Cheap Backup Camera

Steve · 05-26-2004, 01:23 PM

My camera came in today and it is much smaller than I had expected it.

I ordered the X10 Anaconda that comes with a 60FT phone cord type cable that is small and easy to route up to the front. They also have a black and white version that should work better in low light conditions.

Within a minute of unpacking it I had it connected to a TV and working for a little test.

Time to get back to work, I'll get back to this project tonight.

Here is an article from some using the same camera on thier van.

http://www.funddealernet.com/cartercam/cartercambw.asp

Steve · 05-26-2004, 10:25 PM

adamb came over and helped me get the camera hooked up and run through the bus. Here is a pic of it mounted on the back, you can really see how small it is here.

Soon I will mount the LCD screen and connect the TV and camera up to a switch.

Vern1 · 05-27-2004, 06:20 AM

Greetings,
I have been using the X10 cameras at my paintball field for security.
I have 3 of the black and white low light ones in the staging area where the folks keep their stuff while playing.
Theft has dropped to almost zero!

I have the same color camera setup you have mounted on the bus and hooked into the TV with a video switch.
It's cool that you have sound too!
When I use mine, it is projected on the TV behind me.
I use the interior mirror to check the TV while I watch the rear view mirrors on the outside while backing up.
It helps quite a bit.
Also later, when I start using a toad, I can check up on it every once in a while.
FYI, I have had the color one for about two years and used it for everything you can imagine - well, maybe not

- then put it in the bus.
If you look on page 6 of my web, on the picture of the rear of the bus, you can see the little X10 sitting on the top right where the flashers used to be. It even has it's own little "awning" made out of aluminum.

Steve · 05-27-2004, 12:42 PM

Here is the LCD screen mounted next to the rear view mirror. A single small cord runs above the windshield and is not noticable.

Steve · 05-27-2004, 12:58 PM

Here is a schematic showing how it works.

Steve · 06-01-2004, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vern1

If you look on page 6 of my web, on the picture of the rear of the bus, you can see the little X10 sitting on the top right where the flashers used to be. It even has it's own little "awning" made out of aluminum.

What made you decide to put it off to the side instead of in the middle?

Vern1 · 06-02-2004, 06:07 AM

Greetings,
The one I have is one of the early X10s and only had 20' of cable.
I knew where the TV was going to be and started there with the cable and ended up on the side.
It was also easy to mount and wire it there as I had the blanking panel for the emergency lights and that ment easy access later if I have problems.
Also, early on, I was planning on putting some lettering in the center panel where it used to say "SCHOOL BUS"..........

trx · 07-29-2004, 03:29 PM

Here is another source for an affordable camera (a little less than the X10 camera). Go to http://www.harborfreight.com and search for camera. They have a $30 black and white night vision camera and a $40 color camera. Both come with 80ft of wiring. So far I've got an 4" LCD off ebay, I just need to order a camera. Since I do not own one of these camearas yet I do not know how good they are (but I am a regular Harbor Freight customer).

Chad
http://trx.punknet.org/geeklog/public_h ... Conversion

TravelingMan · 03-01-2005, 11:15 AM

I just wanted to add another option. I just bought a small wirless color by day/infrared led black and white at nite survalince camera thats water-proof with built in transmiter and a remote tunable receiver, both can be run off batteries or with the supplied AC adapters off ebay for $54. I don't think it would do well in a bus but they also have a wired version of this camera that I think may even cost a little less.

Foggy Dewhurst · 03-02-2005, 06:09 PM

Steve,

Where did you get your LCD moniter

Looks like just the right size for the job.

Thanks, Barrie

Steve · 03-02-2005, 06:53 PM

The monitor shown here [click for larger view] is from Radio Shack. This one is one of the waterproof models not sure they still make it anymore.

trx · 03-03-2005, 08:08 AM

Does it show a mirror image so it works like a rear view mirror? If not, how hard is it to use when backing up? I've got a 4" LCD I got off ebay awhile back but it doesn't show a mirror image. I think Parts Express had an LCD monitor that could display a mirror image (I can't get to their site right now to check).

frey2 · 03-03-2005, 09:41 PM

harbor frieght sells a littel security camera no bigger that a pc camera for $25 that comes with an 80' cord with video sound power all bundled together. even has a little night vision deal.
i got one to go on the back of the bus and one to go on the back of the trailer.

capttrips25 · 03-04-2005, 07:19 AM

I bought 2 of those from 10X and have been planning on doing exactly that with one of them.
I have a small "Watchman" type tv that I was going to use with it.

trx · 04-05-2005, 08:47 AM

I just purchased this camera for my bus: http://www.ewis.ca/onlinestore/scrip...idproduct=1077

What I liked about this camera is the 2-way intercom. Nice to be able to communicate with someone helping you back up (or to tell people to get out of the way!). Just got it yesterday and seems to work fine.

Chad
http://trx.punknet.org/geeklog/publi...olieConversion

Firearm · 04-06-2005, 09:53 PM

Any progress on the hauler trx or have you been snowed in like me?

trx · 04-07-2005, 07:46 AM

No progress over the winter months (excuse to take a break). Just starting on it again now.

You may also like: