Mounting TV camera in Sub ?

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300 Feet! With my eyes I can't even tell which way a model ship is going, at that distance ! :D LOL :D
Yes, I'll definitely do real range-tests, both in and out of water, when I get it assembled.
So far, it's looking like the extended antenna will 'Help' when submurged to periscope depth.

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I forgot to mention that the 4" Gun also needs to be mounted aft of the sail, since it will block the view of camera mounted in forward base of sail, under cigarette deck.
I've seen pictures of Gato class subs with the Gun mounted there and it was an option in Revell instructions, so I Hope it will be okay with the purest. :D

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I was looking more closely at the newer version of the camera/transmitter assembly and it appears to be completely sealed and water-tight. The only area I could not be sure about was the hole for internal microphone. So I'll seal that and where the power and antenna wires go thru, to make sure. Then Dunk it in some water, to find out what happens. ;)
If it doesn't leak, that will certainly save a lot of work designing and making an openable sealed box for it to go into and a sealed clear window for it to see out. :)
But if it does leak I may be buying another camera and starting over again. :mad:

[He Who Shall Not Be Named]

I was looking more closely at the newer version of the camera/transmitter assembly and it appears to be completely sealed and water-tight. The only area I could not be sure about was the hole for internal microphone. So I'll seal that and where the power and antenna wires go thru, to make sure. Then Dunk it in some water, to find out what happens. ;)
If it doesn't leak, that will certainly save a lot of work designing and making an openable sealed box for it to go into and a sealed clear window for it to see out. :)
But if it does leak I may be buying another camera and starting over again. :mad:

Ah ... err .... ah ... hmmmm... yeah, OK.

David,

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I may be able to run the power-wires for camera thur snort-tubing holes in motor bulkhead (that I'm not using) instead of pluging them. That way I can utilize existing holes and not have to drill hole for camera wire. :)

David,
Are the brass tubes just glued into motor bulkhead?
How much work would it be to remove the tubes, without damage to bulkhead?

[He Who Shall Not Be Named]

I may be able to run the power-wires for camera thur snort-tubing holes in motor bulkhead (that I'm not using) instead of pluging them. That way I can utilize existing holes and not have to drill hole for camera wire. :)

David,
Are the brass tubes just glued into motor bulkhead?
How much work would it be to remove the tubes, without damage to bulkhead?

Grab with pliers, twist, pull. 'snap!' it's outa there with a clean 3/32" hole to do with as you want.

David,

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It's the 'Snap' part that I worry about. :D
Thanks,

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Okay, They came out with no problem. I didn't even crush the tubing. :)

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I got the external video-camera wired to the E-switch inside SD, and tested. Works great. :)
Next step is to test it with camera/transmitter under water. :confused:
I think I'll pile on another layer of RTV, onto it's connector, first.
I may have to have a few beers before I can get up the Nerve to Dunk it with power applied. :D

[He Who Shall Not Be Named]

I got the external video-camera wired to the E-switch inside SD, and tested. Works great. :)
Next step is to test it with camera/transmitter under water. :confused:
I think I'll pile on another layer of RTV, onto it's connector, first.
I may have to have a few beers before I can get up the Nerve to Dunk it with power applied. :D

Why do you go to the trouble to turn the thing on and off -- it draws so little power anyway, just hardwire it to the BEC and be done with it.

And just as soon as you flood out the camera-transmitter, invest in a proper WTC for the thing -- you'll find the CAMERA WTC in the Caswell catalog. And it will flood eventually as the water works it's way past the RTV'ed wires and into the camera-transmitter case.

Penny wise, pound fooling you are, sir.

David,

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I like to be able to turn off any optional function, when possible. In the event there is a failure, while at the lake, I can disable it easily and continue on, with 'Havin' Fun'. :)
(without having to go inside and pull the connector)
I already have the E-switch installed and working anyway. :)

I think the Caswell WTC (altho great) would be much too large to fit, hidden inside the Gato sail, the way I wish to mount it.
I'm pretty sure the newer version of the camera is water-tight, so the only possible leak area is the power wires connector and that would be a potential problem with any WTC also.
(since I definitely want to be able to disconnect it)
I only put RTV on Camera for a little 'Piece of Mind'. :D

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Also, when I'm running the boat without the TV monitor with me, I want to be able to disable the camera load, since any currect drain, altho low, will shorten run time some, on the very small battery-pack (due to limited space in SD).

I'm accustomed to using large 5.pound, 12.V, 8.AmpHour Batteries in my RC Ship models. :D LOL :D
(They will 'Last All Day', and then some) :)

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I tested the camera under about 2" of water and it worked great. I left it in a water bowl for about 15. minutes with no problems.
But after taking it out of water I had a 'Major Meltdown'.
The SD was just sitting there transmiting, I was adjusting the video receiver and all a sudden the ES-1 E-switch lite up like a flash-bulb and puffed out a cloud of smoke. :eek:
Worst thing is that it took out the BEC in the Speed-control also. Don't know what caused it, the camera still works and it's power-connector seemed dry, when I took it apart. :confused: Don't think there were any wiring shorts since it was still working when it ignited.
So, now I'll need to install a new ESC and E-switch. :mad:
Maybe that ES-1 just had a weak component in it. All part of the process, I guess. :(
Are we having Fun Yet!

[Kazzer]

What was the switch switching on and off?

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The camera, with 9.6 volt battery pack for power.
It was still transmitting when E-switch blew.
Maybe the ES-1 just can't handle 9 or 10.volts, for long ?
See camera Pic: