I want to question the group about a new rear color camera. I have replaced my monitor with a radio that has a built in flip up color monitor and would like to upgrade the camera too. I spoke to one of the techs at RVCAMS and he stated that if I wanted to install the camera behind the existing plate and window I could not use a night vision camera because the leds reflect in the glass. Since I have not removed the camera, I do not know if the glass is glued to the air intake or is it part of the old camera. I'm trying to keep the same look, although I could just mount another camera surface mount if needed. So if anyone in the group has replaced the rear camera would you please let me pick your brain a little. PM me if you like.
Thanks,
I spoke to Tim also about this last week. He seems more in favor of just doing an add-on and tapping into the wiring of the existing system rather than messing with trying to put a camera inside the housing. I believe he said that it was much more expensive to go that route also. I am going to inspect the housing to see if it is substancial enough to mount a rear-view camera. I'd like to mount it either under it or over the face of the glass. I was hoping someone would chime in to your post. Did you do anything yet?
First, the shape of the camera mount changed quite a bit between the Unihomes and Unicoaches.
For our 1993 U240, I removed the old camera and used its external dimensions to cut a plate from a sheet of aluminum. Painted it white. Cut another plate to fit inside the coach so I could thru-bolt the new camera through the white outside plate, coach FG in the middle and inner plate on the inside.
I agree with Tim, with the modern IR cameras, you can not mount them behind glass or the IR will reflect back into the camera.
With an adapter from Radio Shack, connected the new camera to the old wiring and used the same 12 VDC source that was right there.
Brett
Dwayne,
I still have not started on my camera replacement. It was been so windy I really did not want to be on a ladder outside. Hope to start in a week or two.
Thanks,
I installed the camera/monitor this winter. Heading out for a short trip in a week or so and will fine tune the mount, aim and cover. I installed the monitor on a steel strap above the center sliding tray. Pre-drilled the strap at both ends. Slid the tray all the way out and reached up from below to secure it (with screws) to the dash. I centered the monitor as I may want to install a second somewhere around the right side rear view mirror to cover the blind spot and wanted to be able to see the mirror and monitor at the same time. Monitor has a couple of inputs (switch available for even more) and does left, right, mirror, inverted. Remote control included but buttons on the face do a good job. I switched the plugs so the rear camera is the default input and comes on with the power switch. Monitor has sound input so camera to cover the entry would be possible with connectors the fly-in-the-ointment. EZ installation of connections for my installation. Used one of the switches for the old CRT monitor to turn monitor, camera on. Camera installation was pretty straight forward but a little cramped working on top of the bed. The photo is an initial installation with final position made after trip. With the IR illumination, I am not sure what do do about the weather and the effect of a plexi cover. May extend the camera out slightly and make a cover plate so just the end is flush or sticks out a tiny bit and then run a silicon bead around it. Color and resolution is good and it seemed to work well at night in the back yard setting. Was about $80 delivered for both out of Hong Kong on ebay.
Pierce & Gaylie
'93 U300/36
Very nice. I like the idea of utilzing this space for the camera and am leaning toward a non-IR camera so I won't need to worry about the glass. I just have to figure out how to secure it properly.
Dwayne,
The IR is a GREAT feature if you ever drive at night. It allows you to verify that your toad and tow bar are as they should be. I would not be without this feature.
Brett
Perhaps I should reconsider. I don't currently tow but who knows...maybe I will in the future.
::) When someone discovers a really good color camera, Please post the make, model, and source. I need to upgrade mine, and I would be more then willing to use someone else's research. ;D ;D
Gerry,
We are very happy with our replacement camera. Here is an excerpt from my original writeup:
I replaced the original Javalina B&W camera with a Voyager VCCS150. Tim (RV.cams) also supplied a camera wiring to RCA adapter. So, to hook it up to existing coach wiring, cut and attach 12 VDC + and - (red and black). Buy an adapter from RCA (camera end) to BNC (coach wiring) at any electronics store. The VCCS is quite an improvement— much larger viewing area (horizontal and vertical), is color and has infrared so you can see the toad/behind you at night.
A significant advantage is that it can easily be changed from straight to reverse image to accommodate either monitor/audit set up.
Brett
Gerry,
This is the exact camera I bought. The image is excellent. I plugged it into a 21" VGA monitor and it looked good. Works well in my 7" monitor in the photo in the post above. This camera is sold for up to $209 on ebay but I ended up paying a little less than $40 delivered. You have to pay with PayPal and it takes 10 or 15 days to come by mail. Arrives in your mailbox with no duty, etc. Most of the cameras that are sold by the RV shops originate in China, you just end up paying the middle man many times what he paid for an item NO better than if you did it yourself. I have purchased over 100 items mail order from Hong Kong/China and never had a problem. The auction below will probably go for around $30 with free shipping. I was an exporter for years and never could stand giving the middle man a huge profit when I could do it myself. The monitor I bought also works well (see above post). There are a lot of other cameras available that may fit a particular location well. The more lights, the better it sees in the dark. As you can see the electrical connections are super EZ. I soldered on the exact connector but Radio Shack sells an adapter that works just as well.
BACKUP CAR REAR VIEW REVERSING IR CAMERA FREE CABLE | eBay (http://cgi.ebay.com/BACKUP-CAR-REAR-VIEW-REVERSING-IR-CAMERA-FREE-CABLE-/190520361086?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2c5be6007e#ht_2841wt_974)
Pierce & Gaylie
'93 U300/36