Since the Bloop Tube was a bust, let's try another off-the-wall project.

The attached picture shows a first-generation target camera cobbled together from various bits and pieces of interesting stuff.  While it does work, it needs a bit of refinement.

The heart of the system is a 2.4 Ghz video transmitter and receiver set that sells over the internet for the princely sum of $56.00 with two power supplies.  The 4.3" screen is from an aftermarket automobile back-up camera at $19.00.  The camera itself is a really cheesy "spy" camera which, as I recall, cost $22.00 a few years ago. 

I had to buy two power supply splitter cables that added another $10.00 to the overall cost.

The targets are set up at 200 yards and the picture is clear and readable - to the extent of the capability of the really cheap camera. 

Planned upgrades are a bigger screen, two lithium-ion rechargeable 12v battery packs, and a much better camera.

JackHughs

Please do elaborate on the transmitter/receivers!
That's the one part of the equation that I'm weak on...

A regular spotting scope doesn't record data either.  One big advantage it has is no distortion from heat waves.  Would be handy for finding bullets holes in poor conditions, like .25 holes at 200 yards. Bullet holes at 1000 yards.  Don't think I've seen a rule against this sort of spotting scope. 
The model I have has some disadvantages. One is not being able to move the camera. The camera has to be set on one target full screen to see holes reliably. If the sun reflects off the target just right you can't see anything. Fun to play with though. 

           Joe. 

gentleman, westerner said it best. it is fun to play.

ron   

A camera may have worked perfectly in that particular case, Dave. Think Tommy will have a solution to the problem this year.  I'll bring it along if you like. 

      Joe.

Maybe a drone fitted with a live camera feed that can swoop in and look at the targets.   

boats wrote on Jan 22^nd, 2014 at 11:54am:


A target camera will work for your 500 yard targets.  I'm reasonably sure that the inexpensive 2.4 Ghz transmitter/receiver I have will work out to 500 yards.  The major cost items will be the camera and the display.  A cheap ($20.00) fixed-focus camera will work. A $150.00 varifocal security camera will work better.  I plan to buy a more expensive camera soon to test.

The display can be a cheap 4.3" or 7" automotive "backup" display or, if power is available, any old TV set with RCA video inputs will do just fine.  A laptop computer can also be used but that would require the purchase of a "video capture device."   

The best part of this is how incredibly simple it is to put together.

JackHughs



 

westerner wrote on Jan 22^nd, 2014 at 12:47am:


westerner wrote on Jan 22^nd, 2014 at 10:40am:

Off-topic, but what my club does to aid finding shots in the bull is that on the 200, 300, 500, & 600 backers, the center black (high power type targets) is cut out. With the target stapled to the backer, any hit in the black is simple to see as the target it "backlit" by the ambient light of the day. Works slick!

Then again, this camera idea is darn cool to boot too !