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Post by millard1399 on Sept 12, 2012 12:22:51 GMT 10
G'day All, Thought I might put up a new thread about rear view or reversing cameras, in case anybody is thinking they'd like one or two or three of them.  It can be a real minefield trying to sort through all the various bits and pieces available, but if you are fed up to the neck with the "I said LEFT, you dingbat!"-routine when you reverse your van, it's worth trying to educate yourself about what to look for. For starters, there's a Rear Vision Chamber of Australia group, whose website will give the basics. There is also an eBay Guide - How to Choose Vehicle Rear View Backup Video Camera which was written up by somebody in the US back in 2005 and updated in Sept this year. It gives quite comprehensive information about the technical side. Finally, there is a collection of YouTube videos made by a bloke operating as "Safety Dave" from his business in Melbourne. These will also give you an idea of what you should be looking for (see the list of videos under the movie screen). Just take note of his explanations, and not necessarily his sales pitch about what he can do for you. For price comparisons, the monitor my brother installed in the old Prado cost him $468 back in 2010. That kit included a 5.8" dual input monitor, one eyeball CCD camera, and two cables (15m and 7.5m). My brother then bought a car licence plate camera from Safety Dave at a caravan show in 2010, which cost him $199 at the time. So, all up, it cost $667 for the whole kit and caboodle. The camera I recently bought for the rear of the Windsor cost me $130 including 10m of cable. That one was from Brash Imports. When you look around ebay, you'll see the prices are significantly lower than the 2010 prices. It's just a matter of knowing what you're looking for, and then getting the best deal you can. You'll find plenty of other people have posted questions about these cameras on other forums. Just put either rear camera or reversing camera in your search engine, and you can spend hours looking through all the info. If you're wondering what all the fuss is about these cameras, the following photo shows how close I could reverse the Prado up to the Windsor without having to get out of the vehicle once, to check where the towball was. I was doing it to be able to test the new camera cable on the van...  I've only used the car camera on the Prado a few times since we bought the car, but I'm sold on the idea. Sure makes life a heap easier. Next I'll have to test out the camera on the van, to see how much easier it makes reversing into caravan park sites. cheers, Al. |
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Post by Deleted on Sept 12, 2012 21:30:28 GMT 10
Hi All i have a wireless camera fitted to my DMax and now wouldnt be with out it.Just ask the minister of the interior ;D The model i bought is from dick smiths for approx $199 and comes with the option of adding a extra camera (van) if required . The screen is powered from the cigerette outlet in the cab. I use a outlet from supacheap that has 2 12v dc outlets and 1 usb outlet that can be individually switched on or off, cost approx $30.00 . The camera is powered by the reverse light and being wireless does not need to be connected to the screen as such. The camera is mounted on the number plate. It has proven to reliable but if travelling on a dusty road tends to cloud the view. Being powered by the reverse light only allows you to view when reversing but this could be fixed by choosing power from a different source.All in all simple to set up and use.Pros, no hard wires between camera and screen. Cons It does pick up stray signals from time to time, shops,servos ect but as stated i can turn the monitor off if it proves to be distracting cheers for now oggyfj Attachments:
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Post by Deleted on Sept 12, 2012 21:32:04 GMT 10
Hi All photo shows 12v dc outlet with switches and usb outlet Attachments:
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Post by Deleted on Sept 12, 2012 21:34:06 GMT 10
Hi all (again) photo show wireless unit mounter inside canopy for reverse camera cheers for now and back to the chensey oggyfj Attachments:
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Post by kiwijim on Sept 13, 2012 1:47:57 GMT 10
Howdy Al, On the subject of the reversing cameras, I found a couple of faults with the 7.5" monitor I purchased off E Bay, Firstly, I had wired it up to run continuously, this was fine for the first couple of hours, then after that when the revs dropped down to idle the screen would either go blank or the picture would flash off and on, then as the revs increased the picture was back. Another problem I had was that as the camera was mounted very high up on the rear of the Coaster, ( about 2.5 m ) the picture became distorted, giving a false impression that the car behind was well back from my rear, but when I checked in the rear view mirror the car was within one car length from me.  You can see in the picture, The white curved image in the bottom,is actually the straight top of the rear box, curved by the wide angle camera. You mentioned about what the legal implications are for these cameras, Sure, it's illegal to use a mobile phone while driving but, what about all the new cars being produced today with Navigators built into the dash, ? The law also says that you can't have a device such as a T.V. mounted on the dash where the driver can see it, because it can create a distraction !! and what about all the thousands of truckers with the (Hand Operated) C.B. Radios being used for their business ? I can't recall any of them being prosecuted. Maybe, for piece of mind, a quick call to your Insurance company would be to you advantage ? it will be interesting to hear what they have to say. Cheers kiwijim  |
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Post by Deleted on Sept 13, 2012 6:43:29 GMT 10
hi all . i have a camera fitted to the new van (night/ day). strathfield car radio fitted it on site while i was working. the monitor clips over the rear view mirror & has 2nd camera opt if needed. as i put the van in reverse i works & has a ladder overlay to gauge distance. best $499 ever spent as i can not see out the back. cheers Gav
