OEM rear camera removal

Topic: OEM rear camera removal (Read 1669 times) previous topic - next topic

OEM rear camera removal

May 01, 2013, 05:30:42 pm

On my '95 U300 -- I did locate that access panel in the bedroom cabinets for the rear camera, and removed the four screws. With the panel in hand I was looking at a a mud dauber nest on the back of the panel about the size of a plum (long abandoned). The two connectors on the box had some corrosion on them ( a bnc and a screw-on type) -- and removing them and re-attaching, restoring power up front again -- still gave no image on the monitor. Of course -- the next step would be to check for power at the cable connectors.

I want to remove the camera, but using a flashlight and mechanics mirror -- I couldn't see these two attachment fasteners a few of you have mentioned.

Looking from the ground on the outside, it looks like the camera panel is secured by two fasteners with covers over the screws?

Is that how you remove it, and it all comes out from that side as one assembly?

Re: OEM rear camera removal

Reply #1 – May 01, 2013, 08:40:48 pm

Michael,

It's been awhile but as I remember, after unplugging the camera on the inside, I removed the plate on the outside and it came out as an assembly. A little tricky to mount the new camera and get the image just right on the dash monitor. Don did a great job on his but he has a later model so I will attach photos. I used a Dremel MotoTool to make the relief necessary so the outside plate would fit. I made it out of some scrap aluminum. Once you get the camera about where you want it, make sure to have a long sleeve shirt on along with a mask as the stone on the MotoTool put a lot of fiberglass in the air. Depending on the camera used, you may need to get an adapter from Radio Shack. I just cut and soldered mine but it took awhile in cramped quarters above the bed. Let me know if you need any long distance advice.

Pierce

Re: OEM rear camera removal

Reply #2 – May 03, 2013, 07:45:30 pm

Jeesh! -- with all of the mechanical stuff I've already fixed, twisting and pushing myself into tight area's, I'm having a hell of a time just getting to those two nuts that hold the rear camera in place. With a flashlight and mirror, accessing through the cabinets above the bed -- they appear to be either 1/4" or 5/16" in size, but getting a 1/4" drive socket and extension on them is proving to be a pita.

Anyone remember on their '95-or so Coach --exactly what size they are?

Re: OEM rear camera removal

Reply #3 – May 03, 2013, 07:54:55 pm

I don't know if this helps Michael, but on our 99', the nuts were 11/32" if my recollection serves me.
Don

Re: OEM rear camera removal

Reply #4 – May 03, 2013, 09:09:07 pm

On my 93 I think I used a flexible shaft and deep well socket with my electric screwdriver or a ratchet box end wrench, but I think it was a deep well socket.

If you do get them off, be very careful if you put them back on. Over tightening can warp the exterior of the camera housing.

Re: OEM rear camera removal

Reply #5 – May 03, 2013, 09:50:49 pm

Michael,

I just removed my rear camera yesterday: 3/8" was too big, 1/4" was too small, 5/16" didn't really fit well either, but the screws were so long, I needed a deep socket that small but didn't have one. So I used an angled needle nose and finally got them loose enough to remove by hand.

While we're on this subject, does your new camera fit in the old bracket? My bracket has a round hole, my new camera from RV Cams is rectangular. Does anyone know if MOT or FOT have a different bracket that will accomodate the new camera? If not, I am faced with trying to fabricate a new bracket that will cover the existing 4"X3" rectangular hole in the fiberglass of my Grandvilla and at the same time support the new rectangluar camer (about 1" high by 2" wide).

I just installed a new 7" monitor over the original hole in the dash (with velcro) which works fine, even with the tank readings and compass, temp, altimeter, etc. However, the rear bracket is a significant obstacle right now.

Any ideas/suggestions?

Re: OEM rear camera removal

Reply #6 – May 03, 2013, 11:52:16 pm

Quote from: Don Hay – May 03, 2013, 09:50:49 pm

Michael,

I just installed a new 7" monitor over the original hole in the dash (with velcro) which works fine, even with the tank readings and compass, temp, altimeter, etc.

