Cheap reversing camera & LCD monitor - $130.00 delivered

[Omaroo]

Like most, our Defender is extremely difficult to see out the back of. We have the drawer system and on top of that a shelf system which houses the fridge, boxes, bags, etc. Behind all of that is the spare. Not easy to safely reverse, and I came very close to nudging someone the other day that I swore was clear but wasn't quite.

I've decided to get a camera system to help out - not just for seeing rearward pedestrians in the car park, but for reversing into tight camping spots and general reversing. Only problem I found is that they aren't cheap. Systems were looking like $4-800 for the camera, wiring and monitor. I have only a small area in the Defender dash so can't have a 7" monitor which is the norm - it just wouldn't fit anywhere. I found the $700-odd din-sized slide-out ones looked too fragile, and would certainly fall apart because of corrugations and dust.

So.... I found one on eBay out of..you guessed it...China. $130.00 delivered to my door in Sydney. Not bad!!!! There's no reason that the camera shouldn't be as high quality as the Jaycar unit - it's probably the same one. The screen should go for years too. We'll see how it all likes living inside a 4WD over time. Anyway - for $130.00 who's arguing.

The camera looks like the Jaycar unit (with the swivel mount) that they sell for that price alone. Here are the specs:

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
* 2.5" TFT Screen
* Can be operated inside your car or at home
* Plays DVD/VCD/VCR/CCTV/Rear View Camera
* Resolution (336,960 pixels)
* Build In Speaker
* NTSC/PAL system auto switch
* With Volumn/Color/Brightness adjustments
* Thin Film Transistor (TFT)
* Power Supply: 12V DC ± 10%
* Image Sensor: Color CMOS
* Electronic Shutter time: Auto PAL;1/60-1/100,000 Second
* Number of Pixels: PAL 510(H)x492(V)
* Horizontal resolution:380 TV Lines
* Operating Temperature: -10 to +50 Degree C
* Camera size: 30mm x 42mm
* Monitor Size: 75x59x27mm

Jacks:

* RCA type Video and Audio Input
* DC input: 12v/400mA

Accessories:

* 1 x 2.5 inch TFT LCD Display
* 1 x Car Rear View Color Camera
* 12V car cigarette adapter included
* RCA cable

[p38arover]

Have you received the goods as yet?

I've seen those advertised but haven't been game to order owing to the country whence they are being sold. I wasn't sure I'd receive the goods.

Ron

[Omaroo]

Then I'll let you know Ron!

I've ordered from China before and, if anything, they've been snappier deliverers than anyone else. They are basically honest and know that a bad reputation can literally kill their business over there.

[p38arover]

Excellent! That's good to know because I've been interested in a number of items from there.

Ron

[Tusker]

Keep us posted on how it goes once installed. I'll be doing somthing similar after Easter.

Regards
Max P

[George130]

I have been looking at these ones as well. I was thinking of getting a second camera for the front for those steep drops. Keep us all informd of your findings.

[Farnarkle]

Prolly a dopey question - why a camera and not just one of them proximity detector thingies?

[Omaroo]

Originally posted by Farnarkle
Prolly a dopey question - why a camera and not just one of them proximity detector thingies?

I like the idea of being able to see proper images so that I might be able to better line up a trailer hitch, or see if my wife is coming back to the car at the shops, or view where details are when backing into a bush campinf spot etc, etc.

Proximity is great, but I want to see a picture.

[Farnarkle]

OK I getcha now - where would you mount the camera? And run the cabling?

[Omaroo]

Cabling is the easy part. There are lots of routes to take to the console.

Camera position? That's probably going to be in one of these four places. Any ideas anyone?