A backup camera for $50!!!!!!!!!!!

94BULLITT · Jul 30, 2014

rlgustafson said:
Roger;

Ordered monitor and camera from Amazon this morning. Since monitor has two inputs will mount one camera on FEL for better view when using pallet forks, etc. 2nd camera will be used for rear view and like your idea of mounting it inside cab. Thanks for sharing this.

Sent from my iPad using TractorByNet

No problem, I hope you like the stuff. One thing I keep forgetting to mention is with the camera mounted on the inside sometimes it picks up a reflection from the glass. It is mainly when it starts to get dark and I don't have my rear work lights on. When it turn the lights on it is fine. Sometimes I will get a reflection from the glass in the day if the sun hits it just right but that is very rare. You may want to test it to be sure you are happy with it like that. I'm happy with the way my camera is mounted but YMMV.

Deerherd said:
Waxman,

The $500 AgCam monitor has the same 480v resolution that Roger's $30 monitor has, but with a 500:1 contrast ratio. Seeing posted screen shots there seems to be little difference between the two to me.

Before sinking any more money into a good HD monitor like you purchased that has 1200v lines, does it give you a noticeably clearer picture with the AgCam cameras? They are only 540v resolution and I'm thinking until I could find a camera that could match that resolution of your monitor, I might wait.

Also did you have to do any splicing to make the AgCam cameras work with the new monitor? Thanks!

Great thread.

Could you get a picture of the problem you are having with the monitor?

Let us know what you get to replace the agcam.

How do the cameras hook up to the agcam? My camera uses a yellow A/V cable like a the inputs and out puts on a tv.

MinnesotaEric · Jul 30, 2014

I decided that since I was ordering another (lineless) camera, I'd try a camera with more TV lines. I found a lens on a chip 600 TV line camera for $13.00.

Amazon.com : ePathChinaｮ 500 Mega Pixel Smallest Button Pinhole Spy Video Camera Mini Hidden Camera with 600TVL 1 / 4" HD Sensor Support Video and Audio Output TV Standard - NTSC : Camera & Photo

But this camera will smoke at anything above 12 volts and so an inline inverter steps battery voltage down to 6 volts.

Amazon.com: VvW DC Waterproof Step Down Converter 9-23v 12V to 6V 18W 3A Power Supply Module: Home Improvement

I'll report my findings when I get my junk back together (eventually).

Detail of monitor mount.

Example of monitor in and out of direct sunlight.

Deerherd · Jul 30, 2014

94BULLITT said:
Could you get a picture of the problem you are having with the monitor?

Let us know what you get to replace the agcam.

How do the cameras hook up to the agcam? My camera uses a yellow A/V cable like a the inputs and out puts on a tv.

Not sure if I have a bonafide "problem" other than image quality of a $599 monitor versus one for $28. To be totally fair it does have some nice features. Up to 4 cameras, time and date on screen, split screen, automated switching with programmable intervals, lines that can be turned on or off etc. Not sure how many of them I will use, but they are there.

The cameras themselves seem pretty bulletproof and are waterproof including all connections so I would list them as a positive. But I'm not sure if I had a better HD capable monitor that these standard def cameras would look any better. 10 years ago these would be sweet! Maybe my expectations were a little high considering the difference in price.

Here are some screen shots and a picture of the cable connection.

WaxMan · Jul 30, 2014

Deerherd said:
Waxman,

The $500 AgCam monitor has the same 480v resolution that Roger's $30 monitor has, but with a 500:1 contrast ratio. Seeing posted screen shots there seems to be little difference between the two to me.

Before sinking any more money into a good HD monitor like you purchased that has 1200v lines, does it give you a noticeably clearer picture with the AgCam cameras? They are only 540v resolution and I'm thinking until I could find a camera that could match that resolution of your monitor, I might wait.

Also did you have to do any splicing to make the AgCam cameras work with the new monitor? Thanks!

Great thread.

I bought an AgCam adaptor to convert their plug to RCA but it came with a 12 volt power supply also. Only way you can get it.

The resolution was fine on the 7 inch, a nice smooth picture but washed out and dull. In my opinion. So the more you adjust the color the more it would shake. It looked good once adjusted but the picture would shake.
So nice green grass would be moving in the monitor turn the color down and it would stop. They said is was because of the quad monitor stuffed into a 7 inch case.
I could not fit the 9 inch monitor on top of my gauges so they sent me another new 7 inch, it was better but I wanted something better then that.
They said the 9 inch did not shake in there tests. The 7 inch non quad monitor did shake a little less but the 9 inch according to them did not shack at all.
What is wrong with your picture? Did you try to adjust it? The resolution should be fine. When I say that I mean the pixels are very close together my 7 inch was good in that regard.
Use your adjustments, that monitor should work well. If it does not I would contact AgCam and complain, have them send you another. They told me the 9 inch was fine.

Just want to say it again, I think people should buy the cheaper monitor and see if its good enough, because you can buy a more expensive one and be disappointed.

94BULLITT · Jul 30, 2014

EricTheOracle said:
I decided that since I was ordering another (lineless) camera, I'd try a camera with more TV lines. I found a lens on a chip 600 TV line camera for $13.00.