How did you get compass and temperature on the new monitor? Is it outside temperature? Both of those would be handy.

Re: OEM rear camera removal

Reply #7 – May 04, 2013, 12:52:17 am

From what I understand, the fitting of a new monitor does not change the displayed info. That comes from the Audit unit. You are just taking the Audit video output into a new display when the old CRT fails.

Correct?

Re: OEM rear camera removal

Reply #8 – May 04, 2013, 12:56:03 am

Douglas,

The '92 U-280 had, as an option, an Audit 1150 with sensor input from several parameters: time, outside temp, compass, altimeter on one phase; the other phase presented propane, fresh, black, and gray tank levels. Surprisingly, after 21 years, everything still works (knock on wood).

Since the C8.3 Cummins was purely mechanical back then, there is no way of getting input like you do - no codes, etc., so getting a few things via the Audit is nice.

Re: OEM rear camera removal

Reply #9 – May 04, 2013, 12:58:19 am

Don,

Glad the angled needle-nose pliers worked for you. I can't even see the two nuts, nor get my fingers in there, as the opening in the fiberglass is barely larger than the width of the camera housing. That's why I'm having to use an inspection mirror and a flashlight to even see them.

I'll get a 11/32" deep, 1/4" drive socket tomorrow and try again. Depending on which way I go with a camera, it looks like I'm going to have to modify the mount anyway. I'll probably come up with a clean-looking way to fasten it from the outside.

Re: OEM rear camera removal

Reply #10 – May 04, 2013, 01:05:44 am

Quote

To quote Michael: "From what I understand, the fitting of a new monitor does not change the displayed info. That comes from the Audit unit. You are just taking the Audit video output into a new display when the old CRT fails."

Michael,

That is correct; however the input displays the tank and other information in reverse, so one has to be sure to get a monitor that will reverse that image. Fortunately, after pushing "mode" several times the display was normal.

Re: OEM rear camera removal - new developments

Reply #11 – May 06, 2013, 04:31:30 pm

I was finally able to get the two 11/32" nuts removed and extract the camera housing from outside. It has a sticker saying it is a Audit 8000 color camera.

So I brought it inside after cleaning it up, and plugged it back in -- in the bedroom. Up front --I had pulled the CRT metal cover off to look at the circuit board it sits on, and noticed that there are only three connection points. One for D.C. power, one for a rca male video connector, and then a hard-wired three-wire connection from the rheostat.

I've not been able to yet locate exactly where the main Audit black box is. Maybe someone with a similar vintage/ model (U300 Unihome) could tell me.

Anyway -- I noticed that both the power connector and video connector were damaged/bent -- like someone else had been in there and forced the CRT back into position. When I fiddled with the video cable, a camera image did appear. It wasn't very bright, but it was clear, with the exception of having some vertically slowly moving bands. I went back to the bedroom and placed a flashlight next to the item I aimed the camera at, and yep -- it appears to be working.

But both of those connectors would need to be de-soldered and replaced.

Fact is -- the CRT and circuit board is ancient technology compared to what's out there now, the circuit board is very flimsy, and it takes up a lot of space, so I'm just removing it. I'm thinking of taking the video cable from the Audit black box, and plugging it into the "video-in" on the main TV in the center -- to see if the camera still does have sufficient performance in ambient light.

If so, I would want to just mount a thin-profile color LCD over the existing opening in the dashboard where the CRT was. Has anyone done this recently (not a complete system change-out, but just a monitor) that can recommend a decently priced one with the reversal switch on it?

