Recently there was talk about a dash camera to document accidents (hopefully none of us will be involved in one) and security cameras. I purchased a waterproof helmet camera for my kayak helmet and also purchased an extra mount to install on the dash of our bus. I am very impressed with the quality of this little (about the size of a pack of cigarettes) camera. In standard resolution (640 x 480 & 30 FPS, you can film for 8 hours with a 32 Gig SD card. In the time lapse mode (1 photo every 2 seconds), you can record about 8 days total. A pair of Lithium-Ion AA bateries are supposed to last about 10 hours or you can use a "Green Power" pack that runs off 12 volt DC or 120 volt AC, although it is not waterproof when using the pack. http://www.tachyoninc.com/XC2010.html (http://www.tachyoninc.com/XC2010.html) I have no financial interest in this company, just a very satified customer.
We plan to film our trip from near Dearing, GA to Palmetto Cove next Tuesday. Should be neat to be able to show people what it looks like to roll down the road in a bus conversion. And Heaven Forbid, could be documention in case of an accident. Jack
Does this system, or any other type of system, have the ability to record the most recent half-hour's worth of 30 FPS footage, then continuously re-record over it, sort of like an aircraft's Cockpit Voice Recorder? One would hope that events more than half-hour or so before a Significant Happening would be irrelevent, and that one would need only the most current recording.
I like the idea of something that continuously records whenever the key is in the ignition (do diesels have "ignition"?), ideally from more than one camera. Maybe one camera facing forward, another facing back, both with wide-angle lenses to capture as much as possible around the bus. Perhaps this could be tied into a rear-view backing-up camera system.
Thanks, John
Not this camera. When the SD memory card is full, it stops recording. There are other systems out there that will only save the last 30 minutes or whatever it is set to save, but not at a price I can afford. And, I needed the ability to run off batteries and have a waterproof camera for my kayak helmet. Jack
That's pretty neat Jack..........The Boys and Their Toys has a special meaning now huh! ;)
I might have to look into one of these for my bike especially after this past Saturday!
Jack, that is pretty neat. Sounds like a fun toy. Have fun, let us know how it goes. Ruthi
Rather than a "toy", i regard it more of a safety item. Just today in the bus we had someone who passed a car in the other lane on a corner. We had to start hitting the brakes to give them enough time to get back in their lane without hitting us. That also happened a few days ago in our jeep. And years ago i got sideswiped by somebody coming too fast around a corner on a narrow road. He told his insurance company that i was to blame. If i do something i will own up to it. But nothing lights my fuse faster than to be accused of something that i did not do!!!! A month later I finally got his insurance company to have somebody come out and look at the skid marks and they agreed that he lied to them. What really ticked me off is that i pulled him out of the ditch so he did not have to call a wrecker. I think i will be getting one of those cameras in the very near future.
Quote from: Iceni John on April 12, 2010, 04:34:36 PMDoes this system, or any other type of system, have the ability to record the most recent half-hour's worth of 30 FPS footage, then continuously re-record over it, sort of like an aircraft's Cockpit Voice Recorder? One would hope that events more than half-hour or so before a Significant Happening would be irrelevant, and that one would need only the most current recording.
I like the idea of something that continuously records whenever the key is in the ignition (do diesels have "ignition"?), ideally from more than one camera. Maybe one camera facing forward, another facing back, both with wide-angle lenses to capture as much as possible around the bus. Perhaps this could be tied into a rear-view backing-up camera system.
This is exactly what I did in my pickup truck. I used an off-the-shelf 8-channel DVR (link is to the 16-channel version, 8-channel is unlisted) (http://www.hikview.com/web/en/product_HIK-9000-16.asp) with a forward camera, pickup-bed/rear camera, left/right side cameras, driver/passenger interior cameras -and then one channel for telemetry (this is black-box data) + 8 audio inputs (one per camera). The DVR I used is out of China - knock it if you want, but all of the US guys buy them from China and re-badge them...
You can get this type of DVR to record when it has power (hook it up to you accessory supply), or you can do what I did in my truck and hook up the alarm inputs for the individual camera inputs to the ignition so that it records when the truck is running, and then I have video motion detection setup as well, in case there is something going on while the truck is off.
Nice thing about my DVR is it supports up to 8x of 1.5TB hard drives and records in H.264 (high quality compression, low data utilization) at full video speed. I only use one 64GB Flash-drive, but with all cameras recording 24x7 I get about a month of non-stop recording, plus I can off-load to USB or DVD-ROM (to give as evidence to cops at the scene of something). The DVR is programmed to over-write the oldest recorded data (except that which is “locked”, like video of a crash I want to save), I so I only have the most recent month’s worth of video on the DVR. I also have it plugged into my DashPC, so I can log into my truck over 3G and see what's going on with it, and I rigged up a board that pretends it’s a Pan-Tilt-Zoom-Camera so I can lock/unlock doors, put on a light show, and start/stop the engine remotely (better than On-Star or Lo-Jack combined, they don’t have video… I hope :)).
