Intro
This blog highlights the main objective of this project, which is to experiment with the waterproof characteristics of Amphenol connectors and Hammond Manufacturing enclosures.
A camera is built into the box which also features a suite of Amphenol waterproof bulkhead connectors. The camera is not waterproof but the Hammond box keeps it dry and provides a clear window to shoot video through.
This Build and Test Segment
I spent some time 3D printing a pole mount for a battery and even a 3D printed tripod adapter for some video lighting to help shoot in a bathroom.
The mini HDMI cable did not arrive, so I had to use a bigger LCD (because it has a full size HDMI connector) mounted on a separate tripod.
After doing all the work and making a very nice pole-mount for the LattePanda and display, ended up shooting the demo with the LattePanda and a new display sitting on a table beside the pole.
Demo
This test shows the camera, connected to a LattePanda, recording video underwater:
Discussion
You don't have to worry about losing this camera underwater - it floats.
It has been a struggle to get through the main objectives of this project due to illness. I couldn't even get the initial blog together before its deadline, but the system is working well now and both the Hammond enclosure and the Amphenol connectors are proving to be nicely waterproof.
As can be seen in the video, I trusted the ingress protection capabilities of the enclosure and connectors enough to put a running camera in the case, and I was not disappointed.
The case may look big, bulky and heavy, but the pole is light weight carbon composite and when the case is face down on the water it is totally buoyant so the whole system feels weightless. When it goes in vertically, you have to actually push down a bit to get the camera underwater.
The big display I substiituted in was great, but it would have been better if it was a touch screen, which would allow operation without the wireless touchpad/keyboard.
If you think you recognize the object in the tub, let everyone know in the comments below.
Next Steps
The main objectives are complete, but if I can scrounge a mini HDMI cable, I will do a quick blog on a fully mobile version of the underwater camera system.
There will be another blog to wrap up the project.
Links:
Waterproof Connectors - Camera Build
Pole Mechanism for the Waterproof Camera
LattePanda and LCD Pole -Mounted Chassis
Hammond and Amphenol Experience
