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Old 02-19-2007, 04:55 PM   #1
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I am toying with and idea that I haven't quite got figured out yet. I added the 7" color monitor to my dash to display the VMSpc software I run on the laptop. It works great and the monitor on my side is really handy. However, the monitor came with a small remote and a few extra hookups. Not being able to leave well enough alone, I'm trying to come up with other fun/interesting uses for the 7" display. The documentation that came with the display said that it would support a camera.

So here is the question. I've considered buying another color camera like my backup camera, only mount it on the front of the roof to look forward. The use would be for pulling into those "rustic" campgounds and getting a view of on coming bushes, branches, or tree limbs that want to jump out and scrape up my full body paint. Has anyone else done/seen or thought of doing something like this before? The little remote would allow me to switch from the VMS software to the camera pretty easily.

The wiring should be pretty easy, just route it through the front overhead cabnets, and down a window pillar into the dash.

So lets hear it! Does this sound nuts? Should it work? Why not?? I need some other opinions on this!

Sarge
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Old 02-19-2007, 04:55 PM   #2
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I am toying with and idea that I haven't quite got figured out yet. I added the 7" color monitor to my dash to display the VMSpc software I run on the laptop. It works great and the monitor on my side is really handy. However, the monitor came with a small remote and a few extra hookups. Not being able to leave well enough alone, I'm trying to come up with other fun/interesting uses for the 7" display. The documentation that came with the display said that it would support a camera.

So here is the question. I've considered buying another color camera like my backup camera, only mount it on the front of the roof to look forward. The use would be for pulling into those "rustic" campgounds and getting a view of on coming bushes, branches, or tree limbs that want to jump out and scrape up my full body paint. Has anyone else done/seen or thought of doing something like this before? The little remote would allow me to switch from the VMS software to the camera pretty easily.

The wiring should be pretty easy, just route it through the front overhead cabnets, and down a window pillar into the dash.

So lets hear it! Does this sound nuts? Should it work? Why not?? I need some other opinions on this!

Sarge
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Old 02-19-2007, 05:05 PM   #3
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'll jump on your band wagon. The camera needs to look factory installed, not a bolt on look. Some things to think about are:
1. stationary view or swivel
2. wide angle lense
3. auto lense cover so one does not need to clean the bugs off to use
4. fixed focal lense or zoom
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Old 02-19-2007, 05:20 PM   #4
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Some good points Gary! Keep it up!
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Old 02-19-2007, 06:59 PM   #5
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My coach has a forward facing camera,it sort of resembles a top mounted winndshield washer sprayer and it is one of EIGHT cams I can toggle to on the dash...

I can view it from several different places in the coach as well...
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Old 02-20-2007, 04:35 AM   #6
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Thats cool Bob, do find that you use it in situations where there are tall obstructions?
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Old 02-22-2007, 04:03 AM   #7
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I've toyed with that idea also. I was thinking of a bullet style camera, like my side cameras are. The Allegro Bus comes with a spotlight on the roof. I could mount the camera on top of it. I could then rotate it backwards when traveling to keep the bugs of the lens (and spotlight). Then swing it around when encountering trees. If I hook it up the the VCR I could even tape scenic drives. I occaisionally do that now with a tripod and a broadcast camera looking through the windshield. I have the Beartooth Highway and the Mount Carmel road leaving Zion. They're great to play at home on the TV if you stick your exercise bike in front of it.
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Old 02-22-2007, 06:17 PM   #8
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That's kinda cool too Mark. I did learn from Tim at RV Cams webs site that there is one important thing I wasn't considering. That is most cams on the market that are used for backup cameras have a "flipped" image. The camera automaticly mirrors the image that is displayed on the monitor. However, he did locate one in his stock that would work. It is about 2" in diameter and is housed in a water tight stainless steel case, and does not mirror the images. It even comes with a the cable/power cord for the camera. It sells for $179, a pretty reasonable price.

It sounds ideal for your application as well. I think I will make the plunge and see what happens
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Old 03-05-2007, 12:02 PM   #9
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I mounted a second camera (like the rear with the cover) on the side of my rig to see as I line up with the hookups. Works great, I just hooked it into the second set for the existing monitor. Didn't need a second monitor, you should check yours for this.
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Old 03-06-2007, 04:43 AM   #10
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Bob, I already have side view cameras that hook into all the available ports on my rearview monitor system. I would want to have the camera mounted on the roof in the front for over hanging obstructions. Thats why I would use my secondary LCD monitor for this purpose.
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Old 03-06-2007, 05:54 AM   #11
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<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by SargeW:
Bob, I already have side view cameras that hook into all the available ports on my rearview monitor system. I would want to have the camera mounted on the roof in the front for over hanging obstructions. Thats why I would use my secondary LCD monitor for this purpose. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

SargeW, now that is not a bad idea. Couldn't tell you how many times I've seen campers drive in and hit low tree branches, especially at night and with a low light camera. Not bad at all. You got me thinking now.
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Old 03-06-2007, 03:40 PM   #12
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Yeah, that's my reason Bob. The only times I have ever damaged my RV was on the top when I either misjudged a branch or overhang, or just didn't see it. I purchased the camera today from Tim at RV Cams.com. Here is the link to the camera here

The camera is color during the day, and infared at night. It is water tight and fog resistant. It also comes with the cable and an adjustable mounting bracket.

It should be fun to play with too!! I have a few different mounting ideas so I will see what works best. For the money it's a pretty neat mod.
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Old 03-06-2007, 08:00 PM   #13
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I checked it out. Nice. What are you going to use for a mount or shelter. I guess what I'm saying is what are you going to use to protect it? I have to find something before I jump into the camera. If I had that now I would just end up mounting it and then looking for something to protect it.
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Old 03-10-2007, 07:35 AM   #14
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Did you notice that it provides a reverse image, so if facing forward could be problem, unless of course you mount it upside down.
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