On this subject, I have built camera cars for both N and HO scales using Raspberry PI Zero microcontrollers. These broadcast live video over WiFi so you can see it real-time from a computer or phone. The ultimate goal is to have an "Engineer's Cab" so that you can operate the train and view its journey as if you were the engineer.
Thanks for sharing this video and information. I’ve been thinking of getting a camera for Cab view video for years. @ this price and return policy at Amazon, I ordered one for use on club layouts! Also for use at Train show layouts, too !
Jimmy, I bought a similar camera for my HO layout but didn't have much success with it. Maybe it was just a bad unit. Now I'm experimenting with an inexpensive ESP32-CAM module that uses Wi-Fi to connect to computer or cell phone via home wireless router. Lots of info and shareware on TH-cam and web. Bill at DroneBot Workshop has great tutorial! Does have a learning curve to download software but once running has a nice user interface for lots of control. To disguise the unit, I'm mounting entire gizmo inside a boxcar. So far, I'm happy with results and have recorded a few test videos. It also snaps still pictures. All the best ... and yes, more info with regard to train videos is welcome!!!
I saw a video where they put a lens from a cheap pair of reading glasses in front of the camera and it greatly improved the near focus. Won't help the narrow field of view, though. Patience is important when buying these cameras. The third one I bought worked; the first had color issues and the second wouldn't charge. Got a refund on that sale and went with one from a different seller.
That's not too terrible considering $20. This might be a tough go in N scale but I installed a spy camera in an HO dummy locomotive where the lens is where the engineer would sit at so it's not completely centered on the track as the engineer would hover over the right rail and the fireman/front brakeman/conductor would hover over the left rail. - Jason
Good "video." I've done a few HO scale cab ride videos on my "Rail Mouse Video Productions" channel using a Vivitar DVR 786HD camera. It does a reasonable job, except because of its size I have to place it in "portrait" mode position.
"Here are my patrons....." They all unfunded me en masse! 😆 The speed of the ride might improve the viewing experience, but these cameras are really 'spy' cameras to help you watch your home whilst you're out.
Everyone seems to want to do "cab ride" videos. I find you really cannot see a layout that way. What I would rather see is a "passenger ride" view. Both would be good. Start out as a passenger, in a car near the end of the train so you might get a glimpse of the loco on corners, have the camera focus to the inside of the layout. Go once around the layout. Then move the camera to a "cab ride" view. The audio would be interesting if it was from the passenger's view point. "Oh look, we are coming into Jimmyville, there is their famous "Etsy" building...... Oh, that must be the "Acme Company", I know they make wigits. They are the foremost maker in the country. They have been making foremosts for decades" (or whatever i s on the layout.)
Hi Jimmy, watching this video here on my lunchbreak in UK. Sitting in sun at Street cafe drinking an El salvador/Colombian coffee blend by Blind Owl here in Uk. I have a Polaroid cube which is good for shots on my layout from a suitable flat wagon/car. Though the app for the WiFi connection seems to have stopped finding camera..!!!
Hello Jimmy, I have the same camera for the same purpose, but on my HO Scale layout. I had to return mine to the sellers twice because it was faulty out of the box. Even the one I have now does not want to shoot in low light with the infra red LED's lit. They simply do not turn on. Yet, I find it is a helpful tool to inspect scenery and track where I cannot get my eye to look down the track, as I am have a double deck shelf layout, with the upper deck 62 inches of the ground.
There are so many of the club layouts that didn't build out the backside of the structures along their tracks. They only built out and detailed the side that the viewer could see from the aisles. Now with these little cameras they can see these blank or open walls that tracks run behind. So, think of it as a tool to improve your modeling. What does the camera pick up from track level and right of way that needs improvement?
I would love to see more tips and tricks for layout videography and photography Jimmy. I won a similar camera from one of the other channels but am yet to use it. Perhaps I should experiment with it now that you have shared your take on it. Thank you Jimmy.
Thanks so much for this video. After watching it, I went and did some research, and went for the SQ12 model, instead of the SQ11. And... I'm really impressed with the results for such a cheap item! Again, not perfect; but it improved both the stability, and also the focal distance.
I had, well still guess I do, that camera until I broke the charge port on it and that was my one dislike of it. I 'upgraded' to the sq13 since it's only a few buck more. It's charge port is micro USB so that was a plus, and the ability to connect to it via an app and see what it sees sold me on it. The downside I found on it is it's just a hair too big for N scale and I had to use a depressed center flat. Both are a good cheap camera though.
Great video :) thanks for the info as Ive thought about a camera but placed it in the back of my mind, which seems to be a vacant lot, for the time being. :) And now I can actually think of it for a now or soon thing :)
Jimmy, Thanks for your camera search update. I’m still hoping for the ability to stream live video rather than onto a flash drive. Guess the tech just isn’t there yet. Wonder if an add-on lens could improve the close up clarity without destroying distance focus for Nscale. Wonder if stiffening up the truck mount to car body would help reduce shake? Guess it might even make it worse.
