Modifying WebCam to get Composite Video

[Andy H.]

Is there any way to modify the CCD module in a webcam to output a
composite video signal (NTSC hopefully)? I know most of these cameras
process the video directly to the USB signal, but are there any
commercial available chips/kits that I can interface with the CCD to
give me the desired output?


Thanks.

 

[Graham W]

Is there any way to modify the CCD module in a webcam to output a
composite video signal (NTSC hopefully)? I know most of these cameras
process the video directly to the USB signal, but are there any
commercial available chips/kits that I can interface with the CCD to
give me the desired output?

One of those "miniature security camera" modules is what you need.
Put that phrase including quote marks into Google and have a look.

 

[Johnboy]

Is there any way to modify the CCD module in a webcam to output a
composite video signal (NTSC hopefully)? I know most of these cameras
process the video directly to the USB signal, but are there any
commercial available chips/kits that I can interface with the CCD to
give me the desired output?


Thanks.

Computergeeks.com has what you need for $35.00, and only $29.00
during their special sales.

 

[Andy H.]

What I want to do is take one of those units (I've got one that looks
the same except it's beige - eBay) and replace the CMOS camera inside
with a CCD camera. Inside the camera portion, the Tx board is a
separate circuit board that could be easily patched onto another
camera unit if the output was analog.

I'm looking for a high-quality camera to put on my RC plane that won't
cost me more that ~$100 if I crash the damn thing. Commercial
solutions based on the Panasonic CX161 module cost ~$400, whereas a
used Logitech 3000 will cost me $20-30.

 

[Andy H.]

Well, it looks like the Logitech 3000 and 4000 both use a SONY
ICX098BQ CCD module. From the data sheet
(http://www.unibrain.com/download/pdfs/ICX098BQ.pdf), it appears that
this particular module can be set to 'monitoring mode' and output an
NTSC signal (WOOHOO!!). I'll let you guys know if I actually get it
to work.

 

[Roger Hamlett]

What I want to do is take one of those units (I've got one that looks
the same except it's beige - eBay) and replace the CMOS camera inside
with a CCD camera. Inside the camera portion, the Tx board is a
separate circuit board that could be easily patched onto another
camera unit if the output was analog.

I'm looking for a high-quality camera to put on my RC plane that won't
cost me more that ~$100 if I crash the damn thing. Commercial
solutions based on the Panasonic CX161 module cost ~$400, whereas a
used Logitech 3000 will cost me $20-30.

Others have posted that the minature security cameras are the 'better' way
to go, these are smaller, lighter, _and cheaper_ than the webcam. I picked
up a CCD camera, with 2.4GHz transmitter built in, which is less than half
the size of the webcam, and only requires 9v power. Three lithium coin
cells, happily power this, for over 30 minutes. Complete with receiver
module a well, the whole thing only cost me just under $45, from Hong
Kong. By the time you have modified the webcam to give NTSC, added the
radio transmitter and receiver, you will have paid more, and have a
heavier solution...
These assemblies are being sold on ebay, and some of the units without
receiver, are as little as $15.

Best Wishes

 

[Andy H.]

Roger,

I already have one of the miniature 2.4GHz camera assemblies. Mine
uses a crappy CMOS sensor though, which is the reason I wanted to
upgrade it with a CCD module. I'm not going to use the webcam's
casing, just the CCD module and timing circuitry. The electronics
will be 'hacked' back into the casing for the 2.4GHz CMOS camera.

Would you mind pointing me to a seller of such cheaply priced units?
The only 2.4GHz CCD-based cameras that I see listed are >$150 with
shipping and currency conversion (to Euros).


Thanks.

 

[Roger Hamlett]

Roger,

I already have one of the miniature 2.4GHz camera assemblies. Mine
uses a crappy CMOS sensor though, which is the reason I wanted to
upgrade it with a CCD module. I'm not going to use the webcam's
casing, just the CCD module and timing circuitry. The electronics
will be 'hacked' back into the casing for the 2.4GHz CMOS camera.

Would you mind pointing me to a seller of such cheaply priced units?
The only 2.4GHz CCD-based cameras that I see listed are >$150 with
shipping and currency conversion (to Euros).


Thanks.

As I said, ebay.
There are dozens of autions running for these, and _some_ specifically
list they are CCD based, rather than CMOS. I bought a number, and one of
the suppliers offered multiple cameras with one receiver, dropping to the
cheap price.

Best Wishes

 

[John Nagle]

X10! X10! X10! X10! X10! X10! X10! X10! X10! X10! X10! X10!