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jeffmc306 · 06-23-2023, 03:09 PM

Our Voyager rear view camera decided to show infrared images on our recent trip to JC. I asked them to take a look at it and they concluded it needed replacing (for $1300). I said thanks but no thanks.

After researching all the different models I decided to go with a Haloview Byte Tango 7 (BT7). This model offers 1080 HD with a 16:9 monitor versus the Voyager’s 4:3 format.

It has LED lights for low-light situations, guide lines for backing and even DVR recording. I doubt I’ll use that but it’s a nice feature.

I ordered direct from Haloview because they offered a T-slot monitor arm that I couldn’t find anywhere else. This slips into the back of the monitor, can be tightened at the height that fits your needs. The cigarette plug has an on-off button on the top, a nice touch so you don’t have to pull the plug.

The camera’s mount is different than the metal bracket used on the factory Voyager. It’s got a rubber gasket that fits under the camera completely covering the hole for the wiring.

I was able to fish out the original connectors, cut behind them and crimping on the new connector between the camera so you can disconnect for service if needed. I did open the 3/8” hole to 1/2” to allow the new connectors to pass inside. I put a bead of silicone under the gasket and under the camera to seal everything up.

I tested in the driveway and am very impressed with the quality of the new system. We’ll have a chance to test it on the road in a few weeks.

AKNate · 06-24-2023, 11:27 PM

Looks nice! Our Voyager is always getting water inside and needs to be replaced. It hasn’t done anything as psychedelic as yours though - just a blurry picture. Your Haloview looks clear enough to actually be useful for backing, which is something our Voyager has never achieved on its best days.

**Hans627** · 06-25-2023, 07:55 AM

Jeff, another nice job well done.

GOUSC · 06-25-2023, 10:50 AM

Looks like you’ve given everyone a nice option if they need a replacement or upgrade.

Eduprey · 06-26-2023, 08:17 AM

Nice post, however the Haloview website has most of their 4K cameras as out of stock - bummer…

mojo · 06-26-2023, 08:27 AM

Haloview's RD10 system is nice because the rear view mirror becomes the monitor and leaves your dash clear. Plus the mirror has a forward camera so you also have front and rear recording cameras!

jeffmc306 · 06-27-2023, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eduprey

Nice post, however the Haloview website has most of their 4K cameras as out of stock - bummer…

So I don’t see any 4K cameras, 1080P is the highest resolution which is plenty. They do show the RD10 with rear view mirror display along with the BT7 that I installed in stock. Try this link.

I ordered mine on a Saturday night and it arrived from Hong Kong via DHL on Thursday. Hope that helps!

mixolydian12 · 06-27-2023, 04:28 PM

Looks like you have a newer RAM. Did you consider the wired tow mode camera that displays on the rear view mirror?

jeffmc306 · 06-28-2023, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mixolydian12

Looks like you have a newer RAM. Did you consider the wired tow mode camera that displays on the rear view mirror?

Good eye! Yes, I did but mine was an early 2019 model that did not have that option available. I considered retrofitting the truck but it required some programming (good info on HDRAM forums).

I also considered Haloview’s RD10 rear view mirror display but didn’t want to give up my factory auto-dimming mirror for everyday use vs. only when towing.

This was a fairly affordable compared to retrofitting.

OrangeCrush · 06-28-2023, 09:47 AM

I also upgraded my Voyager camera to the Haloview BT7 camera and display on our 2017 FC. Just like jeffmc306, the 1080p camera (BTC128) mounts very clean without adapter but you do need to drill holes. Below are a few pics.

A warning to those eying the BT11 - don't do it! I ordered one direct before doing the BT7 and was sorely disappointed. Though it is a mirror unit similar to the RD10 due to all the bells and whistles it ends up being a wiring mess. You have a DC adapter with antennas at the dash and then run wires to the mirror camera and then a wire back from the camera to a GPS uint placed on the dash. After installing it all and taking it for a test drive I found the display to be very difficult to see with poor contrast basically making me wish I had the Voyager back. After some back and forth with Haloview support I then purchased the BT7 which fortunately uses the same BTC128 camera so I was able to pair it to the camera installed from the BT11 system. I did a video quality test between the two and found the BT7 display to be far superior to the BT11 display (comparison pics below). When I pointed this out to Haloview they said you can not compare the video quality of the two units and agreed to let me return the BT11 if I paid for shipping back to Hong Kong which I did. So for those whoe like the mirror display I suggest sticking with the RD10 and stay away from the BT11. I personally have concluded I don't like the mirror display and love the BT7 using the windshield mount.

Mollysdad · 07-02-2023, 11:55 AM

I couldn't be happier with my Haloview 7108.
Always trying new ideas I mounted mine inside the rear window.

