October 2013
Used USB webcams are a dollar a dozen these days — much cheaper than native analog-out cameras (i.e., "security" cams). Is it possible or feasible to convert the USB cams to analog out? I presume it depends on the video chip used in the webcam — whether it has USB integrated or if that's a function of the small PCB on which it's attached. Any pointers, tips, advice, etc., would be greatly appreciated.
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Unless the webcam's PCB has an explicitly-labeled location called video or similar on the PCB, you'll have to use an oscilloscope to locate the raw video feed to the USB encoder chip. If there doesn't appear to be a raw video signal anywhere on the PCB, then you're out of luck.
Otherwise, once you locate that raw video point, simply get a length of shielded cable (the thinner the better) terminated with an RCA jack and (carefully) solder the center conductor to the raw video point on the PCB and the shield to a power ground location on the PCB. Insulate the shield to prevent unwanted shorts and keep it as short as possible.
Carve a notch in the webcam's body to feed the cable through, close up the webcam, and plug it into an active USB port. You should now be able to connect a shielded cable to the new RCA jack and run it to the YELLOW JACK of your video monitor and see what the camera is picking up.
