Simple minicamera with wired connection

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility of using a wired connection for a mini-camera, specifically an FPV camera, over a distance of approximately 30 meters. Participants explore various technical aspects, including cable types, signal integrity, and camera specifications, while addressing the challenges associated with long-distance video transmission.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant inquires about the viability of extending wire connections for an FPV camera up to 30 meters.
  • Another participant suggests that using plain wire may not yield good results, recommending 75 Ohm coax cable for better video quality.
  • A third participant emphasizes the importance of checking the camera's datasheet to understand the video data format and potential termination requirements for long-distance transmission.
  • Specifications from the camera's product page indicate it outputs 1.2Vpp at 75 Ohms in PAL format, with a horizontal resolution of 600TVL.
  • Concerns are raised about signal degradation over 30 meters, with one participant sharing personal experience that suggests even high-quality CCTV cameras struggle at that distance.
  • Another participant mentions successfully using a similar setup for shorter distances (up to 12 meters) but required additional components for signal integrity.
  • One participant recommends considering budget CCTV mini-cameras designed for longer cable runs, noting that they typically have better signal transmission capabilities.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the feasibility of using a 30-meter wired connection for the mini-camera, with some suggesting it may not work well while others propose specific solutions. No consensus is reached regarding the best approach or equipment.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the lack of detailed technical specifications for the camera and uncertainty about the impact of cable quality and length on signal integrity. The discussion highlights the need for careful consideration of video transmission standards and potential signal loss over distance.

Neitrino
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If you use just plain wire, most likely not very well, if at all. If you use 75 Ohm coax cable to carry the video you have a much better chance of getting decent video. But at that price, under USD $8, it is certainly worth a try! You may pay that much for the coax cable alone.

Cheers,
Tom
 
Neitrino said:
Dear PF,
I need to have a simple mini-camera with wire connection... (i don't want wireless transmission).
if i get for example an ordinary small FPV camera:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/Mic...lgo_pvid=2c18d85c-8461-4d45-9ef0-151842811e18

and i will extend wire connections let's say up to 30 m long will it work ?

Or what advises can you give me ?
Well, clicking into your link doesn't help me much. In the 30 seconds or so that I can look around that page, there are no datasheets or technical information that I can find, and then a giant advertisement pops up blocking any access to the information. Not a great link.

To answer your question, you need to look at the datasheet to see what format the video data is transmitted in back up that ribbon cable (?). If it's digital compressed data and you can forward-terminate or back-terminate that digital transmission line, you have a chance at using a long wired link.

What experience do you have with high speed transmission lines and termination schemes? Can you post a datasheet for that candidate camera module please? Thanks.
 
Specs from the aliexpress page.

Says output is 1.2Vpp, 75 Ohms, PAL format

600TVL 170 degree color video mini camera with mic audio for Mini Quadcopter Multirotor

orizontal Resolution : 600TVL
Minimum lllumination: 0LUX(LED ON)
S/N ratio ≥48dB
Gama :0.45
Frame speed: 50f/s(PAL)
White balance: Auto
Audio out : Monophonic
Video out: 1.2Vp-p 75Ω CVBS
Image color: Color
TV format : PAL
Lens: 1.8mm Wide view angle 170 Degree


IR Distance :1-3 Meters
Working temperature : -10~+50Degree C
Input power : 5V(Module)/DC9-12V(With step-down AV cable)
Power consumption :120mA
Size : 12.5mm*12mm(D*H)
Weight: 3.8g

Cheers,
Tom
 
Neitrino said:
and i will extend wire connections let's say up to 30 m long will it work ?

Tom.G said:
If you use 75 Ohm coax cable to carry the video you have a much better chance of getting decent video.
I would suggest that with the very low output from the camera there will next to no signal at the end of a 30m cable
Even with good quality CCTV cameras 30m would be pushing your luck. Talking from personal experience in the game.
Which is why for long runs ethernet cameras are usually used

Dave
 
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I could barely push something like this up to 12m.
And even for that distance I had to use an LDO near the receiver.
Right after the first storm I had to add some protective diodes too.

If you want it on wires, then try finding something with FM (coax) output.
 
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IMHO, you would do better grabbing a budget CCTV mini-camera, with BNC/phono or bayonet connections. They, at least, are meant to carry your signal more than those very few inches to the 'coptor's video-in port.

Sorry, I can't seem to post a short AliExpress link. Try searching for eg OOTDTY CCTV IR Wired Mini Camera

I have one like this, IIRC < $10, used for sanity-checking USB video-capture dongles.

But, the same cautions on maximum cable length still apply, just further along...
 

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