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LCD monitor & color backup camera

February 18, 2014, 07:38:00 am

Good Morning folks;

I want to change my monitor and camera system to color and an LCD monitor. I have read Barry's info and gone through the archives. Have talked to both FOT and MOT, FOT says they can do it for about $3000. MOT didn't say.

Having said that I was looking at the video  of the 2007 Nimbus at MOT, on the dash is a LCD monitor with the name "Safeco Supply". I have found that setup on the net and was wondering if it will work on my U270.

If I understand this I have to disconnect the input to the existing CRT and reconnect it to the new monitor from the Audit9T for the tank levels. I believe the output from the Audit is B&W, so I will have to connect the camera directly to the LCD monitor. However that may create a problem with getting the tank levels. There are two video inputs on the monitor that I believe I can switch between.

Here is the link for what I believe will be the replacement.

Light-Duty Single-Camera System :: SafeCo Supply Rear View Camera Systems :: For

Thanks in advance for any help.

Norm

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Re: LCD monitor & color backup camera

Reply #1 – February 18, 2014, 08:47:45 am

It may work, however your tank output from the audit monitor or camera may be backwards if there is no video reversal switch. You have to be careful in selecting a back-up camera and flat screen monitor, if you are not one of the inputs to the monitor will be backwards. Don't ask me how I know that.

Roland

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Reply #2 – February 18, 2014, 09:22:47 am

There are a lot of great solutions for much less than $3,000. We used a ToteVision LCD-560 monitor and a Voyager VCCS150 camera. Flat screen, nice color, reversible image and a pretty good fit in our dash. You just add an adaptor and use the cable from the Audit to your new monitor. Need an adaptor for the camera end too but you don't have to replace any existing cabling. This setup would be around $700. BrettW did a nice instructional writeup on this combo awhile back.  Others have good solutions for much less. Check out some old threads. Good luck.
jor

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Re: LCD monitor & color backup camera

Reply #3 – February 18, 2014, 09:33:48 am

Talk to the people at rvcams.com

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Re: LCD monitor & color backup camera

Reply #4 – February 18, 2014, 09:42:45 am

Check the FOSCAM website.  They have several nice outdoor Hi-Rez
IP color cameras in the $200.00 range and monitors are easy enough.

A division of Apple Labs is working on a wireless interface (which will plug directly into a monitor) was displayed at CES (Vegas) this year that had a big interest among the RV group.  pc   

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Re: LCD monitor & color backup camera

Reply #5 – February 18, 2014, 12:31:11 pm

MOT replaced my Audit monitor with a NICE color one they got from TIM at RVCAMS. They also put in a new camera for the rear with in fared. TOtal installed was around $700. You could call Tim at RVCAMS and tell him what you have, and he will sell you the good stuff that will work. Not a bad DIY, since you can reuse the coax from the camera to the monitor.

Just don't cut the dash if it is the electroluminescent version - it will short and kill it, very expensive to replace. MOT surface mounted my video screen on dash covering up hole from old audit monitor. New monitor about 3/4' thick, so looks quite good and easy install.

Call and ask for Mike Rodgers at MOT and he will give you at quote, or if you are a DIY type, call Tim at RV CAMS.

Use search function on forum - loads of info out there on many upgrades.

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Re: LCD monitor & color backup camera

Reply #6 – February 18, 2014, 02:59:46 pm

This subject makes me angry , very sorry! I think it is crazy what they are charging for this.
For backup camera I purchased a $26 color camera & $33 color 7" monitor from Amazon, very clear with distance markings. I have been using it for 5-6 mounts now and no issues at all.
I use the same cable that was connected to the old black and white camera and the Audit; on Audit end under the dash, I disconnected & connected to the new 7" $33 monitor with a $2 bnc adapter from the RadioS. Did the same on the camera end.
We got a bit fancy and cut and created a custom container from the old camera container to keep the original look but there are other easy ways to do this.  Any reputable car audio shop can do this under $200.
Now I did not pay to much attention to the angel of the camera but it was $26 and I didn't care i wanted to try.
I can use another 10 or so degrees wide view at each side, so I plan on getting a new camera but anything i see out there does not cost but maybe $50. I may actuality add 2 more under the side view mirrors.  What i have works just fine so i may not do anything more to it for sometime.
Please take your time and don't throw your $ for this easy and inexpensive upgrade.

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Reply #7 – February 18, 2014, 03:04:55 pm

Actually, it is a little more complex than just picking any inexpensive camera and monitor-- assuming you want the Audit system to continue work work properly.

Some year Audit systems require a camera with REVERSE IMAGE, some require a monitor with REVERSE IMAGE.  Get it wrong, and you will have either an inverted/flipped picture from the camera or Audit system.

To determine whether you need a reverse image camera or monitor, use an adapter from your Audit system OUT to your TV.  If it reads properly, you need a reverse image camera.  If it is inverted, you need a monitor with reverse capability.

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Re: LCD monitor & color backup camera

Reply #8 – February 18, 2014, 05:28:38 pm

Al,

I hear exactly what you are saying. They must be owned by the drug companies. They buy from China, repackage and then 10X the price. All the ebay/China monitors you can order have inverted and reverse image capability. Just use the ebay form to ask the "does it have reverse and inverted capability?" question and they get right back. This is almost the exact camera/monitor I have and is $76 delivered to your door: 7" TFT LCD Car Rearview Monitor Wireless Backup Camera | eBay 

This kit has two video inputs so perfect for the GV blind spot below the passenger.

Another thing that gets my goat is the price that Viking River Cruise Lines charge for a Danube trip as an example. They are a Germany company like the rest but direct the packages over here and triple the price the other companies charge the Germans. The Chrome web browser auto translates German sites and lets anyone in on the deals.

Pierce

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Re: LCD monitor & color backup camera

Reply #9 – February 18, 2014, 09:27:40 pm

Norm,
Al and Pierce are correct about this one. There are quite a few posts on how to do this mod. Do an "advanced search" on this forum  for "monitor" or "camera" and you should get plenty of reading material. Don't be afraid of this mod as a DIY.

Replace original monitor

If you use e-bay parts, for $125 or less you should be able to;
1. replace the existing monitor (if your original camera is still working OK). This will be connected to the Audit box.
2. add a new cable to connect a new wide angle color license plate type camera and new color monitor.


Keep the original camera to keep an eye on your toad connection and an additional rear mounted camera will give you a wide rear view so that you can see the whole toad and any approaching traffic behind you.

good luck,
Rick

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Reply #10 – February 18, 2014, 09:30:52 pm

"monitors you can order have inverted and reverse image capability. Just use the ebay form to ask the "does it have reverse and inverted capability?" question and they get right back. This is almost the exact camera/monitor I have

This kit has two video inputs so perfect for the GV blind spot below the passenger."

I have that monitor; couple of video inputs and inverts, reverses and splits the screen for two video inputs.
I may get that wireless cam and add to my current set up for passenger side/back view.
Thanks Pierce.

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Reply #11 – February 18, 2014, 11:14:34 pm

RE: "Keep the original camera to keep an eye on your toad connection and an additional rear mounted camera will give you a wide rear view so that you can see the whole toad and any approaching traffic behind you."

Years ago we ran a bunch of cables from dash to engine, some coax, so jacked pairs, some twisted pairs. We connected one coax to a new camera mounted at roof rack and continued to use the original, which looked down at car and not over car. We use a Radio Shack single pole double throw switch on the center coax to view the two cameras. All three ground shields are connected together, with an aluminum foil cover to keep out any interference.

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