reversing camera 'rear view mirror'

mentaliss

mentaliss

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2011
Has anyone out there got a 'rear view mirror' type display instead of a the usual separate monitor or media display?
If so, can you advise about the positives and negatives..... my vehicle is a Swift Bolero 600ek yes, I know this model come's fitted with a reversing camera system as standard (Blaupunkt Radio reversing camera/sat nav)...but the system is in my opinion awful, I dont want the rear view camera as a reversing camera as my bikes and gull wing rear bar/Tow box block the view but I would like to see what's behind me, for instance, a motorcycle that my side mirror's cant see...anybody???:thumb:
 
I suppose it depends on whether you actually have a view in the mirror, in which case you may want to keep it.
Neither my present van, or the one before, had a rear window so the rear view mirror was redundant, and actually the current van doesn't even have one.
A monitor where the mirror was, is in a natural position, where you'd expect to see a rear view so if it fits (take care with a drop down bed) it's probably a good idea.:thumb:
 
Reallyretired said:
I suppose it depends on whether you actually have a view in the mirror, in which case you may want to keep it.
Neither my present van, or the one before, had a rear window so the rear view mirror was redundant, and actually the current van doesn't even have one.
A monitor where the mirror was, is in a natural position, where you'd expect to see a rear view so if it fits (take care with a drop down bed) it's probably a good idea.:thumb:
Click to expand...

thanks, perhaps you misread:
....... as a reversing camera as my bikes and gull wing rear bar/Tow box block the view but I would like to see what's behind me, for instance, a motorcycle that my side mirror's cant see...anybody???
 
Hi, I had similar problem with my Autocruise Starfire Basically same model as yours end kithen,as back box obscures high level reversing camera, I got another camera from Sargent and had it fixed along side the number plate ,it gives me a good view of whats behind. I checked with Sargent about the existing wiring and they said there is a connection somewhere near the electric step. So I / dealer got the 6 pin din cable from Swift to connect the new camera, leaving the existing cable to the upper camera in place also the upper camera. So at a later date I could revert back if I got rid of the back box/ bike rack.
Terry:sin::sin:
 
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Thats well convenient however there is no provision for a electric step system on the Bolero 'John Cross' confirmed that the plastic moulded step well is not strong enough to support a installation of a electric step .. but I'm sure I could build a Marine Ply box section to replace the plastic mould step well and then fit a electric step...sorry I'm diversing, still don't know if there is power there as you describe

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Hi
Have you joined

Link Removed

You should get help on there

I have the rear view mirror display attachment and the original camera pointing down, I also have another camera facing the rear to do as you say. Swift on above site should be able to help you :thumb:
 
mentaliss said:
Thats well convenient however there is no provision for a electric step system on the Bolero 'John Cross' confirmed that the plastic moulded step well is not strong enough to support a installation of a electric step .. but I'm sure I could build a Marine Ply box section to replace the plastic mould step well and then fit a electric step...sorry I'm diversing, still don't know if there is power there as you describe
Click to expand...

Hi Mentaliss, slight misunderstanding.
No! the camera cable is completely seperate, I only mentioned the step as thats where the join in the cable is near to fit the extra cable for new camera.
I have actually a mirror monitor which was original fitment , but I would ask Swift if your existing camera has a similar break/connection near the rear of the van which you could connect an extra camera in place of your existing camera in a position of your choice either on the van back wall or the bike rack this would then save you buying and remounting your monitor in the cab.
Terry:sin:
 
mentaliss said:
thanks, perhaps you misread:
....... as a reversing camera as my bikes and gull wing rear bar/Tow box block the view but I would like to see what's behind me, for instance, a motorcycle that my side mirror's cant see...anybody???
Click to expand...

Fit a high level camera......only thing to stop a good rear view would be to tow a caravan :Laughing:
 
Most 'reversing cameras' are not really suitable for use as a replacement mirror as the view they give is far too wide angle

From a great deal of experiment I have found the ideal focal length for a camera that will give you a very similar view to the human eye and a standard rear view mirror is 16mm ( most 'reversing' cameras are about 6 to 8mm )

I use a water proof surveillance camera mounted high up on the back of the van.., gives a great view :thumb:
It was £60 from fleabay
 
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duplicate post

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Hello there I have one of these fitted that I mainly use as a means of seeing what is behind me , I didn't connect up to the reverse gear switch instead wired it to a switch on the dash so it can be on all the time I want it. it is pretty good quality wired system and I paid around £170 with the camera etc. It is handy to have but sometimes it can be distracting.
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Hi, I have one of these fitted and is a brilliant bit of kit. Although it's primary use is as reversing camera, I like to keep it on permanantly when driving and use it as rear view mirror. Any extra eyes behind me always useful.
My particular model also has a microphone which is invaluable when being directed for reversing/parking even if I do hear the names I am being called.:Wink:
 
Worked fine on my Autocruise
view%207-XL.jpg
 
Is it legal to view a monitor or camera while driving, i suppose a sat nav is classed as one. I know you can't view a monitor while driving so just wondered if this was a monitor/tv
 
Wireless rear view

Techno100 said:
Worked fine on my Autocruise
view%207-XL.jpg
Click to expand...

