Engine Room Camera?

[Play'N Hooky Too]

I have been researching some off-the-shelf, or more appropriately, off-the-Amazon options for installing a couple of cameras to monitor the engine room and other areas while underway. I would rather not have to run another set of wires all the way to the flybridge, so I was exploring wireless options. This would be for real-time monitoring so I don't really need DVR or Cloud storage for recording. Ideally I would like to be able to connect using my android tablet or phone versus having to have a dedicated monitor on the bridge for the camera(s).

It seems that there are a number of camera systems that allow you to connect through a wireless router, but all the ones that I've looked at require that the router be connected to the internet to be able to view the video feed using a tablet or phone, even locally. This of course wouldn't be a problem if I was able to get internet service beyond 15 miles off-shore (come on StarLink!).

Any ideas or experience along these lines?

Thanks
Alan

 

[MadHatter53]

I have a pair of Wyze wireless cams on my boat and for the price they work perfectly. My set has a wireless base which doesn’t need internet to view onboard but will for remote viewing. There might be a second or two delay nbd also has motion and night vision and with a card you can record and view later. Mine were set up to record while away and the batteries lasted all summer without a charge.

 

[Play'N Hooky Too]

Thanks for the reply MadHatter. I'll look into those .

I actually have a camera (pan, tilt, zoom, on-board wifi, etc) that I bought a little while back that I was hoping to mount in the engine room until I found that it had to have an internet connection. I'm wondering if it would be possible to figure out what "language" the camera was speaking and find a way to translate the wireless signal using a generic audio/visual app so that it could be viewed off-line versus going through the manufacturer's app that requires an internet connection.

Probably making this harder than it needs to be.

 

[MadHatter53]

I’m surprised you can’t just connect to the camera with your phone tablet etc. that’s how my cameras work.

 

[Briankinley2004]

Not sure of the brand but 3 or 5 years ago a friend of mine bought some kind of security cameras from Sams club. They were wireless. Had a small screen he put in the bridge and the cameras mounted in the ER. They did OK but the screen was too small for my liking

 

[Play'N Hooky Too]

I’m surprised you can’t just connect to the camera with your phone tablet etc. that’s how my cameras work.

You would think that would be the case (at least I did), but you have to have their app to "talk" to the camera and that only seems to works if it can link with the internet. I can see the camera as an active network connection on my phone and I can connect to it, but the camera won't function through the app unless I have an internet connection. Maybe I'm over looking something obvious here. This new fangled technology is apparently above the level of comprehension for my old analog brain.

Not sure of the brand but 3 or 5 years ago a friend of mine bought some kind of security cameras from Sams club. They were wireless. Had a small screen he put in the bridge and the cameras mounted in the ER. They did OK but the screen was too small for my liking

That's my problem also. Plus the screens are not very robust, especially where they might get exposed to the elements.

 

[JuiceClark]

All the electronics makers have wireless cams and you use the map screen at the helm. But they're ridiculously expensive. So, I certainly understand what you're trying to do. The wireless security cams in my house are $50 each and you can view them on your phone or tablet. Just bought the system on Ebay.

Money buys convenience I guess. Garmin is $300.
https://www.crutchfield.com/S-c2REm...S2GBksMpvGiDb8wWtpIwuibfTFEj5MfxoCEREQAvD_BwE

I have a Simrad system which has been difficult to learn. This camera with infrared is really expensive for 500 bucks. They must think I'm stupid.
https://www.atlanticrt.com/simrad-camera-w-ir.html

There is a coax running from my helm to the ER from a cam I threw away - looked 25 years old. I might think of something to run with that coax when my to-do list shrinks.

 

[Salty lady]

Research wireless backup camera's. I added a camera to the radar arch and put the screen on the pilot house dash so that I can see what’s coming up from behind. I only question if it will get a good signal from the engine room to the bridge.

Salty lady 53 MY #555
Chester Ct Ft Pierce Fla

 

[JuiceClark]

Research wireless backup camera's. I added a camera to the radar arch and put the screen on the pilot house dash so that I can see what’s coming up from behind. I only question if it will get a good signal from the engine room to the bridge.

Salty lady 53 MY #555
Chester Ct Ft Pierce Fla

Genius! I want to see what the kids are up to downstairs as well.

https://waggonerguide.com/backup-camera-for-boaters/

This wireless deal is perfect, but really expensive. Could make your own much cheaper, I'd think.

https://www.tadibrothers.com/products/boat-backup-camera-7-monitor-with-mounted-box-camera

https://www.tadibrothers.com/products/7-monitor-with-3-built-in-wireless-mounted-rv-backup-cameras

 

[REBrueckner]

I made a system myself, wired. It worked ok but be sure your cameras work in low light conditions..
likely you'll need more light than you might think. I had to leave my engine room lights on. Also, sunlight may make viewing your
displays difficult....especially on any flybridge. I decided that I'd need a really top of the line system to see details
with engines running and sucking in all the engine room air, I fear even smoke would be dissipated too
fast to be very visible. Probably best to find an installation and talk with an experienced owner to find
one that meets your requirements. I found I'd need five cameras for good coverage of my 8V71TI's
and generator...one fwd, one aft each engine, plus one for the genny.

Other options: Murphy gauges {to monitor engine coolant levels]; transmission temperature gauges to monitor
those temps; sea water flow meters to alarm the instant sea water flow ceases. All these signal BEFORE
any real problem arises.

Good luck.

 

[dcate]

Nothin’ beats stickin’ your head in the engine room. As for cameras, yeah. There’s one in each bedroom.