Fiat Ducato Posted September 6, 2015 Share Posted September 6, 2015 I am in the process of choosing what reversing camera to buy and fit to my Motorhome, I have done lots of research and there are 3 main types, RGB cable connection, 4 pin cable connection and wireless. I know that 4 pin cable connection is far superior to standard RGB cable, So my choice is narrowed down to just 4 pin cable or wireless. Now personally I would of thought wireless was the best and probably most expensive option to buy. However looking on ebay etc, the 12v 4 pin cable connection reversing cameras are the most expensive. So does this mean they are the best ones to buy? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/221861461301?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/121636178721?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT Both of these come with a 7" TFT LCD monitor, both come with a 18 LED IR night vision water proof camera. Both offer 120 degree viewing angle. Any comments, feedback and experiences will be very welcome. Regards Paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
starvin marvin Posted September 6, 2015 Share Posted September 6, 2015 Go talk to Conrad Anderson, they know their stuff, based in Brum. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
neilmac Posted September 6, 2015 Share Posted September 6, 2015 Just an observation but in the 2 examples you've shown the price difference could just be that there is 15 mtrs of 4 pin cable included in the wired version. Both look good value to me :-) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AliB Posted September 9, 2015 Share Posted September 9, 2015 If opting for a wireless camera you need to be aware of the limitations. This type of system operates on the 2.4GHz frequency and is an "open" frequency. There is no pairing or encryption between the transmitter and receiver. Hence the receiver will pick up and display the strongest signal within its range. It is very common to pick up the signal from an adjacent vehicle. Also consider all the other devices which clutter this frequency., baby monitors, bluetooth devices and cordless telephones. The camera in the wireless system is based on a CMOS image sensor so will give slightly grainy images. Suprisingly, the monitor has a reasonable high resolution. A strange choice to match with a low res camera. There is no specification as to the water proof performance of the camera so one can only suspect it is low. The cabled system has a low resolution monitor, 480 x 234.. The camera is based on a CCD image sensor so will give better picture. It uses the 1/4" CCD which is not as good as a 1/3" CCD sensor. A 1/4" CCD sensor with a 2.8mm lens does not give a 120Deg angle of view. Worryingly, the camera is only raetd at IP66. This is insufficient waterproof protection for a camera fitted to a vehicle. It needs to be a minimum of IP67. Better quality cameras are rated at IP68/9. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fiat Ducato Posted September 12, 2015 Author Share Posted September 12, 2015 AliB - 2015-09-09 9:20 AM If opting for a wireless camera you need to be aware of the limitations. This type of system operates on the 2.4GHz frequency and is an "open" frequency. There is no pairing or encryption between the transmitter and receiver. Hence the receiver will pick up and display the strongest signal within its range. It is very common to pick up the signal from an adjacent vehicle. Also consider all the other devices which clutter this frequency., baby monitors, bluetooth devices and cordless telephones. The camera in the wireless system is based on a CMOS image sensor so will give slightly grainy images. Suprisingly, the monitor has a reasonable high resolution. A strange choice to match with a low res camera. There is no specification as to the water proof performance of the camera so one can only suspect it is low. The cabled system has a low resolution monitor, 480 x 234.. The camera is based on a CCD image sensor so will give better picture. It uses the 1/4" CCD which is not as good as a 1/3" CCD sensor. A 1/4" CCD sensor with a 2.8mm lens does not give a 120Deg angle of view. Worryingly, the camera is only raetd at IP66. This is insufficient waterproof protection for a camera fitted to a vehicle. It needs to be a minimum of IP67. Better quality cameras are rated at IP68/9. Thank you very much for this very detailed and informative write up, you seem to surely know what your talking about, I was thinking along the same lines, so to sum it all up in a nutshell: - the 7 pin cable would be better than the wireless version - The wireless version as good monitor but rubbish camera - The wired version as good camera but crappy monitor - And both have insufficient waterproof protection. Arrggh thats a right pain, there the only ones within my price range or more or less that I can find on ebay. Where can I find better ones like you mention with sufficient waterproof ratings for around £100- £150 max Appreciate all your help Paul :-D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fiat Ducato Posted September 12, 2015 Author Share Posted September 12, 2015 Maybe it's a case of building my own system buying the items individual, buy a decent monitor, then a separate 4 Pin Camera from somewhere else with a better water proof rating. Paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Keithl Posted September 12, 2015 Share Posted September 12, 2015 Fiat Ducato - 2015-09-12 10:36 AM AliB - 2015-09-09 9:20 AM If opting for a wireless camera you need to be aware of the limitations. This type of system operates on the 2.4GHz frequency and is an "open" frequency. There is no pairing or encryption between the transmitter and receiver. Hence the receiver will pick up and display the strongest signal within its range. It is very common to pick up the signal from an adjacent vehicle. Also consider all the other devices which clutter this frequency., baby monitors, bluetooth devices and cordless telephones. The camera in the wireless system is based on a CMOS image sensor so will give slightly grainy images. Suprisingly, the monitor has a reasonable high resolution. A strange choice to match with a