build a simple circuit to save the video recording of a camera in a memory card

[kokwah520]

I would like to design a smart security save box, i just simply explain the function, while the user key in the descending order of his/her desired password, the circuit will turn on a camera to start recording when the save box door open and save in a memory card...

By now i got no idea how to connect the camera to save the video record in the memory card? Anyone know how to build the circuit for this?

 

[BradtheRad]

Today's digital cameras can shoot movies and save them on an internal memory card.

You can store many movies, adding up to hours of video (depending on amount of memory, and what screen resolution you set it for).

Is this the same thing as you want to do?

You would need a camera which gives you electronic access to the picture shooting button (where we ordinarily push it to start recording).

The camera button works by push-on push-off. You really need to get further into the workings of the circuitry, to ensure you don't get out of sync with your pulses. (Lest you end up with hours of inactivity, but zero security video footage).

You would need detection circuitry to sense when a door opens. It would send a trigger pulse to turn on the camera.

When the door closes it will send a different pulse.

Later you can view the stored video directly in the camera.

Or you would open the camera, remove the memory card, and install it in a card reader attached to a computer. There are lots of playback programs available free. You might want one that speeds up the action.

 

[kokwah520]

wow, thanks for your information, is really very useful...
i know nowadays got a lot camera with build in memory, but have a problem to trigger it on when the door is open and off when the door is closed, got no idea how to control this, do you know how i can do it?
really appreciate your help, thanks a lot..

 

[BradtheRad]

A camera shop can show you digital videocams which have an electronic trigger. They might have a used one at discount.

If you wish you can get one that looks like a professional security camera.

An ordinary consumer style camera will look funny mounted on a wall. If you get one then you'll probably want to hide it behind a silvered window or sphere.

It has to be sensitive enough to record a viewable image for the lighting conditions. This is among your top criteria. Some cameras are not sensitive enough (although improvements have been made since the first models came out).

A digital camera typically shuts off after a few minutes idle time. You must be able to either (a) set it so it will stay on continually so you need only send a 'start record' signal and 'stop record' signal, or (b) install triggers that will turn the camera on, start to record immediately, then stop recording when it receives your 'stop record' signal, then shut it off or let it shut off by itself.

You'll also need a power supply.

Did you have a plan what kind of sensor to use that will detect people opening and closing one of numerous doors? This will be tough. Instead it's easier if you can get access to the switching system that goes to the lock mechanisms.

Or maybe you would rather detect when someone starts pressing the keypad. This will record incidents when someone tries to defeat or vandalize the security system.

Somewhere behind the control panel there may be connectors to let you access the signals you need.

This is where you'll need help from a technician who's familiar with your system.

On the other hand there are other triggers you could use. Audio, changes in light level, motion detector, infrared detector, pressure switch under a floormat, etc.

 

[kokwah520]

Do you have any schematic that show how to control the camera on off with the sensor?

 

[BradtheRad]

The simplest and easiest method is to use switches.

The sensor and amplifier below might only need to consist of a few components. Several could be hooked up to the video device.

By some chance you may need to switch on the camera first, then send it a 'start recording' signal. This will require an additional wire going to the camera. And perhaps a time delay device.