Hi Andy. What is the make and model of the rear view camara in your picture. Is it a wireless type. We have a wirered one for reversing, but dont fancy rolling out an other cable down the length of the rig.
Regards Pudseykeith .
 
It's a £25 china eBay special . No it isn't wireless. I have a spare unused if anyone wants to collect it for same price
 
MrJinks said:
Hi, I have one of these fitted and is a brilliant bit of kit. Although it's primary use is as reversing camera, I like to keep it on permanantly when driving and use it as rear view mirror. Any extra eyes behind me always useful.
My particular model also has a microphone which is invaluable when being directed for reversing/parking even if I do hear the names I am being called.:Wink:
Click to expand...

One of ours also had a speaker at the rear-and all and sundry could hear the comments I was making at the instructions I was getting when being directed by someone who stood where I couldn't see them :Doh:

Mike.
 
I like to keep camera 'on' all the time-but we have had problems with cameras being too wide angle,showing too much sky,and adjusting the image automatically so that they are very dark on a bright day.
Does a 16mm camera help with that problem ?

Mike.
 
Completely eliminates the problem :thumb:

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Techno said:
Worked fine on my Autocruise
view%207-XL.jpg
Click to expand...
This is the model that I would like to get fitted with a dual camera for both reversing and viewing - can anyone recommend someone to fit this for me across Cheshire/Merseyside? many thanks..
 
I've got this kit, a wired one:-

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Clip-over mirror monitor works very well indeed. It actually works well as a mirror when it's off - I have through vision in my van, hence why only having a single camera looking down, I don't really need a rear view one.

Mine is linked to the reversing light so it comes on automatically when I go into reverse, but there is a button to turn it on manually on the mirror as well, which is useful - I use it very time I come out of my drive, so I know when the back end of the van is clear of my gatepost and I can start to turn - depending on how the neighbours have parked it's very tight getting in and out of my driveway!

The only downside of the monitor is it's very slightly wider than the gap between the sun visors, so they clonk it slightly when I lower them - this on an old shape Ducato, X244.
 
I fitted one, hardwired, the only niggle I have is the Green ,amber, red lines on the picture, but you soon get over it.

Wide angle Camera(I can see all 3 lanes on the M/Way) and Monitor wiring etc £98
 
I bought two cameras from . one at the top of the M/H and one attached to the tow bar connected by wire to a split screen so I can see both simultaneously. Power is by a switch under the dash board so I can turn them on of off when I like, not connected to reverse gear.

It took a bit of work to find a way through the M/H for top camera but study cupboards, etc and I'm sure you can fine a way.
I find them useful to see what's behind me whilst travelling and keep a eye on the Easylifter wheels in case of a puncture.
I removed the rear-view mirror as view out back was blocked by bike rack, and made a metal bracket using holes from mirror.
Hope this helps

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Jaws said:
Most 'reversing cameras' are not really suitable for use as a replacement mirror as the view they give is far too wide angle

From a great deal of experiment I have found the ideal focal length for a camera that will give you a very similar view to the human eye and a standard rear view mirror is 16mm ( most 'reversing' cameras are about 6 to 8mm )

I use a water proof surveillance camera mounted high up on the back of the van.., gives a great view :thumb:
It was £60 from fleabay
Click to expand...

Similarly I use one of these:
 
Take care if choosing a mirror-fitting monitor: they come in two resolutions and the higher of the two is much better.

Example hi-res 622 x 586



Example lo-res 480 x 234
 
tonyidle said:
Similarly I use one of these:
Click to expand...

No Tony, far too wide angle mate.. you need at least an 8mm focal length unit.
I do not both with hd either..Far too expesive to get a monitor to do them justice for what is really only a replacement for a mirror..
I use similar to this thing.
 
Jaws said:
No Tony, far too wide angle mate.. you need at least an 8mm focal length unit.
I do not both with hd either..Far too expesive to get a monitor to do them justice for what is really only a replacement for a mirror..
I use similar to this thing.
Click to expand...
I agree an HD camera isn't relevant but I chose the camera more on size & appearance - especially given the price. I haven't found the viewing angle to be a significant disadvantage: in fact the extra vertical angle means I can see within a couple of feet of the rear of the van and have a "rear view mirror" view of the road. The extra horizontal angle doesn't matter. I use this monitor although on the last van I used the one I suggested in my other post.
 
What does one do if one wants a rear-view-mirror monitor/dashcam but there's no mirror at all, just a blck blob on the windscreen where it would go?
I.e: on a new Peugeot Boxer.

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