Has anyone set up a wireless camera and view the image from an aftermarket radio with video capabilities? My new truck has an after market Sony DVD, love to hook up a wireless to view from inside the cab.
I took an unconventional approach to a wireless camera. I didn't want to run a wire from the rear of the trailer to the truck, spend big money on a regular wireless system, nor have another monitor on my dash.
The picture is very clear, and free from the interference experienced by other camera systems. And it was cheap!
Al
HOC#2260
I took an unconventional approach to a wireless camera. I didn't want to run a wire from the rear of the trailer to the truck, spend big money on a regular wireless system, nor have another monitor on my dash.
My approach was to buy a Foscam IP surveillance camera for $85 (link here (http://foscam.us/products/foscam-fi8910w-wireless-ip-camera.html ). It mounts inside the coach under the rear cabinet looking out the back window. This meant I didn't have to run any power wires outside, or drill mounting holes. It removes easily with a knob when not in use. It is powered by a 120 volt wall plug, but the camera is actually 5 volts. Right now I am using a portable battery pack with a built in inverter which gives me 7 hours of service. In the future I'll look for a 12 volt to 5 volt converter and eliminate the battery pack.
I had an old Linksys router, that I powered from a 12 volt outlet hidden under the entertainment center. These can be found on Ebay for $10, but any router will do. This creates a Wireless LAN in the trailer with the IP camera. I can view the picture from the truck using my iPhone or iPad using standard wireless settings and a free App from Surveillance Pro. With this app I can also tilt the camera up and down, and side to side from inside the truck.
I like to use this setup in the city or in traffic to see what is in my rear blind spot. It would also be good to see your towed boat trailer. We also use it as a baby monitor when the grandkids are sleeping and we are outside, as it has night vision infrared capability. The picture is very clear, and free from the interference experienced by other camera systems. And it was cheap!
Al
HOC#2260
Al,
I had the exact same idea since I have a router installed in my coach already. however, when researching cameras I read that there was a significant lag to the video. Enough that I wouldn't have confidence using it when moving to judge distance. Have you seen any video delays?
Thanks for a great idea.
I haven't mounted it in the coach yet, but when I set up the camera and router the other day the camera was pointed at the football game on tv and the lag was about half a second.
My router label says 2.5 amps for input but my Killawatt showed a .19 amp draw for both the camera and router. I wonder if I can tap into a cheap 12v to usb plugin adapter without burning it up.
Is the range of the router great enough to reach from the back of a 5th wheel to the pickup or should I put the router in the middle?
I'm not sure about powering the router from a usb adapter. I use a small inverter to power my router from time to time with no problems. Not all routers are equal when it comes to transmission distance, but I would think most any wifi router would reach from the back of the coach to the front of the truck cab with no problems. I've sat outside my coach in front of the pin and had stong service from mine.
A half second delay doesn't sound too bad. I may look into this set up for my coach.