Maintenance and Security Update

I started out looking for a solution for maintaining my “Transit Status Program”. I really just wanted to have access to some logfiles and push over software changes. It is a windows platform, but I didn’t really want to pay for windows pro to get remote desk capabilities. I did settle in on RustDesk, an open-source remote access and support software. It also allows you to use self-hosted server

I figured that my primary use was maintenance, or when the system was already attached to my local network. I found out quickly that it was so easy to set up and use, instead of running a copy of the program on my home computer, I would just remote in and check on the status of things just as if I was there. One day I left my MobileMule camera system on and thought it was kind of neat to have access to the four cameras.

The problem is that the cameras are controlled by hard switches, I would be at the mercy of what camera it was on, usually the rear view camera.

With a cheap relay board and a some leftover Phidget hardware I was able to come up with a soft-controlled button scheme.

This arrangement allows me to keep the hard switches, for quick access while driving and still have soft access.

I can now enable the Mobile DVR thru the program and choose what camera view I want to look at. While testing this I used RustDesk's remote servers. It worked well but decided I should set up a selfhosted server.

So now I can check cameras from any location, not just when connected with my local network. I can use RustDesk on my phone and remote in check status on things, control lights and check the DVR cameras.

My MobileMule DVR always supported a fifth camera (IP) so I decide to hook one for an interior view. This would allow me to check on the dogs when traveling, and an enhancement in security.

The camera needed power so I used a controlled 12 volts from the DVR and has a programable shutdown delay. I decided to also use this as the source of power to the MobileMule/Computer monitor. My Mobile DVR switch disables monitor.