My backup camera solution. - LotusTalk

Chili Red · 12-24-2006, 11:41 AM

My car came in on Thursday and I took it straight to Custom Car Stereo (Here in Houston) to have a backup camera installed as I was very paranoid about driving without a rear view mirror.

I had them yank out the stock Alpine system and replace it with the Alpine Mobile Multimedia Station IVA-D100 and hook it up to a Eclipse BEC105 backup camera. They were nice enough to rig it to where the camera would stay on all the time instead of just when in reverse. I now feel much more comfortable driving with a view from the back of the car.

If you are going to get a setup like this you need to be aware that the screen will hit the windshield wiper stock when opening and retracting. I have the display set to stay up all the time so I do not need to worry about moving the stalk to allow the screen to pass.

Photos attached:

Brennon · 12-24-2006, 11:42 AM

Looks good.

How does it do for night driving?

Chili Red · 12-24-2006, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brennon

Looks good.

How does it do for night driving?

If your in a real dark area its hard to see, but if there is any light it works well. Cars behind you can blind the camera with their headlights as well, but atleast you know someone is behind you.

The worst is in the rain as the camera becomes totally useless as its covered in water coming from the back tires.

anbakookie · 12-24-2006, 12:22 PM

How much was it for the install and equipment? Also is there any option for night vision?
PS, it looks good!

qball · 12-24-2006, 12:32 PM

Is the image reveresed at all? (i.e., does it look like it does in a review mirror or is the image not mirrored?)

Randy Chase · 12-24-2006, 12:43 PM

Standard rear view images are reversed, but it can be easily toggled with a wire from the camera.

No issues with the LCD hitting the wiper stalk?

Chili Red · 12-24-2006, 01:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by anbakookie

How much was it for the install and equipment? Also is there any option for night vision?
PS, it looks good!

This setup was about $1700 installed. I'm not sure about the night vision, this camera works well in all but pitch black. As long as there are street lights you are fine and if your backing up the reverse lights illuminate plenty.

Quote:

Originally Posted by qball

Is the image reveresed at all? (i.e., does it look like it does in a review mirror or is the image not mirrored?)

I have not really payed attention, but I do not think the image is reversed.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Randy Chase

Standard rear view images are reversed, but it can be easily toggled with a wire from the camera.

No issues with the LCD hitting the wiper stalk?

Yes the LCD does hit the wiper stalk, I just leave the display up all the time. If I do want to put the display down you just need to move the wiper stalk up a bit and the screen will clear. Something Im willing to live with.

BZRD69 · 12-24-2006, 01:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Randy Chase

Standard rear view images are reversed, but it can be easily toggled with a wire from the camera.

No issues with the LCD hitting the wiper stalk?

If you didn't want to go w/ an LCD in the dash you could try this item.

Chili Red · 12-24-2006, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BZRD69

If you didn't want to go w/ an LCD in the dash you could try this item.

I looked at the LCD rear view mirrors, but the screens are to small. With the setup I used I get a bigger 6.5" LCD, plus the bonus of better sound and the ability to play DVD's and the option to upgrade to Navigation later.

DealMan · 12-24-2006, 07:28 PM

Don't laugh, but I saw a backup camera solution at a local Costco, where the camera is on a plastic bracket that mounts directly to the license plate mounting points, and the display unit looks like a portable GPS device...The unit was less than $100 and it works via wireless signals!

MikeW · 12-24-2006, 08:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DealMan

Don't laugh, but I saw a backup camera solution at a local Costco, where the camera is on a plastic bracket that mounts directly to the license plate mounting points, and the display unit looks like a portable GPS device...The unit was less than $100 and it works via wireless signals!

I'm not laughing. Its $89.00(?). If it stinks, Costco is know to be overkill on taking return items. I'm getting a trailer and thought about putting it in the truck to help me back up to the hitch. May as well put one on the end of the trailer as well.

qball · 12-24-2006, 08:10 PM

There's already a couple of threads here on the install.

Same camera is at Walmart!

Lancia · 12-24-2006, 08:12 PM

There is british software that will see a license plate past headlights.
Might be perfect for this application.