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Post by millard1399 on Sept 13, 2012 12:17:16 GMT 10
kiwijim, that image you've posted is typical of the cameras that have the 120 degree field of view. It's a little bit like a "fish-eye" lens on a normal camera. Yes you get to see more of the area behind the car, but the trade-off is the picture getting distorted to fit it all onto the monitor screen. The camera at the back of the Prado is the same type (120 o) and I get the same sort of picture as you on my monitor. See how the fence palings on the left of the picture are curved, as well as down the bottom right where the towball is. The vinyl line on the front of the van is curved, and the new spare wheel bracket looks like it is 6ft away from the camera, rather than the actual 3ft...  The camera I installed at the rear of the van is the 92 degree field of view, which is what they recommend for the rear of trailers/caravans. This gives a view that is the same as what you'd see with your naked eye (although the monitor picture is still distorted a little). You can see in this picture of the van camera how the side of the garage doorway is still a little curved, but the line along the front of the concrete slab is pretty straight. The distance from the rear of the van to that line in the slab is 3ft 6ins, and it looks about that distance on the monitor...  All of the above illustrates why I said it's a bit of a minefield about working out what to buy. I've seen some cameras on ebay that only have about 60 degrees field of view, which would give a pretty narrow picture. It all depends on what people actually want to see behind their vehicle, I guess. cheers, Al. |
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Post by millard1399 on Sept 13, 2012 12:49:23 GMT 10
The other thing I wanted to mention is that the camera I installed on the rear of the van also has a miniature microphone built into it...  We tested it today, and if I stand 2 metres away from the rear of the van, and recite my favourite nursery rhyme, it can be heard crystal clear on the monitor speaker when my partner sits in the car with the doors closed. It's another feature to look for if that sort of thing interests you. Not all cameras have the microphone built in. If it does, you can still play the "I said LEFT, you dingbat!"-game at caravan sites, or you can listen out for stray children that might be near the back of the van. cheers, Al. |
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Post by tasmillard on Mar 7, 2017 10:59:39 GMT 10
Lost has changed with tech since the last post in 2012... so here I am wanting to know more about them. I am looking for a wireless reverse cam to make it easier to hitch up the caravan. Seems like theres a lot on ebay at the moment for cheap(ish) prices. Looking at something like this. Anyone recommend a sub $50 wireless kit? |
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Post by Mustang on Mar 7, 2017 17:49:41 GMT 10
Lost has changed with tech since the last post in 2012... so here I am wanting to know more about them. I am looking for a wireless reverse cam to make it easier to hitch up the caravan. Seems like theres a lot on ebay at the moment for cheap(ish) prices. Looking at something like this. Anyone recommend a sub $50 wireless kit? I bought a constant view rear camera in 2015 the monitor is attached to the mirror. From memory the camera/monitor & fitting was about $800.00 Then......the camera filled up with water, replaced no charge. Its been fine since. I can't imagine a unit for under $100. With tri vision glasses I would never entertain a rear vision monitor again...its just too hard to focus for a quick look, but when I have Vincent I find myself missing the camera which is on the modern. To eliminate another Anderson we wired ours through the 12 pin plug. |
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Post by tasmillard on Mar 8, 2017 12:54:34 GMT 10
Good info here. I basically was thinking that the issue for me is trying to get the tow ball as close as possible to the hitch. Unlike the 16ft Millard where I can move it, its almost impossible on the Viscount. So If I can have a unit that I can put there and remove when I want even better. Been looking at info on people using a wireless camera and mob phone to do same, but pretty much prices end up being about what you get for the chinese stuff I linked earlier.
kiwijim - as far as insurance goes, I think they all default to the 'law'. None would give you advice to say its OK to put a reverse camera screen on the dash, after all if theres a claim they will go with the law.
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Post by Rattles on Mar 8, 2017 13:44:28 GMT 10
Good info here. I basically was thinking that the issue for me is trying to get the tow ball as close as possible to the hitch. Unlike the 16ft Millard where I can move it, its almost impossible on the Viscount. So If I can have a unit that I can put there and remove when I want even better. Been looking at info on people using a wireless camera and mob phone to do same, but pretty much prices end up being about what you get for the chinese stuff I linked earlier. kiwijim - as far as insurance goes, I think they all default to the 'law'. None would give you advice to say its OK to put a reverse camera screen on the dash, after all if theres a claim they will go with the law. A Tandem coupling can be moved using your knee on the A Frame about 15mm and with a hard shove a momentary 30mm sideways, the trick is to lean on the A frame and slowly lower the coupling onto the top of the ball, when the weight has pushed the tug/ball down about 30mm then give a bit of a shove and the coupling will drop over the ball, so you only need to be within 30mm side to side and 5mm back to front. I have had Tandem Caravans since 1973 and this is how I normally get the Coupling to drop onto the Ball. Rattles |
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Post by doublechevron on Mar 8, 2017 15:49:09 GMT 10
I'm keen to hear from anyone that has fitted a cheap camera that works for hooking up trailers.... especially if you can bluetooth to it from your phone for example, so don't have to hard wire it in.
seeya,
Shane L.
