Community Forums

mecdatlanta · 05-02-2019, 04:02 PM

Hi Everyone,

I have a rear camera that, even when not in motion, outputs to a very small, ill-positioned screen. When driving the motorhome, the picture becomes so bad you can barely make out that the TOAD is there.

What to do? I am open to suggestions, including replacing the camera, or replacing the whole system and getting something better.

Thanks in advance!

Don

P.S. Attaching an image of the Panasonic system that is currently installed.

Bahamaniac · 05-02-2019, 04:35 PM

Unplug the plug from the back of the monitor. Remove each wire from the plug one at a time. Restrip and resecure each wire to the plug. It should result in a nice sharp image. The other option is to replace with a wireless system. Good luck!

edge68474 · 05-02-2019, 06:13 PM

I had my rig in the shop for some work, one being the rear camera. It had an awful picture. They replaced the cable and it works and looks great. I had thought about just replacing it also. Try what Bahamaniac said first.

crb478 · 05-02-2019, 06:40 PM

I replaced my 20 year old rear camera with a $20.00 camera off of amazon. Not wanting to cut the video cable I also bought an adapter for about $5.00 and then mounted the new camera to a piece of wood so it fit the same spot the old one had been in. The new camera is much smaller, much clearer, and in the original spot covers the TOAD clearly. It is not good for seeing what is more than about a car length behind you because of the mounting angle. Try cleaning your connections first which is free. Failing that cameras are now pretty cheap.

DamonCamper · 05-03-2019, 12:34 PM

Had a problem with the camera on my Damon Escaper that we just purchased used. Had no manuals to tell me anything about the camera. Started looking for a replacement system. You can find tons of them but I decided on one that was wireless and cost about $250 with 7" screen. Turned out the camera was turned off. $28 later it works fine. Not sure if it is adjusted correctly but that will come with time. Like was said, to clean the wires, cheap, to trouble shoot and repair, not so cheap. I would just replace.
My $.02 worth.

mecdatlanta · 05-03-2019, 04:08 PM

Thanks everyone. I disconnected the camera. All connections look good (including those behind the receiver. Image still terrible. I think I will just buy a replacement unit. Like I said, I'm not crazy about the screen on the Panasonic base unit anyways.

Thanks again!

Podivin · 05-03-2019, 04:15 PM

If you go wireless for our replacement be sure and get a digital camera, not analog. I found out that you can actually outrun the signal on an analog camera when driving on the interstate. The analog signal from the camera travels so slowly that it just barely makes a connection to the receiver in the cab - which gives you a picture no better than you've got now - but it's fine when maneuvering in a camp site or driving on a slower road. The digital signal of a decent camera works MUCH better.

Shawn6596 · 05-03-2019, 06:47 PM

This is very similar to the unit I bought. I love it. https://www.ebay.com/itm/9-QUAD-SPLI...YAAOSwGb9cx~Dj

mecdatlanta · 05-06-2019, 11:10 AM

That wireless camera is quite impressive jay2333a! I am curious to know why you went with 100% wireless. I have my eye on this one, by the same company: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GKXPKRS..._t1_B07GLPZJHZ

It just seems that I should be able to drop a power line to a 12V source, even if I have to run it to the battery compartment. And not having to worry about recharging a batter seems worth the extra effort (not to mention that the 50% wireless version is cheaper than the 100% wireless one).

Thanks for pointing that manufacturer out. One of the drawbacks of amazon is newer devices can sometimes get lost in a sea of older devices that have lots of star ratings. These units by Haloview were apparently only introduced in Aug '18.