Back Up Camera Questions

[bluwtr49]

One of the items on my upgrade list is to replace the existing backup camera. It still works but it's getting jittery, losing resolution, and just craps out in bad weather/overcast....gets all snowy and dark.

I've been in touch with a couple of suppliers including RV Cams but still not happy with the info so need some second opinions.

My coach has the camera located internally and looking trough a 2" dia porthole. Since the vast majority of cameras have IR lights around the lens for night vision I've been told that the light reflects back and causes problems. I was also told that a non-night vision camera will not work with a night vision monitor....no idea why.

It appears my existing wiring (coax) is not a problem with newer monitors, just takes an adapter.

I would appreciate any info from others while I continue to dig into this issue.

[Daveinet]

bluwtr49 wrote:
Thanks for the replies.

Question though, will any monitor work with any camera?? If so than there are a lot of option available. Also, what is the best view angle?? I've seen 120, 170 and a couple of others.
....

Flip down is important due to the best available location.
Last, my existing cable run is coax but I understand that adapting to RCA is not an issue. Correct or not?? I have separate 12 VDC power available for the camera.

Thanks again for the help.

Any monitor will most likely work with any camera. What you are looking for is the identification that it has a single video composite output. The only exception to this would be where the video is superimposed on the DC supply. Combining the video and the DC could be a little tricky in the DIY world. Beyond that, any monitor should work.

Adapting coax to RCA is OK. Same signal, just different connector. As far as flip down, that may be something to rethink. My review camera is on all the time. It is extremely handy for lane changing, so you know when you've completed a pass. Its also nice to see what is coming at you before they get there. You don't want to be surprised by a large truck flying by. My monitor has replaced my review mirror. Its in the review mirror location, so it is easy to see. I would be blind without it.

170 degree might be too wide, as the edges of the screen will be distorted with the fish eye affect. If that doesn't bother you, than the wider, the better, as long as your monitor is big enough to interpret what you are seeing.

[rgatijnet1]

I put a Voyager camera on the back of my coach, along with their LED monitor. The camera has a tilt feature that allows me to look down at my hitch or to tilt it up and look well out behind my toad if desired. This replaced the Jensen black and white camera that was there. The tilt feature comes in handy when backing in to a parking spot.

[bluwtr49]

Thanks for the replies.

Yes, I was thinking about drilling a hole through the window....I think it may be polycarbonate or some such but not sure yet.

Question though, will any monitor work with any camera?? If so than there are a lot of option available. Also, what is the best view angle?? I've seen 120, 170 and a couple of others.

Rocky Americas has a combo that looks like it would work well.
Monitor
Camera

Flip down is important due to the best available location.
Last, my existing cable run is coax but I understand that adapting to RCA is not an issue. Correct or not?? I have sperate 12 VDC power available for the camera.

Thanks again for the help.

[FuelFunnel]

Mask-off the IR lights on the new camera with black electrical tape and mount it behind your glass portal. Mount one or more seperate 12V IR lights high on the back of the motorhome. You can wire them in to your existing tail light circuit. You will probably get a brighter/longer night vision distance since you now have the option of multiple and more powerful IR lights and possibly a better focused beam.

Kris

[fcooper]

I think you're saying that the current camera is looking through glass, and that may reflect the IR beam.

Consider eliminating the glass, and replace it with some type of plastic that you can drill/cut. Then buy a round camera with IR lights that mounts in a round hole. Now your camera will not reflect off the glass.

I did this on my Endeavor, and added a second camera on top of the original camera housing (which was about 4 inches wide), and use the second camera for a more distant view of the lanes behind the motorhome.

I have a word document describing my installation with some pictures. If you want a copy, send me your email address via PM.

I agree with the comment about using a CCD type camera, which is what I have for the rear view. I'm using cheaper CMOS cameras for side view, and there is a difference. I think the CMOS works fine for side view but I like the CCD type for the rear view.

Fred

[Daveinet]

First of all, do not take advice from the person who told you that a non-night vision camera will not work with a night vision monitor. They are unqualified to give you any advice. Night vision cameras just switch to black and white. All of that is done in the camera and has nothing to do with the monitor.

Secondly, yes the night vision lights do tend to reflect off the lens when it is really dark, but when it is just getting dark, its OK. I assume your existing camera is in a tube like housing. I would suggest removing the tube type housing and just mounting the camera directly to the top of the coach.

As for cameras, try to find a CCD camera, rather than a CMOS camera. They have much better contrast, and much less color spill. I am using an older version of:
http://www.rearviewsafety.com/home-page-featured-products/rvs-770613-rear-view-camera-system-backup-...
For the price it is decent. Its got a few extra features that mine does not have.