Web cam heater demister

[darc]

Hi I have fitted my hd cam into a old halogen outdoor light fitting but I would like to fit a heater or demister mainly for use in the morning as I am sometimes unable to take a pic due to misting.

[AllyCat]

Hi,

The simple method would be to put in a resistor with a value suitable to use any "spare" power available from whatever power supply is feeding the camera (USB?). However, I doubt if that will be sufficient to evaporate the considerable amount of condensation apparent in the photo.

If enough power is available, something like a 6watt car/motorcycle (12v/6v) bulb might be a good starting point (in a tin or aluminium foil, etc., to prevent the light escaping). Tungsten (filiament) bulbs can make quite good heaters, they still generate heat, with little light output, if operated below their rated voltage.

However, since it appears you may also have a cobweb issue, I'd be inclined to add an external "windscreen wiper", but it dpends on your level of mechanical/electronics expertise.

Cheers, Alan.

[darc]

120922-110233.jpg

Thanks Alan your right I don,t think there would be enough power in the webcam but the box the cam is fitted to
may be big enough to house a motorbike batt as to make the cam easy to be moved it is not stuck to the roof the
box is just filled with gravel to hold it in place, but like you say a wiper would be an idea I may nip down to the
breakers to see what would be asvailable.

Cheers Geoff

[mikechristelow]

I'm thinking of mounting my USB webcam externally and locating it in a dummy CCTV camera housing - just a few quid. I'll post the results here!

[bruce45]

you could try putting silica gel packs inside they do need to be changed but work quite well removing moisture. could also make sure there are no screw holes not sealed, I just use silicon sealant and put it both inside and out (belt and braces)
hope this might help
bruce