For those of you who might be considering purchase of a wireless backup camera, I offer this installation example.
My original Audit system still functions perfectly, except for the rear view camera. Tank levels all work, compass, clock, outside temp, altimeter, barometer...everything works except the camera. When in "backup camera mode", I don't like the factory position for the Audit monitor, because my steering wheel blocks the screen, and it is at a bad angle and hard to see when driving. SO, I needed a useable rear view camera system, but did not want to replace the Audit monitor and it's secondary functions, or cover up the Audit screen with a stuck-on LCD screen.
Stand-alone backup cam systems can be wired or wireless. I have followed all the forum discussions on this subject - I have contacted RV Cams and got a bid on their replacement kit. I am fully aware of the pros and cons of each type of system. I decided to go wireless for the following reasons:
1. Versatility. The camera can go anywhere, and the monitor can go anywhere. You are not constrained by trying to use the existing video cable.
2. Ease of installation. Basically, all you need is a power supply at each end. Connect the power, turn it on, you're good to go!
3. Simplicity. I like the whole concept of "wireless" technology - less hardware, less hassle. I know there are limitations, but it is getting better all the time.
Wireless systems are available from many vendors. Most wireless cams have the transmitter built into the camera. (See the Voyager system sold by RV Cams, for instance) With this design, the camera antenna is outside the vehicle, and must penetrate the rear wall to connect with the receiver. The system I purchased (from Tadi Brothers) uses a camera, a monitor, and separate transmitter and receiver modules. There are several benefits to this system. The transmitter (antenna) is located INSIDE the vehicle, where it is out of the weather and has a clear shot at the receiver. You can use any camera or monitor you wish...upgrades are easy. If the wireless option doesn't work out, you could easily convert to a wired video camera system by simply unplugging the transmitter and receiver modules, and connecting the existing cable.
For my installation, I chose a HD CCD camera with 120 degree viewing angle, and a 10.5" color monitor (old eyes need a big screen). I decided to mount the monitor on the overhead panel, in the same position where a "rear view mirror" would normally be located. This is the natural place for me to look when backing up. The receiver unit was mounted on a plate which also serves to cover up the hole left by a previously removed CB radio speaker (CB is no longer used). I put a switch on the plate that controls power to both the receiver and the monitor. A red led on the receiver indicates "power on".
The camera is mounted on a aluminum plate, which covers the hole left by removal of the old camera. The transmitter is mounted to the inside of the center over-the-bed cabinet. In that position, I can see the red led power-on light, and the antenna has a perfect line-of-sight shot at the receiver antenna. The only thing standing between the two antennas is one tambour door! I used the existing 12 volt power wire, so the new camera/transmitter is turned on/off by the "MONITOR" switch on the dash. This switch also turns on the Audit monitor, but since it no longer gets a video feed, I just put the "SELECT" switch in the center position and the Audit screen is blank.
This system can be left on continuously without harm, so will be used at all times when driving. The color and definition are excellent (better than it looks in my photos). The "range" marks on the screen are selectable "ON/OFF". In the photos below, the railroad tie is 5' behind the coach, and the other pieces of wood are at 10' and 15'. I think the distance reference marks will be useful, but will decide for sure after I do some test drives.
Chuck, glad you like the 10" screen and everything worked out as planned with Tadi ^.^d
Order Your Wireless Backup Camera from Tadi Brothers Today! (http://www.tadibrothers.com/)
Chuck looks good and if I can make a small suggestion, why not put the transmtter unit UNDER that cabinet in bedroom so you can use that storage space and close door?? Just need a small hole to pull wires thru so it will look like the one up front. otherwise a nice addition.
JohnH
Howdy Chuck,
Boy, what a timely post. I've been looking at the Tadi Brothers wireless camera's for exactly the same reasons. Separate mounted transmitter and receiver, IMHO is the way to go. I've already replaced the Audit level systems with the See Level II with two read-outs. One readout is near the Power Monitor display, and one mounted in the Service bay.
Anyway, thanks for the great post with the logic behind your choice, write-up and pictures!! It looks great.
Dave A
Chuck,
Nice installation. I used the exact same camera but mounted it inside. That is a good camera especially at night. I like the way you can adjust yours as it takes a lot of effort to get up and into the small compartment to move it. Overhead 10" monitor mount is also a plus and takes some clutter off the dashboard and like you say, is a natural place to look. Think I will move ours up there but the to do list is long. The wireless takes a lot of work out of it too. Do you ever have dropouts from the distance?
Ours is working well after almost four years. I ordered ours from China off eBay.
