spy cam with the MPER4 help

[Pelo24]

i would like to buy New Mini Wireless Security  Color Camera   and  DVR MPEG4 now can i put this in my car will it go no and record every time some one gets in the car or will i have to hit the remote every time can i do this with the remote with out a loptop
or will thay even work together.
e mail at
pokerpete24@hotmail.com   or call  1.519.564.7724

AAAA

[Hardware Junkie]

The simple answer to your question is "technically, yes". However, you'll probably need lots of technical help with this.

To start with, the Neuros Recorder 2 (NR2) can be set to record video from your stealth-cam (sorry, Mini Wireless Security Color Camera) automatically, everytime the camera is turned on. You will then need an automatic switch to turn on your camera evertime someone enters the vehicle. I can think of a couple of ways of doing this. The easiest way might be to get a camera that also has a motion detector which will automatically switch the camera on everytime it detects motion in the car. There may also be a stealthier but more complicated way of switching the camera on/off by tapping into the the circuit that controls the door lights. You then have to reckon with concealing everything and possibly drawing transformed/regulated power from the car's battery to run the camera and the NR2 - that's why a good auto-electrician pal will be a real asset.
In any case, the NR2 already takes you half way there and no, you don't need a computer for this project, if you use the NR2.

Today's Toy is Tomorrow's Business Essential.

[mardibloke]

quote:Originally posted by Hardware Junkie

 Neuros Recorder 2 (NR2) can be set to record video .. automatically, everytime the camera is turned on.

Sadly that feature does not work, its been reported as a bug for a little while now, I have not seen any comments from the Neuros guys as to when/if it will be fixed

[FJ]

The Auto Record feature works once for now. After one recording it goes back to the OFF default setting. I sent a request to our engineers and they are looking at it. I can not tell you when it will be done, but I can tell you they are working on it.

FJ

[Skeeter]

quote:Originally posted by FJ

The Auto Record feature works once for now. After one recording it goes back to the OFF default setting. I sent a request to our engineers and they are looking at it. I can not tell you when it will be done, but I can tell you they are working on it.

FJ

FJ, this is the first time someone from Neuros has addressed this problem.  I am very happy that you see this as an issue that needs to be fixed.  I know of several people in my area that are ready to buy the NR2 just as soon as this is corrected.  Please keep us posted.  Thanks.

[claydubois(at)bellsouth.net]

Yep, found this last night when trying to get the recorder to detect the video signal after turned off.  Does not work.  It would be nice that if the recorder is powered on, it detects if a video signal is present and starts to auto record.  This way, I can use one switch, to turn on/off the recorder,  and have it record automatically  Thanks for looking into this!  Would really simplify remotely controlling the recorder.

[Ex-Navy]

One "hacked" quick fix around this problem is to:
Use a remote as a control panel:

Purchase another remote
The remote button pad peels off the remote like a thin metal sticker.
Peel it off from the corner where it crosses diagonally on an angle (botton right side of remote where the keychain hole is)
The carbon pads are exposed.
On each side of of the button pad (squigly lines) are the actual conductor strips. (when you press a button, the conductive glue under the button makes a contact)
The remote has 4 small philip screws attaching the PCB to the plastic case.
Remove these.
Remove the PCB from the case
Desolder the IR LED (two leads) from the PCB.
Take a length of ribbon cable (2 wires only) and solder the IR LED
to one end of it.
Solder the other end of the IR LED to the spot where you remove the LED from the PCB.
Take another length of ribbon cable (2 leads) and solder one lead to one side of the record button. Solder the other lead to the other side of the button.
Take the NR2 and remove the black plastic cover on top. (this removes by prying it off carefully)
The sun lense in front of the IR detector (beside the green power LED)is removed. (slide it up)
Put the IR LED from the remote in front of the NR2 IR receiver LED.
Place a small piece of aluminum foil on the inside of the sun lense,
in front of the IR receiver.
Pop the lid back on.

You now have a wired remote with a two record switch connection (from record button).

The NR2 cover can be cut to house the remote as a control panel.
I have a NR2 in a weather proof NEMA enclosure wired this way for car racing.
I am working on producing a hacked instruction version for anyone who is interested.

