Right, here's my next idea for my car.

After deciding to put the sound system on hold, I've decided I'm going to fit the following:

i)
An Archos AV700TV (This not only plays movies and music etc, it doubles as a DVR (Digital Video Recorder) for my next item)

ii)
A front mounted colour night vision camera to record non stop - Records both the "fun" journeys but also any accidents whether my car's involved or not etc. (In Sept 2006 I was knocked off my moped by a van who decided to pull out on me, and no he didn't stop, obviously I didn't have time to take his number plate, so he got away with it - hence a camera, the evidence is unquestionable )

iii)
A bumper mounted reversing camera (again night vision), with the image displayed on a dash mounted monitor.

No doubt there will be more to come.

What's everyones first impression of the new project?

Feedback welcome as always.

Tar, Tom

I really like the idea of the constantly recording front camera!

Got anymore info on it?

yeah, it's a normal night vision CCTV camera with AV (female) out, the Archos AV700TV can pick up and record the footage for upto 400 hours via its AV cable (Male).

I'll get a complete list when I've wired it all up and made sure it works, then I'll write the guide for everyone .

Tom

sounds like a very good idea, where you going to put the one at the front? in the grill? and what about the rear camera?

Well im a CCTV engineer so know all about this stuff. your main problem is power draw, nearly every camera requires a constant 12v 2-3amp voltage. that along with your AV-recorder could result in a dead battery in the morning. the more expensive route is to install dual charging. a second battery charging from the alternator (requires uprated alternator) mounted somewhere in the car, tbh the hassle it will cause you is definatly not worth the outcome.

Oh yeah, I see what you mean, but I'd only have the equiptment on when the car's running.

The rear camera I'll be mounting in the lower part of the rear bumper where the black stip runs (Pic 1)

The front camera will be mounted on the dashboard (passenger side) or depending on the mount, up on the(interior) roof, infront of the rear view mirror.

Tom

4got the picture lol

The black strip is the bit between the reverse and fog light.

john cooper works mini next to it? nice car.

looks like you have really thought this through, it sounds great to me, where you going to put the archos? mount it from the windscreen or on the dash?

btw mate, if you come across those side stripes you have in black grab me them and il send you some money for them, i really want them!

if you have plenty of dosh do it. it wont be cheap. dont think that any old camera will do, and normally ones with RCA's are PANTS.

if your talking about catching a crash, say for instance a hit and run. a generic camera wouldn't catch the numberplate or drivers face, however if you used a decent manufacturer you've got more chance.

i suggest something with a decent Sony or Phillips lens (provide best quality for money)

if you wanna spend more i have a few night vision bullet cameras in the shop, more than up to the job.

How much were you looking at for your bullet cams?

There were these i'd already taken a peak at on the bay:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/420TV-COLOUR-...ryZ48632QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Tar
Tom

I wish I had more money than sense - each to their own I suppose!

How many hit and runs are there in a day - not too many.
How many hit and runs in the places you drive too - even fewer.
How many of these could you get involved in - less than 0.1%? So If I were you, I would resurrect the new sound system.

No offence is meant, but I would think a bit more before spending what is sure to be a lot of money on something, that in all likelyhood will never be used (apart from rear camera, but reverse sensors do a reasonable job of this along with good old fashioned mirrors), will not improve your car (in fact will worsen it, due to more weight) and will leave you looking slightly paranoid, not too mention the 'big brother' aspect.

So for me, it's a

venomco said:

How much were you looking at for your bullet cams?

There were these i'd already taken a peak at on the bay:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/420TV-COLOUR-...ryZ48632QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Tar
Tom

Click to expand...

not the best ive seen

Hey GrandeJ, How much are the bullet cams in your shop and do you have a link to the ones they are? thanks in advance.

Also, the camera isn't just for the hit and runs it's more one of those gadgets just to have, record any track days or just good runs in the car, it's just an advantage that it may just catch that one time someone drives off, or if not catch someone who drives off from a collision i've witnessed etc.

As for the weight lol, ways far less than the sound system I was going to get, plus with Angel tuning (when it's done) it wont really matter that much...


Thanks for all your input guys, and yeah i'll keep an eye out for those stripes

Tar Tom

well were selling these cheap now. means no cable runs

http://www.southeastsecurity.net/catalogue.php?item=7&catid=Covert%20Cameras&ret=southeastsecurity.net%2Fcatalogue.php%3Fpage%3D1%26category%3DCovert%2520Cameras

but if you want a proper quote. fraid you gotta ring up. if you say Jamie (thats me ) told you, ill get the quote referred to me and can probably get you a discount.


EDIT: ill have to check the voltage of the equipment as im not sure becuase the wireless ones come with mains leads

Might be worth scouring the net some USA car insurance companies already have this type of system on offer for a huge premium reduction their idea being if your constantly recorded (one camera watches the driver and another the road ahead) you will drive safely also it will probably need to be time and date stamped to be admissible in court..

funny you mentioned that, checked with my law lecturer who said really I should display wording on the vehicle stating CCTV is in operation, but yes it is time and date stamped by the archos anyway so it's all good.

Thanks for your input guys.

Tom

how you getting on with this tom? any more updates?

Yea, it's going good. My Archos and all the cables have arrived, now i'm waiting for my camera to arrive (2moz hopefully), then after my law exam mon, I'll start fitting it all.
More updates to come after its all done lol.

Cheers.

Sounds like a good project - you'll be able to record all the awful drivers you see on the road and then show your mates! I'm interested in seeing some sample day / night pictures when you've got it all up and running.

There's a place in the states that does a system similar to the setup you've outlined: http://obsusa.com/index.html.

The cameras they use look quite smart:


Here's one they've put in the back on the rear view mirror:


They've even got pinhole cameras in the window pillars (bit worried about the Burberry sun visor!):


and the results don't look too shabby:



It doesn't come cheap though - $1500.

Wonder if these images could be used in legal procedings or to catch someones poor/bad/illegal driving?