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[nybuck]

OK, I finally got tired of the wavy pictures setting my motion-activated DVR software to record.  The weather finally broke, so I set out to add wired video to my Floodcam. 
I didn't want to remove the wireless transmitter, as I still want the ability to see the video on numerous TV's around the house, like when I'm expecting company...  I just wanted a solid wired feed to the 'hidden' DVR computer. 

This is how I did it:
Prep:  Remove power and "take down" Floodcam unit.
Step 1 - Open and Remove the control cover.
Step 2 - Remove the 4 screws to open the case.
Step 3 - Slide the motion sensor/camera head toward the removed screws, revealing the circuitry.
Step 4 - Locate the yellow wire coming from the video camera head. (Refer to picture)
Step 5 - Locate the ground, in the corner. (Refer to picture)
Step 6 - Solder 2 wires (I used CAT3 telephone cord) to the yellow wire and ground.
Step 7 - Insulate the 2 connections you just made.  I used liquid electrical tape.  X10 likes hot glue.
Step 8 - Reassemble!   

[nybuck]

I ran CAT3 and added a RCA plug.
When I went to plug it into the computer, I realized why my video was so poor...  The receiver (that weighs about an ounce) fell off the computer, and was hanging and pointing toward the floor! 

The 2 connections I made are circled in red.  I added the liquid electrical tape afterward to avoid shorting.

Perform this mod at your own risk!  It worked for me!  Good luck! 

[Knightrider]

I love the easy mods! +1 from me.

[nybuck]

...And I forgot to add... 

BEAUTIFUL SOLID PICTURE!   

I used a piece of wire approximately 2 feet long at the camera, terminated with an RJ11.  Then I used a long piece with an RJ socket on it, and ran it to the computer, and terminated those 2 wires with an RCA plug.
In the past, I have taken a phone jack and plugged my new camera cord into it, then use the wires from the jack and add an RCA jack.  I'll have to take a picture...  It is a very clean install.  I was running out of time today, but I'd suggest 'you' take the extra time for a neat install.  I try to use the Red and Black for power and the yellow and green for the video when I wire up an Xcam2...  Of course, the floodcam gets the power from the AC direct-wired, and has no audio, so only 2 wires are necessary.

[HA Dave]

A great mod!!! You get a helpful from me.

[nybuck]

Thanks, Dave and Knightrider.

That means even more coming from the X10 Gurus!   

I was surprised how easy it was, myself.  The boards are labeled clearly "VIDEO" , "GROUND", etc...  The wires are color coded the universal colors.  This unit even has a reasonable amount of space to run the wires (unlike the socket rocket - shoehorned in!)

I have a new appreciation for X10 products! 

[Brian H]

Mod was great.
Helpful from me also.

One thought I just had. Did the flodcam power supply have a power transformer? Reason I asked is many X10 units have a power line derived supply and the common of the board can be power line hot.

[dbemowsk]

This along with my improved night vision mod should make for a great camera feed.  I will have to do this with one of my floodcams.  Helpful from me.

Dan B.

[nybuck]

Brian -
There is a power transformer inside - It looks like a yellow rectangle in this picture.  Come to think of it, I did get a little tingle from the video line.  Maybe this mod isn't as safe as it looks!  No issues on my computer yet....  and a great picture!

Dan -
I was going to do the night vision mod as well, but I couldn't gather up the courage.  I did mod a regular XCam.  No problems with that mod - but it's an indoor camera.  This Floodcam sees bright sunlight at times, and was new in the box.

[dbemowsk]

Dan -
I was going to do the night vision mod as well, but I couldn't gather up the courage.  I did mod a regular XCam.  No problems with that mod - but it's an indoor camera.  This Floodcam sees bright sunlight at times, and was new in the box.

I have not seen any problems with the direct sunlight in the camera I have modded other than it washes out the picture a bit more.  Granted it only sees a little bit of direct sun in the morning, but I don't think it should be an issue.

Dan B.

[nybuck]

After 2 years of use, with rock-solid picture, I revisited this camera.  Although I don't see the Floodcam on the X10 site any more, I will share my new mod:

Because there is shared AC voltage on my original design, I isolated the camera section from the floodlight section.

Basically, I cut the 12 volt wires running to the camera board and connected the +12v and Common as well as the yellow video wire to some CAT5 I had laying around.  That extended the video output and power back to the DVR, where I powered the camera with a 12 volt DC power supply.  I also removed the RF video transmitter, as I don't intend on using it any more.

The end result is a camera with a separate power supply and wired video output.  

Still loving the semi-disguised design.  I should have grabbed a few when they were 2 for $49.99 or the re-conditioned floodcams free with any order a while back.