The software engineering guys can take their time.............lol

quote:Originally posted by claydubois(at)bellsouth.net

Yep, found this last night when trying to get the recorder to detect the video signal after turned off.  Does not work.  It would be nice that if the recorder is powered on, it detects if a video signal is present and starts to auto record.  This way, I can use one switch, to turn on/off the recorder,  and have it record automatically  Thanks for looking into this!  Would really simplify remotely controlling the recorder.

Ex-Navy

[mardibloke]

quote:Originally posted by Ex-Navy

One quick fix around this problem is to:
Use a remote as a control panel:

Neat as that might be its not a workaround IMHO.

You still have to press a couple of buttons to get the NR2 to record.

Just applying power to a bullet cam to start recording, is completly different, and its great to hear the guys are looking at fixing this feature of the NR2.

[Skeeter]

quote:Originally posted by Ex-Navy

One quick fix around this problem is to:
Use a remote as a control panel:

...Take another length of ribbon cable (2 leads) and solder one lead to one side of the record button. Solder the other lead to the other side of the button...

...The software engineering guys can take their time.............lol...

Ex-Navy

No offense, but how is this supposed to allow the automatic recording of a video source whenever that source is active???  I have hacked a remote as you outlined and it still requires YOU to be there to PRESS the record button and to stop it by pressing the record button a second time.  This is NOT a solution to the problem, at least not that I can determine.  If I am missing something here, please enlighten me.  Otherwise, please don't give Neuros the impression that you have found a solution when there is none except for a firmware update.  I still believe Neuros should make this "Auto Record" feature "work as advertised" with the appropriate firmware revision.  It will definitely increase their sales and decrease the amount of returns for false advertising.

[Ex-Navy]

It is a work around that I have discovered for my own purpose.
It is a "hacked" workaround for others to use as they see fit.
Shorting the wires connected to the record button pads only requires it to done once, on my recorder. If you solder a switch or a motion sensor across the record button pad, you get automatic recording.
Another fix is to program a PIC to interface with an IR LED as a possible work around for NOW not a permanent fix, a hacked one at that.
I wouldn't consider a hacked version, false advertising on anyone's part.

quote:Originally posted by Skeeter

quote:Originally posted by Ex-Navy

One quick fix around this problem is to:
Use a remote as a control panel:

...Take another length of ribbon cable (2 leads) and solder one lead to one side of the record button. Solder the other lead to the other side of the button...

...The software engineering guys can take their time.............lol...

Ex-Navy

No offense, but how is this supposed to allow the automatic recording of a video source whenever that source is active???  I have hacked a remote as you outlined and it still requires YOU to be there to PRESS the record button and to stop it by pressing the record button a second time.  This is NOT a solution to the problem, at least not that I can determine.  If I am missing something here, please enlighten me.  Otherwise, please don't give Neuros the impression that you have found a solution when there is none except for a firmware update.  I still believe Neuros should make this "Auto Record" feature "work as advertised" with the appropriate firmware revision.  It will definitely increase their sales and decrease the amount of returns for false advertising.

Ex-Navy

[Skeeter]

As an addendum, it would seem to be a simple line of code to make the NR2 work the way it should.  Since it already starts recording after the first detected video signal (and then turns off when the signal is off), it would only take a small effort to code the new firmware to again turn on the next time an active video signal is detected.  You could simply make this an option in the Menu.  Please, make this happen soon!!

quote:Originally posted by Skeeter

quote:Originally posted by FJ

The Auto Record feature works once for now. After one recording it goes back to the OFF default setting. I sent a request to our engineers and they are looking at it. I can not tell you when it will be done, but I can tell you they are working on it.

FJ

FJ, this is the first time someone from Neuros has addressed this problem.  I am very happy that you see this as an issue that needs to be fixed.  I know of several people in my area that are ready to buy the NR2 just as soon as this is corrected.  Please keep us posted.  Thanks.

[mardibloke]

quote:Originally posted by Skeeter
 I still believe Neuros should make this "Auto Record" feature "work as advertised" with the appropriate firmware revision.  It will definitely increase their sales and decrease the amount of returns for false advertising.

I'm 100% with you on this one.

Have ordered another product,  once it arrives will be returning my two Neuros 2's unless the advertised feature is working by then.  I really cannot recomend this product to my friends,  as we need the auto record feature to be working, or its not fit for the purpose we intended it for.

[roboqubit(at)yahoo.co.uk]

what other product did you opt for?

