Building a wireless range Cam

[chuckbuster243]

I just ordered a 4 watt, 1.2 ghz tx/rx set. I should be able to do 1000 yds with that with no problem. The 900 mhz transmitters do even better, but I stayed away from those because of all the cordless phones on that frequency and away from 2.4 ghz because of the proliferation of wireless routers on that frequency.

Where did you pick up that TX/RX set? is it something like this http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/900MHz-1500mW-4-channels-wireless-Audio-and-Video-Transmitter-and-Receiver/505678_459257528.html


I would love to find a US company selling these for the whole customer service thing. Matt

 

[Waskawood]

I think the reason that you do not find them sold in the U.S. is the output power. I forget the legal maximum power allowed but 1.5 watts exceeds it.

 

[Nomad47]

Was looking at those inverters and wondering about that...they're not that much on ebay, could I still run the camera on 12v then?

Yes. I would start with a 12 volt deep cycle battery (like what is used for trolling motors and RVs). Those batteries are designed for a small current drain over a longer period. (Car batteries are designed for cranking amps - high current over a short period of time.)
The larger (higher capacity) inverters come with alligator clip leads instead of a cigarette lighter plug when you can connect directly to the battery. You shouldn't have any trouble converting a cigarette lighter plug to alligator clips.
One thing to bear in mind - keep the wire size on the 12 volt side in the 14 to 16 gauge size (or larger) if possible. The smaller the wire, the more the voltage drop. For the inverter to output 1 amp at 120 VAC, it inputs 10 amps at 12 VDC. That is why the wire needs to be larger for 12 volts than it does for 120 volts.

 

[lrgoodger]

I just ordered a 4 watt, 1.2 ghz tx/rx set. I should be able to do 1000 yds with that with no problem. The 900 mhz transmitters do even better, but I stayed away from those because of all the cordless phones on that frequency and away from 2.4 ghz because of the proliferation of wireless routers on that frequency.

Where did you pick up that TX/RX set? is it something like this http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/900MHz-1500mW-4-channels-wireless-Audio-and-Video-Transmitter-and-Receiver/505678_459257528.html


I would love to find a US company selling these for the whole customer service thing. Matt

I looked high and low for a US source but couldn't find one. Here is what I ordered.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/330509040024?ssPageName=STRK:MESINDXX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1436.l2649

I've been surprised by how fast stuff from China gets here. I've ordered patch cords, calipers and such and for the price with no expectations of quality, I have been satisfied. The quality has not been bad at all on the items I have gotten. The only problem with the 1 watt tx/rx was the low power.

Out in the middle of a 10,000 acre ranch 10 miles wide in Wyoming, I doubt even a 4 watt tx will get off the property, especially with all the ridges in the area to block the signal. Those power restrictions were created out of necessity for urban areas. It's simply another case of trying to make one law fit every situation. It can't be done.

 

[Old Navy]

This is the kit I bought. Works just fine out to 1K. This kit sells all over the net from $30 to $120. I am still looking for the antennas I bought. Later! Frank

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2W-4CH-2-4G-Wireless-AV-Audio-Video-Transmitter-Receiver-Kits/380604653206?_trksid=p2045573.m2042&_trkparms=aid%3D111000%26algo%3DREC.CURRENT%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D27%26meid%3D8913162860649696010%26pid%3D100033%26prg%3D1011%26rk%3D1%26sd%3D380604653206%26

 

[chuckbuster243]

I ordered the 4w models (UK815) I am looking to try them to 1k today... Keep your fingers crossed. Anybody else had the chance to take them for a spin yet? Matt

 

[lrgoodger]

A word of caution on that 4 watt chinese transmitter. When they say don't turn it on without an antenna or it will damage the transmitter, they mean it. After I replaced the final output it worked again until I accidently connected it with polarity reversed. There is absolutely no reverse polarity protection.

In the short time I did have it working, I didn't see any better performance than the 1 watt unit gave.

Caveat emptor.

 

[DJ111]

Used this at 600 yards with no issues at all, about $90

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2-4GHz-Wireless-3W-Audio-Video-AV-Signal-Transmitter-Sender-Receiver-VCR-DVR-DVD-/200739952779?pt=US_Audio_Video_Transmitters&hash=item2ebd08988b

 

[rvn1968]

This is slightly offbase but a Connecticut store name Cables & Connectors always comes through when you are trying to hook all this up.