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[cosmikron]

I am attempting to use an X-10 wired camera as a backup camera for my van. The problem is that I don't know which camera I have as the supply has been separated from the camera. I have several types of X-10 cameras and don't know if the camera requires a 9 VDC or 12 VDC supply. I guess I could do this by looking at the connector on the camera inputs but I want to be sure. So, there are a couple of questions here:
1. How do I determine what kind of wired X-10 camera I have since there are no labels on my camera? Is there a visual database somewhere? There's a sticker on the camera, but I think it is an inspection sticker. It reads: 02K48, which may mean manufactured the 48th week of 2002.
2. If 9VDC is required for powering the camera, does anyone know of a retail source for purchasing a 12VDC to 9VDC converter, so I use the van as my power source for the camera?

thanks,
ron

[Brian H]

There is some data here:
http://kbase.x10.com/wiki/Wired_Cameras

[lodtrack]

I don't think you will be successful with the X10 camera, disregarding power supply issues. I have a factory installed camera and the biggest issue is dirt buildup, you continually need to give it a wipe on dusty roads or rainy days. The X10 cameras I have do not have a seal on the plastic lens protector. I suspect that when it rains the mist from the road will fill up the cap in short order?

[dave w]

2. If 9VDC is required for powering the camera, does anyone know of a retail source for purchasing a 12VDC to 9VDC converter,

I'm assuming you must be living in some country where there are no Radio Shacks?

[cosmikron]

In response to reply mentioning Radio Shack: yes, I thought of that one but there wasn't anything there in my online search on the vendor's site. That was the reason for the question. Maybe my search strings weren't correct. I tried the following: 12VDC to 9VDC converter and DC-to-DC converter. The only items returned were an AC step-down transformer and a foreign voltage converter. Successful Google search hits related to building a DC-to-DC circuit converter or devices that required tweaking on both the input and output of the devices.

Comment about debris on the camera lens was very useful. Thank you.

[HA Dave]

The problem is that I don't know which camera I have as the supply has been separated from the camera.

I just checked my low-light and color cameras... both are 12 Volt as are the wireless (if my memory is correct). Ether way I am pretty sure your Autos 12 Volt will work. And what difference could it make... the camera is worthless without a power supply. I once ran both an X10 wireless camera as well as another [off brand] 9 Volt camera off a 12 Volt battery as part of a mobile camera platform. See below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ft9-yxNb47Q

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9cUA6LaXTs

[Brian H]

The wiki also seems to indicate the wired cameras are 12 volts.
http://kbase.x10.com/wiki/Pin-out_for_Wired_Camera_Connectors
http://kbase.x10.com/wiki/SC18A
http://kbase.x10.com/wiki/SC23A

SC15A and SC16A look like they where 9 volts.

[dave w]

cosmikron You are right, I could not find one at Radio Shark either, although they used to carry them. This place is cheaper anyway.
http://www.allelectronics.com/make-a-store/item/APC-12/MULTI-VOLTAGE-POWER-ADAPTER-12V-INPUT/1.html
Brian and Dave point out they run on 12V anyway.