LBC111 · 12-26-2006, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chili Red

My car came in on Thursday and I took it straight to Custom Car Stereo (Here in Houston) to have a backup camera installed as I was very paranoid about driving without a rear view mirror. Photos attached:

I saw this system in someone elses car recently, and the image is in-freaking-credible!! The only concern I would have is obstructing the vents which I may convert in the future to hold additional guages. Provided it's "always on" rather that "reverse-only", it is MUCH better than my WalMart Wireless Wonder ($100).. but you get what you pay for!

silicon · 12-30-2006, 08:55 AM

I installed something similar with an Eclipse AVN-7000 setup using the backup camera. The reverse lights and standard parking LEDs provide ample lighting even in pitch black conditions for visibility backing up. The Eclipse setup allows you to have the camera view up all of the time if desired. The LCD also needs the stalk moved to open/close but I too leave it up all of the time. My installer fit Focal speakers all around at 5.25" (without destroying the ability to remount the smaller OEM speakers up front). The front did need to be a shallower version from Focal, and the JL Audio sub in the foot well does make tall passengers sit funny, but the audio quality was worth it.

robl45 · 05-20-2007, 10:18 AM

doesn't this block the a/c vents assumingits always going to be up?

Chili Red · 05-20-2007, 10:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robl45

doesn't this block the a/c vents assumingits always going to be up?

Yes... The 2 other vents provide plenty of air to cool the car, even in the 95 degree temps here in Houston.

BrokenR1 · 05-25-2007, 09:55 AM

Can a camera output be split into two without loosing quality? I want to put a forward and arear facing camera on board, both feeding into a recording device. Then also have the rear facing feed into a monitor.

Allan Gibbs · 05-25-2007, 10:15 AM

Is there any way to mount a monitor where the current rear view mirror is? That way, it doesn't block the air flow from vents or get in the way of the wiper.

I guess the hard part locating it were the rear view mirror is would be setting up the wiring to a power source?

Randy Chase · 05-25-2007, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BrokenR1

Can a camera output be split into two without loosing quality? I want to put a forward and arear facing camera on board, both feeding into a recording device. Then also have the rear facing feed into a monitor.

There is a limit to this, but there is no problem with splitting a video signal once.

12-24-2006, 11:41 AM	#1 (permalink)
Chili Red Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Houston, Tx Posts: 2,204	My backup camera solution. My car came in on Thursday and I took it straight to Custom Car Stereo (Here in Houston) to have a backup camera installed as I was very paranoid about driving without a rear view mirror. I had them yank out the stock Alpine system and replace it with the Alpine Mobile Multimedia Station IVA-D100 and hook it up to a Eclipse BEC105 backup camera. They were nice enough to rig it to where the camera would stay on all the time instead of just when in reverse. I now feel much more comfortable driving with a view from the back of the car. If you are going to get a setup like this you need to be aware that the screen will hit the windshield wiper stock when opening and retracting. I have the display set to stay up all the time so I do not need to worry about moving the stalk to allow the screen to pass. Photos attached: Attached Images __________________ 2007 Exige S - Chili Red 2009 Mini Cooper S - Chili Red Gotham 265, Nitron Sport Pro, Moroso oil pan, RTVBrace, Volk CE28N/R888, Cup Wheels/A048, 2Bular Ultra 4", Rapfix II w/ Sparco P300, S111 CF Splitter, Ultradiscs, Pagid RS42, V-Force Harness Bar, Schroth PROFI II, Fire Extinguisher, Folding Tow Hook, Odyssey PC680, re-ENFORCER, LLumar 30% tint, Traqmate, DashDAQ, Chasecam, Alpine IVA-D100 w/ Backup Camera.

