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Topic: 1080p Backup Camera (Read 1333 times) previous topic - next topic

1080p Backup Camera

Technology changes so quickly I thought it worth posting to see if anyone has a higher resolution (1080p) backup camera they recently bought.

Looking for wireless 7" backup only camera to replace failing older model in coach.

Should probably also ask if anyone believes strongly that a wired camera is preferable.

Thanks
Randy (N4TDT) and Karen Crete
Sarasota, Florida
SOLD:  2000 U270 34' WTFE Build 5756 "Ole Red"

Re: 1080p Backup Camera

Reply #1 –
Is it the camera or the monitor that is failing?  The camera doesn't care what size the monitor is.  1080p in a backup camera system, sounds like a lot of $$$.  Components need to be compatible.  May have to replace both.  Yes wired IMHO is better.
Jerry Whiteaker former owner 96 U270  36' #4831 Austin,TX-Owner Mods LCD TV w/front cabinet rebuild - LCD TV bedroom - Dual Central AC, either can cool coach w 30 amp - Skylights at roof AC openings - Drop ceiling for ducting of AC - Shower skylight white gelcoat/wood/epoxy frame - Air Springs/Shocks replaced - 2014 CRV - 8K Home Solar - Chevy Volt

Re: 1080p Backup Camera

Reply #3 –
Randy,

Everyone is doing at least 1080P color backup cameras now and they are cheap. Check out the 1080/4K camera/montior combinations here: 1080 or 4k backup camera | eBay

Ours was cheap, cheap, cheap (less than $50 for 7" monitor and camera) and works great. Really excellent at night. The OEM wiring works well. If you want to go wireless, I would not count on the sellers to give an honest opinion for that distance.

Consider several cameras with split screen monitor. Not expensive either. Nice to have the side view.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: 1080p Backup Camera

Reply #4 –
I put in a 1080p back up camera 7 years ago. The camera I used was sold as a security camera and used a wired SDI (Serial Digital Interface) as the transmission protocol. My experience working in A/V designing (so called ::) ) smart classrooms, has biased me towards wired systems, mainly because of potential interference from sources not under my control. Plus, wired (using quality cabling rated for the purpose, i.e. gauge of the conductor, shielding material, sweep tested at appropriate frequencies*), is just inherently more reliable, if terminated properly and routed to avoid sharp radius bends etc. Also, latency could potentially be an issue but not necessarily in this application. However, if I were to replace what I have now, I would take a fresh look, though the system still works as it did when first installed. Here is a topic I posted on 7 years ago;
Power Tilt Back Up Camera

Don
* It means the cable has been tested with a sweep generator that'll test the full range of frequencies to ensure the signal loss for the given length is what it should be and thus proves the cable has no defects, at least a the time of testing.
The selected media item is not currently available.
Don & Tys
1999 U270 3602 WTFE #5402
Xtreme Stage 1 w/Headlight, Step Conversion, etc.
2009 Honda Fit Sport with Navi
Freedom is NOT "just another word for nothing left to lose"... with apologies to Kris Kristofferson

Re: 1080p Backup Camera

Reply #5 –
Randy, we tried a wireless camera, returned it after one trip and replaced it with two wired cameras in back, all new cables and a right side camera.  Wireless connection was not stable. My rear camera looking back is on all the time while driving. Screen switches to right turn camera when the turn signal is on that way.  It is helpful.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: 1080p Backup Camera

Reply #6 –
Quote from: Roger & Susan in Home2 –
Randy, we tried a wireless camera, returned it after one trip and replaced it with two wired cameras in back, all new cables and a right side camera.  Wireless connection was not stable. My rear camera looking back is on all the time while driving. Screen switches to right turn camera when the turn signal is on that way.  It is helpful.
Roger,
Can you please elaborate on how you ran the cables from the back of the coach to the cockpit?
40ft 1997 U320

Re: 1080p Backup Camera

Reply #7 –
First, in some cases, the old cables can be used with adapters at the ends.

But if you do have to run new once, the "D" shaped beam at the driver's side roof to side wall is open front to back.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: 1080p Backup Camera

Reply #8 –
Use the existing wires if at all possible.  The ceiling D channel is open but with lots of places to hang up a fish down the full length of the coach.
Regards,
Brett

'99 42' Foretravel Xtreme
'14 Brown Motorsports Stacker
'05 Chevy SSR
'02 BMW R1150R

Re: 1080p Backup Camera

Reply #9 –
I cut and soldered at the back as I was in a hurry. Adapters are easily available so it's plug and play.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: 1080p Backup Camera

Reply #10 –
I installed a wireless backup camera and monitor in our coach 6 years ago and it is still functioning like new.  I do get occasional signal dropouts that I attribute to interference or congestion on the transmitter/receiver frequency.  These have always been of very short duration and do not (IMO) diminish the usefulness of the system.  I am pretty sure wireless technology has improved over the past 6 years, so I would guess that new systems would work "better" than ours.

