has anybody used a security system type of camera to see areas on your layout that are not visible because of distance or scenery.
if so, any suggestions
thanks, Bruce
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@Bruce Feldman Thought of them, the cameras for areas blocked by the buildings and scenic but I spend too much already on the trains and scenic for the layout to spend anymore for the cameras. A really Good idea I feel, but not realistic for me. Please let us know how you intend on setting up the surveillance.
But as an alternative possibly use of mirrors or the curved disks reflectors.
What I might investigate is solar panels for the train room to store up power to operate the lighting and transformer.
Elliot(Big Boy 4005)used a closed circuit tv setup for his huge layout a few years ago. Here’s a start of that topic in his build thread. It might help you…
Thanks for your reply. What closed circuit tv system did you use ?
I use older Harber freight cameras and display for viewing my staging area and Wye. When I bought the system, Harbor Freight sold them with 2 cameras and a black and white small monitor about $50 on sale. the cameras were hardwired with 25 feet of thin cable I think.
The reviews had people complaining that these failed after a month outdoors. Mine has been in place over 5 years qne I have a buddy that has had one longer.
Now they sell one for a little more - maybe 60-70 on sale that is similar but color and a flat screen monitor.
Works fine for me.
When I do train shows with a large display. I pull the baby monitor out of the nursery and use this. You can find them on line cheap. Good if you do not need a big image view. Otherwise you will have to set up a computer and monitors for a large view. Should be able find some cheap cameras on line or at your local electronics store cheap.
I have a X 10 security camera I use on a rail car running on the layout. It transmits to a TV but is several years old and I do not know if they are still made or sell them (found on on ebay for $66 plus shipping with three cameras).
Charlie
Gosh, I would love to have that problem (i.e., a layout big enough I need a camera to monitor the activity).
Congratulations
WYZE. I use one mounted on the wall to see the yard tracks. Works by WiFi and transmits through your router to your tablet or phone. I also use one of their motion cams for shop security. Turns and follows you around the shop. I can see in my shop from anywhere and even remotely rotate and pan the camera. Look them up on their site. Not expensive.
If you use the WYZE cameras get the V3. It's low light level is so much better than the previous cameras.
I use four NEST camera's in four different locations (layout is 60x30). I give the web address to family so they can watch (grandchildren love it). Sometimes I will be working without the radio playing and hear voices. Finally realized it was grandchildren talking to me via the camera's. The color LED below the lens changes color if someone is watching.