Amazon.com : ePathChinaｮ 500 Mega Pixel Smallest Button Pinhole Spy Video Camera Mini Hidden Camera with 600TVL 1 / 4" HD Sensor Support Video and Audio Output TV Standard - NTSC : Camera & Photo

But this camera will smoke at anything above 12 volts and so an inline inverter steps battery voltage down to 6 volts.

Amazon.com: VvW DC Waterproof Step Down Converter 9-23v 12V to 6V 18W 3A Power Supply Module: Home Improvement

I'll report my findings when I get my junk back together (eventually).

Detail of monitor mount.

Example of monitor in and out of direct sunlight.

I'll be interested to see how the cameras compare to each other. I'm wondering how a wireless camera would work.

That is a nice mount.

Deerherd said:
Not sure if I have a bonafide "problem" other than image quality of a $599 monitor versus one for $28. To be totally fair it does have some nice features. Up to 4 cameras, time and date on screen, split screen, automated switching with programmable intervals, lines that can be turned on or off etc. Not sure how many of them I will use, but they are there.

The cameras themselves seem pretty bulletproof and are waterproof including all connections so I would list them as a positive. But I'm not sure if I had a better HD capable monitor that these standard def cameras would look any better. 10 years ago these would be sweet! Maybe my expectations were a little high considering the difference in price.

Here are some screen shots and a picture of the cable connection.

View attachment 384592

View attachment 384593 View attachment 384594 View attachment 384595

The monitor does sound like it has some nice features. Hopefully you can adjust the settings like Waxman suggested and get the picture quality to improve.

94BULLITT · Aug 5, 2014

Has anybody used the blue wire on their monitor? I did not have a use for it since I only have 1 camera. I'm not sure if the blue is used for turning the monitor on when the vehicle is in reverse or it changes the channel when the vehicle is reverse. IDK how it works but if the blue wire changes channels when the vehicle is in reverse it would be nice for those of you with a FEL cam and backup cam. You could keep it on the FEL cam when you were doing loader work and it would automatically switch channels.

MinnesotaEric · Aug 5, 2014

94BULLITT said:
Has anybody used the blue wire on their monitor? I did not have a use for it since I only have 1 camera. I'm not sure if the blue is used for turning the monitor on when the vehicle is in reverse or it changes the channel when the vehicle is reverse. IDK how it works but if the blue wire changes channels when the vehicle is in reverse it would be nice for those of you with a FEL cam and backup cam. You could keep it on the FEL cam when you were doing loader work and it would automatically switch channels.

The blue wire is for reverse sensing. I taped my blue wire off. To have the monitor flip to the reverse camera hook it up to anything that gets 12v in reverse only.

94BULLITT · Aug 5, 2014

EricTheOracle said:
The blue wire is for reverse sensing. I taped my blue wire off. To have the monitor flip to the reverse camera hook it up to anything that gets 12v in reverse only.

Does it turn the monitor on or switch channels?

Threepoint · Aug 5, 2014

94BULLITT said:
Has anybody used the blue wire on their monitor? I did not have a use for it since I only have 1 camera. I'm not sure if the blue is used for turning the monitor on when the vehicle is in reverse or it changes the channel when the vehicle is reverse. IDK how it works but if the blue wire changes channels when the vehicle is in reverse it would be nice for those of you with a FEL cam and backup cam. You could keep it on the FEL cam when you were doing loader work and it would automatically switch channels.

Roger, I have that monitor, and my understanding from reading through the many Amazon reviews is that the blue wire is intended to connect to the vehicle's backup-light circuit to automatically switch video to the rear camera when shifting into reverse (not turn on the monitor). Your idea is a very good one for FEL work. :thumbsup: I don't know if many compact utility tractors come with a backup-light circuit, but if the tractor has a backup warning beeper, the blue could connect to that.

lostcreekranch · Aug 5, 2014

94BULLITT said:
Has anybody used the blue wire on their monitor? I did not have a use for it since I only have 1 camera. I'm not sure if the blue is used for turning the monitor on when the vehicle is in reverse or it changes the channel when the vehicle is reverse. IDK how it works but if the blue wire changes channels when the vehicle is in reverse it would be nice for those of you with a FEL cam and backup cam. You could keep it on the FEL cam when you were doing loader work and it would automatically switch channels.

My monitor and camera arrived late last Friday afternoon and I bench tested with a 12 volt battery in my shop Saturday. I will install first camera on front of tractor to get a better view of grapple, bucket, pallet forks etc. I did not get a chance to figure out how to use the blue (backup) wire. The instructions with camera and monitor that I received were all but useless. Maybe they missed sending the real instructions? I had to pretty much guess how to hook everything up so don't have a clue on how blue wire works. Think I will be happy to just select Camera 1 or Camera 2 from monitor controls.

I plan to create a temporary (maybe permanent?) magnetic mount so, I can find optimal location for front camera to achieve best view while giving camera some protection. Ordered a windshield mount today with 1/4-20 screw for mounting monitor in cab. Should receive it Friday. My plan is to mount it in upper middle of windshield which should help with outside light reflection, etc.

I also ordered monitor and camera from Amazon but, did not see if there was a way to order a second camera from same vendor? The rear looking 2nd camera will start out installed inside cab for protection and to keep it clean. Back of tractor gets pretty dirty during dry times.