Virtual 24" Rear View Mirror

[subtroll]

Been wanting to do this for a long time but we now have three 7” displays connected to three individual cameras for a Virtual 24” rear view mirror. Our 10-year-old coach came only with a single mono-chrome rear monitor. I’ve always wanted a better view of what’s behind us.

Installed two side color cameras and a new rear facing color camera looking straight back. Kept the original camera/monitor system to watch the toad. Connected the cameras to three 7” color displays mounted in a walnut frame attached to the cabinet above the drivers seat. The only thing the displays block out is the retractable sun screen housing.

The displays are small so its not like looking out the windshield but it tells me what’s behind us and on either side.

Truthfully the side cameras don’t provide much more than my mirrors, but its nice to see the lanes on either side completely clear before changing lanes. I still use my mirrors as always. It was a god-send in morning rush hour traffic in St Louis yesterday as we passed through town on multiple freeways for the first time. The biggest difference is in the ability to back up into a parking space for example. My co-pilot isn’t much for providing backing directions and now she doesn’t have to.

I considered the pros and cons of where to mount the side cameras…high or low, and selected low for ease of cable installation. I seldom drive at night so headlight interference doesn’t concern me. If necessary my dashboard switch turns off all cameras and displays. I also considered the pros and cons of doing a turn signal activated system with a single monitor but looking down and to the right seems too distracting. Ran the 60 foot rear camera cable under the coach to the dashboard.

All components are 12 VDC units but since the coach electrical system ranges 11-13.4 VDC and I didn’t have the spec sheets of all components first, I added a 100w DC-DC converter which takes 6-35 VDC input and puts out a clean 12 VDC to all components. Bought my cameras and cables from Total Vision Products and Displays from Miller Electronics. Power supply from MP3car.com. Recommend these places for their superb support. Total cost about $900.

If interested I can send photos if contacted by PM but adding photos to this blog is beyond me.

[kjburns]

Here are the photos from subtroll. The monitor above the displays is a dedicated navigation computer running Delorme Street Atlas USA. It's the ultimate cockpit for situational awareness.

[rk911]

send me the photos by PM and i'll get them posted on this thread.

[Executive45]

I have the rear facing camera and cameras mounted below both mirrors. The mirror ones automatically display on the dash when the turn signal is activated. I also have an interior camera so I can see what's going on INSIDE the coach if necessary.....I find the mirror mounted cameras helpful when changing lanes in traffic....Dennis

[Daveinet]

I have 2 side mount cameras that I have yet to install. I keep thinking I want to put them at the top of the roof, angled so I can see the rear wheels. This would be mostly used for backing up, as I tend to be blind on the passenger side, knowing where the rear wheels are, relative to the end of my drive. (or the mail box for that matter)

[mrkoje]

Very neat - can we see some pictures of the mounted LCD displays for the camera and maybe some pics of how/where you mounted the cameras in the back of the coach?