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Originally Posted by mechanicalbrain
We had a camera on our robot burn up. this camera was connected to the main power source (through a spike not directly of course) and we had just connected it. It ran fine for several hours but the robot was suspended and couldn't move. Later when we ran it on the ground the wire burned through the rubber and the camera emitted a foul smelling cloud of smoke.  I'm almost positive there was a spike in current caused by our motors when the robot turned (we really need a better drive train and the motors literally fight each other). My only worry is how to protect the camera. I'm thinking a resistor or a DC regulator. Also I'm considering using a capacitor to provide power to the camera when the motors cause a power dip, and I'm wondering if this fits under the "no other power source rule". Any help or advice would be great meanwhile ill shop for another camera. 
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There are two indications here that need to be checked. The first is obvious, are you sure that the input you were using was intended for 12 volts? The camera may be only able to take 9 volts on one input while taking 12 on another connector. If you changed batteries just before the camera burned, the higher voltage that is sometimes present on a newly charged battery may have exceeded the camera max input voltage.
The second is are you sure that there is no electrical connection to chassis? The camera frame is connected to power common in most cases. A motor input tied to the frame and set into reverse would force 12 volts into the ground of the camera and provide a return path through the camera and it's power wire. It is possible you didn't fry the camera but may have burned up the power connector and the wiring it is connected to both inside and outside the camera.