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Post by Mustang on Mar 8, 2017 16:53:27 GMT 10
Sorry Tasmillard I misread your post.
The camera I have is on the "back" of the modern van.
The Prado has a reversing camera fitted, could not be without one.
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Post by tasmillard on Mar 9, 2017 5:57:55 GMT 10
I'm keen to hear from anyone that has fitted a cheap camera that works for hooking up trailers.... especially if you can bluetooth to it from your phone for example, so don't have to hard wire it in. seeya, Shane L. Im looking Shane. I like the idea of being able to move the camera from behind the car to behind the van when i need to. I also am trying to avoid getting another screen or mirror attachment. There are many cameras that now come with bluetooth or wifi, and certainly reading the net many people have asked the same question. |
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Post by Mustang on Mar 9, 2017 8:21:42 GMT 10
I'm keen to hear from anyone that has fitted a cheap camera that works for hooking up trailers.... especially if you can bluetooth to it from your phone for example, so don't have to hard wire it in. seeya, Shane L. Im looking Shane. I like the idea of being able to move the camera from behind the car to behind the van when i need to. I also am trying to avoid getting another screen or mirror attachment. There are many cameras that now come with bluetooth or wifi, and certainly reading the net many people have asked the same question. Our monitor has a facility to switch from the car camera to the van camera. (If you do not have a car reverse camera fitted) |
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Post by doublechevron on Mar 9, 2017 9:40:20 GMT 10
I'm keen to hear from anyone that has fitted a cheap camera that works for hooking up trailers.... especially if you can bluetooth to it from your phone for example, so don't have to hard wire it in. seeya, Shane L. Im looking Shane. I like the idea of being able to move the camera from behind the car to behind the van when i need to. I also am trying to avoid getting another screen or mirror attachment. There are many cameras that now come with bluetooth or wifi, and certainly reading the net many people have asked the same question. Yes, I want to be able to clip it to my bullbar for when I've moved the tongue to the bullbar (to push the caravan around). I don't know if bluetooth or wireless will make the distance so you can reach the back of your caravan. You may need hard wired for this. |
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Post by tasmillard on Mar 9, 2017 10:35:41 GMT 10
From what I have read, some say 10 meters, there's a clip on youtube of someone walking across the road from their property and still showing up on the screen. Too many options, too many unknowns! That's the fun part I guess Dont want to hardwire as it almost makes it a permanent fixture (unless thats what one wants), so doesnt suit my need for flexible arrangement. Just to add, here is an example of what I want, look at the vids. |
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Post by tasmillard on Mar 9, 2017 14:46:54 GMT 10
OK, did some more investigations and making some progress... I will post up something if I can get what I have in mind working |
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Post by 78466noM on Mar 10, 2017 9:50:15 GMT 10
Will be interested on what you find as it will make it easier for the wife to hook up and an extra vision when she is reversing van.
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Post by Mustang on Mar 11, 2017 10:01:16 GMT 10
Will be interested on what you find as it will make it easier for the wife to hook up and an extra vision when she is reversing van. Also when she is washing the van & polishing it, don't want to complicate matters   |
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Post by bobt on Mar 11, 2017 21:58:01 GMT 10
In my previous tow cars I used 2 rods one mounted to the top of the caravan coupling (used magnets) and one on the goose kneck. With these I was able to line the car up "perfectly"
But I must tell you a little story, last year, away with the modern at a caravan club rally. A member rolled in towing his full height 20+ footer. He reversed on to his site and in the process succseessfully wiped the antenna off the roof and put a huge gouge in his awning.. He used his reverse camera.. never got out to look or have his partner out watching!!!.
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Post by 78466noM on Mar 12, 2017 0:17:13 GMT 10
Will be interested on what you find as it will make it easier for the wife to hook up and an extra vision when she is reversing van. Also when she is washing the van & polishing it, don't want to complicate matters wash and polish and wife in one sentence. Out side cleaning of vehicles is done by me and the grand-kids help by rubbing the parts I have cleaned with a dirty sponge . |
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Post by tasmillard on Mar 12, 2017 6:43:35 GMT 10
I tried a photo to phone set up, ie I used my android as the viewing phone and another old android as the camera phone. Whilst this worked, the lag was around 5 seconds, which means if I reversing I will hear a crunch before the video shows the crunch! So scratch that... now onto another option. There is another option, on ebay they sell wifi cameras that apparently connect directly to your phone using an app you download from the store. Its close to the same price as the unit with the LCD I posted earlier, so I dont know if I want to take that or the other!
Having said that, my other half wants a permanent unit in her car, so looking at options here too. I am not a big fan of the units that come with a mirror that you clip onto the existing mirror, so a separate LCD is my preference. Ill continue looking...
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Post by tasmillard on Mar 13, 2017 17:26:09 GMT 10
Tried using gitanos' hero+ camera, with gopro software and its not too bad. About a sub second delay, but dooable. Thinking an alternate option as I can use another gopro and it will meet the flexibility needs. Means spending $200 instead of $50, but much more use factor. Still pondering...
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