That said, If I was installing a new camera today, I would consider the value of Forum member opinions (above), and probably go with "wired".
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: 1080p Backup Camera

Reply #11 –
I installed an Ebay 4 camera system with all new wiring and 9 inch screen. 4 camera split screen is too small to see detail, even on a 9 inch monitor. I'm considering adding another monitor or 2. Right and left cameras, straight back and rear down for tow.
I ran the new wires thru the D channel at the upper corner driver's side. Ran a metal fish thru the channel. Wasn't to difficult, but took 2 of us to run the wire.
 Word of advise leave the chase cord in place when you're done. Ask me why. :facepalm:
Cheers Ric 8)
Previously:'66 VW Bus"Turtle 1";'65 VW Riviera Camper "Turtle 2";
';'91 VW Syncro Camper"Syn";'92 Barth 30' -"The Big Easy"
Currently: 2000 FT U270 40', #5634 -
"Le Bons Temps"; 2003 CRV
Ric & Leslie
"Laissez les bons temps rouler!"

Re: 1080p Backup Camera

Reply #12 –
I had a wireless furion camera on my previous truck trailer combo and it worked well.  I don't see why it wouldn't work in a class A rv.  There are two versions one is for backup only and one for continuous use.  You will want the one for continuous use.
2002 36' U270 Foretravel

Re: 1080p Backup Camera

Reply #13 –
We just purchased a 1996 U270 3600 and need to replace the backup camera. It has a dual function in that it monitors the tanks as well so what I replace it with needs to be dual function. Any suggestions?

Re: 1080p Backup Camera

Reply #14 –
Your cameras, the display monitor and the system than monitors tank levels and shows them on the same display are all differnt components.  When my screen barely readable and the tank levels were no longer correct (not even close) I added a SeeLevel Tank Level system, removed the old B/W display and replaced it with a color display and added a new dual rear camera and a right side camera that I can see on the color monitor.

Lots of good sourses for cameras and monitors, I used Tadi Bros because they had what I wanted.
Backup Camera Systems | Rear View Cameras

SeeLevel systems
709 SeeLeveL II Tank Monitor | Garnet Instruments

Good prices on these here
Garnet 709 SeeLevel II Tank Monitoring System

Also see
1997 u295 - water and lp level indicators

Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: 1080p Backup Camera

Reply #15 –
Mine has the Seelevel 2 and works good on the 4 monitors. Previous owner installed it
1996 U295-36, Cummins 300hp, 8.3. Build number 4864. Vin number 1F97D536XTNO54271. Purchased October 31, 2019.

Re: 1080p Backup Camera

Reply #16 –
Lots of good choices for color backup cameras out there on eBay or Amazon. And relatively cheap as well. Taking out the old camera on my Coach was a real PIA. That was the biggest and hardest part of the project. Running new wiring was not hard at all. As Brett said there is a channel that runs along the upper wall on the driver's side. I went to harbor freight and bought a long fish and used that to bring it through. After that it was just fishing it through underneath the overhead cabinets in the bedroom and then bring it out to the camera. As far as using the existing wiring I felt that after 20 years was time to upgrade it and I'm glad that I did that. At the same time I also installed a pioneer head unit that had the side camera option. I put the side camera on the passenger side mirror and ran the wiring through the mirror and into the space where all the self resetting breakers are and from there over to the head unit. I put the new display with a audit system was. I didn't need the tank monitoring since I have a see level system nor did I care about a compass or the battery monitoring I had that elsewhere. I can run the backup camera while I'm driving to see my toad and that to me is very invaluable. it's also really nice to be able to see down the passenger side dead space for when you're in those tight areas. It really helped out during construction areas. It would be really nice to have a four-camera system to have an all-around bird's-eye view of the coach, and that may be a future upgrade.
Bob
'99 U320 40 WTFE
Build #5462,
1500 Watts Solar 600 amp Victron lithium
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Hemi
Instagram bobfnbw
Retired

Re: 1080p Backup Camera

Reply #17 –
I just used the OEM wiring. Replaced the camera with cheap high resolution color camera and 7 inch color monitor. I soldered at the back but a couple of cheap adapters will do the same thing. Bummer that Radio Shack is gone. Under $50 for something 100x better than OEM. Notice I like the word "cheap."

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)