camera for press

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tmd17

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I am thinking of getting a mini spy type camera to mount on my press. The purpose is to inspect the case before the bullet is set. I need one that will display on my Android cell phone via blue tooth or wireless that I would mount at eye level.

I am not that tech savvy, and looking around the internet I see so many that might work, but I am not sure what I need for a complete package (minus the phone). I would expect to get in under $50 total, Android compatible, and the camera small enough to not obstruct the operation of the press.

Any of you have one set up care to share what you use?
 
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I use a Depstech borescope camera from Amazon. It fits right down through the center hole of the tool head on my Dillon 550. I also installed the KMS ufo lights to really light up the shell plate area. The camera syncs to my iPad with on board wi fi, but they probably have Bluetooth versions also. I can sync it to my iphone as well, but the screen on the ipad makes it much easier to view.

Here’s the camera I use:
[ame]https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B07MV6X4M4?ref=ppx_pt2_mob_b_prod_image[/ame]

And a couple of videos I made of it in action:
https://youtu.be/mDtgVo-y9pc

https://youtu.be/pMAd9kERpp8
 
Here’s what it looks like on the press. Nothing fancy, I just have zip ties holding it and the power supply. I also occasionally use it for other things, so it’s easy to dismount and remount.
 

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That is what I am looking for @tlawler . I will have to mount it on the side post of my 550 because I use the center hole for a light set up already. Thanks for the input!
 
tmd17 said:
That is what I am looking for @tlawler . I will have to mount it on the side post of my 550 because I use the center hole for a light set up already. Thanks for the input!
Click to expand...

My advice is ditch the center light because it’s pretty impotent anyway and go with the KMS ufo light kit. It’s fairly inexpensive and worlds better than the center light, plus it frees up the center hole for the camera.

UFO 550 Reloading Press Light for Dillon RL450 & RL550
– KMS2
 
@tlawler - I have considered the ufo, but I like the light setup up I have. In addition to the light in the center hole already set up in several of the heads, I have a string running up the inside of the front post.

If the ones I have now ever burn out, I may go with the UFO style.

Another consideration for me is I have a 550 and two square deals. I want ONE camera that I can set up on all three.

And again, thanks for the input.
 
You guys are way more into the reloading game than I am. I just use the Mark 1 Eyeballs that I was issued and visually inspect my cases. Cameras and lights are way beyond this old boy! Nice setups though!
 
For Lighting

I have a 550 bench mounted. Overhead is a single bulb LED 4' shop light. One about 4' above the loading bench and 2 foot closer to the wall. There is a second 4' LED shop light at the same height and 2' behind me. There are no shadows anywhere on the loading bench or inside the loading press.

Together they consume 80 watts an hour, which costs half a cent an hour to run!

Why just illuminate just the shell plate area? My old eyes like being able to read fine print or headstamps.

Ivan
 
My reasoning for my setup is driven by two things: my love of gadgetry and the fact that laziness (what I like to call seeking comfort) begets ingenuity. I tried mirrors set at different angles and what not, but I like to sit in my comfy shop chair with good back support while I reload. No matter what I tried, I couldn’t get a good, well lit sight line down into the cartridge at station #3 right after the powder drop, so I came up with the idea to sync my ipad to a camera looking down into the case. I can now sit for long periods of reloading with good back support and be able to peer directly down into each case. I still weigh every tenth charge on my RCBS beam scale for the first fifty or so, then every twenty to thirtieth one after that.

I seem to do a lot of stuff that irks longtime reloaders for some reason. I’ve only been reloading for going on seven years now, but being a mechanic for almost 45 years has led me to seek out what works best for me. For instance, I gave up on-press depriming and priming within the first thousand cases I loaded on my first Lee turret. So when I moved up to a Dillon 550, the first thing I did was figure out a way to rip out all the priming accoutrements and gave them to a fellow forum member that needed some parts. First, I deprimed with a dedicated Lee single stage that had a hole in the ram that spit the spent primers out and were a pain to catch. Then I discovered the Lee APP and it’s been a godsend. Now I actually enjoy depriming. I prime with
a pair of RCBS handprimers while I watch TV. I get flak for spending too much time on case prep too, but I like shiny cases with clean primer pockets. For one thing, it’s a lot easier to see powder levels in the cases with the contrast between the bright brass and grey powder. Like Mrs. tlawler likes to say, you do you, boo.
 
Like tlawler noted, it is about comfort and getting a good sight line for me. I am compelled by my own itch to check every single charged case, and to get a good view on my Dillons requires leaning forward, twisting, etc. At my age, it can aggravate my neck and upper back after awhile. So.... HEADS UP view of the situation with a $50 one time outlay? Yeah, it is worth it to me.

As Mrs. tlawler s reported to say - you do you, boo! As for me, I am getting me a camera set up. Will report back when it is running!
 
tmd17 --=--
What lighting are you using for your SDB's please?

tlawler --=--
Do you believe that the UFO lights shown on a red press with a small 'halo' ring in the middle might work for a SDB please?
Thanks!
Mike
 
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If you're really set on a camera why not set up a small security camera and send the feed to a 20" or larger screen so you can see it clearly? I'm talking a very small.camera like used in the house to watch a baby's room or to be sure an older person doesn't fall without you knowing. (2" X 2" color)
 
ArchAngelCD said:
If you're really set on a camera why not set up a small security camera and send the feed to a 20" or larger screen so you can see it clearly? I'm talking a very small.camera ..
Click to expand...


That is exactly what I am asking about. Who has actually set one up, what products did they use, etc....

As for a 20" screen.... if you saw how tight my work space is, you would realize there is no way to mount a 20" screen, nor is it needed.

I think I have narrowed my search down.


endo cam.JPG

Under my $50 budget, self contained unit. Compact size. It should not be hard to rig it to focus on the charged case with the monitor at a comfortable easy to read location just left and behind the press.
 
socal s&w said:
tmd17 --=--
What lighting are you using for your SDB's please?

tlawler --=--
Do you believe that the UFO lights shown on a red press with a small 'halo' ring in the middle might work for a SDB please?
Thanks!
Mike
Click to expand...


I don't have any lights mounted to my SDB's. Just the 550.

My issue is NOT a lighting issue, it is the leaning forward and head turning to see down into the case. After about 45 minutes or so of that repetitive motion, it gets to my neck.



A HEADS UP view should give me relief.
 
socal s&w said:
tlawler --=--
Do you believe that the UFO lights shown on a red press with a small 'halo' ring in the middle might work for a SDB please?
Thanks!
Mike
Click to expand...

I didn’t realize that they didn’t make one for the Dillon SDB until I searched their website for it. Some of them are listed as being able to be adapted to other presses, but again nothing for the SDB. You’re probably going to have to go with a couple of the universal straight strips. Give KMS a call or email them and see if they have any recommendations.
 
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