Engine room cameras

[86Hat41]

Hello. Starting the winter project list. Does anyone have any recommendations for engine room cameras? It is a very dark and hot room, which tells me this could get complicated. What the best way to go through the expense and aggravation of the time and labor to be satisfied with the project. I want the monitor to be a dedicated screen so I’m not sure if I need to buy a Multi function unit for just the system. The electrical is 12V. Thank you, - TJ

 

[Hat52MY]

Most cameras are 12v so you are good from that perspective. It’s simple to hard wire for the power locally. Most new cameras have infrared or other technology to help see in the dark. The hard part is fishing the cable from the Engine Room to the DVR (Digital Video Recorder). If you are savvy enough, you can leverage and NVR (Network Video Recorder) which leverages WiFi for the camera signal. Pluses and minuses to either (DVR vs NVR). My suggestion, if your going through the trouble of setting up cameras in the ER, do the entire boat. Most DVR’s & NVR’s have a minimum of 4 channels, typical is 8, 16, or 32. IMO, its worth the investment. Best of luck to you.

 

[rsmith]

I been gone a lot in the past number of years dealing with elders health issues I’ve used the Blinc cameras to keep an eye on the boat and house while I’ve been gone while not usable underway their great for pease of mind.

 

[metama]

The new cameras are great.

iF you want them to interface with the new MFD you have to pick ones that work with your system. Sometime you have to do a touch of work to get the settings right.

The IR is great in the engine rooms, I can't tell if I have the lights on or off.
You may want to help quick see what camera is what room. I have one pointed forward, one stern.

Mine are all POE so no power needed, just ethernet to the helm.