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Old 11-19-2014, 04:18 PM   #1
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GoPro camera as a rear and backup camera

Edit by wmtire: I moved this post from the "made a wireless backup camera cheaply" thread and into it's own thread as it has a lot of potential that deserves it's own thread.

I have been following this thread for a short time, While trying to decide which solution, I liked best, I realized I have a great solution already. Just tried it out and works great. I have a WiFi enabled GoPro camera which connects via wireless to my cell phone and tablet. I added one of the quick connect mounts to the bumper. I do not plan to leave the camera on the trailer permanently, but quickly attach it when I need it. Great quality and uses things I already have.
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Old 12-13-2014, 03:44 PM   #2
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Originally Posted by Flybob View Post
I have been following this thread for a short time, While trying to decide which solution, I liked best, I realized I have a great solution already. Just tried it out and works great. I have a WiFi enabled GoPro camera which connects via wireless to my cell phone and tablet. I added one of the quick connect mounts to the bumper. I do not plan to leave the camera on the trailer permanently, but quickly attach it when I need it. Great quality and uses things I already have.
That solution intrigues me. What OS is your phone and tablet? Mine are android. What model GoPro are you using?
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Old 12-13-2014, 07:56 PM   #3
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This sounds like a great idea, and GoPro already has waterproof housings that will allow you to use these cameras outside.

IIRC, the GoPro Hero 3 is already wireless, and you can buy what is called a Wi-Fi BacPac to retrofit the original Hero and Hero 2.

http://shop.gopro.com/accessories/wi...AWPAK-001.html
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Old 12-13-2014, 10:03 PM   #4
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I would keep in mind there is a delay in the gopro wireless of a couple of seconds. It's not real time but maybe ok if you are moving slow.
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Old 12-13-2014, 10:06 PM   #5
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That solution intrigues me. What OS is your phone and tablet? Mine are android. What model GoPro are you using?
The gopro will work with both android and Apple iOS. I have used mine with both my android phone and my ipad.
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Old 12-14-2014, 02:28 AM   #6
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I think this is a great idea. But what happens when you don't have Wifi?
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Old 12-14-2014, 04:14 AM   #7
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the camera broadcasts its own WiFi signal to the phone.
you don't need other WiFi.

you can use your smartphone as a remote viewer of what the camera sees.
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Old 12-14-2014, 06:24 PM   #8
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How far does it broadcast? Several ideas for use come to mind and my wife was just asking how much the goPro cameras are, so think I'd be good to go on buying one.
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Old 12-14-2014, 06:52 PM   #9
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They say they are good for about 600 feet in optimum conditions. I only use mine for 40 to 100 feet. The picture of my boat as my avatar is a capture from the gopro video as it was mounted on a planer board.

A friend of mine has tried it on a drone and it did not work to far with the wifi. But not a problem as it records anyway to the sd card. You just can't watch it real time or turn the camera on and off with wifi.
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Old 12-14-2014, 07:20 PM   #10
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GoPro HERO3 White Edition Camcorder (CHDHE-302) : Target
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Old 12-14-2014, 09:01 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bikendan View Post
the camera broadcasts its own WiFi signal to the phone.

you don't need other WiFi.



you can use your smartphone as a remote viewer of what the camera sees.

Good to know, I was not aware of this. And is why I never bought a GoPro. I have been wanting a DJI Phantom with the GoPro but held off because of the WiFi.
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Old 12-15-2014, 12:19 AM   #12
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If your RV has a rear bedroom window, why not mount it inside, looking out? That way, you don't have to worry about long-term exposure to weather. Go-Pro cameras are intended for occasional outdoor excursions, not 24/7 exposure.
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Old 12-15-2014, 11:55 AM   #13
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I tried this about this same time last year. My issue is the delay can be pretty awful, especially if you are in an RV park with a wifi system. I tried a few times and the delay drove me crazy. If you can live with the three to 5 second delay, it will be a good solution.
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Old 12-15-2014, 12:18 PM   #14
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That's a smokin' deal.
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Old 12-15-2014, 09:16 PM   #15
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I tried this about this same time last year. My issue is the delay can be pretty awful, especially if you are in an RV park with a wifi system. I tried a few times and the delay drove me crazy. If you can live with the three to 5 second delay, it will be a good solution.

I run a gopro on my Hexacopter and get a live feed from the camera to a 7 inch monitor I have attached to my RC transmitter. The way it works is as follows. a small video transmitter plugs into the USB port on the GoPro and broadcasts the video live to my 7 inch monitor (no lag time). The transmitter is powered by the onboard battery on my hex. Batteries are not expensive can get one for about $20. The transmitter is about $40 and the monitor is the expensive part cost about $150 with the receiver built in. I would go with the GoPro and a smart phone or tablet as the lag is not too bad.

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Old 12-15-2014, 09:56 PM   #16
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Brilliant. I find my GoPro fun and easy to use. nice to find some other uses for it.

Fun to walk around a crowded area while wearing a GoPro. Amazing what some people will do when they think they are on camera!

Quote:
Go-Pro cameras are intended for occasional outdoor excursions, not 24/7 exposure.
OP did mention just leaving it in place while backing up. Battery doesn't last long enough to leave it on there all the time. Might be more convenient inside anyway.
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