I have just replaced my CRT audit monitor with a TFT LCD monitor. Now I know I have seen this somewhere on the forum, but I don't remember where or if there is a resolution to the problem I am having. The audit functions are backwards, a mirror image. Now I know some monitors have a reverse image function, but mine does not, at least not that I can find. In any case I am wondering if there is some kind of "reverse video image module" thingy that I can put on the audit wires to reverse that image without reversing the backup camera image. The second issue I have is that I am not sure how to remove the old backup camera so I can have access to the wires and mounting my new night vision backup camera. There aren't any screws up there and I usually get in trouble when I just start prying stuff out. We have a 1993 U280 Special Edition 40' coach.
Roland
not having a 93 any more and also not having had that problem when I did but, is there a panel in an overhead cabinet behind camera that can be removed? There is in later coaches like mine now. I am trying to visualize the set up in my old one but cannot.
John h
Thanks John, I just checked and there is a panel there and after I removed it VOILA there is the back of the camera. This forum is awesome. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BE ALONE WHEN YOU BUY A FORETRAVEL. Thanks again.
Roland
not a problem, we all help each other. Your answer came from Beautifull BC Canada.
John h
Roland, where did you get your monitor, mine on my 96 U280 is acting up and I think it is time to replace. I think it is the same as you have in your coach. What did you have to do to hook it up. Could you post picture of the installed unit. Thanks
Roland, on my 93 U225, the external camera housing was securely glued to the chassis with tons of white urethane caulk. I took the two nuts loose and it still took me over an hour of cutting and sawing through the caulk under the housing before I could get the outer housing off. My suggestion would be to leave it alone and just attach the new camera to the outside of the box. Even if you put the new camera behind the old housing you can't use the glass lens over your IR camera. The IR will reflect back off of the glass and blur the picture. It may not look as cool but in this case simple is better.
Pierce Stewart had a good write up on replacing the camera on a 93. Put "Pierce Camera" in the search function and it should pop up.
Jimmy: I Bought my 7'" monitor and camera from Backup Camera Wireless System RV Underwater Fishing Parking Sensors Rear-View (http://www.tadibrothers.com) I don't remember if I went through Amazon or not. I have bought a lot of "stuff" for the coach in the last few days. I purchased the wired monitor. Tried to research who I went through but my wireless internet connection makes dial up look super fast. It was not difficult to install the monitor, had to enlarge the hole in the dash but that was not difficult. I cut the hole smaller than required, then enlarged it by sanding until the hole was just large enough to "pressure fit" the new monitor. Did not use any hardware to secure it to the dash. Seems snug enough that it will not move. I also removed the heater control unit from the dash (just a couple screws) to have a bit more workspace. The wiring is rather straightforward two positive leads, one for the monitor and one for the camera and a negative power lead. I purchased an RCA connector from Radio Shack for the video line and used a couple crimp connectors for the 12volts. Basically you are dealing with three wires so it is pretty simple however the audit function display is backwards. I can live with that as long as the camera is still in the correct orientation. I am still in the process of installing the camera. I will take pictures and post pictures of the wiring and the finished product. BTW the SKU for the camera and monitor I purchased is SKU24464 total cost was $209 with shipping. DANGNABIT!!! I was just on Amazon, you can pick up just the monitor for around $35 reduced from $90.
Kent: I removed the two nuts from the camera and easily pushed the camera out. I purchased a small cutting board from Wal Mart and am making a plate to place over the hole, to give me a flat surface to mount the new camera. Haven't decided yet how I am going to bond my "Wal Mart cutting board back plate" to the existing fiberglass yet, may use resin as I have some on hand.
Roland
Roland,
Easy way to attach your new "camera mount" is to drill it in two places (line up with camera mounts in many cases). Then, use a piece of angle, 1X2" or another piece of the cutting board on the inside. Put a little sealant on the perimeter of the outer board and thru-bolt it in place. Basically, the fiberglass rear cap is "pinched" between the outer board and inner board, angle, etc.
Roland, Thanks for the info
Finally, here are some photos of my audit/backup camera installation. I finally have an internet connection that does not drop me and is considerably faster than dial up.
Roland
Roland,
Assuming that your image from the rear view camera is INVERSE, you need to set your monitor to REVERSE image so both monitor function and camera will be correct.
If image from the rear view camera is correct, you need to set both your camera AND monitor to the opposite setting so that both camera and gauge monitor will rear properly.
If any question, call Tim at RV.cams.