Hack your own IP PoE Kuna Maximus lamp camera ( DIY coach light hack )

mat200

IPCT Contributor
Jan 17, 2017
15,088
25,483
Hi,

I really enjoyed watching this video and wanted to share this to inspire others.

Hack your own IP PoE Kuna Maximus lamp camera

Note - I DO not recommend dome cameras for outdoors, and I think I would do things slightly different ( i.e. not use nylon zip ties but some bolts ) - still a great hack idea

Update: Do not run cat5e/cat6 cable ( aka data ) through the electrical gang box. Same applies for the low voltage power wire to power the camera.

 

Attachments

  • Screenshot from 2018-06-02 15-55-53.png
    Screenshot from 2018-06-02 15-55-53.png
    373.7 KB · Views: 356
  • Screenshot from 2018-06-02 15-57-04.png
    Screenshot from 2018-06-02 15-57-04.png
    709.1 KB · Views: 335
  • Screenshot from 2018-06-02 15-57-32.png
    Screenshot from 2018-06-02 15-57-32.png
    468.2 KB · Views: 328
  • Screenshot from 2018-06-02 15-57-58.png
    Screenshot from 2018-06-02 15-57-58.png
    509.8 KB · Views: 324
  • Screenshot from 2018-06-02 15-58-27.png
    Screenshot from 2018-06-02 15-58-27.png
    547.2 KB · Views: 317
  • Screenshot from 2018-06-02 15-59-15.png
    Screenshot from 2018-06-02 15-59-15.png
    511.9 KB · Views: 317
  • Screenshot from 2018-06-02 15-59-30.png
    Screenshot from 2018-06-02 15-59-30.png
    595.1 KB · Views: 316
  • Screenshot from 2018-06-02 15-59-43.png
    Screenshot from 2018-06-02 15-59-43.png
    518.6 KB · Views: 324
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: SJGUSMC21
Are you allowed to have power and data wiring that close? That wouldn't be permitted here in Australia...

Good question.

AC power and Cat5e/Cat6 normally do not want close, not certain about NEC code ( US electrical code )
 
Are you allowed to have power and data wiring that close? That wouldn't be permitted here in Australia...
Agreed. You see all sorts of stupid things and bad advice on youtube.

Power and data wouldn't be allowed in the same junction box. Outside the box, I forget the requirement, it might be as little as 1" (more is better). I also find the choice of zip ties a bit baffling.
 
  • Like
Reactions: mat200
Good question.

AC power and Cat5e/Cat6 normally do not want close, not certain about NEC code ( US electrical code )

Wow, lots of fail in that one. I chuckled when he said he didn't want to to look too ghetto, then we see the inside of the garage wiring and the zip ties. ;)
The box must have separate compartments for low voltage and 110ac.
Example.
6140G-8m%2B6L._SX355_.jpg
 
Not the cleanest way. I am trying to find a camera that matches the one Kuna uses and just replace it.

Something like this: RAK5270,5.8G WiFi camera module,Hi3516C module, wireless drone camera accessories, Hisilicon camera module/board, Full HD 1080P-in Transmission from Consumer Electronics on Aliexpress.com | Alibaba Group

Pricey for a hack so trying to find the cheapest alternative out there...

Welcome T_tronix

Have you pulled the 720P Kuna camera yet?

If so, I would certainly enjoy seeing the pictures of what they are using as well as how much space we have in the unit to install something.
 
So here is the camera inside Kuna:



I tried to see if the Kuna will work with the camera disconnected (removed the film strip that goes between the camera and the main board) but it gave me a "can't connect" error via their software. So I am trying to see if there is a way to connect a different camera and split the film strip in two (one goes to the Kuna main board as it is now, one goes to the new camera wifi board).
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: mat200
So finally removed all the inside of my Kuna and replaced it with a 1080p 180 degrees camera and a Sonoff with Tasmota. Looks like the original Kuna but now I can control the video via Blue Iris and control my lights using Homeseer.

Here are some pics:
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: mat200
do you have any before and after videos of the lens swap. would love to see the quality difference
 
  • Like
Reactions: mat200
So here is the camera inside Kuna:



I tried to see if the Kuna will work with the camera disconnected (removed the film strip that goes between the camera and the main board) but it gave me a "can't connect" error via their software. So I am trying to see if there is a way to connect a different camera and split the film strip in two (one goes to the Kuna main board as it is now, one goes to the new camera wifi board).

So finally removed all the inside of my Kuna and replaced it with a 1080p 180 degrees camera and a Sonoff with Tasmota. Looks like the original Kuna but now I can control the video via Blue Iris and control my lights using Homeseer.

Here are some pics:



Would you be able to tell me the exact camera you used for replacement, model number, name etc. I have the same problem with my second Kuna camera dying after 2 years.

Thanks in advance
 
Would you be able to tell me the exact camera you used for replacement, model number, name etc. I have the same problem with my second Kuna camera dying after 2 years.

Thanks in advance
Did you ever figure this out? I'm looking to try this upgrade, tired of the crappy kuna app
 
Hi,

I really enjoyed watching this video and wanted to share this to inspire others.

Hack your own IP PoE Kuna Maximus lamp camera

Note - I DO not recommend dome cameras for outdoors, and I think I would do things slightly different ( i.e. not use nylon zip ties but some bolts ) - still a great hack idea

Update: Do not run cat5e/cat6 cable ( aka data ) through the electrical gang box. Same applies for the low voltage power wire to power the camera.



Hats off to him and his design. Might not be the best, but certainly some ingenuity and thought went into this. Kudo's to him for trying.
 
  • Like
Reactions: brentfamily51