After my recent theft issue at my storage place, I’ve been thinking about putting a full-time camera system on my bus while it’s under construction, then leaving it in while in use.
-Tim
P.S. I should note, for my system, some assembly was required :) -T
Quote from: Tim Strommen on April 15, 2010, 02:03:01 PM
Quote from: Iceni John on April 12, 2010, 04:34:36 PMDoes this system, or any other type of system, have the ability to record the most recent half-hour's worth of 30 FPS footage, then continuously re-record over it, sort of like an aircraft's Cockpit Voice Recorder? One would hope that events more than half-hour or so before a Significant Happening would be irrelevant, and that one would need only the most current recording.
I like the idea of something that continuously records whenever the key is in the ignition (do diesels have "ignition"?), ideally from more than one camera. Maybe one camera facing forward, another facing back, both with wide-angle lenses to capture as much as possible around the bus. Perhaps this could be tied into a rear-view backing-up camera system.
This is exactly what I did in my pickup truck. I used an off-the-shelf 8-channel DVR (link is to the 16-channel version, 8-channel is unlisted) (http://www.hikview.com/web/en/product_HIK-9000-16.asp) with a forward camera, pickup-bed/rear camera, left/right side cameras, driver/passenger interior cameras -and then one channel for telemetry (this is black-box data) + 8 audio inputs (one per camera). The DVR I used is out of China - knock it if you want, but all of the US guys buy them from China and re-badge them...
You can get this type of DVR to record when it has power (hook it up to you accessory supply), or you can do what I did in my truck and hook up the alarm inputs for the individual camera inputs to the ignition so that it records when the truck is running, and then I have video motion detection setup as well, in case there is something going on while the truck is off.
Nice thing about my DVR is it supports up to 8x of 1.5TB hard drives and records in H.264 (high quality compression, low data utilization) at full video speed. I only use one 64GB Flash-drive, but with all cameras recording 24x7 I get about a month of non-stop recording, plus I can off-load to USB or DVD-ROM (to give as evidence to cops at the scene of something). The DVR is programmed to over-write the oldest recorded data (except that which is "locked", like video of a crash I want to save), I so I only have the most recent month's worth of video on the DVR. I also have it plugged into my DashPC, so I can log into my truck over 3G and see what's going on with it, and I rigged up a board that pretends it's a Pan-Tilt-Zoom-Camera so I can lock/unlock doors, put on a light show, and start/stop the engine remotely (better than On-Star or Lo-Jack combined, they don't have video... I hope :)).
After my recent theft issue at my storage place, I've been thinking about putting a full-time camera system on my bus while it's under construction, then leaving it in while in use.
-Tim
P.S. I should note, for my system, some assembly was required :) -T
I've got to hand it to you, that is one awesome system you've got.
Quote from: Tim Strommen on April 15, 2010, 02:03:01 PM
This is exactly what I did in my pickup truck. I used an off-the-shelf 8-channel DVR (link is to the 16-channel version, 8-channel is unlisted) (http://www.hikview.com/web/en/product_HIK-9000-16.asp) with a forward camera, pickup-bed/rear camera, left/right side cameras, driver/passenger interior cameras -and then one channel for telemetry (this is black-box data) + 8 audio inputs (one per camera). The DVR I used is out of China - knock it if you want, but all of the US guys buy them from China and re-badge them...
A little paranoid about getting into an accident that wasn't your fault? I could see this in a bus, but a pickup?
A large commercial type vehicle is almost always going to be held liable no matter what just because the vehicle is large.
Quote from: belfert on April 15, 2010, 04:01:39 PMA little paranoid about getting into an accident that wasn't your fault? I could see this in a bus, but a pickup?
A large commercial type vehicle is almost always going to be held liable no matter what just because the vehicle is large…
Maybe with the Bus, but not the truck (the paranoia, that is) - that is mostly for my amusement. The four accidents I’ve captured with the system, I was a witness only - one was hit and run. Video/audio makes for great evidence. The other toys I put in are more for vehicle theft/vandalism, and showing off a bit. I’d like to think I wouldn’t be the cause of an accident, I’ve only had one in my 12 years of driving (low speed) – and it wasn’t serious enough to have to report (just a ding, combined damage $127, and no injuries).
-Tim
Jack,
Maybe put it on U tube?
Steve 5B......
All I can say is very cool!!!
WVaNative
SHHHHHHHHHH, don't tell libby about that, I'm trying to convince her the 4th camera input on the monitor is for the shower cam lol.
Jack,
I think you should wear the Kayak helmet with the camera while driving and forget the dash mount.
