Portable Back Up Camera

[Minnie's Mate]

Sherri, there are also models that use a camera mounted on the back of your vehicle and a small flat panel closed circuit tv that mounts to the sun visor. You flip the sun visor down when you want to use it and up when you don't. I'm not sure of the cost or how it's wired, but they give pretty good picture and can be used while driving. I saw it demonstrated for use in a motor home to keep an eye on the toad.

[Roadschooler]

Thanks for the info Minnie. When we get it figured out I'll post what we finally come up with.

[fred bartlet]

Hay, this post caught my eye, as I've been trying to find someone that has tried to use the wireless Swann 3 camera kit sold at Costco. I want to use the wireless cameras to give me rear vision behind my 30 footer and side vision with camers on the truck topper looking down each side. At $150 for the 3 night vision camera and a receiver, I would use my laptop/GPS set to give me a picture of anything behind or beside me.

What I don't know is what type of interface, or video campture devise I need to feed the camera signals into my laptop inputs???????

Do we have anyone having tried to use this setup, or has used a rear vision setup? And it might double as a hitch up monitor for my ever lovin Hensley!!

[cosmotini]

This is one of the nicest setups I have seen. I have done a similar setup on my truck and trailer but I like the mirror/monitor in this setup.

[Wayne&Sam]

I haven't seen this system before. Does anyone have any experience with it?

[lewster]

Here is a system that is very similar to the one that I'm beta-testing. The biggest difference in mine is that there is no front receiver box......it's all built right in to the monitor. Super clear color picture and sound....gets me right on the ball every time.

Let me know if you need further info or a full screen shot from mine. I was planning a post about it, but the 12-14 hour days 7-days a week is really taking a toll on any free time. Lukily, it's all over when the snowbirds depart in May and I'll be hitting the road!!!

Forum discounts apply to these

Look at the distance of transmission.....the length of a football field! I tried mine about 50 ' behind my trailer and still got a great picture!!!!

Convenient & Effective Solution for Recreational Vehicle Blind Spots

Wireless Backup Camera, 7" Color LCD Monitor & Interface Control Unit

The "Wireless Dash-View RV" system includes a Single (also available in a Dual) Infrared Night Vision Wireless CCD Camera, a Wireless Interface Control Unit and a high quality 7" TFT LCD Color Monitor. Featuring a 110-degree viewing angle waterproof camera, all hardware, cables and remote control are included. For safety and convenience, the Color LCD Monitor is easily installed by mounting on the dash, in-dash or on the windshield (utilizes adjustable universal mounts).

Proper camera mounting is critical to the elimination of blind spots common to most large and small trucks. The wireless, commercial grade, color CCD camera is ideal for mounting in difficult to reach spaces, facilitating the installation on recreational vehicles, campers, pickup trucks and trailers alike.

Wireless Backup Camera Eases RV Installation

√ High quality 7” Color TFT-LCD digital video monitor
• Two video frequency inputs (AV1,AV2,AV3)
√ Wireless transmission (330 Ft) allows for a low cost installation
• No time consuming wires to pull
√ Also available in a Dual Camera configuration
√ Automatic/manual monitor ON /OFF push-button control
√ System can switch on automatically while in reverse
• Also switch via left/right turn signals
√ Camera Selectable (when using Dual Cameras)
• Manual or auto-sequential switching between dual wireless cameras
√ Additional RCA input/output for other audio / video equipment
√ Cameras are constructed of a metal alloy shell
• Waterproof camera designed for vehicle use
• High-resolution image
• Wide field of view CCD camera (110 degrees)
• Built-in IR (infrared) LED night vision capability
Comes Complete with the Following:

1) High quality 7" Color TFT-LCD digital video monitor
2) Color CCD Camera
• Embedded Wireless 2.4 GHz Transmitter
• IP 66 Rated - Water resistant enclosure
3) Wireless Receiver & Interface Control Unit
4) External mountable antenna
5) Wireless camera power source connector cable
6) Vehicle cigarette lighter power source connector
7) Additional camera input connectors
8) Monitor to Interface Control Receiver cable (w/metal circular connectors)
9) Interface Control Receiver connector cable with replaceable vehicle fuse
10) Wireless Remote Control
11) Dash or windshield monitor mount






Product NameWireless RV Backup Camera SystemP/NMA-BCKV-1WRVPrice $459.95Shipping Weight10.0 PoundsQuantity in BasketComments

[pebblepoint]

I bought one of the $100 walmart "trinkets" some months ago for my pickup. I really like it. Truly amazing what image, clarity and color it has for that price. The only drawback was that the wires I had to strip and wire up coming from the unit were really tiny for my 10 thumbs.
don
overlander

[Al Falcon]

Hey everyone Al here,

I just purchased one of those set ups ($100 range wireless backup camera system with flat color monitor and license plate camera) at Pep Boys in Southern California last December. I am mounting it for the spring, (just got another foot of snow here!) I will post when I find out how well it works. Till then, shiny side up everyone!

