UnidenSurfer

I think there was something on here a while back about this, but I couldn't find it. I was wondering if anyone had any instructions or advice on how to hardwire a camera into something. Specifically, I want to take an old alarm clock and wire a wireless camera into it so that it will be powered by the same cord that powers the clock.

eagleb1

Yes, I've done it, but there's probably not enough space in an alarm clock.

Basically, you open up the AC adapter and connect wires from where the full voltage enters the adapter to the place where the AC enters the clock. Of course, you'll have to solder both ends. Then, run the the DC power cable to the camera in the usual way.

Be sure to cement the adapter to the clock and be very careful, you're dealing with 120 volts.

Alchemist

It depends on the voltage of the camera and what voltage the appliance runs on. If it's mains voltage all the way into the clock then you need to seek out the transformer and rectifying circuit to find the DC voltage see.. Mains supply from appliances for spycams.

Those mains powered devices are getting rarer, chances are you can take a supply direct from the appliance adapter usually 5v-12v DC (if your camera will operate at those voltages.).. but connect to the DC voltage inside the appliance and not at the adapter as EB suggested.. that way you avoid a give away "extra cable". although you still will need to get your signal cable out unless you are recording in the appliance itself.

Wired cameras tend to come in three voltages 3v-5v DC, 6v-9v and 9v-12v, hopefully you will get one to match your clock adapter other wise do as EB said and take 120v into the clock, strip down your camera AC-DC adapter and fit that into the clock.. if you've got enough space in there otherwise it's back to the drawing board!!

UnidenSurfer

Thanks for the help, guys. Guess I'll have to do a little research before I can do anything else. Or maybe I should just buy an old clock cam or something. Thing is, all the ones with cameras in them that I've seen seem to look the same, and are obvious and/or really expensive.

We've got some company coming in a couple weeks and all my efforts to get the chick on video but one have failed, and the one I have is an overhead view from a vent, so it's decent, but I don't get to see as much as I'd like the way I'd like to see it.

eagleb1

I guess I didn't make myself clear. Of course, the adapter should be within the clock. I pointed out that there might not be enough room in there in which case it's not a suitable enclosure.

Also, you should use the the adapter that comes with the camera. It's more than voltage. I've had a problem with one that was the right voltage but wrong amperage.

The video wire is another problem. I use a wireless camera --- yes, yes, I know the whole argument.

Alchemist

Sorry about that mis-understanding EB, at least we're on the same page

The voltage and milliamp (mA) rating is important, but camera's don't use a lot of juice, (100mA tops I'd guess at 9v) I suppose the correct way of doing the job is to get the mA rating from the clock adapter and the mA rating from the camera.. add them together, check they are the same (or very close) voltage and get a new adapter to suit the total mA and use that to replace the clock adapter.