Back-up Camera

[wavery]

I have a couple of 7" LCD monitors laying around so I decided to install a Back-up (or rear-view) camera on my truck. I bought a camera for $20 (eBay).

I know that a few of you already have them and I am looking for mounting suggestions for the camera and the monitor. I'm pretty sure that I'm going to mount the monitor on the back of the drivers sun-visor. However, I'm interested in some opinions on the camera placement.

I have a shell on the back of the pick-up and I'm thinking, maybe on the top of the shell, looking down toward the hitch and as far back as I can point it. However, most of the ads that I see have it mounted on the license plate and pointing straight back.

I'd like to hear opinions of people that are actually using them.

[Old Goat]

I have the best backup camera there is..my wife. She has instant 360  degree circle vision and 180 degrees verticle. She instantly sounds off and signals when danger lurks. I have no problems backing up by myself when she is not along. I always get out and survey the site and then pick out a mark   [tree, rock, etc.] which I can see in the side mirrors and use for a guide and range marker when backing. I really don't have a need or want for a backup camera as they are just another item to take care of and maintain...

[waygard33]

I have the best backup camera there is..my wife. She has instant 360  degree circle vision and 180 degrees verticle. She instantly sounds off and signals when danger lurks.

Response #1: How much do you want for her? And does she stow easily when not in use?

Response #2: I already have one but I think it/she's broken. She doesn't seem to sound off until after the fact and seems to have shipped with some type of 'attitude indicator' which I know I didn't order and can't figure out how to remove or turn off. Is there a part I should replace? :yikes:

Apologies in advance to my DW.

Wavery - I would be interested in this also. It would really be interesting to see some pics of the camera's view. Do you think it would help to temporarily set a camcorder in the spot you're considering prior to installing the final mount?

Wayne in Oregon

[wavery]

Wavery - I would be interested in this also. It would really be interesting to see some pics of the camera's view. Do you think it would help to temporarily set a camcorder in the spot you're considering prior to installing the final mount?

Wayne in Oregon

The camera is quite small:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180348487108&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWNX%3AIT

I haven't received it yet and when I do, I will probably mount it with some sort of temporary mounting until I am satisfied where I want it.

I don't mind getting out of the TV and checking my position for hooking up, I just thought this might be a fun toy (for $21 who cares). Besides, The new truck that I have is quite long (157" wheel base:yikes:) and backing with it is a new experience:p. The last thing that I want to do is back into something:(.

I thought it might also be helpful to set it up so that I can move it to the back of the trailer for backing into campsites. It would just be a matter of using an extension cable. In fact, if I like this thing, I may just get a second camera (another $21 :rolleyes:) and have 2 cameras. The monitor that I have has a provision for 2 cameras and I can toggle back and forth between cameras.

[dkutz]

The camera is quite small:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180348487108&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWNX%3AIT

I haven't received it yet and when I do, I will probably mount it with some sort of temporary mounting until I am satisfied where I want it.

I don't mind getting out of the TV and checking my position for hooking up, I just thought this might be a fun toy (for $21 who cares). Besides, The new truck that I have is quite long (157" wheel base:yikes:) and backing with it is a new experience:p. The last thing that I want to do is back into something:(.

I thought it might also be helpful to set it up so that I can move it to the back of the trailer for backing into campsites. It would just be a matter of using an extension cable. In fact, if I like this thing, I may just get a second camera (another $21 :rolleyes:) and have 2 cameras. The monitor that I have has a provision for 2 cameras and I can toggle back and forth between cameras.

How about a third camera and a second Monitor so you can mount the camera pointing to the driver and a monitor outside, so all of us can see your face when you STILL hit something while backing in while playing with all these gadgets!:D

[chip]

Location of the camera may depend on the view angle of the camera, and your ultimate intended purpose.  Backup?  Passing?  

I have basically the same camera and a 7" monitor/visor.  Haven't mounted them yet, since I haven't taken time to figure out how, particularly with respect to wiring from the trailer to the TV.  (It's probably not rocket science, but that's my story and I'm sticking to it.  I have a grand total of about $30 tied up, so I'm not losing any sleep over it.)

My intent was to mount the camera on the back of trailer for backing and for passing.

[wavery]

Location of the camera may depend on the view angle of the camera, and your ultimate intended purpose.  Backup?  Passing?  

I have basically the same camera and a 7" monitor/visor.  Haven't mounted them yet, since I haven't taken time to figure out how, particularly with respect to wiring from the trailer to the TV.  (It's probably not rocket science, but that's my story and I'm sticking to it.  I have a grand total of about $30 tied up, so I'm not losing any sleep over it.)

My intent was to mount the camera on the back of trailer for backing and for passing.

They're pretty easy to wire. The monitor is 12V and so is the camera. Each device needs an 18-22G wire to a 12V power source and a ground wire. Then you just need a wire from the connector on the camera to the connector on the monitor.

[flyfisherman]

A friend has his mounted around the top of his license plate aimed down and out so that he gets a bird's eye view of the hitch ball. When doing a simple back up it gives a good view of what's behind him. When backing up to the trailer he can see when the ball is right under the coupler. I'm really impressed with the thing and wish I'd have been smart enough to look into the thing earlier!





Fly

[Recumbentman]

I just ordered this setup from Ebay. It is getting great reviews over on PUX and for less then $100.00 this sounds like a great addition for my TV. I like the fact that the camera has a built-in 10ft cord on it, so later down the road when I update our camper I will be able to mount it to the back of the camper to get a view behind the camper. Over on PUX, members are reporting that they are having no problems transmitting the length of a trailer / TV combination.

?   Installs on vehicle in just minutes!
?   Wireless camera broadcast for quick & easy installation
?   Helps reduce or eliminate dangerous blind spots!
?   Objects visible 3 feet and beyond!
?   110ø viewing angle!
?   Water resistant color camera (day or night time use) attaches to back license plate for rear view!
?   Perfect for cars, SUVs, trucks, RVs, and for towing boats or campers!
?   Full 7? LCD color monitor!
?   Brightness, contrast, and color controls on monitor!
?   Upside down and reverse image controls on monitor!
?   Audio/Visual (AV) inputs for video games & DVDs
?   Multiple monitor mounting options: Monitor mounts to included dashboard stand or visor with included straps (mount to back of headrest for backseat AV use)!
?   Operates with vehicle?s 12 Volt electrical system ? no additional batteries required!
?   Monitor dimensions: 8.1?W x 4.6?H and only 1? thick (LCD screen is 7? diagonal)
?   Weight: less than 3 lbs
?   2.4gHz wireless transmitter (FCC ID: VMFRVC3000)