Roof-Mount Dome HD Camera with Controls

[Larry Bell]

Hi Folks,

I am looking at maybe installing a roof-mounted HD Camera that has remote controls inside my truck (to pan left and right, and to zoom in and out).

Anyone have any suggestions on some?

Thanks,
Larry

 

[James Gustina]

Hi Larry,

You might want to go ahead and flip through this thread that Wesley started about his dome cam. It might have some of the info you're looking for.

http://stormtrack.org/community/threads/streaming-ip-camera-dome-camera.27816/#post-323875

 

[Larry Bell]

Hi Larry,

You might want to go ahead and flip through this thread that Wesley started about his dome cam. It might have some of the info you're looking for.

http://stormtrack.org/community/threads/streaming-ip-camera-dome-camera.27816/#post-323875

James,
Thanks for the link!
Larry

 

[Wesley Luginbyhl]

I have actually built 3 separate versions now. The goal was to be cheap as possible.

My first dome I built in 2010/2011, featured a 18" diameter dome with a 3 stacks of 3/4" plywood for a frame. Build cost was between $300-500 from what I remember. I used a Bescor MP-101 that I modded to do 360 degrees for the mount. I bought a Canon HD HF100 to use in there. The Bescor allowed me to rotate the the camera around and had a 15 degree pitch available. I could zoom the camera, but it required me to stick the remote outside the car to get line-of-sight. I think some Sony cameras allow you to control their cameras through a cable. I quit using it after I bought a vehicle without a roof rack and got tired of the hassle. It was very large, so it took up way too much space in the vehicle and added a lot of drag. Couple MPG per trip.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.945440851887.2558611.9609344&type=1&l=6346031130


Dome design #2 from last year, that James linked, featured a 8" diameter dome with a Foscam IP camera. I actually preferred to use a non-HD camera in that setup as it operated more smoothly and was less troublesome. Downside is was not HD and still a bit of a pain to maintain. Perks to it though, it was very small and lightweight. Only took a couple minutes to setup and since it sat behind my fairing on my roof rack the drag was not noticeable. It was also quite stealth, at least compared to the monster I built before.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10102865628155097.1073741872.9609344&type=1&l=f867009ad4



I have redesigned dome #2 for this year and changing out what camera is in there. I am using the same 8" dome but built a brand new box with a couple extra inches of room to house the Bescor mount again. I am mounting a JVC Adixxion GC-XA2 (like a GoPro, but cheaper) alongside a HD webcam (Microsoft 5001). The JVC is so I can record HD from the dome. Had it on the windshield last year, but I hate not having an HD camera not pointed at the storm at all times. The webcam is so I can see where the cameras are pointed and what the storm looks like at all times.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10103631676488097.1073741913.9609344&type=1&l=8bcb8da6fe




There are other options out there like MesoDome (http://www.mesodome.com/), but cost are a big factor. My designs are as cheap as you are going to find when it comes to domes.

Some costs to consider:
Dome - 18" was $120 with shipping, 8" was $45
Bescor - $80-$130, mod is free
Foscam - $20-$100 depending on model, Other HD cameras can cost $50 to $300
Plywood - $10-$25
Various parts for box - $10-$50
other costs include programs and other stuff like that

Size comparison between dome sizes -


If anyone wants to buy my old 18" dome with the box from the first build I will sell it, though it has to be picked up in Amarillo. Just collecting dust at this point.

 

[TJ Whitt]

Hi Folks,

I am looking at maybe installing a roof-mounted HD Camera that has remote controls inside my truck (to pan left and right, and to zoom in and out).

Anyone have any suggestions on some?

Thanks,
Larry

My current project is putting either a HD webcam or a GoPro in a GoLight. Got a cheap GoLight off eBay and took out the lamp. The GoLight can pan/tilt and comes with a wireless remote.

 

[Wesley Luginbyhl]

My current project is putting either a HD webcam or a GoPro in a GoLight. Got a cheap GoLight off eBay and took out the lamp. The GoLight can pan/tilt and comes with a wireless remote.

I thought about doing something like that with a go light originally in my first build. Ended up wanting a full size camera back in 2011 so I built something bigger. As far as cheap can go that would be good. Downside: you would need to find a way to keep the gopro powered. There are was to do that but will take a little more work (running a usb calbe inside and probably adding a grommet to keep the water out).

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Stormtrack mobile app

 

[Marc R. O'Leary]

I thought about doing something like that with a go light originally in my first build. Ended up wanting a full size camera back in 2011 so I built something bigger. As far as cheap can go that would be good. Downside: you would need to find a way to keep the gopro powered. There are was to do that but will take a little more work (running a usb calbe inside and probably adding a grommet to keep the water out).

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Stormtrack mobile app

What about modifying a goPRO power cable to run off the goLight's already existing internal power feed?

 

[Wesley Luginbyhl]

I could see that working, but will need a little more electrical knowledge than I would be comfortable with. Would seem possible though. Hopefully it wouldnt mess up the pan tilt function.

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Stormtrack mobile app

 

[Larry Bell]

I got in touch with Brad from MesoDome, and told him everything I want/wanted and he is custom building me one. It should be ready probably by the first week of April. Thanks everyone for the replies, and good luck in the 2016 Chase Season.

 

[TJ Whitt]

Marc, that may be possible to do. However, would have to build a circuit that would limit the voltage/amperage from the GoLight connector since it is connected to the main power lead.

 

[Marc R. O'Leary]

That's what I was thinking. Even just modify a small line to usb charger like for a phone. Just, like you said, need to be sure power matches camera.

This idea interests me. May have to keep an eye out for one of those lights.

 

[Michael Gavan]

I didn't realize I was doing almost the same thing in parallel! Instead of GoLight I used a suparee LED light. $95. If you delete the light, you can use the 12v leads. Just wire it up directly to a USB car adapter. (there's room inside). Then the on/off switch will enable/disable the charge to GoPro.... Or just steel direct from the income 12v lead for full time.

So, on to my version. I installed a Logitech C920 into the unit. Now I can record for virtually eternity to the laptop, stream it at the same time, and even control focus, lighting, etc right from the laptop.

http://www.amazon.com/Suparee-Rotat...id=1457641709&sr=1-1-catcorr&keywords=suparee

Couple things, there's a 'nipple' on the front of the light cover. You'll need to offset the camera away from it. The INSIDE of the light does the TILT. Which means you need to mount the camera to the light housing, not the cover. The motor tracks need extra greese. Manufacturer was particularly lazy at this. Add silica gel packs to the inside to reduce fog. Motors are LOUD. RF Remote has fantastic range and works inside the car just fine.

All in all, sub $200 investment. WITH camera.