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Night Vision Camera

by randofo on May 26, 2011 Table of Contents Night Vision Camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Intro: Night Vision Camera . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 1: Go get stuff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 2: Remove the case . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 3: Disassemble . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 4: Remove the IR filter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 5: Squares . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 6: Insert and close . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 7: Mark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 8: Drill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 9: Drill once more . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 10: Camera mount . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 11: Trim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Step 12: Solder . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 2 2 3 4 5 5 5 6 6 7 7 7 9

Step 13: Solder some more . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Step 14: Power . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Step 15: Case closed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Step 16: Night vision . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Related Instructables . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Comments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

http://www.instructables.com/id/Night-Vision-Camera-1/

Author:randofo

Randy Sarafan loves you! I am the author of the book '62 Projects to Make with a Dead Computer' and Community Manager here at Instructables. I'm always sharing tons of awesome projects. Subscribing to me = fun and excitement!

Intro: Night Vision Camera

Much like the Light of Erendil guides Frodo in dark places, so too will your homemade night vision camera be your guiding beacon. Whether out in the woods camping with friends, capturing that elusive glimpse of a Scandinavian troll, or while on a top secret spy mission, this special camera captures even the most difficult shots in lowto-no light photographic brilliance.

Step 1: Go get stuff

You will need: - Olympus FE-47 14MP Digital Camera (or similar) - (x36) High-Output Infrared LED (Model: 276-143 | Catalog #: 276-143) - 220 ohm 1/4W 5% Carbon Film Resistor pk/5 (Model: 271-1313 | Catalog #: 271-1313) - Grid-Style PC Board with 371 Holes (Model: 276-149A | Catalog #: 276-149) - Fully Insulated 9V Battery Snap Connectors (Model: 270-325 | Catalog #: 270-325) - Project Enclosure (4x2x1") (Model: 270-1802 | Catalog #: 270-1802) - Enercell Alkaline 9 Volt Battery (Model: 23-853 | Catalog #: 23-853) - 1/4-20 x 1/2" bolt, nut and washer - Congo Blue photo gel

http://www.instructables.com/id/Night-Vision-Camera-1/

Step 2: Remove the case

Carefully remove the plastic case from around the camera. Set the screw aside somewhere safe. I highly recommend labeling them so you know where to put them back.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Night-Vision-Camera-1/

Step 3: Disassemble
Continue disassembly by freeing the screen and main circuit board to expose the CCD and back of the lens assembly.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Night-Vision-Camera-1/

Step 4: Remove the IR filter

Remove the IR filter from between the lens and the CCD. This is different in every camera. In some camera, this is a major ordeal, but in the one used here, it is simply a matter of gently shaking it out.

Step 5: Squares
Cut six to eight squares that are the same size as your IR filter out of the Congo Blue photo gel.

Step 6: Insert and close

Stack these gels and insert them inside the camera where the IR filter was. Reassemble the case. Test to make sure it works by turning the camera on. Everything should appear to be displaying in the infrared spectrum.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Night-Vision-Camera-1/

Step 7: Mark
Make three equally spaced rows of eight equally spaced marks covering the bottom lid of your project case. All of the marks should be roughly 1/4" apart.

Step 8: Drill
Drill all of the marks that you have just drilled using a 13/64" drill bit (or 7/32").

http://www.instructables.com/id/Night-Vision-Camera-1/

Step 9: Drill once more

Flip the case on its longest side. Drill a 1/4" hole centered anywhere across this length.

Step 10: Camera mount

Pass a 1/4-20 x 1/2" bolt from the inside of the case out. Fasten it in place with a washer and a nut.

Step 11: Trim

Using a sharp pair of scissors, trim 1/4" or so from each side of your circuit board, such that you are left with a long thin strip. Note: You may want to use a dust mask while doing this, as circuit board dust is bad for you when inhaled. Cutting the board with scissors, greatly reduces, but does eliminate dust.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Night-Vision-Camera-1/

http://www.instructables.com/id/Night-Vision-Camera-1/

Step 12: Solder

Place all of your LEDs into your circuit board such that the anodes and cathodes line up in a row and the LEDs will fit into the holes drilled into the lid. Once they are all placed, insert the LEDs through the holes in the lid from the inside out. Flip the entire assembly over. Bend down the first row of LED leads in the same direction and solder them all together in a single row. Repeat this for all consecutive rows. Using wire, attach together the three rows of anodes with black wire.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Night-Vision-Camera-1/

Step 13: Solder some more

Attach 220 ohm resistors to each of the three rows of cathodes. Connect the other ends of the resistors at a single point and solder them all together with the red wire from the 9V battery clip. Solder the black wire from the 9V battery clip to one of the rows of anodes.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Night-Vision-Camera-1/

Step 14: Power

When you are ready to go, plug in the battery.

Step 15: Case closed

Put the battery inside the case and fasten it shut.

http://www.instructables.com/id/Night-Vision-Camera-1/

Step 16: Night vision

Screw the IR LED box into the mounting hole in the bottom of the camera. Turn the camera on and then go take pictures of the night.