low res camera. There is no specification as to the water proof performance of the camera so one can only suspect it is low. The cabled system has a low resolution monitor, 480 x 234.. The camera is based on a CCD image sensor so will give better picture. It uses the 1/4" CCD which is not as good as a 1/3" CCD sensor. A 1/4" CCD sensor with a 2.8mm lens does not give a 120Deg angle of view. Worryingly, the camera is only raetd at IP66. This is insufficient waterproof protection for a camera fitted to a vehicle. It needs to be a minimum of IP67. Better quality cameras are rated at IP68/9. Thank you very much for this very detailed and informative write up, you seem to surely know what your talking about, I was thinking along the same lines, so to sum it all up in a nutshell: - the 7 pin cable would be better than the wireless version - The wireless version as good monitor but rubbish camera - The wired version as good camera but crappy monitor - And both have insufficient waterproof protection. Arrggh thats a right pain, there the only ones within my price range or more or less that I can find on ebay. Where can I find better ones like you mention with sufficient waterproof ratings for around £100- £150 max Appreciate all your help Paul :-D Paul, AliB is so knowledgeable as he actually sells reversing cameras, etc. He freely offers advice but does not push his shop on forum members. Click on the WWW below his user name to access his website and see what he sells. If you then want further advice you can ask him directly. Keith. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bulletguy Posted September 12, 2015 Share Posted September 12, 2015 Keithl - 2015-09-12 11:04 AM Paul, AliB is so knowledgeable as he actually sells reversing cameras, etc. He freely offers advice but does not push his shop on forum members. Doubt you will get much better recommendation than that! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fiat Ducato Posted September 17, 2015 Author Share Posted September 17, 2015 Right so I've bought a reversing camera now, with 15m of the 4pin cable which connects camera to monitor. I'm a bit confused about the wiring, on the monitor end which is obviously some distance from the rear camera end, are all the connections for Live, Ground and Reverse. Now usually people tend to wire the reverse feed to the reverse light, if I were to do this I would need to run another 10m length of cable from the monitor reverse deed wire all the way back again to the reverse light. Seems ridiculous. To go back on yourself. Does anybody know how to connect the reverse feed wire to the reverse gear, or if there is a better way of wiring it up so as it comes on when reverse gear is selected. (Don't think this kit comes with option to switch on while driving which would have been useful) but hey only paid £60 for CCD white camera, 7inch monitor 800x480 pixels, remote control, and 15m of the 4 pin DIN cable. Thought it was a good deal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bulletguy Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 Fiat Ducato - 2015-09-17 3:11 PM Does anybody know how to connect the reverse feed wire to the reverse gear, or if there is a better way of wiring it up so as it comes on when reverse gear is selected. (Don't think this kit comes with option to switch on while driving which would have been useful) but hey only paid £60 for CCD white camera, 7inch monitor 800x480 pixels, remote control, and 15m of the 4 pin DIN cable. Thought it was a good deal. Try Google images of "how to install reversing camera". That throws up lots of wiring diagrams, some clearer than others. Also a few helpful clips on YouTube. Alternatively, give the job to a good reputable auto electrician. The latter is what i tend to go for as whilst i'm fine with the mechanical side, auto electrics have never been my best point! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Steve928 Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 My camera was wired to come on when selecting reverse gear but I soon discovered that that wasn't a good way of doing it. When you find yourself in the middle of a tight manoeuver that sees you repeatedly selecting first and reverse then it gets really annoying; it's always off or warming up when you need it and on when you don't.. Just switch it on/off when you want it via the monitor switch would be my advice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rayjsj Posted September 17, 2015 Share Posted September 17, 2015 Fiat Ducato - 2015-09-17 3:11 PM Right so I've bought a reversing camera now, with 15m of the 4pin cable which connects camera to monitor. I'm a bit confused about the wiring, on the monitor end which is obviously some distance from the rear camera end, are all the connections for Live, Ground and Reverse. Now usually people tend to wire the reverse feed to the reverse light, if I were to do this I would need to run another 10m length of cable from the monitor reverse deed wire all the way back again to the reverse light. Seems ridiculous. To go back on yourself. Does anybody know how to connect the reverse feed wire to the reverse gear, or if there is a better way of wiring it up so as it comes on when reverse gear is selected. (Don't think this kit comes with option to switch on while driving which would have been useful) but hey only paid £60 for CCD white camera, 7inch monitor 800x480 pixels, remote control, and 15m of the 4 pin DIN cable. Thought it was a good deal. . Must admit I got a guy to wire mine up for me, I have, twin cameras, 4pin HD waterproof cables/connectors I asked him to wire mine to come on with the ignition, as I use one camera for rear vision, very happy with the result a year down the line. And it's always on when you need it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AliB Posted September 18, 2015 Share Posted September 18, 2015 Fiat Ducato - 2015-09-17 3:11 PM Right so I've bought a reversing camera now, with 15m of the 4pin cable which connects camera to monitor. I'm a bit confused about the wiring, on the monitor end which is obviously some distance from the rear camera end, are all the connections for Live, Ground and Reverse. Now usually