Building a Wireless Target Camera System

[Jay Christopherson]

Nope, that would totally work. I didn't do it because the laptop I have is an older one without an internal wireless card.

The inverter only applies to Mike's system, used to power the monitor/screen that is back at the line. With mine, I just use a 12VDC battery setup as describe in the original post.

Is there any reason you could not connect a high gain antenna to the router end of jaychris' system and aim it back at your shooting position?

Then all you would need at the shooting position is the laptop if it has an internal wireless card.

Maybe I am missing something here though?

Also, a lot of cameras and routers I am seeing operate on 12vDC power. If that is the case then there is no need for the inverter correct?

 

[Taildrag15X]

Nope, that would totally work. I didn't do it because the laptop I have is an older one without an internal wireless card.

The inverter only applies to Mike's system, used to power the monitor/screen that is back at the line. With mine, I just use a 12VDC battery setup as describe in the original post.

Is there any reason you could not connect a high gain antenna to the router end of jaychris' system and aim it back at your shooting position?

Then all you would need at the shooting position is the laptop if it has an internal wireless card.

Maybe I am missing something here though?

Also, a lot of cameras and routers I am seeing operate on 12vDC power. If that is the case then there is no need for the inverter correct?

jay,

I also use a battery with an inverter at the Camera/Transmitter for powering both, the camera battery doesn't last long and you need to power the transmitter.

 

[Taildrag15X]

lazyeiger,

"Also as a word of warning I believe you do need an FCC technician amatuer radio license to operate any of the units described in these posts!!"

THIS IS FALSE FOR THE SYSTEM I USE, NO, REPEAT, NO FCC LICENSE IS NEEDED TO USE THE TRANSMITTER SYSTEM I USE!!!!!!

I'm not so sure on any systems that have been BOOSTING SIGNAL STRENGTH WITH LARGER, GAIN ANTENNAS ON THE TRANSMITTERS as I think that pushes them over the limit and into FCC control.

Adding to the RECIEVER ANTENNA is a different story, you can have as much on that end as you want without pushing into the FCC area.

 

[lazyeiger]

Mike,

I stand corrected!

I did some more resarch and it looks like there are 3 primary ISM (Industrial, Scientific, Medical) bands that are unlicensed

“900” MHz 902-928 MHz
“2.4” GHz 2400-2483.5 MHz
“5.7” or “5.8” GHz 5725-5850 MHz

This makes sense as most WiFi and cordless phones use these frequencies.

There are many other rules which concern power of the transmitter and antena gain but I think as long as you don't black out everyones WiFi in the area no one will care anyway!

Jon

 

[Taildrag15X]

In the remote part of the woods it's no biggy, but with more growth around some Ranges it could be an issue if there is any cases of interference.

 

[queen_stick]

Mike,

I stand corrected!

I did some more resarch and it looks like there are 3 primary ISM (Industrial, Scientific, Medical) bands that are unlicensed

“900” MHz 902-928 MHz
“2.4” GHz 2400-2483.5 MHz
“5.7” or “5.8” GHz 5725-5850 MHz

This makes sense as most WiFi and cordless phones use these frequencies.

There are many other rules which concern power of the transmitter and antena gain but I think as long as you don't black out everyones WiFi in the area no one will care anyway!

Jon

It's a valid point though...

Even though these bands are "unregulated," there are still limitations that manufacturers must not exceed. (The term "Unregulated" in this case, means anyone can use it for free) There are transmitter power limits in public bands that you should not exceed. You will be fined by the FCC if they catch you going over those limits. In densely populated areas, this is a big deal; especially in locations like an apartment complex.

The power limits are dependent on the topology as well. Meaning if you use an omnidirectional transmitter, your power limit is much lower than a unidirectional transmitter. The narrow beams with unidirectional antennas seriously reduce interference with other devices in the area trying to use that band.

With that said, considering the remote location of most 600 and 1000 yard ranges, I don't believe you would run into an issue if you were to exceed the power limits a bit. If you're using a high gain omnidirectional antenna to get a signal to reach 1000 yards, you're likely very close to the limit, if not exceeding it. (You're sending that signal 1000 yards in all directions... not just towards the bench.)

Here's a good link for info on calculating your power, and what the limitations are:
http://www.wifi-doc.com/Cisco.Press-802.11.Wireless.Ne/1587051648/ch03lev1sec6.html

The bottom line is to just be careful when trying to add gain to wireless systems... FCC fines are not cheap. You don't want to find out the hard way.

 

[queen_stick]

Has anyone ever built a "can-tenna?"

I've never done it, but I know they seriously increase the range of you WiFi network, and it's within legal limits. I just don't know how far they can reach.

If they can reach 1000 yards, then this would likely be the cheapest possible solution... it's made out of a Pringles can!

 

[queen_stick]

alright guys... It's not clearly documented due to having too many variables for each case, but in pure LOS (line of Sight) situations, the "cantenna's" are reaching up to 3 miles.

That's great news for us! You can build one of these for VERY cheap.
see: http://www.turnpoint.net/wireless/cantennahowto.html

Or you can buy one for between $30 and $50
for example: http://www.wirelessgardenstore.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=3&Redirected=Y

This could be something worth exploring if your serious about building one of these systems on a budget.

 

[Hollywood]

I know this is an old thread but, has Anyone tried to use there DIY kit with bullsey target cam program.