Optical interface made from a old camcorder viewfinder. The camcorder viewfinder was removed from a broken camcorder. Open viewfinder unit and analyze circuit to identify the power supply connection. In case the connections and polarity on the circuit board are not named refer to e.g. ground areas on the circuit board and to the polarity of electrolyte capacitors. Connect viewfinder circuit to power (use current limiting, start with 0 Volt up to when an image appears on the TV tube). I used a video signal from a DVD player and searched for the right pin by using the trial and error principle. The focus of the picture on the TV screen can be controlled by adjusting the supply voltage (in my case exactly 5 volt). I want to use this module as part of a remote control. In connection with a CMOS camera and an infrared laser (perhaps from a CD-ROM burner from your PC) it should also be possible to build a low cost night view vision.

BE CAREFULL a TV tube is powered with HIGH VOLTAGE. THIS HIGH VOLTAGE CAN BE DEADLY! No guarantee, no liability. You do this on your own risk. Try this only if you know what you're doing!