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📸Cameras & Camera Software => Camera General Discussion => Topic started by: warbird on January 15, 2007, 10:11:41 AM

Title: Antenna problems with Ninja use.
Post by: warbird on January 15, 2007, 10:11:41 AM
Hi,
Has any one come up with a stationary antenna modification for a camera on a Ninja?
I always have areas of interference as the camera swings around.
I am looking to modify the camera antenna so that it would be stationary and did not want reinvent the solution if someone else has already fixed the problem.
Thanks to all.
Judd
Title: Re: Antenna problems with Ninja use.
Post by: JimC on January 15, 2007, 12:09:17 PM
I have never seen a mod for a stationary antenna for the Ninja. I wish I had as I have the same problem. I have 4 Ninjas and no mater how I position the receiver at least one of them will drop out as it rotates.

Considering the amount of rotation the Ninja is capable of it would take a really flexable wire, to connect the camera to the stationary base, without breaking with use.
Title: Re: Antenna problems with Ninja use.
Post by: Tuicemen on January 15, 2007, 03:45:42 PM
I haven't seen a mod for the wireless cam antennas but have for the RF receivers perhaps this could be used for the cams as well! ::) ;) :D
I also had a problem with multiple Ninjas Until I came up with a mode to rotate the Receiver on a ninja base at the same time the cams were switched! ;) :D
Links to both posts can be found here: Topic: Helpful Hints and Suggestions (iWitness)  (Read 2726 times)    (http://www.x10community.com/forums/index.php?topic=8206.0)
Title: Re: Antenna problems with Ninja use.
Post by: warbird on January 16, 2007, 12:30:31 PM
JimC
Truicemen
Really appreciate your quick responses.
It looks like there is no quick fix.
When I get some cameras that I have won, I will attempt to modify one of them.
If I succeed, I will post the results.
Thanks,
Judd
Title: Re: Antenna problems with Ninja use.
Post by: JimC on January 17, 2007, 06:59:35 AM
warbird,

Sorry we could not be of more help. If you have a spare Ninja you might want to give Tuicemen's suggestion a try. If you have not already tried, you might also want to try playing with the positioning of the antenna on the camera. Sometimes it only takes moving it by an inch or two to get improved results.

I have four cameras mounted on Ninjas and through carefull adjustment of the antennas I was able to get three of them working throughout most of there rotation. I only have one that I can only get working through about 75% of its rotation. Of course it is the one farthest from the receiver.

Please keep us posted on any mods you make.

Jim
Title: Re: Antenna problems with Ninja use.
Post by: warbird on February 04, 2007, 04:18:02 PM
EVERYONE
Thanks for all of the replies.
I have modified one of my cameras so that the the antenna will be stationary as the Ninja turns.
Initial test look like it Will work.
Once the temperatures go above  -0F, I will attempt to test it outside, and will keep you informed.
Judd
Title: Re: Antenna problems with Ninja use.
Post by: mmathras on February 04, 2007, 06:39:24 PM
I attached an easy-to-build base-mounted support to the Ninja that extends around and up over the top of the antenna.  Here there is an adjustable clip that holds the antenna stationary while the camera turns and tilts below it. Email me for photos that show up-close construction.  mmathras@charter.net
Hard to believe that one has to jump through hoops like this to overcome basic design flaws in a pan & tilt camera unit, huh?
Title: Re: Antenna problems with Ninja use.
Post by: warbird on February 04, 2007, 06:53:33 PM
MMATHRAS
Thanks for the assist.
Let's see how close we are thinking.
Judd