Hi Deadtom: the separate functions of driver and gunner would be great. The camera system I have now is better for driving, especially with the near IR capabilities. For the Gunner, you really need a tighter zoom camera. Unfortunately, the camera's are expensive and each camera needs it's own VTX and VRX.

Once I have the OSD completed, I will upgrade the Apple camera to a zoom which will provide better targeting and range selection. I'll move the near IR camera down to the driver's hatch and attach with rare earth magnet (or make a big headed driver*). By using a video switcher, I'll be able to drive with the near IR camera and once the target is engaged, switch to the zoom camera on the turret (Apple) wich will have the OSD Gunner Reticle.

But - first this weekend. Is it really cool or will it just add to the complexity of the tank and take away from the fun? I'll vote on the cool, but I've learned to temper my enthusium/lol.
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Strato50: I believe I can produce a complete system that would include the following:

1) 9 Channel custom flashed Turnigy TX with onboard video system including video RX (5.8g), lipoly battery system, sound for headphones, etc.
2) Lipoly battery with TX operated on/off onboard switch for Video TX and Camera
3) Near infrared micro camera and Apple mount
4) 5.8 ghz video transmitter (installs in tank or mount to Apple)
5) Custom OSD for Gunner Reticle, Battery charge, GPS system, etc.

The total cost is somewhere around $450 +- but the VTX and Camera System is plug and play like your Apple. The battery and OSD will beed to remain in the tank as they need to be hardwired. But, that component should be less then $100 +-. This will provide the ability to switch the system from tank to tank.

I have a day job so this is something that is truly hobby oriented and I want to make the system completely workable with all bugs before producing it or partnering with someone who can manage it on a full time basis. For testing, I probably won't have completed systems until this fall and I'm hoping my Tankers at DAK will help test several systems on their tanks. Once the bugs and feedback from DAK occurs, then it can go into limited production. I know one problem for this weekend will be the bright Phoenix sunlight on the video screen. I've been looking at single drop down lcd reticle video glasses - but they are expensive!

Or that's today's thoughts/lol!

Thanks,
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