I have now tried 3 SQ11 camera from Amazon and they ALL arrived DOA. So my research led me to Tom at ChooChoo Vision in Texas. His camera supposedly streams video to one's computer via WiFi. The quality looks excellent but I am at a loss to figure out how to save the video feed to a file. 1) Are you familiar with this camera? 2) If so, any suggestions for saving the feed to a file? Thanks in advance Jimmy. Ron in Sacramento
Good demonstration video. I have this camera and intend to use it on my layout. I have 2 problems, no matter what I do I can not access the 1080 mode. Secondly, I can't get rid of the time stamp. My file does not have a Y to change to a N. First I simply added an N but that did not work. Then I deleted the entire date time stamp and saved it. That didn't work either and the date line came back! So, I deleted the entire text file and save it. That did not work either and the text file came back! I have searched the internet for a solution but have found none. Have you encountered this problem, or any other users reading you comments section? Thanks! Keep up the good work!!!
Jimmy, have you had an opportunity to look for any better options for a cab view camera in n scale? I realize $20 is a no-brainer, just wondering if $40 or more can get me a better depth of field and frame rate, and still fit an n scale flat car. Part of my motivation is to show family/friends 2000+ miles away my layout from a unique perspective. Ron
i use a polaroid cube, basically the same concept as these cube copycats.. I have the basic version but they have a wifi one too, lots of MOW work shows up like were areas need more ballast, fallen items, trees, etc, was able to keep the magnetic base from the packaging to attach to a flatcar which is now a Concrete tie MOW car. feel free to take a look at the layout rides i have on my channel i've recorded with it.
Excellent information. Have you or anyone put a lenses in front of this or a similar camera? Drug store reading glasses, maybe 0.5 to 1 range is where I'd start. 2nd, how about powering it from the track via the USB connection? Thanks
Hi Jimmy i bought a camera the same as you have and mine didnt work at all i gave the idea away the $20 cameras seem to be hit and miss depending where you buy them I also have cameras imbedded in my tunnel i used security cameras which really help to see if a train has come off the track an where which i use through a DVR and can live stream with them which i finally hope to do when i finally get thing better sorted its hard sometimes when you have chronic fatigue to get thing done you have inspired me to get mine working thank you . Your camera works well for a $20 camera Regards Greg
So cool jimmy. I did a video review about a year ago on the poloroid cube. This seems to be a generic of that. Very cool camera. I use it the same way.
@markmatteo2417 hold the power button for 3 secs. Light would come on blue. Push power button and a blue and red light (purple) will show. Thats the 1080p mode. Hold power for 7 secs and it will turn off
Hi Jimmy, thank you for your videos - always worth watching! I wonder if you have tried using the webcam facility on this camera - I was hoping to use a few of these to show different views of the layout on a larger screen, but I found that the frame rate is nowhere near 30fps on the webcam - it jerks noticeable when trains are moving past. So if you come across a good cheap webcam (or ip-Cam or can get the ESP-32CAM to work without delays) that can be used with a program to display many screens at the same time (like using the free OBS Studio) that would be great to see! Thank you
Some wobble reminds me of prototype track when I rode the rail was less than perfect back in the day. If one is viewing out a rail car blur occurs as one views passing terrain. Nice compact camera. Thanks for the video
On this subject, I have built camera cars for both N and HO scales using Raspberry PI Zero microcontrollers. These broadcast live video over WiFi so you can see it real-time from a computer or phone. The ultimate goal is to have an "Engineer's Cab" so that you can operate the train and view its journey as if you were the engineer.
Thanks for sharing this video and information. I’ve been thinking of getting a camera for Cab view video for years. @ this price and return policy at Amazon, I ordered one for use on club layouts! Also for use at Train show layouts, too !
Kudos on the effort J👍. I'm might try this in the future but might drop a few more bucks tho.
Very informative jimmy, I've been looking for a small camera like this just very undecided. Take care
Jimmy, I bought a similar camera for my HO layout but didn't have much success with it. Maybe it was just a bad unit.
Now I'm experimenting with an inexpensive ESP32-CAM module that uses Wi-Fi to connect to computer or cell phone via home wireless router. Lots of info and shareware on TH-cam and web. Bill at DroneBot Workshop has great tutorial! Does have a learning curve to download software but once running has a nice user interface for lots of control. To disguise the unit, I'm mounting entire gizmo inside a boxcar. So far, I'm happy with results and have recorded a few test videos. It also snaps still pictures.
All the best ... and yes, more info with regard to train videos is welcome!!!
I've been working with an ESP32-CAM too! There is a video coming up on this.
