Backup camera for operating rear snowblower?

[Grizz]

The only problem to a monitor and camera not design for this aplication is that the image on the monitor is back ward right is left and left is right.

 

[Zick]

I wish someone sold a 7" monitor like the guy in the New Holland forums had. Maybe one that suction cups to the glass or has a little stand for the dash. I need these for my trucks. I can't see jack behind me when backing up.

Here is a small LCD, just hook it up to any camera w/ some rca cables, power and your good to go.

First link is just more details.
Emerson Mobile 5.6" Color LCD Screen wMount MT-1561 at TigerDirect.com

Emerson MT-1564R 5.6-inch TFT LCD Monitor : Audio & Video from Overstock.com

 

[Zick]

The only problem to a monitor and camera not design for this aplication is that the image on the monitor is back ward right is left and left is right.

Some cameras are designed for this and reverse the image so left is left and right is right.

 

[Zick]

Backup Camera Systems for Any Car - Truck or SUV! Cameras, Monitors, Backup Sensors, Backup Systems
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Wow, a lot of those cameras can be found on Ebay for a quarter of that price.

 

[hayden]

Thanks for all the replies. From what I can tell many (perhaps most) of the lower cost backup monitors have real small screens and poor cameras. For their intended purpose, that's fine because you mostly want to know if there is some object behind you, but you don't need to see the details. I'm hoping to get some reasonable resolution and a reasonably sized screen so I can see where the edge of the snow blower is, etc.

As I mentioned, I've already got a quality security camera with a zoom lens that I'm thinking will work as long as it goes wide angle enough. Worst case I can replace the lens. That just leaves a monitor. I spotted a 7" model at Fry's that's made to install in the back of a headrest that was $100. There were other models that mount to the ceiling and flip up or drop down for use. Some are more like 10" and were closer to $200-$300.

You guys have provided some good links to other options too. I like the one that Messik's carries, and I like the idea of mounting one up on the loader too. I could get carried away with this. The bottom line is that I think the equipment is readily available in a variety of price/quality ranges, so I'm going to go for it.

Now I just need that Cab tractor to get delivered......

 

[PILOON]

OK, I was sold on the idea and purchased one on EBay from China.
Ordered the 7" and one camera.
Cost me $55. (landed) and about 30 days delivery, but I knew that.
While it has been installed for about 3 weeks now last night was the first 'real time' night test.
It was cold, windy and the snow fairly 'loose' and a moderate wind.
Absolutely no interference from snow on the lens (did mount it high under roof overhang).
Cold did not interfere. (was -14c last night)
My rear work lights made visibility so good that I'd spot twigs etc on the ground, if anything a bit too bright but I can adjust the sensitivity if I want.
Only (slight) downside is that my roof strobe introduces a yellow blinking shadow but that is understandable and could be corrected but not really a problem.

If a person had no roof overhang he could always fabricate a tiny 'roof' over the camera (if needed) .

The only negative comment is that the interconnect wire is super thin and needs careful protection.( I ran mine parallel to heavier wire and used lots of tie wraps)
Because the display on/off switch was rather dinky I left it permanently on and wired a toggle into the +12v line.

But now like a passenger side mirror there is a learning curve as 'objects seem further and smaller'. Also the built in guide lines, while adjustable in width, are narrower than my blower is but one quickly gets used to that and gauges clearances just fine.

 

[blueriver]

OK, I was sold on the idea and purchased one on EBay from China. Ordered the 7" and one camera. Cost me $55. (landed) and about 30 days delivery, but I knew that. While it has been installed for about 3 weeks now last night was the first 'real time' night test. It was cold, windy and the snow fairly 'loose' and a moderate wind. Absolutely no interference from snow on the lens (did mount it high under roof overhang). Cold did not interfere. (was -14c last night) My rear work lights made visibility so good that I'd spot twigs etc on the ground, if anything a bit too bright but I can adjust the sensitivity if I want. Only (slight) downside is that my roof strobe introduces a yellow blinking shadow but that is understandable and could be corrected but not really a problem. If a person had no roof overhang he could always fabricate a tiny 'roof' over the camera (if needed) . The only negative comment is that the interconnect wire is super thin and needs careful protection.( I ran mine parallel to heavier wire and used lots of tie wraps) Because the display on/off switch was rather dinky I left it permanently on and wired a toggle into the +12v line. But now like a passenger side mirror there is a learning curve as 'objects seem further and smaller'. Also the built in guide lines, while adjustable in width, are narrower than my blower is but one quickly gets used to that and gauges clearances just fine.

Post a link to it .. I'm thinking not only for backing up but it may be great to watch implements .. Hay baler,.. Anything

 

[razor]

I had a cheap wireless licence plate frame one on my last truck, it worked ok but only lasted a few months. I had it replaced under warranty but the second one lasted about the same amount of time before it stopped working. I bought a hard wired unit for my dump truck from Costco and so far I have been very happy with it. It has a good size screen and picture quality is excellent. At night time you see as if the sun is out. There is a built in heater to keep the lens clear and there is even a mic in the camera so you hear what is going on behind you.

My advise is if you get a camera don't get a cheap one. Get a hard wired unit. I think I paid around $300 for the kit.