Project:
Remote indoor pan and tilt camera.
Designer(s):
N8UDK
Description:
The outdoor pan and tilt system for the repeater site wasn't cheap but it is one of the most useful and fun features of the repeater since users are able to point the twin cameras where ever desired (via remote control of course). For the repeater room I came up with a "poor man's pan and tilt camera system" that cost was under $100 (excluding the camera). What this little wonder allows users of the repeater to do is see every part of the repeater room. Once the room lights are turned on (via remote) you can see the repeater, if the fans are running, all feedlines coming into the room, if the door is open, if there are any people in the room, the entire ceiling (it better not leak), and if there is any water on the floor. It's a little piece of mind for a small price.
Some Technical Information:
The camera is mechanically attached to two Futaba servos allowing the camera to pan and tilt. I programmed the Scott Edward's Electronics Counterfeit Stamp computer to look for DTMF audio signals coming from one of our 440 FM control radios. When a proper tone is being received (e.g. 9 for left, * for right, 0 for up, and # for down) the stamp instructs the SSC servo controller circuit to move the servo positions. This allows for a 200 degree pan (left to right) and 200 degree tilt (up to down).
Hardware:
Hardware Sources:
Conclusion:
I have determined that I could build this device now for less than half the price if I was to replace the Mini SSC board and Counterfeit Stamp with a PIC chip. The problem is it would take too much time to program the PIC and debug the system. So the $100 is a reasonable balance of price and functionality versus time to spend on the project. As far as reliability, the indoor pan and tilt system has been working now for over six months without a single problem. It does the job!
- Chris Oesterling N8UDK
Fig 1.0 - The poor-man's pan/tilt system.
