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Old 02-22-14, 12:43 PM   #11
Xringer
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Default Should I add a "Frost Cam"?

If I had a night vision camera behind my main Sanyo, I could see the ice forming!
I could also watch the defrost cycles to make sure enough ice was melted.

I was looking at Ebay back-up cameras for cars, but I realized that my old
junky IRNV scope might be usable for this project..
Weaver NightView Digital Night Vision Scope - 849397 . Weaver Night Vision.
Since I have an underwater case for a 35mm camera, that might be used to weather proof the NV viewer!

It looks like all the parts will just fit inside.. So, I'm going to start Hacking!



Frost Viewing Cam Rev 1.0

Just need to hack the electronics, so the camera and IR LEDs come on,
when the 9V power supply is turned on.. That might be the deal killer..


Edit: 19:47 2/22/14
It looks like the IR LEDs come on every time power is applied.
I've removed a rear viewfinder port, to accommodate video and power cables.
The video cable is real 20' foot video cable. From the junk box.

Tired to make the install as water resistant as possible.
I've tested the camera with a 9V WallWart (really puts out 10V) and it works!
Full power on the LEDs and a fairly nice B&W picture, in both day and nite modes.
The resolution seems pretty nice too. Should do the job easily.
I've ordered a modern 9V 2A regulated WallWart off Ebay. Be here in a week or so.

I've noticed the focus is different in IR nite mode. I'm going to set the lens
up for night, and let it be a bit out of focus during the day time.
Since the majority of defrost cycles occur at night.

~~~
I'll only turn on the cam power when I want to look at the Sanyo coil.
The 9V power supply will be plugged into my X10 RC5000..
http://cache2.smarthome.com/images/4000_nbig.jpg
It's the RF receiver that I use to pick up RF X10 control signals from the remote control
and the FireCracker RF transmitter connected to the CAI board.
~~~
I'll be running the video cable up to the small HDTV in the living room. It has a composite input.
The cable is long enough to reach the security-cam DVR (the DVR is connected to the VGA on the TV).
So, I can record videos of frost & defrost cycles.. Post them on YouTube! LOL!

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Last edited by Xringer; 02-23-14 at 12:34 PM..
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air conditioner, diy, heat pump


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