Hi guys n gals. OK I know I have a reversing camera on my Mercedes Sprinter, and being an ex ambo its a good one but I would like to have a constant rear view camera when I am driving not just a reversing one, as the conversion will block out the rear view windows.
Do I need to buy a different camera or can I convert/adjust this one to constant view?
Cheers Didi
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If the one you have now only works in reverse it is probably powered from the reverse lights. If you re power it from an "ignition on" source it will be on when ignition is on.
Hi DIdi
Yes you dont have to change the camera or Screen - it just needs to have its power source from the ignition so
when you start it comes on. Thats how mine is on the cruiser with a 7" screen.
However in most states it is illegal to drive with a screen display. So you need to have a switch to independantly
turn it off. The give away is when at night - the glow from the screen lights up the cab. I have a setting for night
which dims the screen. If I was to get pulled over I would simply turn it off.
Cheers
KT
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Thanks Pete and KT. No worries with the monitor mine is up on the rear view mirror. So I just need to get the power source altered. Any car mechanic can do this cant they? Cheers Didi
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Hi Didi,
it is not a job I would trust the average car mechanic with. Obviously some could, but a lot would try and blunder through, and you don't want that.
Take it to an Auto Electrician, or a company that specialises in Car Audio.
They are working on this type of thing all week, and could do it quickly and to a high standard.
Also, a true rear view camera is different to a reversing camera.
A reversing camera has a relative short depth of focus, and a wide camera angle so that you can see right up to the bumper bar.
A rear view camera has a deeper focal length and narrower field of view, so that you can see 100 metres behind you.
Also normally a better type of camera, and mounted higher on your vehicle than the reversing camera
That is not to say that a good reversing camera cannot be used as a rear view camera.
You need to decide if your existing camera provides a suitable view for your needs, vs the extra expense of an additional camera and it's installation.
Peter
PJK
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KT, can you provide more information on the legal prohibitions on rear vision cameras being used?
I have both and I agree with Peter. A reversing camera on the back of the tug and the back of the van and a rear vision camera on the back of the van. The difference between the reversing cameras and the rear vision camera is telling and there's no way I would try to get by using a reversing camera as a rear vision camera.
Dave I have a 3 cameras + 1 screen and a toggle switch.
One cam on the Tug under the number plate, displays day & Night vision at 170Deg. Perfect for car parks & kids around. There is no yellow guidelines etc ...
The other 2 are on the back of the van up high. 1 displays all 3 lanes when you travel in the centre lane of 3 or in the right lane turning right.
Yes your right Dave........it can see more than 100 metres back. It can also see (self focusing) when something is smack up behind you.
The other 1 is a downward vision at the rear of the van which enables me to back up within inches of anything. also if anyone is standing or comes close.
The display is 7 Inch screen mounted behind the auto stick on the cruiser console. I can switch between cameras when all connected at the push of a button.
However as was mentioned to me when setup ..and again the notes in the packaging that "Important notice when using the screen" without a van hitched "may be illegal when operated without reverse gear activation, in some states" ....... A bit the same as when you turn on a navman and have to accept the rules also.
So anytime I have had cops around - without the van hitched - I simply reach down and turn it off.....When the van is on - its ON But seriously - I have driven vans and trailers for years without cam's ,...but now I have one - I wouldnt be with out it.
It makes hook up or reversing so simple - and for trucks overtaking... Well I'm well out of their way and take my foot off as they go past to make things easy.
It is a Polaris system .... simple / cheap but effective. Take a look
A simpler solution would be to change the power source from your reversing light cable to your tail light cable (probably in the same location when it is now) - then you can have the camera on by just having your lights on!!
Glen
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Glen
A diesel Nissan Pathfinder towing a Coromal Element 542.
A simpler solution would be to change the power source from your reversing light cable to your tail light cable (probably in the same location when it is now) - then you can have the camera on by just having your lights on!!
Glen
That means having your lights on full time, or at least the parking lights. I think PJT has the right idea Didi. Take it to an Auto Electrician, explain what you want and let them do it. There are lots of them around, just check out Yellow Pages in the book or online. If you are a member of RACV, you could ask them to recommend an Auto Electrician...
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Since light travels faster than sound, some people appear bright until you hear them speak.
or switch it via a diode feeding from the ignition, so that it comes on automatically when you select reverse, or you can select on at anytime you choose.
-- Edited by 03_troopy on Wednesday 22nd of October 2014 03:08:20 PM
I kind of agree aus-Kiwi, but don't know the full legalities of screens being visible to the driver, which I think has been covered anyway. The only reason I did mine that way is I had my camera plugged into my GPS so I didn't need an extra screen. The way I set it up is handy because it automatically switches the cam to the GPS screen when reversing, or you can select the cam to the screen, as required, while driving if you want to see what's behind you.
Strange this has come up.. My motorhome is getting its rear camera replaced..
It's at a car stereo company who work on these things ..
I find driving with camera much safer .. Had a few trying to pass on inside when turning left ..
I had a tug cam fitted above the rear number plate as I had a fiberglass canopy on my ute so couldn't mount a high cam and bury the cabling from it. The number plate cams are not that wonderful as you cant get depth of field - you could be 2" or 2ft from the tow bar.
The other mistake I made was accepting a rear mirror replacement where half the screen is the monitor. When I reverse without towing anything, the rego plate cam auto turns on when I select reverse (that is the "R" on that pick stick thing by my left leg lol). I can toggle the monitor to show either cam or turn it off completely.
However, on sunny days (and most days in WA are sunny) its difficult to see much on the monitor as theres such much backlight from the sun coming through the windscreen (even though my tug has that dark patterned patch behind the mirror).
A standard 5" monitor would have been far better, but already have a 7" Hema HN7 gsps on the screen and not a lot of room in the cab with the DVD's, caps, drink bottles, UHF handpiece and the wife
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Cheers Bruce
The amazing things you see when nomading Australia
