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    internal webcam

    Discussion in 'Notebook Cosmetic Modifications and Custom Builds' started by nyafACE, Jun 2, 2010.

  1. nyafACE

    nyafACE Notebook Consultant

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    Hi, i saw a post of someone using internal webcam as external. I thought that was cool. I already mod my pc with USB HUB. Since internal webcam is USB, I thought I could hook it up to one of my remaining USB(internal). I bought acer aspire webcam without cable, thinking I could easily solder on USB cable. Those things are tiny. My question is are all those webcam use standard connector? The 5 pin connector. If i were to just look for that connector what would it be called?
     
  2. Orinix

    Orinix Notebook Geek

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    One thing to note is that while most internal webcams use 5V, there are a couple that use 3.3V (notably the ones in the Acer 1410s).

    I'd try looking for a part number on the camera and googling for a spec sheet to double check.
     
  3. nyafACE

    nyafACE Notebook Consultant

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    Oh, this one is 3.3v. It said right on the CPB.

     
  4. Orinix

    Orinix Notebook Geek

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    Then running the 5V off a typical USB cable would damage the camera.
     
  5. woofer00

    woofer00 Wanderer

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    It's possible the webcam already compensates for the voltage drop since it's already run off an internal USB connection. I'd check before you hook anything up though.

    If not, it's simple to solder in a resistor to compensate for the voltage drop, but you'd need to figure out what the current draw is on the webcam.
     
  6. Orinix

    Orinix Notebook Geek

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    I have the Gateway version of the AS1410, and it supplies 3.3V directly to the camera.

    A resistor wouldn't work as the current being drawn would fluctuate slightly I'd imagine. A 3.3V regulator would prob do the trick though.

    Something like this
    SparkFun Electronics - Voltage Regulator - 3.3V
     
  7. nyafACE

    nyafACE Notebook Consultant

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    so this voltage regulator is like a voltage converter? From 5v to 3.3v?
     
  8. Orinix

    Orinix Notebook Geek

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