N Gauge Forum

General Category => N Gauge Discussion => Topic started by: greenlaneman on May 03, 2015, 02:56:15 PM

Title: Using cameras and screens to view parts of layout
Post by: greenlaneman on May 03, 2015, 02:56:15 PM
Does anybody out there have experience of using cameras and screens to view parts of a layout?
The club n gauge layout under construction has a high back scene which obstructs viewing of some of the track work which runs close to the back scene. (layout is operated from behind the back scene).
There have been some suggestions how to get round this, some of which cannot be repeated here, such as: -
Cut down back scene.
Stand on a box.
Use camera(s) and screen(s)
It is the last that is currently being investigated.
Title: Re: Using cameras and screens to view parts of layout
Post by: Bob Tidbury on May 03, 2015, 05:14:10 PM
Look on tinternet for car reversing camera kits
Bob
Title: Re: Using cameras and screens to view parts of layout
Post by: Luke Piewalker on May 03, 2015, 05:33:46 PM
Could you not have mirrors mounted on the arch?
Or an inspection mirror on a stick (if you just need to occasional glance)?
Title: Re: Using cameras and screens to view parts of layout
Post by: Bealman on May 03, 2015, 10:55:17 PM
Both of those ideas are good, Luke, cheap, too. Mind you, the camera - monitor kits suggested by Bob are very cheap these days, too.

Lots of options now for the OP!  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: Using cameras and screens to view parts of layout
Post by: binksforbikes on May 04, 2015, 01:17:51 AM
The idea of the car reversing camera appeals to me a lot as I have had many futile attempts with mirrors to see a hidden part of my layout

I would be very interested to here from anybody who has had any success with the car cam .

one problem that comes to mind is how close can you put an  object to such a cam and have it still remain in focus

Thanks Steve
Title: Re: Using cameras and screens to view parts of layout
Post by: railsquid on May 04, 2015, 02:01:16 AM
Quote from: binksforbikes on May 04, 2015, 01:17:51 AM
The idea of the car reversing camera appeals to me a lot as I have had many futile attempts with mirrors to see a hidden part of my layout

I would be very interested to here from anybody who has had any success with the car cam .

one problem that comes to mind is how close can you put an  object to such a cam and have it still remain in focus

Thanks Steve

See the latter part of the camera car thread (http://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/index.php?topic=8974.msg301403#msg301403) for some discussion on focussing.