Back Up Circut

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Sep 22, 2008 | 09:07 PM

MarkMoore

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From: High Point, NC

Back Up Circut

I'm considering installing a wireless backup camera and thinking about the install. The unit I'm looking at will have a 3.5 in LCD that I will attach to the backside of the sunvisor and I'm trying to figure out where to wire it in; should I wire it hot all of the time (easy) or wire it in with hot in 'R'. But how would I do that? Of course the camera would be powered by the backup lights, but what about the monitor?

Or should I just wire everything (camera and monitor) on a switch so I can turn it on at any time and see what's behind me?

For those that have backup cameras, what is you preference? Also, where did you mount your camera - pro's/con's?

If you wired yours 'On' in 'R', then how did you power the monitor?

I would love to just run out a buy a nice 7 in LCD, double din, radio to replace the stock one, but it's just not in the budget (unless someone wants to donate one).

Sep 22, 2008 | 09:44 PM

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I'd say put it on a switch, in case you run over a squirrel and dont wnat to back all the way up to see the dead carcass. Ok, maybe theres better reasons, like maybe you will want to look at the trailor if you hear a funny noise or something while driving. I'd imagine being on a switch shouldnt be too much more work, and would have some benefits even though I cant think of too many plausible reasons this second lol.

Sep 22, 2008 | 10:52 PM

wallz

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From: The Great White North!

I put my camera just under the driver side rear swing door. More than often the right door is used, and even when both are, the camera sits just below. Kinda, just to the far left of the lic plate indent in the rear bumper. The screen, I have zip tied it loose just above the rear view mirror, to the power cable for the mirror, and only powers when in r. Found the power to the backup lights in the engine comp, and wired into there, and also in the fuse panel. The natural place to look is at the rear view mirror, so it fits and works awsome there. There is still power to the screen, you just have to turn on if you want to run some other input into it(but I found it not necessary) If you wire into a switch, then everytime you want to reverse, then you have to remember to turn on. I'm kinda lazy and forgetful for that. I know you'll want pics so I'll run out and shoot some and post again later.

Sep 23, 2008 | 12:31 AM

wallz

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From: The Great White North!

Back with the said photos, kuz I know you will want to see. And seeing is easier than saying. I followed the instructions for the camera power, and then followed the instructions for hard wired. The camera isn't an eyesore, and the screen can't really be noticed from the outside.

also a few more pictures and short explanation of install in my gallery.

Sep 23, 2008 | 04:46 AM

MarkMoore

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From: High Point, NC

Hey wallz,

How's the view from that mounting point? Is the camera 90* view? I've seen others that have the 'tag trim' camera and somethat have mounted it to the hitch receiver itself; but I think I would like a higher point of view. I'd really like to have one of the 3rd break light cameras, but I'm not dropping $200+ on the thing.

The review mirror mount is good idea, but I have a ScanGauge mounted there; so the visor will have to do.

That actually looks exactly like the camera/screen that I'm looking at on ebay.

Sep 23, 2008 | 08:32 PM

wallz

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From: The Great White North!

The view is more than adequate for backing up in parking situations, and since I don't tow, I didn't need to see my hitch. I think yes, it is with a 90* view. I was on vacation when I installed so that seemed to be the easiest mounting spot. I really wanted a higher vantage pnt and thought about the glass door, and even in the brake light with bracket. But being on holidays and not the access to different tools and sheet metal, I decided that will work and now to lazy to remount. It works for what we need.

I have also seen the lic plate mount cameras, they seem flatter and might also work in the brake light area. Another area I looked at was right under the back glass lift handle. Kinda where you put your fingers to lift handle.
I bought mine in costcos for under 100 all up, and also didn't want to spend too much on one.
How often do u look at the scan gauge, and do you have to have access to press buttons? I don't have one, so just asking. You might want to find another mounting area for the gauge. The screen in the rear view area just seems to be natural, because you look there to back up anyhow. You might be able to cut a small pc of metal to run from the screws that hold the sun visor, to mount the gauge in that area. Kinda in front of the visor towards the windshield, and down enough to just see it below the visor.

Sep 24, 2008 | 06:31 AM

MarkMoore

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From: High Point, NC

I look at (um, play with) my SG all the time... it's become an addiction. I paid extra for the BlendMount and love it located there.

I have an broken, but salvageable suction cup mount for my GPS (Magellan gave me a new mount) - maybe I could modiy that to hold the monitor, I think it is about the same size/weight. Could be an option.

How is the night vision on that unit?