Overview:

   The MMP-8 Mobile Camera system an incredibly cost effective wireless mobile audio/video system. These simple units are equipped to send audio and high resolution color video up to 300 feet line of sight. The MMP-8 platform also has a passive suspension system and 6 wheel drive that enables it to negotiate rough terrain without loosing traction.

   A high-resolution image or video can be useful for many professions such as building inspectors, appraisers, contractors, cable and telephone line installation, and security applications. We are working on a long range version of this unit for serious professional applications.

   The wireless video systems on the MMP-5 and MMP-8 platforms offer great picture quality and a great operating range for an FCC legal system on the 2.4 GHz frequency. Line of sight range is 300 feet. The wireless kits have 4 switch-able channels that allows multiple cameras or multiple monitors to be used in the same area or on the same frequency.

Dimensions of the MMP-8 platform can be found here.

The MMP-8 inspection unit brochure can be found here.

    The 2.4 Ghz wireless camera/transmitter has a stunning resolution in a small package. This unit runs on a 9.6 volt NiCad battery pack that is installed inside the chassis. The camera will run for well over an hour on a single charge.

    A variety of cameras can be mounted on the standard pan/tilt mechanism.

    If you have vision recognition software you could create a visual based autonomous robot that could watch your house while you are on vacation and e-mail you if it see anything unusual on its rounds.

The complete mobile camera system comes with the following:

• One MMP-8 mobile platform 
• One pan/tilt unit 
• One high resolution color camera/transmitter with  audio
• Internally mounted rechargeable battery pack for camera with mounted and wired power switch, status LED and charge jack.
•  One  5 inch color LCD monitor with built in audio/video receiver.
• One Custom Futaba radio mount for the 5 inch LCD monitor.
• One 9.6 Volt rechargeable battery pack and mount for the LCD monitor/receiver.

Pan/Tilt  

The pan/tilt mechanism is sweet and simple. The pan/tilt is actuated by hobby servos via chain drive. The servos are controllable with the standard PWM signal from hobby radios and many micro controllers such as the Basic Stamp. The pan/tilt allows for a great range of view as well as the ability to glance at the frontal extremes of the robot while you are driving. 

One of the unique features of these pan/tilt units is that the servo leads are routed down through the center of the pan shaft of the unit into the chassis of the robot platform. This keeps the wiring clean and keeps the leads from limiting the range of motion of the mechanism.

The pan/tilt unit has 140 degrees of pan range and 70 degrees of tilt range with pictured wireless camera. Tilt range can be increased  with different cameras.

Custom Monitor Mount and Power Pack:

• Clamps to Futaba 9CAP radio with no modifications to the radio. 
• Provides a solid mount for the monitor.
• Power pack contains 9.6 V battery pack to power the LCD monitor/receiver power switch and charge jack.
• Keeps everything you need to operate your inspection robot consolidated and hand held. 

Control:

    The Machine Lab recommends using a Futaba 9CAP or 7Cap PCM radio  for use with these systems. They offer very reliable operating range with built in fail safes. They also have extra channels to control additional devices on you platform.

The 5 inch color monitor has the following features:

• Built in A/V receiver 
• 4 selectable channels
• A/V input and output jacks for external video sources or additional viewing devices
• Adjustable volume and brightness
• Both camera and Monitor come with optional A/C power adapter

Disclaimer

    The range of these wireless products varies greatly depending on the environment in which they are operated. The line of site ratings is based on an open space with no obstacles between the Transmitter and Receiver.

    Ranges of 50-100 feet have been obtained with the standard system in indoor residential or urban environments.

    Materials such as steel, water and AC electrical wiring are very prohibitive of a flawless video signal. So, obstacles such as concrete with rebar, trees, people and the electrical wiring in a building can create interference with the video signal.

NOTE:

    There are more inspection features coming in the near future such as infrared illumination  for video in total darkness as well as visible white LED illumination for dark environments where the operator would still need to perceive color. We are also putting together more powerful wireless systems for commercial, industrial or law enforcement applications requiring longer ranges. The option of tethered control is also being explored to aid in longer operating times and greater success in retrieval of the inspection device.  Contact us if you have questions.