X10 Community Forum

📸Cameras & Camera Software => Camera General Discussion => Topic started by: Mavrik on March 14, 2007, 01:17:09 PM

Title: Wireless Solar Ninja Pan Tilt
Post by: Mavrik on March 14, 2007, 01:17:09 PM
Has anyone installed a stand alone Ninja and camera run by a solar panel? 
What kind of range do you get?
Title: Re: Wireless Solar Ninja Pan Tilt
Post by: KDR on March 15, 2007, 01:31:29 PM
Mavrik I don't see why a solar panel wouldn't work as long as it meets the power requirements of the ninja. Solar power would make the ninja useless at night unless you used it to charge up a battery pack and then the battery pack may not last long. (don't know what the current draws are when the ninja is moving) As far as range if you mean the RF that controls it I'm getting around 40 feet or so from both my CM15A and my handheld control. I never tried to test max range but will say walls, siding and other objects will reduce the range you get.

(http://www.bdshost.com/X10/lpup.gif)---(http://www.bdshost.com/X10/lpup.gif)---(http://www.bdshost.com/X10/lpup.gif)---(http://www.bdshost.com/X10/lpup.gif)---(http://www.bdshost.com/X10/lpup.gif)----KDR
Title: Re: Wireless Solar Ninja Pan Tilt
Post by: Tuicemen on March 15, 2007, 02:52:35 PM
Interesting question Mavrik
I'll have to give this a try this summer!
Down side is what KDR mentioned.
As for range it depends on what sits between it and the remote! ;) I have no problem with range here but I have a small lot! Once I test it out at the cottage I'll be able to stretch the range to it's limit! ;) :D
Title: Re: Wireless Solar Ninja Pan Tilt
Post by: JimC on March 15, 2007, 03:00:34 PM
Doesn't the camera and Ninja power supplies require a Power line signal for on/off  ???
If it does I guess you could also locate a transciever module with the Ninja and power it from the solar power source.
Title: Re: Wireless Solar Ninja Pan Tilt
Post by: KDR on March 15, 2007, 05:40:39 PM
Your right JimC. Guess it would be ok on a single unit setup or if you didn't mind multiple ninjas all moving at the same time.
Title: Re: Wireless Solar Ninja Pan Tilt
Post by: Brian H on March 15, 2007, 06:40:12 PM
Any setup with more than one; would need a source of fairly clean AC to power the addressable power supplies. I have burned out a TM751 with a modified sine wave from a UPS in backup mode myself.
Title: Re: Wireless Solar Ninja Pan Tilt
Post by: Tuicemen on March 15, 2007, 06:58:38 PM
I thought when Mavrik stated
Quote
a stand alone Ninja and camera
that he was referring to just one ??? ::)
If that isn't the case then a "True SINE  wave" inverter would be needed to install a transceiver too As Brian H noted. ;) :D ;D
I also have burnt up a TM751 connected to a "MODIFIED SINE wave" inverter! :-[
Title: Re: Wireless Solar Ninja Pan Tilt
Post by: JimC on March 16, 2007, 06:32:42 AM
Quote
I thought when Mavrik stated

Quote
a stand alone Ninja and camera


that he was referring to just one 


Even if he is referring to only one camera, would he not still need a transceiver to turn the camera on and off. That is, of course, unless he wants to leave it on all of the time. ;)

I'm thinking of battery conservation: (motion sensor activated) :)

Title: Re: Wireless Solar Ninja Pan Tilt
Post by: Brian H on March 16, 2007, 06:33:35 AM
Yup stand alone sounds like one. Missed that point. ???
Yes a addressable supply and transceiver would be needed for on off control, but you need almost a pure sine wave or risk a damaged unit. Wall wart for the camera not as fussy as the  transceivers AC Derived supply.
One thing to add maybe a battery time for just the X10 4 cell; AA Pack; no Ninja. 4 Hours on a set of 4 cells. The pack has a small switching supply in it that converts the 4 cells 6 volts to the cameras 12 volts.
Title: Re: Wireless Solar Ninja Pan Tilt
Post by: dave w on March 16, 2007, 12:18:51 PM
13.8V solar panel made for charging auto battery ( say at least 600ma charge rate) and a 2 or 3 amp 12V gel cell would keep camera and ninja happy 24-7 until a week of cloudy days comes along. As everyone has pointed out, you would not be able to turn camera off with out extra stuff ( like a 12V R-C key-fob operated relay switch, available from auto parts store).
Hey this could a fun project(?) Keep us posted.
Title: Re: Wireless Solar Ninja Pan Tilt
Post by: HA Dave on March 16, 2007, 06:56:54 PM
Yeah it could be a fun project! And, I bet we can even beat the price of the one offered at smarthome (http://www.smarthome.com/69010.html).
Title: Re: Wireless Solar Ninja Pan Tilt
Post by: Mavrik on March 20, 2007, 11:47:14 AM
I meant one ninja and camera setup that is completely wireless (stand alone). I'm thinking of a motorcycle battery with an adequate solar panel (slightly larger than full mA usage) and use a phototransistor circuit to turn the power off at night.

My largest problem I need the ninja to transmit about 150 feet away (one wall). Does anyone know/done a RF 'boost' on the ninja?

I don't use X10 cameras, so distance isn't an issue here.

There are solar panels that charge during cloud cover, but they are super expensive. But I probably have 95% sunny days so cheaper ones will due for me.
Title: Re: Wireless Solar Ninja Pan Tilt
Post by: Brian H on March 20, 2007, 12:27:40 PM
Sounds like a real fun project. Keep us informed.
Title: Re: Wireless Solar Ninja Pan Tilt
Post by: dave w on March 20, 2007, 05:04:28 PM
Quote from: Mavrik on March 20, 2007, 11:47:14 AM
I meant one ninja and camera setup that is completely wireless (stand alone). I'm thinking of a motorcycle battery with an adequate solar panel (slightly larger than full mA usage) and use a phototransistor circuit to turn the power off at night.

My largest problem I need the ninja to transmit about 150 feet away (one wall). Does anyone know/done a RF 'boost' on the ninja?


O-o-o-o-h-h, good plan.

Search the forum for "passive antenna" for some information on extending the range of remotes and motion sensors.

I use a  18" wire "dribble antenna" to extend the range of motion sensors and a "Stick-A-Switch" and a "Pam Pad". Basically 18" of small gauge insulated wire (probably 26ga or 28ga) hot glued to the left side of motion sensor. I think the Ninja remote (like palm Pad) has the loop antenna also on the left side of unit, so mount the passive antenna close to the existing loop, but on outside of case.

I doubled my range,  but I am sure I am not  getting 150'. Not sure (anybody, a little help here) but I think the X10 RF repeater (SR731/PSX01) will for the Ninja PT units also (?).