Rifle Scopes New target spotter system

#2
Re: New target spotter system

Looks like something I just put together. I'm hoping to get out to the range next sunday to really test it. Concept is simple start with a network camera down at the traget and run it to an access point at the target. Power both with either a rechargeable DC battery or inverter/powerpack. Transmit back to the shooter wirelessly to a router and viewing device ie. Laptop ipod touch/iphone or network monitor. The major cost is in the batteries assuming most ranges don't have power near the target and some don't have it at the shooter, and a wireless bridge to span that distance. My bridge is rated for 5 miles line of site, so I'm thinking even if that's an over estimate 1K yards should be doable. Granted it doesn't have the versatility of a high end spotting scope, noone is spotting exact hits at 1K yards with good glass and this is way less expensive assuming you already have a laptop or other viewing device.
 
#3
Re: New target spotter system

Built one a couple years ago. It wasn't in a nice little case like that though.
smile.gif
Displayed on a laptop and works very well out to 1000yds. Never needed it past that.
 
#6
Re: New target spotter system

I messed around with a usb video camera mounted to the eyepiece of a huge celestial scope. set the thing up on a tripod behind the shooting line and run a small laptop rather than a spotting scope at the shooting position. It works great other than the hernia getting it set up.



Ohh and the $4,000 for the telescope...
 
#7
Re: New target spotter system

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: NY700</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Looks like something I just put together. I'm hoping to get out to the range next sunday to really test it. Concept is simple start with a network camera down at the traget and run it to an access point at the target. Power both with either a rechargeable DC battery or inverter/powerpack. Transmit back to the shooter wirelessly to a router and viewing device ie. Laptop ipod touch/iphone or network monitor. The major cost is in the batteries assuming most ranges don't have power near the target and some don't have it at the shooter, and a wireless bridge to span that distance. My bridge is rated for 5 miles line of site, so I'm thinking even if that's an over estimate 1K yards should be doable. Granted it doesn't have the versatility of a high end spotting scope, noone is spotting exact hits at 1K yards with good glass and this is way less expensive assuming you already have a laptop or other viewing device. </div></div>

Cost for you to build???
This package looks like something for us "technically challenged".
 
#8
Re: New target spotter system

Well the price sure seems fair on those, the 2500 yard model looks very tempting. Not that Ill be shooting at 2500 yards anytime soon, but the extra signal strength over the 1200 yard model wont hurt for the minimal price difference.
 
#15
Re: New target spotter system

The base of my system is an extended range wireless bridge. This will link two points wireless a longway. Check out radiolabs the guys there will walk you through it. A decent IP camera (that's a video camera that runs right over the network) starts at about $150 and goes up based on features. Like everything else you get what you payfor.higher end cameras add wireless, better resolution,sound and the ability to pan and tilt remotely. Panasonic has a solid line of cameras. Power is the next issue. Assuming your range isn't powered, black&decker make a real nice portable power supply with inverter for $100. It will run all day. Downside is it big and heavy. You can also take the devices into a battery shop like battery plus or interstate batteries. They can make custom battery packs for each device. Depending on the operation voltage of the device and run time your looking for figure $75 per batterypack. Now you just need to view the image. Any laptop, iphon/ipod touch will do the trick. Basically the ip camera will broadcast a live stream image to a specified ip address. You will open up a web browser type in the address and vola target. This is definitly not a good sysytem to sight in your rifle as your camera is in harms way. Depending on the camera you will be able to place it safely away and slightly off the the side. Here is where better cameras offer more versatility as you can place it further away. I use a steel rifle target plate to "bullet proof" the camera. Ill try to get pictures up later today.
 
#16
Re: New target spotter system

Ok so I kind of understand this set up as a whole but I am a little stumped. So are you trying to send a Wi-Fi signal (internet, like what you use at home on a computer) with a router? If the camera needs Wi-Fi to relay the images back to the computer, then how do you get the connection, say if you are in the middle of your ranch with no electrical outlets? Im sorry, this is quite puzzling to me. I have read other makes and tutorials about this but I dont really seem to fully understand this concept.
 
#17
Re: New target spotter system

A wireless bridge just, as the name describes, implements a wireless ethernet connection between two points, like between a camera and a laptop or other display device.

As he says, you're going to need power at both the camera installation and the display device.

Most wireless bridges can be supplied with a POE (power over ethernet) connection, and the easiest way to supply that in the field is with a 12 volt battery and a small inverter. The battery might need to be sizable, depending on how long you need it to work in the field.
 
#18
Re: New target spotter system

MacBud, Lindy nailed it. You have to try and separate the idea on a wireless network and an internet connection. For most people they go together, but you can create a wireless network as you would have in your home without connecting it to outside networks through an internet connection. Really the power piece is the only annoying part but there are options. Radioshack has everythign you would need, or as i mentioned there are battery stores that specialize in this sort of thing. They will basically create a rechargeable battery pack like one you would see on an RC car. Im rather impatiant and I like things that are versital so I went with black and decker powerpacks with built in inverters. They are $100 and can be had at walmart or homedepot and can be used to jumpstart a car, fill a tire or run devices when camping. And they have enough power to run this set up all day long. I prefer the idea of using computer network equipment because it is more versatile. Odds are you will find other uses for wireless routers and acces points versus a videocamera and A/V extender like some other systems.
 
#19
Re: New target spotter system

The company selling these systems sets up a booth at some of my
local gun shows. They look like a good set up the only real concern
I have is if the picture will wash out due to direct sunlight or maybe
some reflecttion off the target?
 
#20
Re: New target spotter system

web access wireless camera---cantenna(google it) cantenna---wireless AP--PC
12v motorcycle battery
$200
1/2 x 12 x 12 lexan shield $25

cost of PC not incluided
 
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