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Spruce

  • Posts: 8642
Reversing Camera
« on: December 23, 2013, 06:05:39 pm »
Hi

Have any of you installed a reversing camera and screen in their vans please? Any recommendations from your experience would be appreciated.

Thanks
Success is 1% inspiration, 98% perspiration and 2% attention to detail!

The older I get, the better I was ;)

Clever Forum Name

  • Posts: 5942
Re: Reversing Camera
« Reply #1 on: December 23, 2013, 06:50:50 pm »
I purchased a clip on TFT screen from eBay for £24.99 it's huge and in colour and allows you to flip the image if the camera doesn't. It clips on to the rear view mirror.

Tbh my reversing camera was £20 and it's very very good quality. Don't think you will go far wrong by picking both up for
eBay.

Spruce

  • Posts: 8642
Re: Reversing Camera
« Reply #2 on: December 23, 2013, 08:26:27 pm »
I purchased a clip on TFT screen from eBay for £24.99 it's huge and in colour and allows you to flip the image if the camera doesn't. It clips on to the rear view mirror.

Tbh my reversing camera was £20 and it's very very good quality. Don't think you will go far wrong by picking both up for
eBay.

So how does the screen that clips onto the rear view mirror work? The reason for the question is that I understand that these draw their current from the reverse lights. So does this mean that when the van is taken out of reverse gear the screen switches off and acts like an ordinary rear view mirror again?

Also, some cameras seem to have seperate lighting (LEDs) for night reversing but some don't. Please can you also advise the best place and way to mount your camera?

Thanks.
Success is 1% inspiration, 98% perspiration and 2% attention to detail!

The older I get, the better I was ;)

Clever Forum Name

  • Posts: 5942
Re: Reversing Camera
« Reply #3 on: December 23, 2013, 09:13:31 pm »
Correct on the auto switching. I took power from the reversing bulb.

So cuts in and out and auto selects the channel. (Stays within law)

It clips onto the mirror so kinda makes the mirror useless. It's a van with a bulkhead so no use for a mirror.

I purchases a number plate surround so my camera is built in.

Night vision is poor but just useable.

If you get a proper night vision camera you will be ok. I find reversing a night easier anyway lol

Clever Forum Name

  • Posts: 5942
Re: Reversing Camera
« Reply #4 on: December 23, 2013, 09:17:10 pm »

Clever Forum Name

  • Posts: 5942
Re: Reversing Camera
« Reply #5 on: December 23, 2013, 09:19:08 pm »
http://youtu.be/z1HwjTXxePc

Just watch the start.

It's hard to make out due to refelection

Spruce

  • Posts: 8642
Re: Reversing Camera
« Reply #6 on: December 23, 2013, 10:09:15 pm »
http://youtu.be/z1HwjTXxePc

Just watch the start.

It's hard to make out due to refelection

I thought I had seen a window cleaner's van with a reversing camera but couldn't remember who it was. Thanks for those links.

My van has got rear windows and a see through glass window in the bulkhead. I do use the rear view mirror as well as both door mirrors, hence the reason for asking.
Will probably look for monitor that would fit onto the dash somewhere, but don't want it too visible as it could be a target for lowlife thinking its a SATNAV. It just that I need a little more assistance with the blind spot under the windows.
Success is 1% inspiration, 98% perspiration and 2% attention to detail!

The older I get, the better I was ;)

Spruce

  • Posts: 8642
Re: Reversing Camera
« Reply #7 on: December 23, 2013, 10:11:37 pm »
When I saw the video I did want to ask where you got those led lights from but forgot to ask.
Success is 1% inspiration, 98% perspiration and 2% attention to detail!

The older I get, the better I was ;)

Clever Forum Name

  • Posts: 5942
Re: Reversing Camera
« Reply #8 on: December 23, 2013, 10:36:52 pm »
Tufts screen are dirt cheap on eBay now.

Leds I made.

They are just 12v led striplight.

Places inside plastic clear conduit with silicone caps.

I used cheap wood rod dowel to mount them on (the strips)

Matt Gibson

  • Posts: 2482
Re: Reversing Camera
« Reply #9 on: December 24, 2013, 06:45:50 am »
Spruce,

I bought this one:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/IR-Reverse-Camera-7-LCD-Monitor-Car-Rear-View-Kit-For-Bus-Long-Truck-/150782620784?pt=UK_In_Car_Technology&hash=item231b583470

I was looking at the smaller round cameras, but didnt fancy drilling a big hole in the back door to mount it. I mounted my camera on the roof. Mounted my screen in the back of my sun visor so when not in use its hidden from the scum. The camera is a big bulky for some people, but ive got a LWB hi roof transit, so it doesnt look too out of place. If you dont mind getting the holesaw out, then i think the countersunk round cameras look good and you can get the screen/camera combos quite cheap on eBay. Mines night vision, and its clear at night but switches to black and white at night due to the LED's.