Hi Jimmy. I would like to see footage after some counterweights experiments. Thanks.
I saw a video where they put a lens from a cheap pair of reading glasses in front of the camera and it greatly improved the near focus. Won't help the narrow field of view, though. Patience is important when buying these cameras. The third one I bought worked; the first had color issues and the second wouldn't charge. Got a refund on that sale and went with one from a different seller.
That was really cool ,Jimmy!! Like you said it is only $20 and isn't all that bad. Thank You for sharing this video. Bruce
not too shabby for a $20 camera...good job & thx 4 sharing.. vinny
Great video Jimmy! I would love to see any tips and/or tricks you have on videography.
Good stuff. Would really like to see more - occasionally - on layout videography. Thanks.
That's not too terrible considering $20. This might be a tough go in N scale but I installed a spy camera in an HO dummy locomotive where the lens is where the engineer would sit at so it's not completely centered on the track as the engineer would hover over the right rail and the fireman/front brakeman/conductor would hover over the left rail. - Jason
Good "video." I've done a few HO scale cab ride videos on my "Rail Mouse Video Productions" channel using a Vivitar DVR 786HD camera. It does a reasonable job, except because of its size I have to place it in "portrait" mode position.
That would be cool 😎 give us more videography tips. I make train videos and put them on social media 😃🛤️
"Here are my patrons....." They all unfunded me en masse! 😆
The speed of the ride might improve the viewing experience, but these cameras are really 'spy' cameras to help you watch your home whilst you're out.
Everyone seems to want to do "cab ride" videos. I find you really cannot see a layout that way. What I would rather see is a "passenger ride" view. Both would be good. Start out as a passenger, in a car near the end of the train so you might get a glimpse of the loco on corners, have the camera focus to the inside of the layout. Go once around the layout. Then move the camera to a "cab ride" view. The audio would be interesting if it was from the passenger's view point. "Oh look, we are coming into Jimmyville, there is their famous "Etsy" building...... Oh, that must be the "Acme Company", I know they make wigits. They are the foremost maker in the country. They have been making foremosts for decades" (or whatever i s on the layout.)
Hi Jimmy, watching this video here on my lunchbreak in UK. Sitting in sun at Street cafe drinking an El salvador/Colombian coffee blend by Blind Owl here in Uk. I have a Polaroid cube which is good for shots on my layout from a suitable flat wagon/car. Though the app for the WiFi connection seems to have stopped finding camera..!!!
Hello Jimmy, I have the same camera for the same purpose, but on my HO Scale layout. I had to return mine to the sellers twice because it was faulty out of the box. Even the one I have now does not want to shoot in low light with the infra red LED's lit. They simply do not turn on. Yet, I find it is a helpful tool to inspect scenery and track where I cannot get my eye to look down the track, as I am have a double deck shelf layout, with the upper deck 62 inches of the ground.
I thought it was just me I can’t get mine to turn on either
Jimmy this is an awesome video as I’m an n-scaler and was looking for an idea for cab ride rail fanning my new layout
Hey I have that camera! I wasn’t really happy with it to be honest.
Have you tried adding warp stabilization? Maybe 3-5%
There are so many of the club layouts that didn't build out the backside of the structures along their tracks. They only built out and detailed the side that the viewer could see from the aisles. Now with these little cameras they can see these blank or open walls that tracks run behind. So, think of it as a tool to improve your modeling. What does the camera pick up from track level and right of way that needs improvement?
Hi.. I also tried one of these from aliexpress. My issue is the buttons, mine does not start it recording all the time when you press it.
I am thinking a depressed center flat car, such as the one from Micro-Trains might work better for carrying the camera. Cheers and stay safe.
I would love to see more tips and tricks for layout videography and photography Jimmy. I won a similar camera from one of the other channels but am yet to use it. Perhaps I should experiment with it now that you have shared your take on it. Thank you Jimmy.
Thanks so much for this video. After watching it, I went and did some research, and went for the SQ12 model, instead of the SQ11.
And... I'm really impressed with the results for such a cheap item! Again, not perfect; but it improved both the stability, and also the focal distance.
I had, well still guess I do, that camera until I broke the charge port on it and that was my one dislike of it. I 'upgraded' to the sq13 since it's only a few buck more. It's charge port is micro USB so that was a plus, and the ability to connect to it via an app and see what it sees sold me on it. The downside I found on it is it's just a hair too big for N scale and I had to use a depressed center flat. Both are a good cheap camera though.
Great video :) thanks for the info as Ive thought about a camera but placed it in the back of my mind, which seems to be a vacant lot, for the time being. :) And now I can actually think of it for a now or soon thing :)
Jimmy,
Thanks for your camera search update. I’m still hoping for the ability to stream live video rather than onto a flash drive. Guess the tech just isn’t there yet.
