I have an application for a camera (vehicle, not security related)

A

agarb

Getting the hang of it
Feb 14, 2023
34
41
USA
I have a loader tractor that I sometimes put either pallet forks or a bale spear on the front. But the hood of the tractor makes it impossible to see the tip of the forks or spear. I'd like to mount a camera on the front to make it easier to pick up pallets or spear hay bales.

Initially I was scouring Amazon for wired backup cameras that come with a monitor but I can't find anything with a waterproof monitor. (There is no cab on the tractor.)

Then I thought about a wireless camera with a magnetic mount that could work with a free or low cost Android app. Then I could use it with an old phone or tablet that I have laying around. With a magnetic mount, this would also work well as a camera to hook up trailers behind my truck. I could run 12v power from tractor battery to front of loader or steal power from the trailer light connector.

Any hardware suggestions? Ideally it would be a camera where I would not have to install an app of unknown origin with all the associated privacy and security concerns.
 
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The small monitors they put on cameras would probably do for you. I've got a couple by the brand name "Feelworld" that work pretty well. HD resolution. Standard 1/4 - 20 mount, hdmi input. As to waterproofing, you'll think I'm kidding, but I'm serious-- get a big zip lock bag and put it over the monitor.

For a camera, get a cheap hdmi camera from ebay, or even an old camcorder.
 
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In fact, you could get by with a 480 line cctv board camera and a cctv test monitor, all for less than $50 on ebay. Housings are available for the cameras, though you could just pot it in some clear epoxy to waterproof it.
 
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