I wired mine up different. Its linked to a switch, so i just flick the switch and the screen comes on, regardless of if im in reverse. Camera is linked to the screen so only powers up when the screen is on. Took me 30 mins to install (including drilling holes and mounting camera) and i am in no way skilled at this type of thing  ;D

Spruce

  • Posts: 8642
Re: Reversing Camera
« Reply #10 on: December 24, 2013, 08:02:47 am »
Spruce,

I bought this one:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/IR-Reverse-Camera-7-LCD-Monitor-Car-Rear-View-Kit-For-Bus-Long-Truck-/150782620784?pt=UK_In_Car_Technology&hash=item231b583470

I was looking at the smaller round cameras, but didnt fancy drilling a big hole in the back door to mount it. I mounted my camera on the roof. Mounted my screen in the back of my sun visor so when not in use its hidden from the scum. The camera is a big bulky for some people, but ive got a LWB hi roof transit, so it doesnt look too out of place. If you dont mind getting the holesaw out, then i think the countersunk round cameras look good and you can get the screen/camera combos quite cheap on eBay. Mines night vision, and its clear at night but switches to black and white at night due to the LED's.

I wired mine up different. Its linked to a switch, so i just flick the switch and the screen comes on, regardless of if im in reverse. Camera is linked to the screen so only powers up when the screen is on. Took me 30 mins to install (including drilling holes and mounting camera) and i am in no way skilled at this type of thing  ;D

Thanks for your input. I hadn't thought of fixing the screen to the sunvisor. That's a pretty 'cool' idea. I have a 2004 Citroen Relay and there is a high level stop light on the crest of the roof exactly in the centre of the van. Had looked at that camera but wondered if it would look strange mounted to one side.

One of my customers has a motor home and it has a twin camera unit, one pointing down at the rear bumper and the other at a higher angle (is that right?) so he can see further back. I was unable to see inside the parked up van so don't know where the screen is.

Thanks again.
Success is 1% inspiration, 98% perspiration and 2% attention to detail!

The older I get, the better I was ;)

Gary Wilson

  • Posts: 14

Spruce

  • Posts: 8642
Re: Reversing Camera
« Reply #12 on: December 24, 2013, 08:30:57 am »
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/WIRELESS-CAR-REAR-VIEW-KIT-4-3-TFT-LCD-MONITOR-IR-CAR-REVERSING-CAMERA-6-Led-/230877893595?pt=UK_In_Car_Technology&hash=item35c16513db


This is the one I have its a fab bit of kit!!
 :)
 

Thanks Gary.

Is the angle of the camera adjustable and is there ever an interference issue with the wireless units? I read a report that this was an issue with some installations occassionally.
Success is 1% inspiration, 98% perspiration and 2% attention to detail!

The older I get, the better I was ;)

Matt Gibson

  • Posts: 2482
Re: Reversing Camera
« Reply #13 on: December 24, 2013, 04:59:04 pm »
Might look a bit funny mounted off center but i had to mount mine just slightly off center to get to the bolts. The problem with mounting it on the roof is that you cant angle it down enough to see the bukper/towbar as the roof gets in the way. you soon work out how much room you have and the best angle to have it at. I only bought it for when i was towing the trailer but i find myself using it more and more.

Steve foster

  • Posts: 90
Re: Reversing Camera
« Reply #14 on: December 24, 2013, 05:16:31 pm »
My camera is fitted into the middle of the rear bumper. Looks like a reversing sensor. Night vision would have been more desirable but possibly a different fitting.

robertphil

  • Posts: 1511
Re: Reversing Camera
« Reply #15 on: December 24, 2013, 08:06:23 pm »
bit off topic but i have a wide angle mirror fitted to lower front side of my pole tube face rearwards - so from drivers seat i can check my ladders are fastened on without leaving my seat

Spruce

  • Posts: 8642
Re: Reversing Camera
« Reply #16 on: December 24, 2013, 08:28:31 pm »
There are some Japanese people carriers that have a tilted rear mirror on the door pointing downwards; the same idea as a passenger door mirror on the big trucks so they can see the kerb I guess.

My ladders hardly even come off the van and I have a strict procedure of 'throwing' the ladders up onto the roof rack when I've done and clamping them at the same time - I will not be stopped midway through that procedure.

In the trad days I forgot to secure the ladders on several occassions, but thankfully I got away with it both times. Being trad I guess having a special mirror focused on the ladder is a good idea.

Success is 1% inspiration, 98% perspiration and 2% attention to detail!

The older I get, the better I was ;)