Wireless video for PAP (Totally cool)
| 29 October 2009
I have been trough some research lately to get the video signal from my camera up a pole down to earth. Looking at the popular 2.4 Ghz transmitters I realized the interference problems I could expect in urban zones, so I started searching for other frequencies.
434 Mhz video transmitter broadcasting on ATV (Amateur TeleVision band) which can be received by any cable ready television at channel 59 or just below channel 14 on most slide rule type tuning portable or pocket televisions.
Here with the Casio EV-570P (the European models work as well - to my surprise), found on eBay for 15 EUR.
I have an NTSC pocket TV coming in the next days so I can confirm it works later.
Video transmitter from supercircuits was $99 + shipping to Europe.
Offers up to 1500 feet line of sight range, so more than enough for Pole Aerial Photography.
Than someone at rcgroups pointed me out a 434 Mhz transmitter that broadcasts the video signal in the ATV band (Amateur Television).
The advantages:
- no receiver required, can be received by any cable ready television at channel 59 or just below channel 14 on most slide rule type tuning portable or pocket televisions.
- super small & lightweight
- very low current draw, runs on a standard 9 volt battery
- range 1500 ft. (that's what the specs say anyway, haven't tested)
- $99, much cheaper than other TX/RX
What's to like about a pocket TV:
- cheap, Casio models sell on ebay for $20
- runs on 4 AA batteries
- it's got an AV-in port for a cable running up the pole as a backup
- small. I like the 2.5" 'portrait' models, I strap it on the pole with an elastic, no mount.
It is so close to my eyes like that when hand holding the pole (I have no tripod) that the small screen is more than adequate for framing the shot.
Casio EV-570 Pocket TV velcro-strapped on the Hastings Tel-o-Pole, about chest level.
On the right view of the RC trigger Phottix Cleon II.
A bit more about pocket TV's
Reading about ATV and frequencies I thought only an NTSC TV would pick up the signal but to my surprise my Casio EV-570 P (PAL version) works great too. I have a higher resolution screen Axion AXN-5327A (NTSC) coming in and will confirm if it works.
Casio has been dominating the pocket TV market for years but stopped production with the digital conversion a few years ago. This is why on eBay you can find them very cheap.
Look for the EV- models as they have TFT screens. Anything from EV-570 and up (600, 660, 670, 680) There is also a 4 inch model, the EV-4500 which has very good reviews.
* IMPORTANT NOTICE to customers in the United States:
UHF transmitters operate in the Amateur Radio Service (ARS) frequencies, and according to FCC regulations, requires licensing for legal operation.
There are no restrictions on the sale of this equipment, however the seller should urge the user to become familiar with and observe all laws and regulations governing ARS licensing and the operation of ARS equipment. Please note that the ARS frequencies are not for commercial use.
www.arrl.org/FandES/ead/classes.html
This is a Guest Post by Anton Puttemans.
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Show/hide commentswritten by dbltapp , November 11, 2009
written by Anton , November 16, 2009
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