12-24-2006, 12:43 PM	#6 (permalink)
Randy Chase Registered User Join Date: Apr 2002 Location: San Diego and where ever the roads lead Posts: 28,174 Images: 761	Standard rear view images are reversed, but it can be easily toggled with a wire from the camera. No issues with the LCD hitting the wiper stalk? __________________ * V E R I T A S * A E Q U I T A S * No Longer the ADMIN here, please do not PM me asking for help. Thanks! 2006 Noble M400. Getrag tranny, Quaiffe LSD, Hinged clams. Duratec dual turbo V6. Hoosier 315-18 tires. 2350 pounds. Over 500hp. Track weapon. 2009 Rossion Q1. Monaco Orange. Wing. Black leather/Alcantara with orange stitching. The street car. In build: 2009 Toniq R (300whp? 1100 pounds?). Chrome Orange. Lexus GX-470 tow vehicle.

12-24-2006, 07:28 PM	#10 (permalink)
DealMan Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Belmont, CA Posts: 190	Don't laugh, but I saw a backup camera solution at a local Costco, where the camera is on a plastic bracket that mounts directly to the license plate mounting points, and the display unit looks like a portable GPS device...The unit was less than $100 and it works via wireless signals! __________________ '08 Storm Ti Exige S 240 (Touring, Bride Zodia, Lotus Sport Cup Wheels/Toyo R888s, Nitron DAs & RTDbrace) '06 Porsche Cayenne S - Crystal Silver

05-25-2007, 09:55 AM	#18 (permalink)
BrokenR1 The plane will fly! :fact Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 472	Can a camera output be split into two without loosing quality? I want to put a forward and arear facing camera on board, both feeding into a recording device. Then also have the rear facing feed into a monitor. __________________ Rap is to music what etch-a-sketch is to art. 2005 Lotus Elise, Nightfall Blue, Sport package, Touring package, Hardtop, and Starshield * Stolen * 2000 Blue Yamaha YZF-R1, Full Akrapovic, Dymag Custom Carbon Wheels, Factory Jet kit, K&N air filter, Stainless Steel Braided Brake lines, Frame Sliders, Ebay plactics, Black spraypainted tank, and a Turn Signal Integrator. * Stolen * www.r1-forum.com

05-25-2007, 10:15 AM	#19 (permalink)
Allan Gibbs Registered User Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Glendale, CA (formerly Gilbert, AZ) Posts: 5,399	Is there any way to mount a monitor where the current rear view mirror is? That way, it doesn't block the air flow from vents or get in the way of the wiper. I guess the hard part locating it were the rear view mirror is would be setting up the wiring to a power source? __________________ 2005 BRP Elise- SOLD 6/9/07 2006 MV Agusta F4S - SOLD 4/30/09 2008 Audi TT (MKII) 2009 Audi A4 2009 Ducati 1198

12-24-2006, 11:42 AM	#2 (permalink)
Brennon Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Posts: 1,319	Looks good. How does it do for night driving?

12-24-2006, 12:22 PM	#4 (permalink)
anbakookie Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 21	How much was it for the install and equipment? Also is there any option for night vision? PS, it looks good!

12-24-2006, 12:32 PM	#5 (permalink)
qball Wizard of Pugz! Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 4,513 Images: 3	Is the image reveresed at all? (i.e., does it look like it does in a review mirror or is the image not mirrored?)

12-24-2006, 08:10 PM	#12 (permalink)
qball Wizard of Pugz! Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 4,513 Images: 3	There's already a couple of threads here on the install. Same camera is at Walmart!

12-24-2006, 08:12 PM	#13 (permalink)
Lancia Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Posts: 1,543	There is british software that will see a license plate past headlights. Might be perfect for this application.

12-30-2006, 08:55 AM	#15 (permalink)
silicon Registered User Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: New Jersey Posts: 89	I installed something similar with an Eclipse AVN-7000 setup using the backup camera. The reverse lights and standard parking LEDs provide ample lighting even in pitch black conditions for visibility backing up. The Eclipse setup allows you to have the camera view up all of the time if desired. The LCD also needs the stalk moved to open/close but I too leave it up all of the time. My installer fit Focal speakers all around at 5.25" (without destroying the ability to remount the smaller OEM speakers up front). The front did need to be a shallower version from Focal, and the JL Audio sub in the foot well does make tall passengers sit funny, but the audio quality was worth it.

05-20-2007, 10:18 AM	#16 (permalink)
robl45 Registered User Join Date: May 2007 Posts: 61	doesn't this block the a/c vents assumingits always going to be up?

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