Homebuilt ROVs Forum

I'm running into some problems trying to drive my ROV by looking at my display screen. I've so far tried a monitor intended for a car/RV, and then switched to an LCD from a laptop. However, when I drive it, I can't see the underwater video clearly enough to know where I am, and all I have is my OSD data. Basically, I can see that I've reached the bottom when I hit it and some seaweed is right in front of the camera.

I'm not sure what is causing this (glare, screen brightness, video quality, etc) but I last tried it on an overcast day and it was still an issue. When I view my recorded video afterwards on my computer, I can see the video sufficiently where I could have driven it ok.

I'm hoping that some other people may have some more experience with this and could maybe give a few suggestions. I've seen a lot of posts on here sending video feed to laptops directly, which I'd prefer not to have to do since I have a whole control case (and I'm using a laptop screen already, but maybe it's just not good enough??), but I'd be curious to hear any info. I will keep trying new things, but don't want to spin my wheels if possible.

For reference, the camera I'm using is a:
HD 650TVL D-WDR Color CCTV Camera Board 1/3" SONY CCD OSD Menu BNC Output
http://www.ebay.com/itm/HD-650TVL-D-WDR ... 4861de50d7

which I got from ebay, which has a .03 Lux rating.

My thoughts are to try some combination of the below things:
-different screen
-lower lux camera
-try it at night
-FPV goggles?
-video feed direct to laptop

Thanks for the help!

Also, the following thread is similar, and has a link to the first monitor I used if interested:

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=1492

It might be a combination of problems. The most common is too much light and not enough screen brightness. Try making a hood to shield the screen from the sun. Even on an overcast day there is too much light. The only way around it is to purchase a daylight viewable screen which costs much more.

Hi chilliman. Problem is our eyes adjust to the bright daylight conditions, making the screen look darker. The daylight viewable screen TigerShark mentions would be better, but I imagine you will still have significant problems with reflections from the sky if out in the open. Wearing a large-brimmed hat could help a bit with the reflections. Also, maybe try a large dark background behind your monitor. Personally I have tried a large cardboard box as a shield. If you stay looking at the screen in the box, then your eyes adjust accordingly. That aside, FPV goggles would seem the obvious solution. Member kenl posted some findings using a welder's helmet and FPV goggles. Use the search tool to find his posts on this.

Ross