Al

[Ganglin]

Originally Posted by pebblepoint

I bought one of the $100 walmart "trinkets" some months ago for my pickup. I really like it. Truly amazing what image, clarity and color it has for that price. The only drawback was that the wires I had to strip and wire up coming from the unit were really tiny for my 10 thumbs.
don
overlander

Just curious - where did you mount the camera? I was looking at the low price unit from Costco and it says the range is 19 feet - which would not work for the set up we are thinking about. Thanks...

[Minnie's Mate]

Lewster, that system looks pretty sharp. I see you can add a second camera so you could have a camera for hitching up and one on the rear of the Airstream for backing into campsites and checking for clearance for lane changes (if angle is wide enough). Two questions, 1) how much would second camera run; and 2) is the monitor thin enough to mount in the sun visor?

[jcanavera]

Part of the problem with the unit sold at Costco is the frequency that the camera transmits at. It's using 2.4 gigahertz which is the same frequency that is prevalent for wireless phones, and WiFi connections. It's understandable that when you pull through metropolitan areas, homes, business, or metropolitan city free Wi-Fi systems are using that same frequency for their wireless needs. Depending upon the actual technology used by the camera, all these other uses may interfere as you drive by. It not a surprise that out on the road it works great only to fail once you hit populated areas.

In any case whatever wireless technology you use on these cameras, verify the frequency used. Hopefully you may find some in the 5 gigahertz range which may give you better performance.

I fight this battle every day here in the convention center and the domed stadium here in St. Louis. Everybody's uncle is selling these 2.4 gigahertz wireless devices to control or measure everything from HVAC systems, to sound systems, to wireless order entry systems for concessions, and even ticket scanning. The problem is the powers that be fail to talk to me and we end up failing either due to my building wireless services interfering with their systems or vice versa.

The latest go around is AT&T is rolling out a downtown free Wi-Fi network here in St. Louis. What they didn't realize is many of the public venues downtown use wireless scanners for ticket scanning. These scanners all use 2.4 gigahertz and I can just imagine what is going to happen to the first Cardinal game this spring when they find that their ticket scanners will go nuts due to the outdoor Wi-Fi access points around the stadium. AT&T is now going to be talking with these major venues to see what they can do to alleviate the potential problems.

Jack

[lewster]

Well, the system I have been testing is now official:

You can configure it as a 1,2,3 or 4 camera system, and it has a stated range of 100 meters (300 feet!).

Forum discounts apply to these as well.

Commercial vehicle camera system with high performance wireless capability, makes installation easy and low cost. Featuring a high quality 5.6" TFT LCD Color Monitor, integrated with a 2.4GHz Radio Receiver. All control electronics are built into the multiple mount display enclosure. Available options include a 16 gauge steel enclosure with Safety Glass window for installation in harsh environments.

Infrared Night Vision Wireless CCD Cameras are waterproof (IP67 rated) featuring a 120-degree wide viewing angle. Constructed of a rugged metal alloy shell, these wireless cameras are ideal for mounting in difficult to reach locations, facilitating the installation on all types of construction and transport vehicles.

EXCLUSIVE CAPABILITIES
• Wireless Installation: Lowest cost installation, includes the ability to add and relocate additional cameras as needed

• Integrated Control System: Wireless (2.4GHz) Radio Receiver is integrated into the monitor enclosure, simplifies camera switching and installation

• Multiple Camera Support: Up to four (4) cameras can be added, each is supported with Wireless Audio

• Monitor Indicates Camera View: Automatically switches and displays the word "Backward" (reversing camera), "Left" or "Right" (side-view cameras) on monitor for enabled camera

ADVANCED FEATURES
1) High quality 5.6" Color TFT LCD digital video monitor with built-in Wireless Radio Receiver

2) Wireless transmission allows for low cost installation - No time consuming wires to pull

3) High-resolution image, wide field of view CCD camera with built-in IR LED night vision capability

4) Audio enabled so driver can hear around, as well as see blind spot areas

5) Available in a Single, Dual, Triple (Lane View/Side View) and Quad camera configurations

6) Waterproof cameras are constructed of a metal alloy shell to withstand vehicle shock & vibration

7) Precision wide viewing angle lens also available on Side Mount and Dome Mount cameras

8) Systems switches on automatically while in reverse or via left/right turn signals





Wireless 5.6" TFT LCD Monitor Specifications (MA-LCDS-5.6W)
- 2.4 GHz Integrated Wireless Receiver
- 1~4 Channels, Frequency Group : 2414, 2432, 2450, 2468
- Receiving Frequency Range: 2400~2483
- MHZ, Demodulation Mode: FM
- Contrast: 300:1, Brightness: 350cd/m2
- Viewing Angle: U: 45 / D: 65, R/L: 65
- Transmitter Power: 50MW, Reception Capability
- 80dB, Transmission Distance: > 200m
- Loudspeaker: 4.0 cm round, Audio output: 1W
- Power Supply: DC 10-32V, Current Consumption: 150mA, Max 350mA
- Automatic Brightness Control, Automatically Back-lit Front Panel Buttons
- Dot pitch: 0.118 (H) × 0.362 (V), Resolution: 960 (H) × 234 (V)
- Operating Temperature: -20 ~ +70ºC, RH 90%
- Storage Temperature: -30 ~ +80ºC, RH 90%
- Outer dimensions:
145mm (W) × 136mm (H ) × 31.5mm (T) (w/out flush-mount)
182mm (W) × 155mm (H) × 42.5mm (T) (with flush-mount)