Related Instructables

Ultimate Stormtrooper upgrade (Photos) by Solion

IR LED camera night vision flash light by 372752

How not to Infrared night block cameras vision digital camera/camcorderby randofo by electric_piano_5k

Super Nightvision Headset Hack! by Kipkay

10$ Night Vision FlashLight Hack (video) by aKaMaKaVeLy

Comments
23 comments Add Comment

mybluemake says:
How far is your "throw" with this DIY IR emitter? /very nice instructable, btw!

Jul 11, 2011. 1:35 PM REPLY

randofo says:
Not very. In the future I will probably get higher power / wider angle LEDs

Jul 11, 2011. 2:32 PM REPLY

mybluemake says:
What about the IR filters for flashlights? They'd probably reveal a little red glow, but should throw fairly far?

Jul 11, 2011. 7:05 PM REPLY

Broom says:
You'd be throwing away 90+% of the light, so they wouldn't throw farther than IR LEDs.

Jul 16, 2011. 8:55 PM REPLY

nitto_racer09 says:

Jul 13, 2011. 12:04 AM REPLY instead of just hooking up the battery and the LED's be on all the time, you should put a switch on it and maybe a really dim rear facing led to let you know that its on, that way you dont have to screw and uncrew the case when you want to turn it on and off. but all in all it is a good design. Jul 11, 2011. 1:10 PM REPLY If anyone is having trouble finding the blue filter, I've heard that you can also use the end of a developed roll of 35mm film, if anyone still uses that these days... Just cut off some where the last picture stops (it should look black to you). I believe you would usually use about 2 pieces on top of each other.

locofocos says:

http://www.instructables.com/id/Night-Vision-Camera-1/

randofo says:
Indeed. I have done it this way in the past and after having done it both ways, must say that I prefer the film filters better.

Jul 11, 2011. 2:31 PM REPLY

Delo97 says:
Yay for your imagepic!

Jul 11, 2011. 1:16 PM REPLY

criggie says:
I have had a security camera pinched because the LEDs glowed faintly red at night time. However I also have a $10 camera with IR which does not glow at all when on.

Jul 10, 2011. 12:57 PM REPLY

What distinguishes a visible IR LED from an invisible one ? Is there any way to tell them apart? And are they interchangeable... can I unsolder one sort and pop in the other?

yanni50 says:

Jul 10, 2011. 5:57 PM REPLY 850nm wavelength IR emitters emit a faint red light. 950nm wavelength IR emitters don't emit this light, however the IR they emit are not as powerful or bright as the 850nm ones. So if you really want IR which doesn't emit any light you need to find 950nm ones but you might need quite a few of them to provide a enough light. You can buy IR LED emitters from those China websites online. Hope this helps.

guitarpicker7 says:
What is and who does the great music in the video?

Jul 10, 2011. 10:49 AM REPLY

randofo says:
I don't know. It was a public domain song.

Jul 10, 2011. 2:46 PM REPLY

jdougherty2 says:

Jul 10, 2011. 11:48 AM REPLY At this point, could I solder in a small switch to keep the battery from dying faster, or is this going to be such a power hog, that I'd need a new battery every time anyway?

static says:

Jul 9, 2011. 4:34 PM REPLY My unmodified digital camera (several of them) will display the output of IR remote controls. I always intended to make an IR light source to see if they would display anything that would reflect IR energy.

randofo says:

Jul 9, 2011. 8:53 PM REPLY Many digital cameras can, but you will get the best results by removing the filter. If you try blocking visible light without removing the filter first, it will sort of work, but you usually don't see much.

splazem says:
Cool!

Jul 5, 2011. 6:41 AM REPLY

sunshiine says:
Thanks for sharing! A lot of people here will appreciate this!

Jul 4, 2011. 7:54 PM REPLY

The Ideanator says:

Jul 4, 2011. 5:30 AM REPLY You could try making a metal plate that affixes around the lens and screws in the bottom that you would mount those wide-angle/un-lensed 5-10W blinding LEDs to and a 9v battery pack on the bottom of the plate to power it all. Jul 3, 2011. 4:08 PM REPLY

mattthegamer463 says:
Nice video Randy.

Digital cameras often show IR even without the visible light filter, do you think this would work without modifying your camera itself? I can't see why it wouldnt, and would also allow it to make use of tiny amounts of ambient visible light in a very dim environment, such as moonlight.

randofo says:
I think with this particular camera it wouldn't. It might with others, but the results would probably be very dark.

Jul 3, 2011. 4:54 PM REPLY

http://www.instructables.com/id/Night-Vision-Camera-1/

iceng says:
Very cool, do I go to the Congo for the Blue gel ? A

Jul 3, 2011. 3:04 PM REPLY

randofo says:
Yes. You have to purchase it from gorillas. Or, perhaps, guerrillas.

Jul 3, 2011. 3:10 PM REPLY

iceng says:
I guess Ill find those at the camera store if they still exist :-)

Jul 3, 2011. 3:13 PM REPLY

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