One look and people will most likely give you a little extra room (Safety first) and we can see what your really looking at when driving....... ;D
Cliff
I have read of cases where motorcyclists using helmet cameras have been able to document that they were not at fault in accidents.
Quote from: 5B Steve on April 15, 2010, 07:34:24 PM
Jack,
Maybe put it on U tube?
Steve 5B......
I got a a short video ready to upload, but might have to wait until I get a better (faster) connection. Jack
Quote from: Lin on April 16, 2010, 09:27:47 AM
I have read of cases where motorcyclists using helmet cameras have been able to document that they were not at fault in accidents.
---------------------------
Yeah the video was shown at their funeral as most guys in motorcycle accidents don't survive.
But being able to document what happens could pull your butt out of the fire in court.
WVaNative
Perhaps of interest here, a new advertiser in BCM features a couple different levels of recorder systems that:
- loop record
- use 4-32GB SD memory cards (like digital cameras use)
- can optionally support a second camera such as rear view (or perhaps curb side view to document those idiots that try to come around while you are making a right turn.)
- can record data such as speed, braking, GPS position info, etc.
- have playback software that presents all the data together. The example below shows one with a forward facing and driver cam (to document the driver's alertness and handling of the situation and prove they weren't texting or engaging in other diversions when it happened).
The simple version mounts to the dash. The more robust one is designed to be built into an OEM situation, but I'm pretty sure bus nuts that have done their own dash or driver console modifications could handle adding it in.
Page 18 in the April issue of BCM.
The company is Sepung Electronic Industry. They are in South Korea. You can request more information by contacting Jessica at sec@sepung.co.kr If you do contact them, please let them know you found out about them through Bus Conversions Magazine.
I finally got the video uploaded of our trial run with the Tachyon Dash Camera. This wass my first "project" and was made into a movie at 320 x 240 instead of the 640 x 480 it was recorded at and it better if not viewed full screen. I will try to make my next movies at 640 x 480. Here it is (I hope) Jack
Bus Ride .wmv (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HLocmVGjv-8#lq)
cool jack it looked good to me full screen john
It looked good to me also except a few things. It looks like you are going faster than you are, makes it look like you didn't come to a complete stop at the stop sign and I could see your reflection in the windsheild at the begining. I know you live in your bus a lot and consider it a home but I think you still probably should put pants on!! ;D ........
Jack, that was pretty cool. May have to look into that. The music was very appropriate too, ;D
We recorded our trip from Dearing, GA to Palmetto Cove today. Total time was 3 hour 53 inutes. The camera saves the video in separate files of 30 minutes each. Other tham crossing Strom Thurman dam it was mile after mile of mile after mile. I will delete about 98% of it. However it would have been real handy had I needed documentation of anything. I am finding much more that I can do with my editing software. Jack
Jack,
Nice Video
Just gave me an idea!
On many of our buses like the my 4905, the front steps down and the rear passengers loose there upper field of view going forward.
If I run one of these through my video distribution and feed it to the TV built into the front cap area. This will give a full view to the rear passengers, when desired.
Cliff
Quote from: Lin on April 16, 2010, 09:27:47 AM
I have read of cases where motorcyclists using helmet cameras have been able to document that they were not at fault in accidents.
Lin,
Have heard through some of our safety people that dash cams, Phones and the Phone GPS records being used against the owner in court.
Phone and Phone GPS showing how fast you were driving, distractions like text and calling vs your speed, and of course the dash cam giving a birds eye view of accident.
Two sides to this coin for sure.
Cliff
If you know your speed & actions are being recorded, you may find it easier to behave. ;D
Quote from: FloridaCliff on April 21, 2010, 08:30:42 AM
Have heard through some of our safety people that dash cams, Phones and the Phone GPS records being used against the owner in court.
Phone and Phone GPS showing how fast you were driving, distractions like text and calling vs your speed, and of course the dash cam giving a birds eye view of accident.
Two sides to this coin for sure.
Cliff
Definitely would give additional reason to drive safely and properly. I am a firm believer that when operating a vehicle, the driver should only be driving. Not tending children in the vehicle and driving, watching TV and driving, or texting and driving. Just driving.
That is pretty darn nifty! Might be worth looking into!
Quote from: kyle4501 on April 21, 2010, 09:08:52 AM
If you know your speed & actions are being recorded, you may find it easier to behave. ;D
You better get one installed before you drive through Georgia again.......... ;D ;)
Cliff
Quote from: FloridaCliff on April 21, 2010, 12:08:46 PM
You better get one installed before you drive through Georgia again.......... ;D ;)
Cliff
I knew what speed I was going - problem was the posted speed limit changed & I didn't see the sign. :(
You can't fix stupid - no matter how much money you spend on nifty gadgets. :o
(I've tried)
(And, I don't think it would have changed the outcome if I had been able to show the judge that the revenue enhancement officer added 6 mph to my speed. . . . ) :-\