Create your own portable camera system

Lar Voss had seen remote camera systems for farm equipment but thought the systems were a bit pricey. He wanted something that could be easily use don balers, combines, manure trucks, hay rakes, and other implements where better visibility would be beneficial. 

“I wanted to be able to see behind my baler when backing up, and with the second camera, to see the windrow as it is being fed into the bale pickup,” says Voss.

In addition, he wanted to be able to easily move the unit to other implements.

He purchased an RV wireless camera and monitor system (available in single or two-camera sets), along with 65- and 95-pound magnets, a plastic ammunition case, a DeWalt 9-Ah battery, and a 12-volt power inverter adapter that is compatible with the DeWalt battery.

Voss permanently mounted the split-screen monitor in the tractor and one camera in the rear of the tractor cab, pointing toward the three-point hitch and drawbar. This allows for monitoring behind the tractor and in front of any implements.

On the implement, he mounted the battery in the plastic ammo case using two 65-pound magnets on the bottom of the case and one 95-pound magnet on the side. Then he mounted another 95-pound magnet to the camera. He put the excess cord from the camera in the ammo case.

More about Lar Voss

Lar Voss has a degree in electronic engineering and is a lifetime member and supporter of Pheasants Forever. He farms 900 to1,000 acres in Johnstown, Colorado, producing orchard grass/brome hay, alfalfa, wheat, and corn. His hobbies include designing and rebuilding equipment. 

Email: lar@larvoss.com