Backup camera - wireless? Questions

[FJfonda]

I need some input from the TDR crew ----- here is what I need to do:

- Back up to the trailer hitch 1st time every time w/out spouse help

- Monitor traffic conditions behind and see for backing behind the trailer

(Trailer camera will be mounted on a boat - hard wiring to the harness is not an easy option)

- Day and night vision required

- Easily see the monitor



So, stopped by Wallyworld and picked up a VR3 wireless unit for $90. Checked it out and had 2 problems - screen size and adding a second camera - not to mention it is at the limit for reception - very fuzzy. Brought it back.

After shopping around (surfing) came across these guys - 4UCam.com Featured Products - Pan & Tilt Baby monitor - Dancing Daisy baby monitor - usb wireless video camera - and their systems look pretty good. As well, they offer an external antenna for the CCD camera so I can transmit from the boat hardtop to the cab of the truck for the trailer camera. The 7" screen looks like it will fit nicely either behind the cup holder or on the visor but I am intrigued by the rear view mirror screen.

Well, my questions are:

- Anyone deal with these guys?

- Any experience with rear view mirror monitor screens (good/bad)?

- Does anyone have any good mounting ideas or pix of a bullet camera mount on the back of our trucks?

Any input would be greatly appreciated!!!

 

[Grizzly]

I started a thread on the same subject with little response. I want to do the same thing. I'll be watching for new replies. Good luck.

 

[bnbrown]

I dont use them for backup cameras but I do have two I use inside my horse trailers, I simply used two inexpensive indoor/outdoor cameras which are color but also have infrared for night (4 total, 2 trailers both outfitted) I hard wired them, seems to be the only way I have found for consistent operation, I just ran the wire up to a seperate plug. not exactly what you are looking for, but has worked well for me, also used to use the same cameras in mulitple trailers, just had a clamp bracket.
I like it cheap, so I just used readily available cameras and use a portable dvd player for a monitor.

 

[KBalzuweit]

I've tried several wireless setups and returned them all. Seems that once you get past the length of a normal car (not a truck) they just don't work well.

 

[FJfonda]

remote sender

That is what I like about the 4UCAM stuff, the transmitters can be located up to 20 ft from the camera. In teir testing, they claim 33 ft distance from the monitor to the camera transmitter. Using the antenna on the CCD camera and the external monitor antenna they claim 100ft range.

I was goiing to cal them to find out more, but no phone listed ---- hmmm

 

[wcoomes]

There's a guy on the North American Truck Campers owners that just installed one. Here is the thread w/ pictures of the install:



NATCOA FORUM

 

[FJfonda]

Interesting --- here is the camera web site for the installation wcoomes referred to spycamera4u.com A slightly different approach for camera and receiver, the cameras are 3 lux which isn't that good, and there is no distance information listed on the web site.

 

[BCring]

I have one of the older VR3 wireless cam installed for the same reason (hooking up trailer). It works so-so. It tends to be a fuzzy image, but is better than no image.



Over Christmas this year I bought a 2nd one from Pep Boys (black friday special $60) with plans to install it in my rock crawler jeep to see the underside when offroading. The new one is much nicer. The camera has a adjustable angle and more options on the screen. The BIG thing is you can run it hard wired. So I am planning to switch the cameras and install the new VR3 in my truck and hard wire the camera and screen. This should solve the clarity problem and is still a cheap set-up.