how to setup a video camera on a long distance?? - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

MexicanOnABike · 01-21-2008, 07:00 PM

I'm not even sure how to say this but this is what i want to do:

I have a camera filming something and i want this to be shown on a monitor or TV at about 150ft away. I also have another camera that is ~20feet away that i need to have shown on the same monitor if possible.

My problem is that I'm not sure what type of equipment i need for this to work and what is the least expensive setup possible.

now if it's connected to a computer, it can be setup so that with a quick press of a key, it switches camera, then that's easy. I would prefer if they were on full screen and then switched when needed.

any ideas?

and if it helps, this is for a curling arena to be able to show the playing area to the crowd near the bar. (there's no seating available inside the arena so you have to look outside the main windows. for each section, theres about 10 ppl max that can view the ice. so it's boring for everyone else. )

Martian · 01-21-2008, 07:21 PM

The easiest way would probably be to get a pair of wireless cameras and set them up where you need them. The problem with this, however is twofold; for one, those types of cameras are not exactly cheap. Also, 150 ft is pushing it range-wise for 802.11G. If you could find a pair that are 802.11N compliant that should solve the range issue, but the cost is still a factor.

If you can run cables, you could also get a pair of wired cameras. They generally use ethernet and are slightly cheaper, although the cost of the cabling mitigates that somewhat. You'd need high quality cables too, probably shielded CAT 5E to avoid signal degradation over that kind of range.

The cheapest option might be a pair of old fashioned analog CCTV cameras with an A-B switch on the monitor to select between the two feeds. Unfortunately I have no idea exactly what dollar values would be for any of this. I'd suggest stopping by your local electronics stores and pricing out the different types of cameras available.

01-21-2008, 07:00 PM	#1 (permalink)
MexicanOnABike Location: up north	how to setup a video camera on a long distance?? I'm not even sure how to say this but this is what i want to do: I have a camera filming something and i want this to be shown on a monitor or TV at about 150ft away. I also have another camera that is ~20feet away that i need to have shown on the same monitor if possible. My problem is that I'm not sure what type of equipment i need for this to work and what is the least expensive setup possible. now if it's connected to a computer, it can be setup so that with a quick press of a key, it switches camera, then that's easy. I would prefer if they were on full screen and then switched when needed. any ideas? and if it helps, this is for a curling arena to be able to show the playing area to the crowd near the bar. (there's no seating available inside the arena so you have to look outside the main windows. for each section, theres about 10 ppl max that can view the ice. so it's boring for everyone else. ) __________________ - Movie Reviews - Ratings-

01-21-2008, 07:21 PM	#2 (permalink)
Martian Young Crumudgeon Location: Canada	The easiest way would probably be to get a pair of wireless cameras and set them up where you need them. The problem with this, however is twofold; for one, those types of cameras are not exactly cheap. Also, 150 ft is pushing it range-wise for 802.11G. If you could find a pair that are 802.11N compliant that should solve the range issue, but the cost is still a factor. If you can run cables, you could also get a pair of wired cameras. They generally use ethernet and are slightly cheaper, although the cost of the cabling mitigates that somewhat. You'd need high quality cables too, probably shielded CAT 5E to avoid signal degradation over that kind of range. The cheapest option might be a pair of old fashioned analog CCTV cameras with an A-B switch on the monitor to select between the two feeds. Unfortunately I have no idea exactly what dollar values would be for any of this. I'd suggest stopping by your local electronics stores and pricing out the different types of cameras available. __________________ I wake up in the morning more tired than before I slept I get through cryin' and I'm sadder than before I wept I get through thinkin' now, and the thoughts have left my head I get through speakin' and I can't remember, not a word that I said - Ben Harper, Show Me A Little Shame