Wonder if an add-on lens could improve the close up clarity without destroying distance focus for Nscale.
Wonder if stiffening up the truck mount to car body would help reduce shake? Guess it might even make it worse.
I have now tried 3 SQ11 camera from Amazon and they ALL arrived DOA. So my research led me to Tom at ChooChoo Vision in Texas. His camera supposedly streams video to one's computer via WiFi. The quality looks excellent but I am at a loss to figure out how to save the video feed to a file. 1) Are you familiar with this camera? 2) If so, any suggestions for saving the feed to a file? Thanks in advance Jimmy.
Ron in Sacramento
Good demonstration video. I have this camera and intend to use it on my layout. I have 2 problems, no matter what I do I can not access the 1080 mode. Secondly, I can't get rid of the time stamp. My file does not have a Y to change to a N. First I simply added an N but that did not work. Then I deleted the entire date time stamp and saved it. That didn't work either and the date line came back! So, I deleted the entire text file and save it. That did not work either and the text file came back! I have searched the internet for a solution but have found none. Have you encountered this problem, or any other users reading you comments section? Thanks! Keep up the good work!!!
th-cam.com/video/9XJD7Hmhd-A/w-d-xo.html
Picked one of these up myself and was pretty satisfied with the results, thank you for posting this
Jimmy, have you had an opportunity to look for any better options for a cab view camera in n scale? I realize $20 is a no-brainer, just wondering if $40 or more can get me a better depth of field and frame rate, and still fit an n scale flat car. Part of my motivation is to show family/friends 2000+ miles away my layout from a unique perspective.
Ron
i use a polaroid cube, basically the same concept as these cube copycats.. I have the basic version but they have a wifi one too, lots of MOW work shows up like were areas need more ballast, fallen items, trees, etc, was able to keep the magnetic base from the packaging to attach to a flatcar which is now a Concrete tie MOW car. feel free to take a look at the layout rides i have on my channel i've recorded with it.
Excellent information. Have you or anyone put a lenses in front of this or a similar camera? Drug store reading glasses, maybe 0.5 to 1 range is where I'd start. 2nd, how about powering it from the track via the USB connection? Thanks
Hi Jimmy i bought a camera the same as you have and mine didnt work at all i gave the idea away the $20 cameras seem to be hit and miss depending where you buy them I also have cameras imbedded in my tunnel i used security cameras which really help to see if a train has come off the track an where which i use through a DVR and can live stream with them which i finally hope to do when i finally get thing better sorted its hard sometimes when you have chronic fatigue to get thing done you have inspired me to get mine working thank you . Your camera works well for a $20 camera Regards Greg
to change the focal point of the camera, you may be able to open the camera up and screw (clockwise) the lens closer to the body.
So cool jimmy. I did a video review about a year ago on the poloroid cube. This seems to be a generic of that. Very cool camera. I use it the same way.
Jimmy, the list of Patreons did not show.
Whoops! Must’ve messed up on the export. I’ll put them up today as a community post.
I looked at a lot of these cameras, and almost all of them fail to say if they had audio. Did yours have audio and also, are you modeling in n scale?
i'm am your fist watcher
Could you try putting a weak magnifying lens in front of it?
do you have a video on the best way to clean n-scale or ho-scale track?
Awesome...been looking for one ....thanks
Good video keep posting videos up stay safe lee
Hi there try a model plan FPV camera
These cameras are amazing. I have the SQ12 which has a wider lens on it. It gives a wider view of scenery when rolling by. Best money spent years ago.
I can’t even figure out how to turn it on
@markmatteo2417 hold the power button for 3 secs. Light would come on blue. Push power button and a blue and red light (purple) will show. Thats the 1080p mode. Hold power for 7 secs and it will turn off
I might be using the wrong memory card, would that cause it not to turn on?@@caprailroad
Very interesting about the camera good things to know. Keep us up on your progress on this project.
🚂🚂📷 GOD BLESS
Hi Jimmy, thank you for your videos - always worth watching! I wonder if you have tried using the webcam facility on this camera - I was hoping to use a few of these to show different views of the layout on a larger screen, but I found that the frame rate is nowhere near 30fps on the webcam - it jerks noticeable when trains are moving past. So if you come across a good cheap webcam (or ip-Cam or can get the ESP-32CAM to work without delays) that can be used with a program to display many screens at the same time (like using the free OBS Studio) that would be great to see!
Thank you
wont work on windows 10 for sure.
Some wobble reminds me of prototype track when I rode the rail was less than perfect back in the day. If one is viewing out a rail car blur occurs as one views passing terrain. Nice compact camera. Thanks for the video
You got to start somewhere
Add a kitty to the mix
Might as well use a cell phone to record :)
Scenery looks very good
no it cant. a dji pocket 2 will do it though!
Enjoyed the video today nice update.Diesel dave like it well done.