watch your front door on your phone, why not your target?
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[hoz53]

I don't see how unless it is set up as a WebCam, which is actually an idea. You can watch your front door on your phone, why not your target?
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i saw a guy at the range with a cellphone hotspot device and he had a wifi security cam tie wrapped to it- he used cheapest tablet computer he coukd find at the line— it seemed to work good.

 

[padom]

I actually built one of these a few years ago using all drone hardware, 5.8Ghz, HD camera...

It worked for sure but the cameras as mentioned above are designed to cover large areas with a very wide angle.. it didn't provide the zoomed in view I wanted.

As a commercial IT company owner I have lots of HD cctv, POE, WiFi and PtP and 5G T-Mobile hardware in the shop.

My current setup is 1000% better than the whole drone camera setup.

Very similar to what just got posted above.

Small box with a Inseego 5G cellular Hotspot and T-Mobile for Business Internet SIM, small LiPo4 battery, 12v industrial POE+ 4 port switch, and 1 single outdoor rated Gel filled Cat6 ethernet cable as long as your heart desires (I have a pre-terminated piece coming out of my box roughly 25') to a 8MP 4K Variable Focus motorized mini bullet cameras (2.8-12mm). I have it mounted on a mini 12" tripod and I put it off to the right or left of the targey 20' away or so.. after aiming it at the target I use the motorized VF to tighten the image up on my target. Crystal clear 4K...

Beauty of this setup are a few key things... there is no distance limitation. You can access the camera app on your phone, tablet or laptop from anywhere you have cell service/internet connection. The more cameras you add to the setup, they are all in the same single camera app...see them all at once or click on a camera for full screen viewing and zoom features.

Your entire shooting session recorded on a WD Purple Security SD card in the camera for future playback.

My initial build of this setup was exactly the same but uses no internet or 5G.. it uses PtP and PtMP technology with a receiver at the firing line thst has a WiFi AP in the setup so you can connect 1 or 20 phones/tablets/laptops to it So 1 or multiple people can see thr target or targets.. Beauty of this setup is you can have multiple target cans all shooting back to the single PtMP receiver and the range is 10 miles line of site....

I still have this setup in case I go somewhere that has no internet/cell signal...

I'm using Hikvision 8MP AccuSense 2.0 Darkfighter cameras I had laying in inventory since I switched companies 2yr ago I sell.

Very very high quality image and inexpensive at around $150-200 a camera but you can get less fancy for $100...

 

[padom]

Also, this setup is all outdoor weatherproof rated hardware. No worries if it starts pouring in your shooting session this stuff is meant to be outside.

 

[JT27]

I have no doubt that set up is 1000 times better. Not everybody’s a commercial IT company owner with those components laying around.

I was trying to provide an example of what an average dude can put together to see their target at a 1000yds + for little money that works.

 

[Tesoro]

still have this setup in case I go somewhere that has no internet/cell signal...

This is why I went the drone way cause where I shoot distance there is no cell ( or maybe that is why I shoot there!). However if there is a 'better' system with 1 mile range that is in the same ball park for costs then be nice to share! a few pics?

 

[Tesoro]

So that’s my po mans target cam. Happy to answer any questions.

Thx for posting this. No matter what flavor and color they all work the same. Camera send video to transmitter at target area and the receiver picks up the signal at firing station and displays it on a viewer. Your mini camera is what I was after but couldnt find anymore. The lens you have is 2.8mm which gives you a narrower field of view. My cam has a 2.1mm which was the best I could find in stock. It seems like most drone people want a larger field of view.

 

[JT27]

I ended up using a 12mm lens, it’s in my parts list. The 2.8mm came with the camera. A buddy of mine built the same set up and bought several sized lenses to do a test. That’s how I settled on the 12mm. I’m sure I deleted his email with the results of his test.

 

[Tesoro]

I ended up using a 12mm lens, it’s in my parts list. The 2.8mm came with the camera. A buddy of mine built the same set up and bought several sized lenses to do a test. That’s how I settled on the 12mm. I’m sure I deleted his email with the results of his test.

Oh i read the lens as 1.2mm not 12mm! I will check my cam to see if the lens unscrews and order one! thx! They say all cams either have a 8 or 12mm diameter for the threads. edit: done it is std 12mm diameter so I ordered a 12mm focal length and a 16mm. whopping 10 bucks each!

 

[padom]

I have no doubt that set up is 1000 times better. Not everybody’s a commercial IT company owner with those components laying around.

I was trying to provide an example of what an average dude can put together to see their target at a 1000yds + for little money that works.

You don't need to be a commercial IT owner and have those parts laying around to build one yourself for not a lot of money.. an average dude with little money can build this system if they can plug in ethernet cables and crew down 2 pieces of 14/2 to screw terminal and battery terminals od buy a 12v plug off Amazon eith stripped ends and crimp down and plug into a lithium car Booster pack..

I'd be more than glad to assist or walk anyone through it as a network engineer by trade. Maybe I'll make a walk through video if my setup laid out and show each part and connection when I get some free time.

Here some parts list for you

Nanostation AC Loco 5GHz (need 2- one at each end. 10KM range) $49ea

airMAX NanoStation 5AC Loco - Ubiquiti Store

Compact, UISP-ready WiFi radio sporting a classic NanoStation design and an updated airMAX AC chipset.

store.ui.com

Hikvision 8MP POE 6mm mini bullet camera(overkill but just an example of high end camera only $159)

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1707582-REG/hikvision_ds_2cd2083g2_iu_6mm_acusense_ds_2cd2083g2_iu_8mp_outdoor.html/?ap=y&ap=y&smp=y&smp=y&lsft=BI%3A514&gclid=CjwKCAjw6p-oBhAYEiwAgg2Pgkpv9WEMOqJ2t1WZxcsbDhEFEZMN3720EBWFAglLh1gJhVIxdk2B6RoCS24QAvD_BwE

Poe industrial 12v powdered switch

LINOVISION Industrial 5 Ports Gigabit Solar POE Switch with DC12V-48V to DC48V Voltage Booster,4 x IEEE802.3af/at 30W POE Ports @120W, IP40, Compact POE Power for Solar Power/RV Truck/VoIP Systems https://a.co/d/39KGaL4

Until 48V POE+ to 24v Passive POE to power Nanostation camera side

Ubiquiti INS-3AF-O-G Outdoor Gigabit Adapter https://a.co/d/4I343dh

Then at shooters side all you need is the second nanostation, 24v POE power injector plugged into laptop with a battery pack (Lithium jumper packs work great for 4-6hr) if you are doing a closed circuit Point to point setup with no cell/internet


If you are doing a cell /internet service setup like my latest setup you don't need any of the nanostatuons or 48v to 24v converter...

Just need this or similar as it has an ethernet port on it

Robot or human?

www.walmart.com

 

[padom]

This is why I went the drone way cause where I shoot distance there is no cell ( or maybe that is why I shoot there!). However if there is a 'better' system with 1 mile range that is in the same ball park for costs then be nice to share! a few pics?

Point to Point Nanostations with 10km range is your best option powered by 12v poe switch on a LiPo4 battery. My first setup just used one of those Lithium jumper 12v battery packs and my camera side setup stayed running for over 5hr.... 12v powering ghe poe+ switch...any cctv POE camera you want plugged into that poe switch and the Nanostation with the 48v to 24v Passive poe $30 converter I linked above is all you need.. you can even plug 4 cameras into this setup of you want.....but you will need bigger batteries or shorter run time. Cameras draw about 4-6w

Battery, single 12v to 24v poe converter eith nanostation at shooters side plugged into laptop is all you need to receive the signal at a no cell service site. Get more fancy like I did and power a small WiFi AP and then you don't need a laptop...you can connect your phone/tablet to the wifi network you setup on this AP and access the camera or cameras

 

[padom]

I fabricated a cheap arca mount to my mini bullet camera mounting plate and it qd slides on and off my mini tripod. I spent no time making it look all fancy and ready for sale.. but you can do that if you want

 

[padom]

I'd be more than glad to assist or walk anyone through it as a network engineer by trade. Maybe I'll make a walk through video of my setup laid out and show each part and connection when I get some free time.

 

[padom]

For those interested, if you don't want to deal with LiFePo4 battery's and terminals... you can buy 2 of something like this (1 for each side) to power everything

VTOMAN V8 Jump Starter, 2000A Peak for Up 8L Gas and 6L Diesel Engines, Car Battery Charger Portable Jump Box with Jumper Cables LCD Display 12V Auto Lithium Battery Booster Pack, Yellow https://a.co/d/bpn1ikm

And you would just need 2 of these, one for each side to plug into the above jumper battery pack and connect to the +/- of the 12v poe switch I linked above.. done. The bigger/more expensive battery packs the longer it will run before recharge but hours of use.

Amazon.com

 

[Tesoro]

All that fancy stuff sounds interesting but everything i need to see bullet holes up to a mile fits in this box. Apart from cost size was next criteria. My shooting bag is stuffed enuf!

 

[padom]

All that fancy stuff sounds interesting but everything i need to see bullet holes up to a mile fits in this box. Apart from cost size was next criteria. My shooting bag is stuffed enuf!
View attachment 1476399

What is your battery time this setup lasts? 640 resolution definitely didn't do it for me, especially shooting precision rimfire at distance.

 

[Tesoro]

What is your battery time this setup lasts? 640 resolution definitely didn't do it for me, especially shooting precision rimfire at distance.

I have left it running for 2 hrs in my shop transmitting and was still working off that tiny 12v AGM battery. I guess I can try longer but most of my LR shoots last about that long. Here is a pic of a back board peppered with 6mm holes plus some in the white plate I shot at 800 and had my wife hold up. No prob seeing holes with my little 50$ 3.5x.3.5 receiver monitor. The resolution looks better than it does in a camera pic.The battery in the pic was a larger one I use for my game cam.

 

[padom]

Where is your camera in thst video? Is thst right in front of the target?