? Backup Cameras? - Page 8

Cruiser2 · 11-16-2006, 10:18 AM

I have an Eclipse camera with the display in the head unit (AVN6600). The camera is like a fish eye giving me an almost 180 degree view behind me. This however really distorts the view and makes things appear much further away than they are. I would not use this to guide me into anything only to verify things are not directly behind me when I am backing up. As such I still use my mirror extensively and I wouldn't want one of those video images obscuring the view of the mirror with that type of image. If the lens were a more traditional type the image would not be as distorted but your field of view would be reduced. My 2 cents but I think the rear view camera is good to check behind for obstacles but you still need to turn araound and use your mirrors when reversing.

Taz · 11-16-2006, 02:37 PM

Here is what I’ve been experimenting with until I buy a diesel Audi Q7 that has an amazing backup camera setup. While test driving a new Q7 gas motor one to see if I want to plunk down the $$$ for the monster motor diesel version coming out, I had a chance to try out the backup camera on it. It has the coolest setup to help you both park with it and determine how close you are to the objects behind you when backing up as well as your path of travel based on the angle of your steering wheel.

I decided to do a cheap version for my FJ until I get the diesel Q7. I went to my local RC model store and bought some super fine pin-striping tape for car models. By playing the location of the tape ON the camera lens, I was able to make sort of crude line across my field of view that would indicate how close I am to normal objects that might hurt me AND how close I can be to a wall and STILL open the tailgate (something the Audi has as well).

Where you put the little pin-striping tape will depend on exactly where and how you have your camera mounted. Ideally if you have it mounted high and pointed down it is easier to judge distances. The beauty of the pin-striping tape is you can easily pull it off and on with damaging the lens. It shows up as little black lines on my monitor.

Next I plan making a self-powered portable mount so I can use it other ways if I have enough range. For example if I could remove it from my FJ and put it on the back of my boat, it would make it easier at this one dock where there is a steep drop off. I don’t know if it has enough range but it is worth a shot.

Regardless I plan on putting the camera and halogen backup lights on a circuit so that in reverse I have good lighting at night. I setup a relay to trigger both once reverse is engaged but also have an override switch so I can manually engage them as needed. Just some food for thought.

Albemarle · 03-25-2007, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Albemarle previously said:

Just picked up the VR3 wireless from Canadian Tire. They had lots in stock and a working display. Looks good. I'll try it on the license plate & see if it helps with the trailer hitch, which is my main need.
If it works well there, I'll wire it to the license plate light so it'll work with the lights. Easy.
It's an excellent deal as you get $21.60 in Canadian Tire money too!

Caveat: They hope you enjoy this high quality rugged system for many years and then put their money where their mouth is with a 30 DAY WARRANTY!

I feel positively prescient. The camera now works very intermittently. It's coming out as soon as it warms up enough to work bare handed. Then a cathartic drive over the camera system and straight into the garbage.

But hey, what can you expect from China with a 30 day warranty. It did last from November through March.

Taz · 03-25-2007, 10:07 PM

Mine is still working so far. Once I got the newer version I've had no issues even when it was -20F and colder.

J-Rock! · 03-27-2007, 04:36 AM

Toyota sells one also but it's rather pricey. I like that it mounts the monitor right above the rearview mirror & just plugs right into an oem harness:

Sparks Toyota

**NDA431FJ** · 03-29-2007, 01:25 AM

Quote:

Cruiser2 previously said:

I have an Eclipse camera with the display in the head unit (AVN6600). The camera is like a fish eye giving me an almost 180 degree view behind me. This however really distorts the view and makes things appear much further away than they are. I would not use this to guide me into anything only to verify things are not directly behind me when I am backing up. As such I still use my mirror extensively and I wouldn't want one of those video images obscuring the view of the mirror with that type of image. If the lens were a more traditional type the image would not be as distorted but your field of view would be reduced. My 2 cents but I think the rear view camera is good to check behind for obstacles but you still need to turn araound and use your mirrors when reversing.

I installed the Eclipse BEC106 Back Eye Camera. It's really wide angle lens camera.

TOYOTA OEM Navigation installed

Maintz · 03-29-2007, 11:14 AM

I added a rear-view camera to my AVIC-Z1,... mounted in center of bumper, below spare. Its wide angle, and in reverse, the view is full screen. I usually have the rear view on 2/3 screen while driving,... eliminates the blind spots effectively. I find myself using it constantly, and am pleased with the location of mount,... can see those cats and dogs up close.

**NDA431FJ** · 03-31-2007, 11:08 PM

Quote:

Maintz previously said:

I added a rear-view camera to my AVIC-Z1,... mounted in center of bumper, below spare. Its wide angle, and in reverse, the view is full screen. I usually have the rear view on 2/3 screen while driving,... eliminates the blind spots effectively. I find myself using it constantly, and am pleased with the location of mount,... can see those cats and dogs up close.

Thanks for the tip, I relocated the BEC106 backup camera. It's now mounted on the bumper and in line with the reverse proximity sensors.

You're right, the image coverage is much better when mounted at the bumper.

Sun Fusion Cruiser · 07-17-2007, 03:57 PM

I just bought the VR3 yesterday, but I want to mount it in the bumper.

For those of you that have gone this route, how are you mounting it in the bumper? I've seen some pics and it almost looks factory. Looks like some even have a trim ring around the lens.

Pics would be appreciated.

blackrhino · 03-31-2008, 08:22 AM

In regards to the rear view cam, it seams to me that the PRIME location would ONLY be next to the third brake light opposite side of the washer nozzle. This location would not only offer the best line of sight but also would greatly reduce the likelihood of being damaged or obscured by FOD. In addition if the appropriate cam was chosen and installed correctly it in my opinion would yield not only more symmetrical but well thought out approach to the issue. The overall size and resolution/depth of field of the cam is the most critical concern but not unique. The power supply (12vdc) is very common in this category. And needless to say the viewing monitors are a dime a dozen. I have this on my to-do list but I would like to research it a bit more. Question: Has anyone seen an “Overhead Consul “ made specifically for the FJ (or not) with an integral monitor and perhaps provisions for other accessories such as switches/gauges/lite storage? They seem to be quite common in Minivans and Trucks.