Portable Tractor Camera System

[JohnnyMX]

WiFi is just a transport method to connect two devices. Think of it more like Bluetooth in this case, but with better range between the two devices. From the seat of the tractor to anywhere on the tractor you would mount the camera is well within range for both. For example, I have a Deeper fish-finder that I can tie to the end of a fishing pole and cast or drag behind a boat that can link to my phone over wifi or Bluetooth to display depths, temps, sonar etc. and I do not need internet to use either. Wifi in your house is between your wireless router and your device OVER the WiFi connection which is why most people think Wifi means internet. One of the most common connection protocols is Wifi.... can you think of a phone with WiFi ability that cant' connect to the internet if an available connection exits?

 

[scootr]

Good info here. Picture quality is paramount to useability. 1080p is a must. Also pay attention to the camera view angle when ordering. And lastly get a monitor that can switch between 2 or more views so you can have a front and a rear view. There are such cameras and screens on Amazon for around $100. I installed one on my skid steer. And I use 2 rear cameras one low 140º view for distance and one under the roof 180º for close work. I can now back the Bobcat down the barn isle etc without too much worry.

 

[Complete Turf Care]

Good info here. Picture quality is paramount to useability. 1080p is a must. Also pay attention to the camera view angle when ordering. And lastly get a monitor that can switch between 2 or more views so you can have a front and a rear view. There are such cameras and screens on Amazon for around $100. I installed one on my skid steer. And I use 2 rear cameras one low 140º view for distance and one under the roof 180º for close work. I can now back the Bobcat down the barn isle etc without too much worry.

I would like to see your camera setup in your skid steer. Can you post pics? I have a Kubota skid steer, and backing is always an issue.

 

[newbury]

This system sell for $350 and comes with a rechargeable camera and a monitor. Handy 7 Wireless Hitch Camera

Here is another smaller, cheaper model that uses a 9 volt battery instead of a rechargeable battery. Wireless Magnetic Battery Operated Portable Car Rear View Reverse Backup Camera 6973765 | eBay


How does this compare in cost to buying all the components separately?

I'm assuming you would need to buy:
1. camera
2. monitor
3. battery
4. battery dock to connect to the camera
5. magnet
6. any brackets and hardware needed for mounting.

Did I miss anything?

I would assume buying the components separately would cost less, but how much less?

Don't remember why I skipped thread but:

For an easily moved system only needed occasionally where you have cell signal -
Camera - $30 - Wyze V2
monitor - my phone
Battery - inexpensive battery bank $10
1 gallon ziploc bag - $1
magnet - $1 (Neodymium Disc Magnet N52 Dia 5/8x 3/16" w/ #6 Countersunk on N or S Pole

So total is about $50 or less.

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The camera has a magnetic base, I use the magnet in case I have to hang the baggie.
I set the phone up as a "hot spot"

 

[scootr]

I would like to see your camera setup in your skid steer. Can you post pics? I have a Kubota skid steer, and backing is always an issue.

Description and links here >

Skid steer back-up camera

In the 1.5 years I've owned my Bobcat S 185 skidsteer I have put on about 63 hours plowing our driveway, which has 3 houses. Rear visibility is very poor, and I plow in the dark most often. The bottom of the driveway goes along high tide, and the upper end meets a state highway. I plow up...

www.tractorbynet.com

 

[bdhsfz6]

You can make a portable camera system from almost any wireless camera & monitor you have around. The trick is to power them with cordless tool batteries and use magnetic mounts. That way, they can be placed anywhere and even moved from tractor to tractor with no wire connections at all.

In post #29, I linked a thread on how I made one:

Portable Tractor Camera System

I have a fairly cheap wireless camera system I use on one of my tractors. I occasionally need to use a camera on other equipment as well. Rather than buy multiple cameras, I converted the one I have into a portable rig. Although the camera video is wireless, both camera and display require...

www.tractorbynet.com

 

[shooterdon]

You can make a portable camera system from almost any wireless camera & monitor you have around. The trick is to power them with cordless tool batteries and use magnetic mounts. That way, they can be placed anywhere and even moved from tractor to tractor with no wire connections at all.

In post #29, I linked a thread on how I made one:

Portable Tractor Camera System

I have a fairly cheap wireless camera system I use on one of my tractors. I occasionally need to use a camera on other equipment as well. Rather than buy multiple cameras, I converted the one I have into a portable rig. Although the camera video is wireless, both camera and display require...

www.tractorbynet.com

I tried that and it killed my cordless battery. Too easy to forget to remove the battery. It will drain to nothing and then it is done. Tried to "resurrect" the battery as shown on some YouTube videos but the battery was never the same and I junked it. Dewalt LI-Ion batteries are not cheap.

I went with a camera that can be charged via USB and solar charger.

 

[bdhsfz6]

I tried that and it killed my cordless battery. Too easy to forget to remove the battery. It will drain to nothing and then it is done. Tried to "resurrect" the battery as shown on some YouTube videos but the battery was never the same and I junked it. Dewalt LI-Ion batteries are not cheap.

I went with a camera that can be charged via USB and solar charger.

Certainly a consideration, and important to know.

To avoid this, I never leave the batteries connected to the camera and always use a freshly charged one when I use the system. A 5AH DeWalt battery will power my camera and / or monitor for around 3 days of continuous operation, more than is required for most work operations. By putting a fresh battery in every morning, I've avoided any battery damage.

Of course this can vary depending on the camera and what you're doing with it.

 

[shooterdon]

Certainly a consideration, and important to know.

To avoid this, I never leave the batteries connected to the camera and always use a freshly charged one when I use the system. A 5AH DeWalt battery will power my camera and / or monitor for around 3 days of continuous operation, more than is required for most work operations. By putting a fresh battery in every morning, I've avoided any battery damage.

Of course this can vary depending on the camera and what you're doing with it.

Most people do not use a tractor that often. The setup you have works for you but may not be the best for most folks.

BTW, it was your original post that had me try using a cordless battery and it worked great...until it didn't. If someone goes down that road, I suggest getting a cheap knock off battery. A 5 amp Dewalt is $70, the knock offs are 1/2 that.

 

[bdhsfz6]

Most people do not use a tractor that often. The setup you have works for you but may not be the best for most folks.

BTW, it was your original post that had me try using a cordless battery and it worked great...until it didn't. If someone goes down that road, I suggest getting a cheap knock off battery. A 5 amp Dewalt is $70, the knock offs are 1/2 that.

Anyone who uses DeWalt batteries in non OEM devices should be aware that there is no low voltage cutoff in the battery. That circuit is in the DeWalt tools. There are many aftermarket devices on the market that will damage DeWalt batteries by over discharging.

Other brands, like Makita, have the LVC in the battery and are not subject to this problem. Always a good idea to check first.