Pierce
Very nice.
Great choice Chuck. I went to the Tadi link but found it difficult to determine which model you installed? Can you provide a SKU or a descriptive narrative that will help?
Didn't want to give the impression I was "selling" for Tadi Brothers, but this is the kit I picked:
RV Backup Camera System | Wireless | CCD | 10.5" (http://www.tadibrothers.com/Catalog/BackupCameraKits/10-5-Monitor-with-Wireless-CCD-Mounted-RV-Backup-Camera)
There are many "upgrades" available for each package they sell - for instance, I added the "White" camera color option, because I thought it would look better mounted on the back of our coach. Note that this monitor accepts 2 input channels, so a 2nd camera (wired or wireless) could be easily added at a later date.
John,
We plan to use the cabinet and not worry about keeping the tambour door open. I just "posed" the door open that way for the photo. Actually, once I'm sure everything is working correctly, I plan to reposition the transmitter module to inside the "camera mounting recess" where it will be completely hidden behind the removable panel. The module was secured with "weak" double-sided tape with this future move in mind.
Pierce,
I was afraid if I mounted the camera inside (behind a piece of glass) that it would suffer from reflections off the glass, or the "night vision" function would be less effective. Being positioned outside, I know I will have to clean the lens cover on a regular basis, but other than that don't expect any major problems.
As for dropouts, I haven't had a chance to road test it yet so can't really say... Just sitting in our driveway, the image is absolutely steady, clear and sharp. The seller claims a wireless range of 65', so at 40' my installation should fall well within the operational parameters. If it does not function as advertised, I will avail myself of the unconditional 30 day return period and send it back. I do, however, hope for the best!
Chuck,
Yes, I was afraid of the same problem with the reflections. I mounted the camera inside but since it is waterproof, I let the lens stick out. The picture is perfect of the toad but I would like to be able to go to a longer shot for traffic when we don't have the toad. I think Don did an installation where the camera pans up and down. You will love the night vision it has. Actually better than day when the sun is in the back. With the GV blind spot, I would like another that shows below the passengers side. I almost squash a car down there every trip.
Pierce
thx for the prompt reply Chuck. I've got the up/down camera view rocker switch right now and was wondering if there might be a way to transfer that feature over to the Tadi camera.
Would frosted glass solve the reflection problem?
Dual Backup Camera | Reduce the Risk of the Road with a Camera (http://www.tadibrothers.com/Catalog/BackupCameras/Double-120-RV-Backup-Camera-Hi-Res-CCD-Birds-Eye-View)
Tadi, makes a dual camera that does both wide angle landscape and the towed, at least that is where we got ours. On the 10" screen it will split nicely. The DW likes to have it on while stationary to see whats going on a people watcher. Anyway it gives her some fun. ^.^d
You need to climb up on your bed and take a look inside the camera mounting area. See if the tilt mechanism is built into the camera, or a separate external device. If external, then the camera could probably be replaced with a new one. If built in, then I'd say your only choice is a new camera with built-in tilt. RV Cams sells a tilt camera...it is "pricey".
Pierce mentioned earlier that Don installed a camera with a tilt function. Here is a link to his solution...might give you some ideas (but remember, Don is a modification genius):
Rear Camera Replacement - 1999 U270 (http://beamalarm.com/Documents/rear_camera_replacement-1999_u270.html)
Here is a list of sellers of the Boyo VTB100MT: BOYO - VTB100MT - Motorized Tilt Camera 1/3" CCD (Sharp) Color Waterpr (https://www.google.com/shopping/product/16844298465634957342?rlz=1C5CHFA_enUS504US504&espv=2&output=search&sclient=psy-ab&q=boyo+tilt+camera+vtb100mt&pbx=1&psj=1&bav=on.2),or.r_cp.r_qf.&bvm=bv.74649129,d.eXY,pv.xjs.s.en_US.bYC2a-Z8N4Q.O&ion=1&biw=1318&bih=647&tch=1&ech=1&psi=Vm0IVIvDNcOUgwSK5oGIBg.1409838423556.3&sa=X&ei=Y20IVP-EMuThsAS3poDgBQ&ved=0CHcQuSQ
Looks like $155 delivered is the least expensive price. It's waterproof so could be mounted outside or with it's nose sticking out a little. It seems about the same size as the one several of us have installed so has good possibilities. Not sure what would control it up front.
Pierce
The camera we have that was installed by PO is a full tilt so I can see the hitch ball or way over top of towed car. I think it came with the Viewsonic camera. I would not go back to fixed position just to save a few dollars.
JohnH