Wireless Color Camera with Audio Specifications (MA-BCS-IR18W)
- 1/3" CCD Color Camera with 2.4 GHz Wireless Transmitter
- Waterproof & Weather Resistant Housing for Outdoor Use, Rated IP67
- Night Vision with 18 Infrared LED`s, Day/night Sensor for Automatic Adjustment
- Effective Pixels: 512 x 582 pixels / 512 x 492 pixels
- Sensing Area: 4.9mm x 3.7mm, Scanning System: 2:1 Interlace, Sync. System: Internal
- Resolution: 420TV lines, Minimum Illumination: 0 Lux
- Horizontal Sync. Frequency: 15.625KHz / 15.734KHz
- Vertical Sync. Frequency: 50Hz / 60Hz
- Microphone: Built-in
- Video Output: 1.0vp-p, 75Ohm Gamma / Consumption: 0.45
- AGC: Auto, White Balance: Auto, BLC: Auto / S/N Ratio: Better than 48dB
- Electronic Shutter: 1/60(NTSC) / 1/50(PAL) ~ 1/10,000 Seconds
- Power Supply: DC12V, Current Consumption: Max 300mA
- Operating Temperature: -20°C ~ 70°C, RH95 % MAX
- Storage Temperature: -40°C ~ 80°C, RH95 % MAX
- Lens: f = 2.8mm, F = 2.0, Lens Angle: 120 degree

Single Camera System Includes
Wireless 5.6" Color LCD Monitor (1 each)
- Model: MA-LCDS-5.6W
- Integrated Wireless (2.4GHz) Radio Receiver
- Wide Viewing Angle and High-Resolution Display
- Automatic Brightness Control w/Automatic Button Back-lighting
- Supports Four (4) Wireless Cameras
- 1 Channel Video Output & 1 Channel Audio output
- Automatically Switches Camera Views: Backward, Left Side or Right Side
- Audio Enabled with Built-in Speaker

Wireless 18-LED Night-Vision Camera (1 each)
- Model: MA-BCS-IR18W
- 1/3" Color CCD Camera with 18 Infrared LED`s
- 120 Degree Viewing Angle
- Waterproof (IP67) Heavy Duty Machined Camera Housing
- Night Vision with Day/Night Sensor
- IR Distance Approximately 10 Meters
- Built-in 2.4GHz RF Radio - Four (4) Frequency Channels
- Audio Enabled with Built-in Microphone

Display Mounting Hardware (3 options)
- In-Dash Mounting Frame (1 each)
- On-Dash & Ceiling Mountable L-Bracket (1 each)
- Dash & WindShield Mounting Stand (1 each)

Antennas
- Camera Antenna (Removable Short with SMA Type Connector)
- Monitor/Receiver Antenna (Removable Short with SMA Type Connector)
- Optional External Antennas Available (Cabled with SMA Type Connector)

Power Cables
- Monitor with Camera Select Wiring (1 each)
- Camera 12v Adapter Power Cable (1 each)
- Wireless Camera Fuse (1 each)

Wireless Remote





Product NameWireless 5.6” Single Color Camera SystemP/NMA-BCKS-1IR18WPrice $495.00Shipping Weight8.0 PoundsQuantity in BasketComments:

[lewster]

Originally Posted by Minnie's Mate

Lewster, that system looks pretty sharp. I see you can add a second camera so you could have a camera for hitching up and one on the rear of the Airstream for backing into campsites and checking for clearance for lane changes (if angle is wide enough). Two questions, 1) how much would second camera run; and 2) is the monitor thin enough to mount in the sun visor?

The monitor is thin enough for a visor mount, but might overhang it and cause your visor to protrude from it's resting spot, depending on your visor size. I'll be permanently installing mine hanging from the roof right next to the rear view mirror in my Sprinter. Don't forget that you need power cables running to it and if you choose the optional long range external antenna like I have, it needs to be connected to the monitor as well. IIRC, the extra cameras run about $150 or so.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Have used both the Swift Hitch and Vr3.
Two failures w/Swift Hitch, both units replaced asap by the distributor.
The configuration of the Burbs license holder prevented the frame mount of the Vr3 camera, you can see the foam block mount. The composite lift gate prevented the magnetic mounting of the Swift on the Burbs liftgate. An optional suction cup mount is available.
Picture quality, Vr3 is pretty darn good for the money. And that's the one I've found myself using this last season. No problems so far. It has been helpful in reducing what can be a stressful HAHA hook-up. I don't have a current photo of the Swift, but the picture is somewhat better, but that's to be expected for the $.

IMHO- If ya gotta have one try the Vr3 first.

PM if your interested in a slightly used Swift.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Two points on the previous post. The shroud you see on the Swift Hitch camera was an attempt to correct the overexposure problem.
If you look closely at the camera next to the blank screen you can see the green power light is on but no picture.
Yes..the third camera works, if anyone is interested.