Playmobil wireless spy camera

Well Done Gordon,

The best price that I have see for that! This is obselete now, but I hope that they will eventually introuduce a revised one that likes more moderm Windows than the old one did.

However this is seriously good fun as it stands and great value, although shares in Duracell would be an advantage!

James
 
James Day said:
Well Done Gordon,

The best price that I have see for that! This is obselete now, but I hope that they will eventually introuduce a revised one that likes more moderm Windows than the old one did.

However this is seriously good fun as it stands and great value, although shares in Duracell would be an advantage!

James
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Agreed it is good fun, although the resolution is not that great, but as you say the problem - if you wish to connect it to a PC to collect the video feed - is that it does not work on anything beyond Windows XP. I spent several hours over many days with Windows 7, 8 and 10, trying all manner of things even running XP under VMware but to no avail. If anyone does find a way to connect it to Windows 10 please post the solution here, I would love to know.
 
idlemarvel said:
Agreed it is good fun, although the resolution is not that great, but as you say the problem - if you wish to connect it to a PC to collect the video feed - is that it does not work on anything beyond Windows XP. I spent several hours over many days with Windows 7, 8 and 10, trying all manner of things even running XP under VMware but to no avail. If anyone does find a way to connect it to Windows 10 please post the solution here, I would love to know.
Click to expand...

Dave Agreed,

We only ever did one download using my nephew's old Lap top and it was clunky but amusing. What it is fun for is cab driving from block signals. We did this at a show recently. The RC locos were following the aspects of the automated signals and having to drive to that. It was brilliant fun.

When a child comes to visit our house, they always want to control the trains, but as it is automatic, that would mess everything up! - Instead I give them an RC loco, usually he one with the camera and say here is your train, drive it and follow the signals - They love it! (all my locos have automation magnets, and consequently re-set the signals as they pass -even the RC ones)

At the price this unit has been reduced to this is very cheap fun. The camera is designed to it in the cab of the new PM diesel but this is not mandatory - It does not even have to be Playmobil - The camera just needs a clear view of the road ahead! Hours of fun, whilst the batteries last of course!

James
 
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James Day said:
When a child comes to visit our house, they always want to control the trains, but as it is automatic, that would mess everything up! - Instead I give them an RC loco, usually he one with the camera and say here is your train, drive it and follow the signals - They love it!
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Never mind the kids, that's how I use it! :-)
Rechargeable batteries are a must.
 
idlemarvel said:
Never mind the kids, that's how I use it! :)
Rechargeable batteries are a must.
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Are you lot all annie-log??

Two bits of dowel, to replace the batteries, a cheapy-chinese regulator board, a bridge rectifier, and a bit of wire will mean you can take power from the track for the camera. - DCC referred to here...

For the receiver, you could make up a battery box for bigger (higher capacity) batteries..
 
PhilP said:
Are you lot all annie-log??

Two bits of dowel, to replace the batteries, a cheapy-chinese regulator board, a bridge rectifier, and a bit of wire will mean you can take power from the track for the camera. - DCC referred to here...

For the receiver, you could make up a battery box for bigger (higher capacity) batteries..
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Thanks Phil, that would be good if you were hard wiring into one loco, but a self contained battery powered unit means you can easily take it out and drop it into another loco cab. The batteries last for hours, longer than one playing session, so it's not really a problem.
 
Was thinking of plugs for newer, and old, track-power on loco's..

Can you feed the output of the receiver into a 'telly' (monitor) direct, or does it have to go through a computer?

Thinking of a feed from the Harz layout, down to an old flat-screen at the bottom of the stairs..
It is amazing how many people ask where the layout is, having almost fallen over the sandwich-board sign holding the door open!!
 
I wondered what 'vintage' drivers would be on a USB equipped 'TV' these days, and if it would work without the PC..

I am thinking of chaining an old laptop to the building anyway..
We can windsurf the Interweb (amongst other things) as well then!
 
I doff my metaphorical cap to those who understand the intracies of modern computers. Am I reading this right - Windows 10 is supposed to be able to cope with things like this PM Camera Device? Mine most certainly doesn't, but I could be using the wrong grade of coal!

Same is true of my flat screen gee-whizz tv. 'USB device not supported' is the reply is both cases. The smaller flat screen upstairs does not come up with anything when the PM USB is connected.

Batteries - Tend to agree - Rechargeables are the way to go to avoid insolvency. The only downside with them is the slightly lower voltage. which can make devices like this come up with low voltage warnings........these can be almost the default on these devices even when all the batteries are new!

James
 
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As an alternative, this link may be of interest: http://www.4kam.com/mini_wireless_video_camera.htm
The below pics are from this site using their MC500 camera. (I have no association with the business other than as a potential customer)
traincam_images.jpg
 
I've been looking for this camera for some time without success - even Playmobil customer service doesn't know anything about it - I believe one member here had to pick theirs up from the factory in Malta.

I've looked through the Jedlam site and I cannot find either their business address, or their returns address. I found out from e-bay that they're somewhere in Sommerset and there's a picture of their premises - but no address.

Does anybody know what it is?

Many thanks!
 
Trainman 864 said:
I've been looking for this camera for some time without success - even Playmobil customer service doesn't know anything about it - I believe one member here had to pick theirs up from the factory in Malta.

I've looked through the Jedlam site and I cannot find either their business address, or their returns address. I found out from e-bay that they're somewhere in Sommerset and there's a picture of their premises - but no address.

Does anybody know what it is?

Many thanks!
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Hi John. Their address is
The Firs
Underwood business park
Wells, Somerset.
The camera is currently out of stock but have just checked Argos site in Great Yarmouth and it says in stock at ,under £20!!!!!!! About to order a couple if it's true. You can have one of them if you want.
Mike.
 
Update to above. Tried to purchase two but not sure how I got on. Tablet crashed after adding to my trolley, then told me only one is stock. Then crashed twice while trying to pay with credit card. Eventually got a confirmation after altered to PayPal option. I think I've now got one, but may have paid 3 times. Will check online with MasterCard later this evening. Supposed to pick up from store tomorrow. We'll see what materialises then. Could be a real result - clearance price £16.99!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Have searched all other Argos stores in Norfolk/Suffolk area but nowhere else has any in stock.
 
Hi Mike - many thanks for your kind offer. As I was only looking for one I thought it would make no difference to you if I ordered it for local pick-up at my local Argos at Chichester. Their automated system said they were out of stock, but that they would check the Great Yarmouth store, which again proved out of stock.

I hope my enquiry didn't cause the glitch you refered to above.

Anyway - let's see what turns up - and if you get more than one I would definitely be interested.

Thanks again .... :)
 
Trainman 864 said:
Hi Mike - many thanks for your kind offer. As I was only looking for one I thought it would make no difference to you if I ordered it for local pick-up at my local Argos at Chichester. Their automated system said they were out of stock, but that they would check the Great Yarmouth store, which again proved out of stock.

I hope my enquiry didn't cause the glitch you refered to above.

Anyway - let's see what turns up - and if you get more than one I would definitely be interested.

Thanks again .... :)
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Hi John. They appear to be in stock at Ely and also Cambridge business park. I've just tried to order another one for delivery to Great Yarmouth store without success. Did you want to give it a try?
Mike.
 
Hi Mike - I think ordering from one store for pickup at another is beyond their automated system. So I got an Argos number from the 'getahuman' site and she told me that I have to actually go into the store where I want to collect it and ask them to transfere it internally.

So I'll try to call by the Chichester store tomorrow and I'll let you know how I get on.
 
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