people tend to wire the reverse feed to the reverse light, if I were to do this I would need to run another 10m length of cable from the monitor reverse deed wire all the way back again to the reverse light. Seems ridiculous. To go back on yourself. Does anybody know how to connect the reverse feed wire to the reverse gear, or if there is a better way of wiring it up so as it comes on when reverse gear is selected. (Don't think this kit comes with option to switch on while driving which would have been useful) but hey only paid £60 for CCD white camera, 7inch monitor 800x480 pixels, remote control, and 15m of the 4 pin DIN cable. Thought it was a good deal. The switch for the reverse light is located on the gearbox. You have not stated your base vehicle but here is one example: X244 pre 2007 – A reverse light feed can be found behind the passenger side oddments box in dash. Prise the box out and you should find a nest of wires with a multi-way connector. There should be two wires in one side with no corresponding wires on the other, one white, one white red. Check with a Voltmeter, both should go live when reverse gear is selected (ignition on). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fiat Ducato Posted September 18, 2015 Author Share Posted September 18, 2015 AliB - 2015-09-18 10:21 AM Fiat Ducato - 2015-09-17 3:11 PM Right so I've bought a reversing camera now, with 15m of the 4pin cable which connects camera to monitor. I'm a bit confused about the wiring, on the monitor end which is obviously some distance from the rear camera end, are all the connections for Live, Ground and Reverse. Now usually people tend to wire the reverse feed to the reverse light, if I were to do this I would need to run another 10m length of cable from the monitor reverse deed wire all the way back again to the reverse light. Seems ridiculous. To go back on yourself. Does anybody know how to connect the reverse feed wire to the reverse gear, or if there is a better way of wiring it up so as it comes on when reverse gear is selected. (Don't think this kit comes with option to switch on while driving which would have been useful) but hey only paid £60 for CCD white camera, 7inch monitor 800x480 pixels, remote control, and 15m of the 4 pin DIN cable. Thought it was a good deal. The switch for the reverse light is located on the gearbox. You have not stated your base vehicle but here is one example: X244 pre 2007 – A reverse light feed can be found behind the passenger side oddments box in dash. Prise the box out and you should find a nest of wires with a multi-way connector. There should be two wires in one side with no corresponding wires on the other, one white, one white red. Check with a Voltmeter, both should go live when reverse gear is selected (ignition on). Thanks AliB Mine is a 1997 1.9TD Fiat Ducato Auto Roller. How you advise on connecting the live and reverse feed together to ignition live, so as the camera is always on like several people have suggested, useful for switching monitor on when driving along to check behind you as no rear mirror . Apparently if you have it connected to reverse light or reverse feed, when you have to do a manoeuvre that requires a lot of forwards and backwards gear shifting the camera will keep switching off then on again taking several moments to load again. Your advice is very much appreciated as you know what you are talking about. :-) Paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek Uzzell Posted September 19, 2015 Share Posted September 19, 2015 Paul If you want to use your camera system as the equivalent to a rear-view mirror, all you need do is connect the monitor to an ignition-controlled 12V power supply (eg. ‘piggyback’ on the supply feeding a dashboard cigarette lighter). Then (as Steve928 says) you can switch the system on or off whenever you wish via the monitor’s own On/Off switch. The potential downside of this arrangement is that a camera best suited for reversing manoeuvres will not be best suited as a rear-view mirror substitute. It will also be the case that a camera used for reversing manoeuvres will normally be oriented so that it looks directly down the rear wall of the motorhome, while a camera being used as a rear-view mirror needs to look ‘long distance’ down the road behind the motorhome. It is possible to purchase specialised cameras that allow both functions to be carried out efficiently, but you’ll need to either choose one or the other or accept a compromise. Whatever you choose to do though, I strongly suggest you follow Steve928’s advice and not use the reverse-light or reverse-gear switch as a trigger and just power the system from an ignition-controlled 12V supply. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fiat Ducato Posted September 20, 2015 Author Share Posted September 20, 2015 Well I've had a look around the cab in my 1997 Fiat Ducato 1.9TD and the radio stays on even when the ignition is off and key is out, (I suppose this is handy if your stopped somewhere over night and want to listen to the radio or music for a little while as they are relatively low power consumption) so can't use this live feed, So I then checked the cigar lighter as previously recommended bu again permanent live works even with ignition off and key out (just weird) So looks like I will have to remove steering wheel column and splice into ignition live, only problem is how do I route the wire to the top of the dash where I want to mount the monitor, but I will be removing the monitor when vehicle is left parked up, so want to be able to access the power cable - monitor connector. Anyone got any ideas or if other people can tell me how they installed there's and the route they took, I would be very grateful. I was thinking of taking the centre console section out just below the vents, drilling a small hole in the top of the dash just about the vents then pass the cable through, just enough to connect connector for power and AV in connector, then apply a little bit of black polyurethane sealant around it so it stops it falling back in and tidies it up nicely. Many thanks Paul Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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