Back-Up Camera |
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techntrek
Admin Group - pHp Joined: 29 Jul 2009 Location: MD Online Status: Offline Posts: 9059 |
Topic: Back-Up Camera Posted: 21 Feb 2014 at 7:39pm |
Something really simple to try - since you already have the backup camera, maybe mounting a small mirror at a 45 degree angle pointed towards the ball would allow you to see it? It might require using a magnifying mirror to allow you to see anything with the camera's fish eye lens.
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Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ Pod instruction manual
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Sleepless
Senior Member Joined: 07 Jun 2013 Location: Titusville, FL Online Status: Offline Posts: 556 |
Posted: 21 Feb 2014 at 4:21pm |
Just a quick update on my possible choices for a back-up camera for my pick-up. I do have a navigation system with a back-up camera, but the camera does not show my trailer hitch ball. My fist choice was the wireless iBall, which seems like a great system and is versatile in that the camera is magnetic and can be mounted on the back of the truck for hitching up, and later it can be mounted on the rear of the pod for backing up. I am sometimes forgetful, and eventually I know I would forget to remove the camera and run the possibility of losing it while on the road.
Right now I am leaning toward the wired Smart Hitch by Hopkins. It sells almost everywhere for $149, but etrailer has it for $119. Wiring the monitor is somewhat exacting, but I believe it is worth the extra effort. This unit is switchable, with settings for hitching up and one for use as a true back up camera. I still have a few details to work out on my truck, but this is now my unit of choice. If anyone has a better idea, your comments will be appreciated. Bob |
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2014 R-Pod 178 (OUR POD)
2009 Chevrolet Avalanche |
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Dave NE TX
Newbie Joined: 07 Feb 2014 Online Status: Offline Posts: 4 |
Posted: 17 Feb 2014 at 3:27pm |
Looking at the Yada BR53328F-1. My TV has a backup camera but I was thinking about one of these for the back of the pod. I'm more concerned about my driveway than I am camping areas, but it might be nice to be able to switch it on using the tail light circuit to get a better look at what's behind me on the road. Anybody have any experience with this camera?
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Dave and Cindy
RP179 2010 ML350 1 Schnauzer, 1 "Pound Puppy" |
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Sleepless
Senior Member Joined: 07 Jun 2013 Location: Titusville, FL Online Status: Offline Posts: 556 |
Posted: 17 Feb 2014 at 2:34pm |
dsmiths, I notice that the new model is switchable between normal and mirror image.
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2014 R-Pod 178 (OUR POD)
2009 Chevrolet Avalanche |
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CharlieM
Senior Member Joined: 23 Nov 2012 Location: N. Colorado Online Status: Offline Posts: 1797 |
Posted: 17 Feb 2014 at 7:48am |
Bob,
Looks like you are zeroing in on the iBall. There are a few others in the same price range also available from Amazon in case you haven't seen them. I haven't checked the specs other than they both have 3.5" monitors. Of course they all operate in the no mans land of 2.4GHz, probably analog for the price. For short hitching exercises the Blue Tooth problem can be managed. Not selling anything; just trying to help you get rid of that extra cash. http://www.rearviewsafety.com/products/wireless-systems/hitch-camera-reversing-system.html http://www.amazon.com/Hopkins-50002-Smart-Camera-System/dp/B00CTLGSZO/ref=pd_sim_sbs_auto_3?ie=UTF8&refRID=19V9X0Y2QY38MPM0QZ7N |
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Charlie
Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
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Sleepless
Senior Member Joined: 07 Jun 2013 Location: Titusville, FL Online Status: Offline Posts: 556 |
Posted: 17 Feb 2014 at 12:01am |
The iBall is the unit that caught my eye until I read several of the reviews. The only problem noted was interference caused by Blue Tooth devices, as Charlie warned. My Avalanche has 3 Blue Tooth devices and we carry 2 smartphones that are also Blue Tooth. After much thought, I am still tempted to try an iBall. They retail for $149.95, with refurbished ones available for $134.95. I purchase most of my electronic equipment and cameras that are refurbished and have had excellent success with them. iBall has a promo code for $15.00 off, so a refurbished unit would only be $120 w/free shipping. Unless I hear worse reports, I plan to purchase one, only for the task of hitching up my pod and for backing it into camping sites. Another good feature is that it is completely portable.
Thanks, dsmiths. Bob |
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2014 R-Pod 178 (OUR POD)
2009 Chevrolet Avalanche |
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dsmiths
Senior Member Joined: 10 Oct 2011 Location: Southern Ind Online Status: Offline Posts: 866 |
Posted: 16 Feb 2014 at 10:32pm |
I have an I Baller, I think I paid about 100 bucks about 2 years ago, it works quite well but still takes a little practice as the camera flips the frame and everything is backwards, just like looking into a security camera when you move left the image moves right. its a pretty good little system. If you want you can stick it on the back of the pod and watch as you back into a camping spot.
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Dane and Donna Smith
2011 RP-172 2008 Chevrolet Trailblazer 4X4 lift kit prodigy wireless brake controller |
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Sleepless
Senior Member Joined: 07 Jun 2013 Location: Titusville, FL Online Status: Offline Posts: 556 |
Posted: 16 Feb 2014 at 8:53pm |
You are absolutely right. When it comes to my photographic and computer equipment, the costs are unbelievably high. For a back-up camera, I would not be so extravagant. Maybe "less extravagant" is a better term than "relatively inexpensive."
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2014 R-Pod 178 (OUR POD)
2009 Chevrolet Avalanche |
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CharlieM
Senior Member Joined: 23 Nov 2012 Location: N. Colorado Online Status: Offline Posts: 1797 |
Posted: 16 Feb 2014 at 6:11pm |
Ah yes. "Relatively inexpensive". An unrecognized term in high tech solutions, even when fabricated from Chinium.
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Charlie
Northern Colorado OLD: 2013 RP-172, 2010 Honda Pilot 3.5L 4WD PRESENT: 2014 Camplite 21RBS, 2013 Supercharged Tacoma 4L V6 4WD |
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Sleepless
Senior Member Joined: 07 Jun 2013 Location: Titusville, FL Online Status: Offline Posts: 556 |
Posted: 16 Feb 2014 at 5:46pm |
Charlie, thanks for the detailed response. My last Class A motor home had a full-time night vision rear view camera that worked great, but it was designed to show areas farther behind than the rear bumper of the motor home. My tow vehicles have had back-up cameras integrated with the navigation systems, but they, also, can not give me a view of my hitch ball.
I have been studying the iBall wireless trailer hitch camera, which can be magnetically mounted on the back of the TV for hitching up, and later on the back of the trailer for manuvering into a campsite or backing up in general. Some reports indicate that as you mentioned, it is sometimes prone to interference from Blue Tooth devices and other sources. Our cell phones, On Star, navigation system, etc. may all be possible sources of interference. For this reason, I am hoping that one or more members are using a system that is not compromised by such interference. Maybe such an animal does not exist. My magnetic shafts with the tennis balls works reasonably well, and I can line up ball and coupler with surprising accuracy, but I was hoping there might be a higher tech, but relatively inexpensive, alternative to the tennis balls. Thanks again, Charlie. Bob |
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2014 R-Pod 178 (OUR POD)
2009 Chevrolet Avalanche |
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