Who has installed a video recorder or camcorder to....

[Blue C's]

...their Garmin 3010C??? I just installed my new unit with the idea that I can install a video vamera to the system and record while we catch fish and watch what I'm recording on the screen. This should help center the picture that the camera is seeing since it is a nightmare to look through those damn tiny viewfinders on most camcorders. Does anyone here have a setup like this and if so what brand camera and mounts are you using. I have a tournament this weekend and would like to get set up by then. Thanks in advance!!

p.s. sound/audio is not a concern.......

[Glen E]

bob -

I admire your no-holds barred when it comes to electronics and spending money...you are my role model n

now If you get heads up display I'll be really jealous.....

[Blue C's]

What??? I could've gotten HUD too???

Glen, how ya been?? How's the new boat treatin' ya? Great I'm sure.

I have been planning the new electronics for a while and even if I can't view on my screen while taping, I'll find another way.
The A/V cable has two RCA type connectors and should work on lots of cameras, but I'd like some comments or ideas to see if using the screen is of any benefit. I'm thinking if I can see the fish and fisherman in the screen I should be able to aim the camera in their general direction with the steering wheel.

I am also interested in mounting the RCA jacks on the dash with a waterproof cover so all I have to do is plug into the dash when needed.
This way I don't have to screw with the cable on the back of the unit much.

[Glen E]

female RCA's that mount on the dash - might find them at smarthome.com - surveilance video cams too

[Blue C's]

Thanks Glen! They did have the wall jacks and plates.

I'm sure I'm going to get a camcorder and have a custom mount/monopod made when I decide where I want to put the camera.
I actually found a rail mount camera base in the Melton International Tackle catalog. Go figure.

[Blue C's]

Well I guess I'll be the guinea pig and let you guys know how it works out............thanks anyways.

[LeadSolo]

I am of no help concerning the video, however, I was just looking at purchasing the 3010c combo for my boat. Did you get the GMS 20 or 40 radar? XM weather? Transom mount transducer, in hull or thru-hull? I was curious as to your overall take on the performance of the system. E-mail l.anderson@mchsi.com if you have a minute for your recommendations.
Thanks!
Len

[Sea_Dad]

I guess you should have bought a lowrance.

[swamppro]

I am finishing up doing a job with 2 e80s with camera on hardtop interfaced to the e80s and a flatscreen below also to a dvd recorder. Its not to bad with the Raymarine units as it is all straight forward.

[Blue C's]

It isn't a question of how. I'm asking for input on where and what type of camera and mounts etc. The clowns that work at places like Circuit City only know the prices, when sales are and how to turn it on and off. I figured somewhere here had done it already.

Sea Dad.......what does Lowrance have to do with it?

LeadSolo, I sent you a PM.

[Tightline Rod's]

Bob C-Map makes a Camera you should look at
C-Cam April 27th 2005 5:50:36 AM
http://www.c-map.com/index2.html

Marine-Grade Color Camera "C-cam"
Now Available For C-MAP Based Chart Plotters!


For years, our electronic charts have made navigation safer by showing captains what's ahead of their boat. Now C-MAP is making boating safer and more enjoyable by showing captains what's happening on their boats. With our new C-cam color camera system, boaters can view a live television image right on a compatible chart plotter, keeping a watchful eye on mechanical systems, gear, family members (especially kids) and more.

Adding C-cam to your C-MAP based chart plotter will attach yet another utility to your charting system. The camera shown here can be easily mounted in engine rooms, on flying bridge decks, gangways, or in any other location on a boat - big or small - where you want to monitor activity from another location.






At the push of a button, you may view the camera's line of sight in a crisp, color view. Custom settings in the chart plotter will allow for a "quick view" at pre-set intervals and return to the charting screen, without any user interaction.

These inexpensive cameras can be easily installed with the included mounting bracket. Simply run the cable back to the chart plotter and you're ready to go. No power hookup needed; just plug and play!



Most chart plotters will accept two video inputs so two cameras can be mounted if necessary.

Priced at $149, C-cam is compatible with chart plotters from Si-tex, Standard Horizon, Interphase and any others that accept video input.

Click here for a list of compatible chart plotters. For more information, contact C-MAP's Customer Care Department: 800.424.2627 or E-mail: info@c-map.com.

Read The Press Release

[Blue C's]

Jt, I know of the camera, but I'm in need of a "camcorder" and a mount. The C-Cam is a viewing camera that doesn't record. I actually found a mount in the Melton Int'l Tackle catalog, made by Sony that I could attach to a t-top rail. Now I need some ideas on which camera will take a little abuse, record preferably to DVD and mount so I can point and aim while at the helm. I am amazed so far how hard it is to find a sports/recreational/water resistant type camera for what I want to do that doesn't cost 3k and up. The camera and mount won't be a permanent fixture on the boat so it doesn't have to be very water resistant because where I plan on mounting it shouldn't get any spray other than sprayed blood from thrashing fish....... I do plan on running the patch cords so I can access them quickly.