All the best out there,

Michael

Re: OEM rear camera removal

Reply #12 – May 06, 2013, 05:08:29 pm

Quote

Has anyone done this recently (not a complete system change-out, but just a monitor) that can recommend

Michael, we used the one that BrettW recommended a few years back. You have to enlarge the monitor opening a bit but it fits flush and looks factory. A little pricey at $456. It's the ToteVision LCD-560 TFT High Resolution Monitor from RV Cams. Plugs right into the Audit unit. Has an A and B selection with B being reverse image. Good luck.
jor

Re: OEM rear camera removal

Reply #13 – May 06, 2013, 08:09:58 pm

I bought this one on ebay for about 65 bucks a couple years back. It 'could be' surface mounted with a a plasma cutter (or a lot of grinding). However in surface mounting it I could angle it better to my sight line.
http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?action=media;sa=album;in=253

Re: OEM rear camera removal -- a new find!

Reply #14 – May 06, 2013, 11:32:10 pm

Jor,

I'm very glad that you posted that info about the Totevision, because it dislodged something in my memory when I read the name brand. I used to build custom industrial-grade video systems for use with fiberscopes -- as used for machinery inspections. So I went to my storage unit today and started rummaging through boxes I'd not looked in for years.

Lo and behold -- I found a brand new Totevision LCD 642 (6 1/2" Screen) monitor that accepts two video inputs. And -- I found a Panasonic KS-102 complete system that works fine.

When connecting the Audit RCA cable to the main television today -- all functions came up, including the existing rear camera. Everything is reversed -- of course, but at least I've confirmed the Audit box is good.

I now have to call Totevision and get a 2-input & power supply cable, and confirm that this model has the capability to reverse the image (hopefully for each input channel).

The second video input I'm thinking of using for a "buddy-cam", meaning I would use the KS-102 camera head mounted in a way to always view the right-side blind spot when on the road, as I wouldn't normally be traveling with a co-pilot to keep watch.

Thanks!

Re: OEM rear camera removal

Reply #15 – May 07, 2013, 08:41:59 am

Michael, Hang on to the power supply for that Javalina. Its what generally fails and someone here will probably need it.
Gary B

Re: OEM rear camera removal

Reply #16 – May 07, 2013, 06:52:03 pm

I did the same thing on my 93, U225. Since the original camera was fine, I kept it and used the extra camera mounted to the passenger mirror arm so I could see the entire right side of the coach whenever I need it.

Re: OEM rear camera removal

Reply #17 – May 07, 2013, 07:27:58 pm

Kent,

I am hoping to do exactly that (2nd camera on the passenger mirror arm). That picture I posted of the Panasonic KS-102 shows the "lipstick" camera head I would use there. I've been searching online for some kind of tear-drop shaped waterproof housing for it.

Today, ToteVision sent me the power supply and twin video input cable I needed. However, the remaining cable that I need for reversing the image on both video channels is out of stock, and may have to come from Taiwan

Then -- I have to decide about a mounting location for the Monitor. Because it is the larger 642 vs. the 560, it means I would have to cut a lot more metal out of the existing dash panel to put it there. I'm not too keen about cutting it, and besides -- I don't think it is an ideal location for it. I'm thinking I might leave the hole as it is with it's four studs on the back -- make a simple plate that matches that pattern, and using industrial-grade velcro , use that location to mount my Garmin Nuvi GPS unit. This still leaves a lot of room back there where the CRT used to sit for mounting the Panasonic CCU, and other future mods.

The ToteVision 6 1/2" monitor -- I'd rather have mounted higher up. I was thinking of a satin black goose-neck with its base mounted right next to the CB radio microphone clip.

Buy Pyle 19" Gooseneck Wall Mount for LCD Monitors and TV PLGN19 at Advance Auto

Do you have any pics of your dual camera set-up?

