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This is a fun project that combines inexpensive components to create an instructable that can provide exciting upclose video and sound on any body of water. This is a simple Mallard duck decoy that has radio controlled propulsion, and a wireless video and sound system mounted inside. Video is transmitted to a receiver on shore that is either connected to a camcorder or DC television. Color video and sound can be transmitted over several hundred feet away! The decoy and camera is powered by rechargable nicads and provides 6 to 8 hours video, allowing wildlife obsevation never before possible. By watching thru your video monitor the duck can go into areas you can't see from shore. It's been great fun driving along the shore and watching and listening to people who don't realize it's radio controlled! Then when they notice it's a toy duck, they still don't know it has a video camera and a microphone! And they can't see me, I'm in my house watching on my big screen TV and recording on VHS tape! You can't buy this in any store, and for under $100.00 and a few hours easy work you can have one too! The instructable community love to build and create, and this is so easy that I hope you build one for yourself.
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Signing UpStep 1Getting what you need
First is the Video system. These are packaged units that are usually sold to home owners to observe their front entry, or perhaps the baby's nursery. It has a color camera with a built in transmitter and sound card. It transmitts on 2.4 Ghz so there is no interference problems from the radio control being mounted so close. The camera system I chose is from a company called X-10. They have a web site, http://www.x10.com and sell this unit as model VK49A for about $75.00. I found mine on E-bay for $35.00. Simular systems can be found in the large electronics stores (And their websites) and could be easily adapted. Once you see how easy they are to modify, you'll see they can be installed into teddy bears or picture frames to become "nanny cams", model airplanes become UAV's, and a bird house becomes a educational experience for the entire family! Even Harbor Freight has a low cost B/W unit.
The radio control and propulsion are from a toy Jetski. These are available in toy stores like KB-Toys. They sell for $19.00, and are easy to dismantle. I found two more in secondhand store toy bins, so don't be afraid to check there too. (E-Bay too) There are other toy boats that could be used, but I like the motors underneath. They allow for differential steering. Without a rudder, it becomes less complicated to rig a duck to steer. The motors run independently, both on for forward, left on to turn right, right on to turn left. It will rotate in place, so its easy to keep a baby duck in frame, and is quick enough to follow a family around the lake without their attention. The Jetski is from a company called Echo, and uses a radio frenquency of 27mhz. Range is a bit restricted, about 100 feet, but on a body of water thats pretty far. You could easily install a more powerful RC and electronic speed control, but costs will really run away if you do.
Last is a duck decoy, and you will need two. Males and females are available in nearly all species. I chose a Mallard male, and somtimes tow a female behind. They cost about $4.00 each, and are made by a company named Flambeau Products. They are available in sporting goods and hunting supply stores, online and mail order. They are a bit seasonal, but not too difficult to find. I purchased two for $3.99 ea. The reason for two, is the first is cut open with and oversized opening to cover the back of the second, to provide enough overlap that it becomes somewhat water resistant. This may seem a bit wasteful, but they are inexpensive, and its too important that you protect the camera from moisture.
The extra decoy makes a great planter, or use it as a pencil box on your desk or maybe a cereal bowl or even a dog dish!
Thats it! Simple tools are needed, a drill, and a Dremel tool is handy, a few connectors, and some NiCad batteries. (A broken hacksaw blade cuts the back easily if you don't have a Dremel.)
The radio control and propulsion are from a toy Jetski. These are available in toy stores like KB-Toys. They sell for $19.00, and are easy to dismantle. I found two more in secondhand store toy bins, so don't be afraid to check there too. (E-Bay too) There are other toy boats that could be used, but I like the motors underneath. They allow for differential steering. Without a rudder, it becomes less complicated to rig a duck to steer. The motors run independently, both on for forward, left on to turn right, right on to turn left. It will rotate in place, so its easy to keep a baby duck in frame, and is quick enough to follow a family around the lake without their attention. The Jetski is from a company called Echo, and uses a radio frenquency of 27mhz. Range is a bit restricted, about 100 feet, but on a body of water thats pretty far. You could easily install a more powerful RC and electronic speed control, but costs will really run away if you do.
Last is a duck decoy, and you will need two. Males and females are available in nearly all species. I chose a Mallard male, and somtimes tow a female behind. They cost about $4.00 each, and are made by a company named Flambeau Products. They are available in sporting goods and hunting supply stores, online and mail order. They are a bit seasonal, but not too difficult to find. I purchased two for $3.99 ea. The reason for two, is the first is cut open with and oversized opening to cover the back of the second, to provide enough overlap that it becomes somewhat water resistant. This may seem a bit wasteful, but they are inexpensive, and its too important that you protect the camera from moisture.
The extra decoy makes a great planter, or use it as a pencil box on your desk or maybe a cereal bowl or even a dog dish!
Thats it! Simple tools are needed, a drill, and a Dremel tool is handy, a few connectors, and some NiCad batteries. (A broken hacksaw blade cuts the back easily if you don't have a Dremel.)
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A brief glimpse of an early version can be seen at the very, very end of
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OV_yE7XaqX0
but it's now for naught, I have been undone.
The instructable itself is great, very well explained and documented. Anyone who enjoyed reading this might also get a kick out of some amateur television projects too. Just slap that ol' NOT LIABLE tag on before someone gets in trouble!
I just built a RCduck this weekend, I guess i was wrong when I though my idea was pretty original, mine' s not nearly as impressive either, and doesn't have a camera, but you can see it here in action trying to hang out with some other ducks. I'll make an instructable for it when I get a chance. I basically just strapped mine to a radioshack RC sub.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/evilsigntist/2466033639/
I wanna make this using a croc head.