Please excuse the rambling...........it helps me come up with ideas while thinking out loud.
Thanks again jt.

[Sea_Dad]

heh, my apologies. I was half reading and thought you wanted to record the FF instead of the fishing action.

[Glen E]

Blue C's - 4/27/2005 6:19 AM

Jt, I know of the camera, but I'm in need of a "camcorder" and a mount. The C-Cam is a viewing camera that doesn't record. I actually found a mount in the Melton Int'l Tackle catalog, made by Sony that I could attach to a t-top rail. Now I need some ideas on which camera will take a little abuse, record preferably to DVD and mount so I can point and aim while at the helm. I am amazed so far how hard it is to find a sports/recreational/water resistant type camera for what I want to do that doesn't cost 3k and up. The camera and mount won't be a permanent fixture on the boat so it doesn't have to be very water resistant because where I plan on mounting it shouldn't get any spray other than sprayed blood from thrashing fish....... I do plan on running the patch cords so I can access them quickly.

Please excuse the rambling...........it helps me come up with ideas while thinking out loud.
Thanks again jt.

Bob - I wouold stay simple and look at a Canon DV unit that you could mount up on the rail. A Canon DV will instantly hook up to any Apple iMac and thru a very simple program called iMovie - turns your footage into a DVD playable on any dvd player in seconds complete with cuts, fades and sound track (like Buffet). 4 years ago I bought a iMac for 950 bucks that keeps all my pics (iphoto), music (itunes) and home movies (imovie) all on the same hard drive . My biz comuter is still a PC but for personal stuff, the mac can't be beat. All the iPrograms are avail with a mac or can be bought for 79.00 total

here are the programs:
http://www.apple.com/ilife/

here is the camera I own - 4 years old and going strong:
http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPL....6.25.7.11.9.3

[Cooper]

Have you considered a sony digital camera inside a sony waterproof case? Like this:




Throw in a large memory stick and you can capture a lot of video at 640x480x30fps. It's got a tripod mount on the bottom of the plastic case. If you need some photos, take it down and snap a few.

Actually, now that I think about it, it's obviously impossible to hook it up to the chartplotter if it's in the case. Duh! But there are some other digital cameras out there that will capture video and are water resistant without a case. Something to think about...

[Buck Wild]

Have three of the*C-Cams that are then plugged into the camcorder for*recording.* Keeps the camera out of the elements and the cams work great.* Get a video switch and then you can change which cam gets recorded.* Just another idea.

[Tightline Rod's]

Bob have you seen this
AudioVox Video Observation System
AudioVox Video Observation System

5" System Closed Circuit TV with Audio
The Audiovox Video Observation system is an affordable closed circuit TV system with up to two remote cameras with audio capability. Now you can watch and hear your engine room or another part of your vessel from your helm or eliminate that blind spot when docking. The systems include a 5" monochrome monitor, a high resolution camera and cable and power harness. You can add an optional second camera. The monitor features two camera inputs, night/day button with contrast and brightness, volume control, camera position button (up/down) standby mode, snap-on sun visor and backlit controls. The high resolution camera features solid state image sensor (1/3" CCD) die-cast aluminum housing, adjustable viewing angles controlled with button on the monitor. A waterproof microphone is incorporated into camera housing. 20 Meter cable included. The camera measures 2.5"W x 1.5"H x 7.5"D. One year warranty.


John

[bilfsh]

fyi,
the Audiovox VOS is a really nice compact unit. I did a bit of research and was not able to find any technical info stating the monitor has component video outputs to send video to a VCR or DVR.
Being in the Security CCTV and A/V integration business for quite some time I have the opertunity to evaluate many new "toys". I installed a compact exterior color camera with integrated mic under my flybridge overhang. Using a vari-focal auto iris lens (solid state auto iris function) the viewed area includes the cockpit and @ 15' out into the water. Picks up the leader and gaff activity. Recording is done on a simple Panosonic VHS VCR in the salon. Nice to re-play the days activity on the way back. One word of caution, the circuits in CCTV cameras are very sensitive to voltage drops and spikes. You either have to power them from a dedicated batery or install a power conditioner in line with the source.

[SWFLNavigation]

Blue C's I took an piece of Stanless steel cut a gimble mount in the bottom of it and made a plate for to mount my SONY HANDY CAM to it. I then put in a rod holder on my T-Top (rocket Launcher) facing backwards when Im trolling I can look forward while peeking at the video on the CPlotter, I also have a video of the strick on top water . my .o2 worth

[Islandgirl]

I am planning something like that also. I probably won't have time to play with aiming a camera too any particular side of the boat. So I just went out and bought a wide angle lens for my sony and will mount it as high as possible to spread out the view even more.