Hardware Hacking Projects for Geeks

104

Part I: Basic Hacks, Tools, and Techniques

Project Overview

When I began this hack, I looked at a number of inexpensive color video

cameras. One of the first I experimented with was the X-10 wired color

video camera, which has been advertised extensively on the Web.

I purchased one of these cameras and connected it to see the image quality

it produced. After connecting the camera to a small LCD television, I was

immediately disappointed with the results. The images had little color and

would often break up if the lighting levels changed even slightly. It was clear

that I needed a better solution.

A quick search in the DigiKey catalog yielded the answer: a small color

video camera made by Panasonic. After a quick test of image quality, this

camera looked right for the project.

You will assemble this camera and mounting hardware in a few simple

steps. The camera will be connected to a small LCD monitor that you will

install inside the car for viewing the video images. The camera will be pro-

tected inside of a Pactec plastic case.

Hardware Assembly Instructions

For this project, you will need to know how to solder and how to read a

schematic diagram.

1. Assemble the camera housing

To begin, you will need the Pactec plastic

housing, the Panasonic color video camera,

two 2-56 screws (1 inch long) and nuts, and

a small piece of clear Lucite. You will be

drilling and cutting holes in the plastic case

to hold the camera and protect it from the

elements.

Drill holes in front of the plastic enclosure

You will need to make several holes for the

camera lens and mounting points on one

side of the Pactec housing, as shown in

Figure 6-1. Note that the measurements are

in inches. If you use a different housing, you

will need to adjust these measurements.

1.54

All measurements made from inner ‘lip’ of component

0.56

1.05

2.10

ø

0.10

ø

0.50

0.76

0.35

Figure 6-1: Camera cutouts

Project Overview

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105

Chapter 6, How to Hack a Video Periscope for Your Car

Cut exit hole for wire

Next, cut several holes in the back of the plastic enclosure to allow the

video and power cables to exit. You will also need to cut holes that allow

you to capture the cables inside the enclosure with tie wraps. Cut holes in

the pattern shown in Figure 6-2. You do not need to be exact about these

dimensions.

Mount the camera

The Panasonic camera has two holes on either side of the lens. These holes

will easily fit a 2-56 threaded screw. Use two 1-inch-long, nylon 2-56 screws

to hold the camera to the front plate you cut in the previous task. You can

see what this looks like in Figure 6-3. Do not tighten the screws too much,

as you will later need to adjust the focus of the camera by rotating the front

lens on the camera.

2. Assemble the power supply

The camera requires a 5V power supply to operate, and the LCD TV set I

used requires just over 6 volts. The cigarette lighter socket in your car sup-

plies 12 volts, and the circuit converts it to the required 5 and 6 volts. You

can easily build this circuit in about an hour.

Build the simple power supply according to the schematic diagram in

Exhibit B. This circuit can be built in a small piece of perforated board and

placed inside a small insulating enclosure. When you are done, it should

look similar to what you see in Figure 6-4.

Figure 6-3: Camera mount

1.30

All measurements made from inner ‘lip’ of component

0.40

0.90

2.10

ø

0.10

0.76

0.50

0.20

0.25

Figure 6-2: Camera enclosure back diagram

Figure 6-4: Power supply PCB

Hardware Assembly Instructions

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