I've only just washed up here, thinking I'd found the answer!
I need a unit (Neuros 2?) to carry in a bodymounted satchel to record NTSC composite video (monochrome) from a night cam (weaver nightview),that will record at the flick of a manual switch clips of various length during consequtive nights i.e. not every time I operate the cam, but perhaps for a continuous maximum of 9 hours. Also I need the option of quickly connecting and leaving it powered recording from the car battery.
Do you guys think the Neuros mpeg 4 recorder will do all this?

[Ex-Navy]

Yes, the NR2 will work but with a few warranty voiding hardware
hacks to it.
Minor engineering, one current version I have done is desoldering
the IR receiver on the NR2 board and extending it via a 3 wire
ribbon cable (any length). The receiver is now mounted in front
of the remotes IR LED.
This produces a wired control where the NR2 can be put in a back
pack, vest pocket, etc.
As for battery power, the same applies. A 13 amp hour batter pack
belt is wired with the corresponding 5 volt adaptor that fits
the NR2. Center is + The adaptor on the battery pack is a female
cigarette lighter adaptor (as fitted in your car)
The NR2 adaptor cord is fitted with a male cigarette lighter adaptor
at the opposite end so it can be "hot swapped" from battery belt to
car battery.
A 13 amp hour lithium battery pack will easily run the NR2 for 9 hours.
For your weaver view, recording through the ocular sight can be done
will a telescope video mount, similar to ocular mounts for telescopes.
These are readily available at any professional telescope shop anywhere in the world.
A 12V solar panel can also be used to power the NR2. I have purchased
one here in Canada at a Canadian Tire store. We use them for
battery charging a marine battery in the field of wildlife observation
for our client, Department of Natural Resources.

Email me if you need more info

quote:Originally posted by roboqubit(at)yahoo.co.uk

what other product did you opt for?

I've only just washed up here, thinking I'd found the answer!
I need a unit (Neuros 2?) to carry in a bodymounted satchel to record NTSC composite video (monochrome) from a night cam (weaver nightview),that will record at the flick of a manual switch clips of various length during consequtive nights i.e. not every time I operate the cam, but perhaps for a continuous maximum of 9 hours. Also I need the option of quickly connecting and leaving it powered recording from the car battery.
Do you guys think the Neuros mpeg 4 recorder will do all this?

Ex-Navy

[ratdog65]

Oh very cool Ex-Navy.  This might do just fine for me.
Thanks for all of your posts here.
ratdog65

quote:Originally posted by Ex-Navy

One "hacked" quick fix around this problem is to:
Use a remote as a control panel:

Purchase another remote
The remote button pad peels off the remote like a thin metal sticker.
Peel it off from the corner where it crosses diagonally on an angle (botton right side of remote where the keychain hole is)
The carbon pads are exposed.
On each side of of the button pad (squigly lines) are the actual conductor strips. (when you press a button, the conductive glue under the button makes a contact)
The remote has 4 small philip screws attaching the PCB to the plastic case.
Remove these.
Remove the PCB from the case
Desolder the IR LED (two leads) from the PCB.
Take a length of ribbon cable (2 wires only) and solder the IR LED
to one end of it.
Solder the other end of the IR LED to the spot where you remove the LED from the PCB.
Take another length of ribbon cable (2 leads) and solder one lead to one side of the record button. Solder the other lead to the other side of the button.
Take the NR2 and remove the black plastic cover on top. (this removes by prying it off carefully)
The sun lense in front of the IR detector (beside the green power LED)is removed. (slide it up)
Put the IR LED from the remote in front of the NR2 IR receiver LED.
Place a small piece of aluminum foil on the inside of the sun lense,
in front of the IR receiver.
Pop the lid back on.

You now have a wired remote with a two record switch connection (from record button).

The NR2 cover can be cut to house the remote as a control panel.
I have a NR2 in a weather proof NEMA enclosure wired this way for car racing.
I am working on producing a hacked instruction version for anyone who is interested.

The software engineering guys can take their time.............lol

quote:Originally posted by claydubois(at)bellsouth.net

Yep, found this last night when trying to get the recorder to detect the video signal after turned off.  Does not work.  It would be nice that if the recorder is powered on, it detects if a video signal is present and starts to auto record.  This way, I can use one switch, to turn on/off the recorder,  and have it record automatically  Thanks for looking into this!  Would really simplify remotely controlling the recorder.

Ex-Navy

Jeff