I am starting to shop for a back up camera and have come across "reverse image" ones for more money...... I read what it means, but is it really worth the extra money?
Yes it is, since with a normal image, you'll be thinking it is on your left when it is on your right (and vice versa). Good Luck, TomC
I had the image reversed, I just took it to a tv repair shop and all you have to due is change a coupl of wires.
My camera has a switch to reverse the image on the back of the monitor.
You definitely want the reverse image unless you plan to put the monitor behind you and turn backwards to look at it. Other than doing that, it will be terribly confusing. I believe that the image is generally reversed at the monitor, not the camera. Therefore it should not be too difficult to do with most systems. It always sort of appears that the systems made specially for RV's with reverse image are more expensive. I suspect that it is merely because they know that we will pay more for that feature and not due to superior quality over security cameras.
Quote from: busnut104 on April 05, 2009, 08:49:56 AM
I had the image reversed, I just took it to a tv repair shop and all you have to due is change a coupl of wires.
That's only true for the monitor, not the camera, so if you also use the monitor for other things besides the backup camera, it won't help. It is also only true for the older CRT monitors -- reversing an LCD monitor that is not built to do so is much more complex.
Reverse-image backup cameras, which will work with any NTSC video monitor, are less than $25 now, FWIW.
Backup cameras and side-mirror cameras need to be reverse image for your brain to interpret the data the same way it interprets actual mirrors. Speaking from experience (my backup monitor has selectable normal/reverse image), it takes a lot of mental gymnastics to turn the wheel the correct direction if the image is not reversed.
-Sean
http://OurOdyssey.BlogSpot.com
I got our camera/monitor from RV Cams and it just has a switch to reverse image, cost about 150 bucks about 4 years ago. I have to admit I haven't used the feature.
~Paul~
Quote from: happycamperbrat on April 05, 2009, 08:23:45 AM
I am starting to shop for a back up camera and have come across "reverse image" ones for more money...... I read what it means, but is it really worth the extra money?
Only if you don't like to run into things. ;)
Is it really that much more money? Think about it. I know that we often nickel-and-dime stuff, but a lot of the time we are losing perspective and it costs us more in other ways.
If the price of the reversed system is one that you are willing to pay, then it doesn't matter what anything else costs, it's worth the money to you.
I just leave my monitor on reverse image all the time. When I replaced my camera a couple of weeks ago with a inexpensive security camera from Radio Shack, the monitor still displayed the image correctly. Based on that, the reverse capability must be in the monitor. I'm not really into mental gymnastics. Just the thought gives me palpitations ???
Will
My brother purchased a rear view camera and monitor that did not have a reversed image. "no problem, he said, I know that the image will show flipped side to side". About 4 miles from his house, on the interstate(6 lanes), he saw a semi coming up on his right in his monitor, so he started moving to the left. Fortunately, he checked his mirror first and saw the semi on his left. He turned off the rear view camera and did not use it until he got home and reversed the image. Jack
Hey Brat,
My brother-in-law(wmyost) just picked up a back-up color camera system for the both of us from Sam's in Corpus Christi, Texas. The camera is wireless and mounts to the license plate or anywhere you choose. It has a 7", color, LCD monitor that has multiple mounting options. It features AV input for backseat use, brightness contrast control, upside down and reverse image control, audio/visual inputs for video games & DVD's. The camera is water resistant with day or night time use. It's made by Peak and called Safety View Back-Up Camera System. It cost a little over $100.00. I talked with my brother-in-law and he said the Sam's in Corpus still had a lot of them available. PM me if you are interested, or you might check a Sam's in your area.
Richard
I think you will find the wireless units will likely not work on a bus.
These are designed for cars, or, maybe at the most, a standard-sized van like an Econoline. By federal law, the transmitter is limited to a tiny amount of power. Getting that signal to go through one layer of thin sheet metal and then another 10'-15' is one thing; getting it to go 40'-45' through a bus frame, engine (depending on mounting location) and everything else in a conversion is something else entirely.
The only way to know, of course, would be to try it. But I would ask if they will refund your money once you set it up. Don't forget to try it with the engine on under road conditions; EMI from the engine itself can play havoc with the signal.
-Sean
http://OurOdyssey.BlogSpot.com
I installed one of those wireless for a temporary measure to keep tabs on the toad.
That was four years ago.
I usually look at the shadow but there are times of the day or directions you are going that you can't do that so then I turn on the camera.
I won't work at night because the license plate light messes it up.
I seem to get the best signal when I am in a valley or next to a semi truck to reflect the signal also under some underpasses otherwise it is pretty hit and miss but I am glad I have it.
HTH
YMMV
Melbo
I bought a Voyager from Camping world a couple of years ago. Not cheap but i am very happy with it. 7" color monitor, i can adjust the tint, brightness, color and contrast. It has a mic so i can hear behind me and also infra red for nite viewing which i haven't hooked up yet because i don't drive after dark if at all possible. In a MCI 5A there is no dash space to speak of and i needed a thin monitor. Mine is only 1 & 1/4" thick and as it turned out i was able to mount it above the windshield so it is out of the way and very easy to view as the sun never hits it.
I got one of those wireless cheapos like Richard and it works great.
I mounted it just inside the rear window so transmitting is no problem.
There is no law that says it has to go on the license plate!!
It has a switch that allows the monitor to show just about any position it could possibly be in.
We have the voyager setup. Backup camera (reversed image), the flat screen monitor, and two side camera's. We have really like them.
God bless,
John
I have the 3 camera Sony with sound and a measuring screen comes in handy when hooking up a trailer , a tow vehicle or backing into a tight area. good luck
Thank you everyone for your replies, this has given me a lot to think about!
Richard,
Will this wireless signal work from out side at the rear to the front?? Is it 110volt or 12 volt?? Sure would be a easy installation if it will.
Thanks
John
Wally World carries the wireless for under 100 bucks and we all know how good their return policy is if it doesn't do the job. I bought my last camera from Radio Shack for $30 and it works every bit as good as the expensive one that my converter destroyed. Has infrared which is questionable, sound, motion detector, and comes with 59' of cable and adapters and works on 12V, It includes a 120V/12VDC adapter powersource because it is actually a home security camera.
I like it and the price is right, Will
Is it possible to use my flat panel T V screen to display the rear view while driving? My 17 inch laptop would also be a desired option as I will have that beside me to run GPS and Map and Silverleaf. I hope to put all that on the TV flat panel, as well.
Thanks,
John
Quote from: JohnEd on April 08, 2009, 12:24:24 PM
Is it possible to use my flat panel T V screen to display the rear view while driving? My 17 inch laptop would also be a desired option as I will have that beside me to run GPS and Map and Silverleaf.
Yes but...
Illegal in many states. The TV screen might pass muster, if you can prove that it can only display the rear view when the ignition is on (all other video sources are locked out).
The laptop is out on all scores in several states, even if you claim it is for "navigation." The reason being that it can easily be used for something else.
In California, there can't even be a laptop in the front seat area, even if it is visible only to the passenger. It is a $345 ticket, and is considered a "primary offense," meaning they can stop you just for that reason. Dedicated navigation systems like a GPS are exempt.
-Sean
http://OurOdyssey.BlogSpot.com