VanAukenFudge

Don't think I need the software to decode (convert) the video input because it already is USB so no conversions from analog needed. To be honest, I haven't looked but I would assume Spinelelectronics would provide a complimentary software to go with their products. Resolution of the MPG is 2MP. BUT, as I said before. One step at a time. It claims my OS is supported. XP that is for my surveillance labtop.

I just did buy UC20MPG from eBay. the MPE one I mentioned prior claims to get photos at .001 lux. The MPG is at .002 lux. However it is a Chinese made product, so those values cannot be taken for granted, if we have nothing from our relationship with China. I also do not know how much or little I have to work with when videotaping my truckbed. Measuring the lux intensity by tool is highly impractical because the tool is gonna cost thousands. Not so true. It is true that a lux measuring device is quite expensive, but solving for the intensity might be nothing more than a Math workout. There are only two or three lights on the building's backside. Solve for my distance from each light multiplied by the average light output. Do that for each light, adding the couple together. That would work. OR I can just buy one, set up my surveillance system and record myself 'stealing' from my truck. Then review my footage and determine if I can see myself clear enough for a positive facial recognition.

Good idea.uc20mpe by spinelelectronics

THANK YOU. you understand what I am trying to do, I think. A self build, absolutely. 2 catches, but you got me a solid starting point. 1. Doesn't say it is good for night vision, which is when I presumably get hit, but I can go on YouTube to see it for myself. 2. Not discreet, ain't it sorta obvious to have that mounted on your windshield? The 'smart' thieves will see it and turn away. Presumably I should only record the r'tard thieves. Ideally I want to catch the smart thieves because they (presumably) think they are too smart to get caught. But for $20, I can strip it down to make it into the discreet hidden camera I want.

To all who read this and are wondering about tiding an analog camera to a computer. Check out the brief profile photos on this Amazon product.

Having a secondary battery in my truck was already part of my plan. And if the cam can't be used with ir, then all the better. As you pointed out prior, the IR strip lights are exceedingly expensive. Yes, my truck is parked in a poorly lit area, but not 100% dark hence the ultra low light camera. As for what you say about using analog, you mistook my general conclusion that "most spy cameras are analog not digital" as a statement that I WILL use analog, is only half right. I'm still on the wall about which I shall use. But I like your point about finding the software first then look for the appropiate camera for it. Fantastic idea should one go down that route.

So from the thief's eyes, it is morally correct and even righteous to steal from unlocked vehicles because "'If they didn't want me to steal from the back or their pickup (or car, or whatever) they shouldn't have left it unlocked. It may be wrong, but I'm never gonna get caught so it would be stupid of me not to take that Iphone in the passenger seat of the unlocked car." I dont mean to argue moralities here. Just seeking some technical help with an infrared pinhole camera and IR led strip to illuminate the bed for the camera to work. All in all, I think I have the information I need. Here are my conclusions for future readers who want to record thefts from their vehicles using darn near invisible, hidden, cameras. The blackvue cam as tomcctv listed above will work, but, the route I will take is non-wifi (either usb to computer or SD card) pinhole (so its very small) very low light (to see at night) camera. in short. a very low light pinhole camera with a XX MB SD card fits my parameters. My reason for specifying non-wifi camera, is my paranoia of it either being hacked, or detected. The pinhole (or minute size) is to make it so small so as to be nearly undetectable. examples: 1. Blackvue cameras though they are not small much less minute. 2. 1.25"x1.25" 1.3MP output $69, will require analog video output to USB converter. https://www.supercircuits.com/wide-angle-wdr-board-camera-pc823xssl 3. 1" x 1" x 1" 12MP/30fps with 100minute onboard battery and up to 32GB micro SD card. $69 https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1494956-REG/mini_gadgets_hcnvminicube_mini_nightvision_cube_camera.html 4. here is a list of spy cameras one can purchase in 2021. https://www.digitalcameraworld.com/buying-guides/best-spy-cameras Personally I like the fredi mini cam #2 in part because the low battery life I can override with my knowledge of electronics. do note, you will find alot of these pinhole cameras in analog not digital versions.

With that purpose in mind: look at https://www.espiamos.com/en/spy-cameras-low-light/ it is low light (<0.01lux) micro (about a finger' digit size) cameras.

i being judge and jury? No, I just want to collect damning evidence against the thief. Changing my mind on what I want/need. I mean there IS ambient light from the nearest building 50-75ft away. How about a low light vision camera? Have to be pinhole too. Then to connect easily to a computer, gotta be USB. Putting together what I'm thinking aloud here. Low light USB pinhole camera. Once I figure this out, I'll keep this thread updated should anybody else ever desire to repeat my project then a semi- step by step tutorial exists for them to do.

When I first started this forum. I was under the (somewhat) false presumption that all I need is a night vision camera (regular camera that's missing the IR filter, and install an IR led strip light around my bed. Im still under this assumption with the understanding the strip light needs to be controlled by the camera to avoid whitewashing. This post basically summarizes my understanding and comprehension of night vision camera setup. Oh, and my picture will be a 1980's tv show, no color. Am I missing any major points?

I suppose what I need now is a night vision pin hole camera with remote IR lights?

Didn't know the camera controls the ir. I thought the IR was there, 100%, didn't understand that too much ir will cause a whitewash. About the legality of edited and unedited video clips. Right, I had planned on handing over the full unedited video clips to the lawyers and giving the police probably both versions, edited and unedited, to merely get their interest. hmm, I hope you are wrong about our police forces' disinterest in solving crimes, though petty crimes it be. I suppose I can only hope they have more interest than you let on. I openly admit I have faith in the police force and hope that they do what is right. Rather, they have my faith until they prove otherwise. About the camera controlling the IR, I understand that now. Process of learning. I'm getting there.

My end goal is quite simple. Obtain enough evidence in my portfolio and associated police reports to give the person ten to twenty years of 3meals a day in a penitentiary. 1. Watching hours of video. No, I have a video editing program that can cut and splice minutes out. Cut down 4 hours to only the relevant 5 minutes. 2. I would like to at least try. Unlikely I know, but can't say I didn't try. 3. Most cameras produced modern day have USB hookups. I want the dash cam to be 1"X1". A spy dash cam if you will. 4. Wont take but a second for police to run facial recognition. And if it is a black and white, not a problem. Baby steps. Again, do I need to supply my own IR light in my truck bed?

With what I want to do. Is it as simple as buying any old pinhole camera, putting up an IR light strip and connecting them to my labtop? Is that it? Am I way overthinking the technicalities here? Do do I even need to supply IR illumination via light strip?

Realtime video to my phone: not an option. I have a flipphone, I want it connected to my laptop in my back seat that will be recording the video. The labtop I already own. Actually I already own everything I think I need save for the camera and IR strip. actually preventing the thief from stealing my goods: not my goal. my goal is to build a log of thieves, a portfolio if you will. And hand it to the police once I have acquired enough videotapes. Robbery from a vehicle is a misdemeanor with a punishment up to 2 yrs in jail. No, I want to NAIL the repeat offenders and hold them accountable. I want to incite fear of prison time in that community's thoughts for even thinking of stealing from unlocked cars and open truck beds. The stuff I will have stolen, the bait, shall be expensive looking items I buy from a thrift store. As I mentioned prior, I need recommendations for a camera/IR strip combo that complement each other and I to discreetly record thieves.