Built a Motion Activated Game Camcorder
Some of you might remember Grounded's Post about his Super Duper Game Camera using a CVS Camcorder Post forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=5683&highlight=" target="_blank">http://camerahacks.10.forumer.com/viewtopic.php?t=5683&highlight= Altho mine don't have the IR Array like he used, I thought I'd show off the type I build (which has no external light and can't see in the dark) The Camcorder Controller has an integrated circuit that is programmed to turn on the CamCorder when movement is detected, take a 20 second film clip, then turn off. So far, I've got movies of deer, turkeys, and a coyote, and other wildlife. Now you know why I have asked several crazy questions in the past, like getting the date/time of the movies and sound improvement, etc LOL Here are a couple video's Deer and Turkeys http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1839550780293235131 Natural Born Leader (Fawn) http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-2495316782001795737 CVS Internal wiring All for less than a hunnert dollars!!!!!!!!! thanx to this site for a really great hobby Tinhorn

F*#cking beautiful, I would like to see a how to or even just a parts break down. Where did you get the timing unit. Bravo

Zac, I figured you already knew about this Do-It-Yourself Game Cam site but maybe not. Here is a link to more on the Game Camcorder Build http://www.hagshouse.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=26318&hl=ratsnest Here is the Schematic for the Cam Controller Board, which was designed by Grounded, that uses a PIC. I know you've been thinking about using some 555's and am sure they could be made to work tho. I was designing a circuit based on them B-4 the PIC came into play and the design looked "Probable" LOL Grounded's Schematic http://nightowl.net/~tinhorn/cvsScheme.jpg I've posted the below drawing before but here it is again, on how I wire the camcorders. You can see how I route the wires around the board in one of the above pix's. I found a bunch of USB extension cords at Dollar General a while back that are perfect for our needs. I use USB connections for everything but Grounded uses telephone jack/plugs that are perfect too. http://nightowl.net/~tinhorn/CVSwiring.jpg Other Parts not noted above: Enclosure: Wally World's 3 or $4 clear food container, found in the pots and pans section Rubber band: that holds the cam in place is short pony tail bands woman use. I just drill a suitable hole in the shallow electrical box and tie a knot to keep it from pulling thru Lens Hood: I don't put glass over the Lens hole so more sound can get through and use a 35mm film canister cut on an angle. Never had any rain leak in yet, knock on wood WARNing ! ! ! building game cams are addictive and there are no known cures at this time! Tinhorn

For some reason I never looked for one :oops: ..... I stumbled on to this one http://www.jesseshunting.com/site/homebrew-cams.html and never looked futher...not that I got any help.

I'm familiar with that site you found, you'll see my name all over it but they'll be OLD since I and most of the "Engineer's" left it for one reason or another and went to Hags......

Just signed up.

Well I guess welcome to cam building ZAC nice people over @ hags site grounded here, ratsnest there :lol: