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Topic: Confession of the electrically challenged (Read 8 times) previous topic - next topic
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Confession of the electrically challenged
Yahoo Message Number: 86316
I have always wanted to add a stained glass door insert to my rig. My former SOB had a rear door and I needed the window. Now that I have a new Lazy Daze with the side door, I am seriously considering this option. I would like to do the door and the small window adjacent. The only drawback is that as a woman traveling alone, I do not want to lose the transparency the clear glass affords.
While in Costco last week, I discovered a small 12V backup camera with a monitor for $79.
Can I mount this under the porch light pointing downward and use the wiring in the porch light and the switch? If so, how do I do this? I have never done this type of thing before, don't want to reinvent the wheel and would need dummies type instruction. Or is this better left to a pro? In my mind's eye it looks not too complicated, but people who dive off 10 meter boards make it look easy too.
Beverly 2007 231/2' TK
Re: Confession of the electrically challenged
Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86320
"While in Costco last week, I discovered a small 12V backup camera with a monitor for $79.
Can I mount this under the porch light pointing downward and use the wiring in the porch"

Beverly

Yes, it can be done using power from the porch light to power the camera and the porch light switch to power the monitor.
Be aware that a $79 system is not going to provide a high definition image. The camera may not hold up to long-term exposure to the elements.
Maybe someone in the group has experience with one of these inexpensive systems. I suspect that you get what you pay for.

I would combine it with a wireless intercom to increase the convenience and security.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: Confession of the electrically challenged
Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86326
Here are a couple of suggestions. First, if you're going to do a stained glass window, you might as well design a clear piece into the upper middle of the panel so that you'll have a "peephole." Remember that the door is below floor level, so make sure you put the clear piece high enough so that you won't have stoop down to see out of it.
 Second and more important, think about how you're going  to use this.
Somebody comes to your door. You can see him. Fine, but... how do you know what his intentions are? Sherlock Holmes to the contrary notwithstanding ("Ah, yes, Holmes, definitely a criminal type! Note the close-set eyes, the weak chin..."), you can't identify a criminal by looking at his face. Even somebody wearing what looks like a ranger's uniform *could* be a crook.

So you can't tell who they are by looking, and you don't know what they want. What do you do next? You *open the door* to talk to the person. And that's where your real security problem is, because at that point they could reach in and drag you out, or push past you into the coach.
 The solution, as Larry pointed out, is an intercom that lets you speak with a person outside WITHOUT opening your door and making you vulnerable. I addition, it comes in handy if you don't happen to be "dressed for company"--for example, if you just stepped out of the shower. I've used mine that way many times.

If you search this group's website for the word "intercom", you'll find information on where to get a low-cost Speco intercom that can easily be installed next to your door. I also suggest reading Mona Brickell's message #66253, where she describes how such an intercom would help in a scary real-life situation.
 I recommend that whatever you do to your window, you add an intercom.
It's one of the best investments in security that you can make.

Andy Baird http://www.andybaird.com/travels/
Andy Baird
2021 Ford Ranger towing 2019 Airstream 19CB
Previously: 1985 LD Twin/King "Gertie"; 2003 LD Midbath "Skylark"
Re: Confession of the electrically challenged
Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86336
Are you thinking of installing real stained glass, the leaded kind? If so, and it's not going to be sandwiched and supported by clear one piece glass panels on each side, I'd be concerned with the integrity of the panel long-term.
 Perhaps a good way to go would be to stain the original window to look like stained glass?

bumper
bumper
"Yonder" '05 MB
"WLDBLU" glider trailer
Re: Confession of the electrically challenged
Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86348
Quote
Are you thinking of installing real stained glass, the leaded
kind? > If so, and it's not going to be sandwiched and supported by clear
 
Quote
one piece glass panels on each side, I'd be concerned with the integrity of the panel long-term.
I have worked with stained glass and would agree: moreso for leaded stained glass rather than copper foil stained glass which is vastly stronger.

I would suggest the plastic "cling" sheets which are available on the Internet and are very attractive.  They come with transparent or translucent "backgrounds".  For this door application, the tranlucent version would be best.

I am considering this myself - also for the bathroom window.

Ginger
Re: Confession of the electrically challenged
Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 86356
Quote
"While in Costco last week, I discovered a small 12V backup camera with a monitor for $79.
Can I mount this under the porch light pointing downward and use the wiring in the porch"
Yes. Of course, the camera will only be on when the porch light is on.
Note too that this camera does not have the very wide angle view of more expensive backup cameras, and its optics are plastic. Used as a backup camera on the license, I've seen reports the lens needs frequent cleaning, and clouds up eventually. Mine works decently enough as a daytime backup monitor, but it is mounted inside, aimed through a window.

The camera seems to draw about 25 mA, the monitor quite a bit more.

Steve
2004 FL
2013 Honda Fit