I bought a new rear camera with a built in mic and would like to run the new cable up to my monitor. Per James T. the existing cable is run through the drivers side roof extrusion. I'm afraid of using the existing cable as a pull wire in case it get stuck in the roof. So has anyone replaced the camera feed with a new cable and if so how?
Thanks in advance,
I'm also curious about this. I'm installing my new camera/monitor today. I've decided to forego the audio, rather than try to fish 40 feet of cable, especially as I don't know the exact routing. It wouldn't surprise me to find that cable is clamped or tied off along it's length at one spot or another.
Steve
Steve;
For what it's worth, I'm just finishing an upgrade to my rear (and side) cameras and monitor, using the existing shielded wiring. I also decided the audio offered little benefit for the work involved and the new color system works very well with the existing wiring. It is wise to solder all the connections (as opposed to line or butt connectors). A small chore, but certainly doable. Good luck!
I've been told rear audio gives you a great opportunity to listen to your diesel idle.
Chad,
I think I will just forget about the audio and keep on using the walkie talkie's. Thought it would be a neat deal, but I'll just go for the color and night vision. I'm to afraid to use the cable as a pull string because like you stated, it could be attached someplace along that 40 '.
Thanks,
How about using a pair of GRMS/FRS radios instead rear camera audio? $20 to $50 with 7 to 36 mile line of sight range. Spotter can be anywhere behind or to the side with little engine noise. The kids took one with them backpacking in Yellowstone and called us a couple of hours ahead for pickup time. Make sure it has NOAA weather channel. Available for local pickup at Big Five Sporting Goods with good stock and lots of discount sales or mail order at Amazon, Ebay. Read reviews before buying as some are MUCH easier to use. You want to be able to bring the pair out of the glove compartment, turn on and be on a default channel without any navigation. I tossed my first pair as were too difficult to remember operation instructions.
Pierce & Gaylie
'93 U300/36
FWIW - I finished the install with the help of a friend. Used a flush mount camera, which has an excellent wide angle view of the rear. The IR vision is impressive. Was able to flush mount the 7 inch LCD screen into the dash. This system was purchased from ebay.
The only downside (and I knew this going in) is that the tank display is reversed. And while the monitor allows reversing the view, it unfortunately reverses all the views, so I'll live with a backwards tank display. No big deal.
It was a bit of a pain finding the correct BNC to RCA adapters. I ended up getting them at Radio Shack and paying too much, but time was of the essence.
Steve
Merle:
Would appreciate info on brand and model number. Maybe a picture. Thanks - this task is in my future, also.
Sure - this is the one I purchased, substituting the bracket mounted camera for the flush mounted camera for an extra $10. I used a piece of aluminum to cover the original hole and the camera kit comes with a hole saw. --> 7†BACK-UP BACKUP CAMERA SYSTEM REVERSE SAFETY RV TRUCK | eBay (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/7-BACK-UP-BACKUP-CAMERA-SYSTEM-REVERSE-SAFETY-RV-TRUCK-/270715058838?pt=Car_Audio_Video&hash=item3f07dffa96)
I emailed the vendor with questions on a Saturday and had an answer a couple of hours later. Very good support. If you'd like more details on the install and pics, I can start another thread rather than derail this one.
Steve
Yes, I have. Pulled it through the roof to wall extrusion. This extrusion has some 1" holes with a perforated plug located near each end and near the middle. I removed the plugs and used an electrician's snake to first pull a strong string, then used the string to pull the cable. The snake wasn't long enough to reach the full length and it would have been difficult to disconnect and reconnect the cable in the middle, but string is no problem. Some plywood panels have to be removed inside the cabinets to get at the ends of the extrusion. The cable went down the left side windshield post. Some trim will need to be removed and replaced so the cable will be behind the trim. Some wiring was already there. It helps to have another person to either pull or feed the cable into the extrusion due to the sharp edges at the ends.
Jerry,
I assume you removed the top plywood panels in the overhead cabinets (front and rear) for this access?
Thanks,
Well it was more like at the end of the cabinet. The one that goes across the back wall in the bedroom and the left upper cabinet in front. The panels were fastened in place with screws. I also removed a panel in the center of the rear cabinet to get to the air intake where the camera is located. The cable was not pulled through the 1" holes, but I did use the one at the microwave near the middle of the coach to insert my electricians snake that was too short to reach from front to back.