Backup camera

[TheMcDonald3]

We have a '98 that has a backup camera on it from a company that I understand is no longer in business. Long story short (because it's depressing when I drag it out) the camera became very cloudy over time, to the point where it was useless. I had determined it was not moisture related thru trial and error and came to the conclusion that the lenses were just plain old and might need to be cleaned. Turns out I was right! I disassembled the lens assembly and found more lenses then I wanted. 4 total. 2 of them were very cloudy and cleaned up well. Upon reassembly I broke a lens, hence no more backup. (Dang, and I thought I was going to keep this short)
I don't have a need to replace the monitor. I'm being told at this point that the existing cable can't be used with a new camera even if I splice into the cable and bypass the connectors.
I've talked with RVCams via email and they agree that I need to run a new cable. Sounds like a weekend of complete frustration and a six pack to me. What do you think? Do you think I can break open the wires and connect using the existing cable?
Thanks.

[SteveS]

Brian,
I have an '01 that I believe uses the same camera as a '98. I replaced both camera and monitor with a color system a year ago. I used the existing cable, cut the ends of both ends and spliced in the connectors for the new monitor and camera. It works great.

[TheMcDonald3]

Thanks Steve. I was hoping to hear from someone who has done that. Now instead of a six pack I bet I could get this done on just 2 or 3!
If anyone has any words of wisdom I could always use it.

[Rich and Cork]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveS Brian, I have an '01 that I believe uses the same camera as a '98. I replaced both camera and monitor with a color system a year ago. I used the existing cable, cut the ends of both ends and spliced in the connectors for the new monitor and camera. It works great.

Inquiring minds would like to know the models you installed. Sounds like something to look into in the future.

[EngineerMike]

Brian, Except for not breaking all 4 lenses, you remind me of me.

[TheMcDonald3]

For what it's worth, I'll post how the install went and the number of beers and/or smart alec remarks from the wife.

[halmallet]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rich and Cork Inquiring minds would like to know the models you installed. Sounds like something to look into in the future.

WHER DID YOU BYE CAMERA AND COLOR TV TO FIT IN DASH HAROLD halmallet@embarqmail,com or 702 592 2505

[takepride]

You could get it repaired. I had one rebuilt for my last coach at a shop in Huntington Beach, CA for $75, including all new (62) diode-resistor-thingy-mabobbers (a highly technical term). They can also replace lenses. A shop that specializes in CCTV repair or TV cameras ought to be able to take care of it.

In fact, I am now needing to rebuild my Alpine's camera since it seems to have intermittant problems more and more frequently. That's the same route my last camera took. The tech said they usually last about 7-9 years in the sun and then the parts on the board start to melt. They just don't make silicon like they used to.

[halmallet]

WHERE DID YOU BUY THRE CAMERA AND MONITOR ? halmallet@embarqmail.com

[hax]

Brian My 2001 was doing the same thing and I had the camera repaired at:
STC
Suite 208
1815 W 205th ST
Torrance, CA 90501

310 320-7827

They took over the original manufacturer. I think it cost about $40 and included an extra new red lens cover. I'm sure that there are better cameras on the market now, but I didn't want to mess with finding one that would fit in the existing space.
Hax

[TheMcDonald3]

Thanks Hax. Unfortunately I already toasted a lens during reassembly and have another aftermarket camera shipping to me. I knew there was a better fix then me trying to do it myself. I'll contact STC anyways and see if they can send me just the lens assembly as a last resort if the new camera doesn't work well.
Sometimes I create my own "working weekends".