Remote controlled remote

[scoot]

For anyone interested I'll try to keep this short. I wanted to remote mount my thermal scanner and view / control it from a tablet from the warmth and comfort of the car. Get away from stop starting when on the move, restricted to looking out open windows only. Traditional spotlight remotes all have inherent flaws unless you bore holes in your roof.
After looking around I present:

Screenshot_20220913-164117_Gallery.jpg (271.72 KiB) Viewed 2093 times

For just over $100 I ordered this remote pan /tilt head for a camera tripod

[scoot]

With the magnetic base removed from an orange flashing beacon and an arca plate screwed in the base of my scanner we have

Screenshot_20220913-164127_Gallery.jpg (245.46 KiB) Viewed 2091 times

Remote mounted scanner stuck wherever you want.

[scoot]

So after a bit of testing it works but does have some shortcomings. I'll list some my findings.
Image is a bit jumpy through motion of pan/tilt. This is down to the cheapness of construction. It's definitely not built to exacting tolerance.
One function at a time. Either up/down or left/right.
Driving about does make the picture jumpy. As to be expected when the cars bouncing around. I assume the dedicated vehicle mounted thermals must have some type of image stabilisation.
Always run the risk of it "falling off" but that's kind of true for any remote mount to a degree.
Adjustable speed which is good but fast may be too slow for some close quarters.
Works for a descent range. I've sat inside the house with the unit on the roof and it worked fine.
Able to use power packs on the head for longer battery.
There's other pros and cons but I'm rambling now. Hope someone finds it interesting.

[bladeracer]

For anyone interested I'll try to keep this short. I wanted to remote mount my thermal scanner and view / control it from a tablet from the warmth and comfort of the car. Get away from stop starting when on the move, restricted to looking out open windows only. Traditional spotlight remotes all have inherent flaws unless you bore holes in your roof.
After looking around I present:

Screenshot_20220913-164117_Gallery.jpg

For just over $100 I ordered this remote pan /tilt head for a camera tripod

That's interesting. Do you have a link to it?

[scoot]

If you Google yt 1000 pan tilt head you will see hundreds of listing's from the usual candidates. Amazon, aliexpress, etc. I just got it off ebay. It's surprising the price difference between vendors so shop around.

[northdude]

Cool ive often though about doing this myself but need to finish some of the already started projects

[scoot]

I think if you were sitting by the fireplace sipping single malt this would be perfect setup to have by the back door overlooking the chook shed.

[Larry]

No one has suggested mounting a gun on such a remote aka The Jackal.

[northdude]

I was going to bring that up but its a no no over there isnt it

[bladeracer]

I was going to bring that up but its a no no over there isnt it

I think most states prohibit firing a firearm "remotely".

[bladeracer]

No one has suggested mounting a gun on such a remote aka The Jackal.

I doubt it has anywhere near the precision of movement required