Out of the weather totally.
The lower camera is to my Garmin and it let's me see the rear bumper.

wayne b · 07-02-2023, 03:53 PM

installed Haloview MC10 with the mirror screen last year and it's held up and works quite well. Do not have the repeater on a 23' and there's a bit of lag, but much improved on the voyager. A few others threads on the install of that particular model.

Mark of SJC · 07-05-2023, 10:51 AM

Questions:

Does this system have fewer/no "lost signal" messages (always at the critical moment!)
What is the night imaging like?

jeffmc306 · 07-06-2023, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark of SJC

Questions:

Does this system have fewer/no "lost signal" messages (always at the critical moment!)
What is the night imaging like?

Hi Mark, our first trip since I installed the new camera is next week to Grand Marais, MN and back down into northern WI. I’ll have several travel days to test and will let you know how it works.
-Jeff

Mollysdad · 07-06-2023, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark of SJC

Questions:

Does this system have fewer/no "lost signal" messages (always at the critical moment!)
What is the night imaging like?

If you're asking about the Haloview, I can't make mine break up. I was worried having mine inside would create a Faraday cage, but in practice it's rock solid. I can fold down the receive antenna and I lose one bar. I've disconnected and driven hundreds of feet away and still see the camera.
I've never had a blivit while driving.
Night vision is quite good as long as there's a street light. I did (mine's inside glass) have a problem on super dark roads the infrared lights kicked on and reflected off the window glass like a flash picture in a mirror. Annoying.
But Haloview already had a video of how to disable the infra red lights. It involves opening the camera and removing a jumper from the main board. I've never been anywhere yet where I needed the infrared to back up. Maybe boondocking. My Plan B is keeping a LED magnetic light from Harbor Freight and putting it on the rear bumper as "back up lights".

OrangeCrush · 07-07-2023, 07:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark of SJC

Questions:

Does this system have fewer/no "lost signal" messages (always at the critical moment!)
What is the night imaging like?

We are currently on our second trip with the BT7 on our F250/25FB combo and have had zero dropped signal events. We have it windshield mounted below the rear view mirror with the antennas up behind the mirror as seen in the pic below.

Fungus · 07-08-2023, 07:56 PM

I grew tired of the Haloview monitor's power wires cluttering up the cab.

I wired the monitor to an upfitter switch. The relay is under the hood but there are wires running through the firewall to the passenger-side kick panel, which is where I installed a 12V cigarette-style outlet. The Haloview is plugged into that outlet and secured with a zip tie. Then the wire runs behind the AC vent and the handle on the post. The handle is surprisingly easy to remove, just be careful around the airbag. The wire continues, tucked above the headliner ending at the mirror. No more dangling wires.

You don't need upfitter switches to make this work. Just piggyback on a fuse someone. There is a fuse box on the F-250 behind the passenger-side kick panel. You need 5V IIRC.

dukmon · 07-08-2023, 08:12 PM

Good info, Fungus. Thanks.

OrangeCrush · 07-08-2023, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fungus

I grew tired of the Haloview monitor's power wires cluttering up the cab.

I wired the monitor to an upfitter switch. The relay is under the hood but there are wires running through the firewall to the passenger-side kick panel, which is where I installed a 12V cigarette-style outlet. The Haloview is plugged into that outlet and secured with a zip tie. Then the wire runs behind the AC vent and the handle on the post. The handle is surprisingly easy to remove, just be careful around the airbag. The wire continues, tucked above the headliner ending at the mirror. No more dangling wires.

You don't need upfitter switches to make this work. Just piggyback on a fuse someone. There is a fuse box on the F-250 behind the passenger-side kick panel. You need 5V IIRC.

Thanks Fungus. I have followed what you did before and plan to do the same soon. I have been struggling finding a Haloview I like as the BT11 was quite a disappointment. Now that I have the BT7 I just settled in on windshield mounting below my main mirror so I will probably do a similar power routing to yours.

jeffmc306 · 07-11-2023, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark of SJC

Questions:

Does this system have fewer/no "lost signal" messages (always at the critical moment!)
What is the night imaging like?

Mark, I can report our BT7 had only one brief loss of signal in two days of travel. I’ve got the twin antennas pointing towards the windshield rather than back inside the truck’s cabin. If I see another drop I’ll rotate them towards the trailer but for now it’s been great.

The picture quality is outstanding and the refresh rate is much better than the old Voyager. When passing a semi with the Voyager you’d see a lag between when you’d passed and when it would appear on the screen. No such lag with the Haloview. Also, going through a tunnel the image was very bright.

I also found a use for the guide bars (you can turn them off). I found you can use them to tell if the trailer is in your lane without having to check both side mirrors. I can easily glance at the display and see if the bars are between the lanes.

So far I’d give it two thumbs up.