GPS and Backup camera in one.

[Chaz]

  Any of you guys know anything about this set up?

http://www.4ucam.com/GPS-Wireless-Backup-Camera-Monitor-8907PC-Rearview-IR.html

I'd like to get a unit that does both, but I know zero about these things. And I know they are NOT all created equal. 
If you have any recommendations, please let me know. I'd kinda like to know how fast I am going one of these days.    Would probably help with the fuel mileage.

  Chaz

[jjrbus]

Would not work for me. It only goes to camera mode when in reverse, I like to make sure my toad is there!!! Watch it around corners and that. Also My bus backup lights are 24V, that is more than likely  12V.  Also I do not like dual use items, one goes, you need to replace the whole thing. It seems that most of these wireless items are meant for automobliles and do not work well on buses.  Other than that it seems like a great idea. All of this is of course only my opinion, your milage may be different.

[Lin]

I have been wondering if I dual unit was available.  I would hope for a bigger screen though.  I assume that it could be wired to a switch rather than the back up lights, but the camera range here is listed as 20-30 feet in a car (longer in open space).  Such a unit that is hard-wired would be cool.

[Chaz]

JJRBUS,
  Yeah, I understand about using it to watch the toad, but I was figuring on wiring it to a switch to go back and forth. Sometimes - depending on how it's configured - it's easier to do it that way than to fuss with putting new technology on older vehicles. But it depends on how they have it set up. (maybe to back up lights??)
I'm 24v too, but I have 12v run all over my bus also. Comes in handy, ya know. 
And I definitely get what your saying about "all in one". I have had that opinion for as long as I have had a home stereo. You have some very valid points. Thank you for them.

Lin,
  The hard wiring, altho a P.I.T.A., would probably be better. That is one of the things I was hoping someone could enlighten me on. Wireless is cool, but are there really good units out there that can span a bus and give a clear picture?

  I was also thinking that this one really isn't a "name" I recognize, so maybe I should just steer clear and get raked over the coals for one I have heard of.  I did see a camera that can be added onto a GPS system for about a hundred bucks or so.  That may be the hot ticket.

  Still researchin,
       Chaz

[grantgoold]

I think you should look at a small laptop that can run off the inverter. The laptop could enjoy constantly updated GPS software, video input from a rear and forward looking security camera (on demand), satellite information, internet connection, (VOIP), bluetooth to turn on outside and outside lights as well as monitor tanks, sound system..... the list just keeps getting bigger and better. One central hub with several capabilities.

This is my focus so I do not have several items in the front window all trying to tell me how to drive 30,000lbs.

Good luck!

Grant

[Dreamscape]

This is what we have and what I use when I'm traveling.

We have a two year old Cobra for GPS, and a RV Cam with black and white that I can add another camera to and switch it on or off anytime. I would prefer a new model Garmin, but I'll use the Cobra till it breaks. The camera is great for backing up and seeing what's behind you on the road.

When I travel I try to rent a Garmin, very user friendly and has great features. This trip I rented a Tom Tom, don't like it at all, to confusing for me.

I also have a BlackBerry Curve(3 weeks old) with GPS that I really like, you can set it on the seat, console or wherever you want. Because of the size it's much better because I don't like packing too much on a plane.

As for all in ones, I would rather have them separate. Some have every feature, stereo, GPS, etc.. etc.. When one system is down, at least you can use the others.

Laptops are great if you have the room. I like to take mine from car to bus to wherever I go.

Hard wired camera is better than wireless. This is just my opinion, have heard from others not the best reception.

YMMV,

Ain't' Life Grand!

Paul

[Busted Knuckle]

The new garmin I bought for dad (same model as mine 7200) came with a cord just for doing a back up camera! We have yet to get a camera and install it, but we will someday!   BK 

[Nick Badame Refrig/ACC]

Hi Guy's,

My Pioneer AVIC-N4 nav unit will either split the nav and back-up screen full time, or full nav screen, or full back-up monitor full time,

or back- up just in reverse. Any way you like it..

Don't trust any wireless system in a 40ft bus with lots of metal.... Been there, done that!

Good Luck
Nick-

[Chaz]

Thanx Guys, Great info!!

I am going to get a laptop. I just can't chance being too far away from you guys!!    (seriously!)    But I'm adhering to the idea of staying away from the all in ones. Next I need to start a thread about what laptop to get. 

Hey Paul, technology sure is a hoot nowadays, but life can still be a b***h. lol But........ at least it isn't boring.     That would suck worse.   

I'll check that one out, BK. If say it's good I may just get it. A buddy said he liked a Nuvi or something like that. I'll see if they are the same.

I'm thinking a wire isn't that hard to run so I'm going to go your way there Nick. I ned to figure out a good camera now.

  Thanx again guys............
    Chaz

[Lin]

Dreamscape,
     I have a Treo that synchs with a GPS receiver.  It is very handy as is your Blackberry.  There is one problem with it that I have found.  I don't know if your unit will be the same.  Anyway, if I answer a phone call while using the GPS, I have to re-start the GPS when done.  This is a little bit of a nuisance.  The annoying part is that I seem to get these phone calls only when down to needing the navigational details like a turn coming up.  Also, if wanting to make a phone call, I must decide which of the two functions is more important; phone or navigation.

[Dreamscape]

Lin,

I also have wondered about using GPS then getting a phone call. It hasn't happed yet, I am sure it will. I tried to search for the answer, nothing yet. It will be interesting to find out. I haven't had mine long enough to really know it yet.

Paul

[Blacksheep]

Paul how do you like your Blackberry? I have the 8330 on Sprint! I had the 7520 on Nextel but was limited to the new features such as camera and video cam and as you mentioned the gps. I also like the live TV that sprint has at no extra charge! What I don't like too much is the low volume all the Blackberry's seem to have. Other than that, it's a great piece but at times the phone connection sucks and one more thing is it doesn't allow the direct connect!
BS

[Dreamscape]

Ace,

I have the Curve 8310 on ATT. I just wish I knew more about it, guess that comes with time and use. I really like the GPS. Used it in Houston and Orlando and was amazed on how accurate it was, better than my Cobra system. This thing can do so much, and it's fun to use. I don't have to drag my laptop out at airports now, can access all my email from work and my personal accounts. I also got a 1G memory card, will load it up with pics and music, wont of these days. 

Paul

[kd5kfl]

Imaging Sensor        CMOS

This is an alternate spelling for "skeet"
An acronym for "Can't Make Out ... uh, Stuff"

CMOS is:
What an armed robber sees though a nylon in the daytime;
What Helen Keller saw at night.

You're buying a camera, look for the phrase:

Super HAD CCD.

All Super HAD cams are CCD, not all CCD cams are Super HAD. Bottom line: Crisper image and better night vision than CCD. CCD is not bad, Super HAD is great.

[Blacksheep]

Paul I use the BBerry probably more than my laptop! I even access this site from it most always unless there are pics to view.
BS