All the best out there,

Michael

Re: OEM rear camera removal

Reply #18 – June 18, 2013, 11:59:35 pm

I have a GV 94/U225. Dash monitor is working good for reading tank levels as it should but when I switch it to use the backup camera it is very hard to see whats back there, when someone gets fairly close to it and waving i can see but not good at all to use it for backing up. Do you all think it is the camera or the monitor? I am thinking it is the camera and i figured it would be fairly easy to take the camera out and upgrade it first. So today I removed the panel and took the attached pictures. I am thinking i can remove the Javeline box that camera sits in and hope that i can remove the camera and install another camera in it's place, perhaps a collar camera. If i still don't get good results with current monitor i was thinking to get another monitor and just extend the camera cable from back of the current monitor to new monitor and set the new monitor some where around the dash. In order to not reinvent the wheel i would be very grateful if you all have previous experience and advice you could share please. Any suggestions on what after market camera should i buy. I found some on the rvcames.com My main goal is to use the existing opening and not modify it so much. I really like to keep things as original as possible, so i am hoping to be able to use the Javelina box but just upgrade the camera.
Thank you in advance if you can help.
AL

I found this Tote Vision | Search results for: 'LCD-560' ...... After reading this Rear View Camera & Monitor Replacement 1993 U240

Re: OEM rear camera removal

Reply #19 – June 19, 2013, 10:06:04 am

Al,

Lots of people have done the changeover. Don did the ultimate "2 million dollar RV" camera and you can see he did a world class job.

Here is the link to my post several years ago. The cameras and monitors are much cheaper now but this gives you an idea of what is available. Rear Camera, Monitor installation details

The RV dealers use the same sources for their cameras then charge 10X the price. 99% come from Asia.

Use the search box at the top of the page to find earlier posts. Just type in words like "pierce", "don" or others above and "camera" and you can see what others have done. Ebay is a great source for both cameras and new monitors. I have gone well over 100 for China purchases and never a problem. Have to have a PayPal account but that's about it.

Pierce

Re: OEM rear camera removal

Reply #20 – June 19, 2013, 12:00:53 pm

Michael,

Perhaps this or something like it would work for flipping the image:

Accelevision LCDQUAD4SW QUAD Splitter and Switcher 4 Camera Inputs

Keith

Re: OEM rear camera removal

Reply #21 – June 19, 2013, 03:08:03 pm

Al,
My experience with that Javelina box that the camera is sealed (filled with nitogen... my guess is for anti-fog properties) and that it would be difficult to remove the camera without destroying the box. At least on our 1999, that box was welded to the trim and I had to cut it out with a cutoff wheel and an angle grinder. With enough patience, perhaps you might be able to cut the box without destroying it's mounting flange, but in my case, I knew it wasn't going to fit the camera that I want to use in there so I didn't put much effort into saving it.
Don

Quote from: propman – June 18, 2013, 11:59:35 pm

I am thinking i can remove the Javeline box that camera sits in and hope that i can remove the camera and install another camera in it's place, perhaps a collar camera. ...so i am hoping to be able to use the Javelina box but just upgrade the camera.

Re: OEM rear camera removal

Reply #22 – June 19, 2013, 03:41:59 pm

Don Thank you.

Now with what you all did if i get this clearly ... i will simply have to remove the old cam (box) which i will end up with a hole in the fiberglass. Then I have to make two plates and sandwich the new cam and the fiberglass with new plates and make it water proof.

Pierce
I like what you did. So not to assume ... So if I understood it correctly you were able to use the cable with "bnc" connector (by cutting and soldering and as you wrote can be done with a adapter from radioS) for image from the dash Audit unit (disconnect) and connect it to the new monitor.

Thank you,
AL

Re: OEM rear camera removal

Reply #23 – June 19, 2013, 06:45:38 pm

You may want to look at this backup camera system from Costco 1 Backup Camera System with 7" LCD Screen by Rear View Safety I installed one on my 2001 U270 and like picture quality.
Al

Re: OEM rear camera removal

Reply #24 – June 19, 2013, 06:52:44 pm

"I've not been able to yet locate exactly where the main Audit black box is. Maybe someone with a similar vintage/ model (U300 Unihome) could tell me." On my 93 U300 the Audit box (aluminum) is under the dash. Just lift up the top of the dash and it is right in the center. Three screws hold it in place. The various sensor inputs are on the right, and the video in/out is on the left.

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