New Camera install

ctgoldwing · Oct 30, 2020

With my recent cervical fusion I'm not quite as 'head flexible' as I used to be. My current project with the tractor is regrading my driveway that is requiring a lot of swiveling in the seat. So I decided install a rear facing camera.

Note I don't operate the tractor in the rain. The monitor is NOT waterproof. That said I did make the install in such a way that by unplugging the 3 connectors at the monitor end I can remove it completely. Here is the unit I went with:

I chose to mount the monitor on the FEL valve plastic cover using strong magnets with foam tape at the bottom. This makes removal easy. The magnets:

The two cameras the system came with I mounted on the bar supporting my toolbox. One faces down at the 3ph implement, the other pretty much straight back:

I sleeved the 3 cables (2 camera, 1 power) in split loom and ran it under the 'hump cover' next to the existing wire cable (going from fuse block area to rear of tractor). This was areal pia getting that cover off n on again.

I also mounted a 6 position fuse block on the inside of the rear fender to power the camera and led work lights I'm putting on later.

The final results

Hilbilly · Oct 30, 2020

Nice work!! Sure going to beat looking over your shoulder all day.

How do you find the distorted view when backing up? Do you get used to it or is it hard to judge when the box blade is too low or too high?

bearthebruce · Oct 30, 2020

Nice job! I'm thinking about doing something like that too!

Tinhack · Oct 30, 2020

Hilbilly said:
How do you find the distorted view when backing up? Do you get used to it or is it hard to judge when the box blade is too low or too high?

Dang! I was all set to put my order in until you said that.

Still, that's a good looking install. :thumbsup: And I like the size of the screen with front controls.

Some days, my arthritis is worse than others. Wrenching my neck around all day will put me on the limited activity list for 3-4 days. I think something like this would help. I have a large truck mirror above my head but I cant see the three point area. If I adjust that, I loose the view toward the rear. I like the two camera setup. Great price too.

Tinhack · Oct 30, 2020

As soon as I saw the unit records, I put my order in. :dance1:

Better hurry, they're going fast.

Here's the link: Amazon.com: 9" 4Pin IPS HD SD DVR Recording 2CH Split Car Rear View Monitor + 2x AHD 18P Reversing Backup Camera For Bus Long Truck Vehicle Waterproof 12V-24V: Beauty

Added: Not only does this unit record (128GB) but also allows a split screen view. I was sold when I saw that.

ctgoldwing · Oct 30, 2020

Tinhack said:
As soon as I saw the unit records, I put my order in. :dance1:

Better hurry, they're going fast.

Here's the link: Amazon.com: 9" 4Pin IPS HD SD DVR Recording 2CH Split Car Rear View Monitor + 2x AHD 18P Reversing Backup Camera For Bus Long Truck Vehicle Waterproof 12V-24V: Beauty

Added: Not only does this unit record (128GB) but also allows a split screen view. I was sold when I saw that.

In the split screen mode you can make them side by side or over one another - with appropriate cropping. I really only NEED the implement view so will probably keep it on a single camera.

ctgoldwing · Oct 30, 2020

Hilbilly said:
Nice work!! Sure going to beat looking over your shoulder all day.

How do you find the distorted view when backing up? Do you get used to it or is it hard to judge when the box blade is too low or too high?

Well my work with it is limited. I just finished it today and it was raining before it started snowing. I did make a run to the mailbox and practiced backing up a few times using the camera (btw I adjusted the angle downward a little more than what shows in the image here). I was able to raise n lower the box blade to just above the ground every time. I think with some practice it will work out well. I remember tho that a single lens has no depth perception

dlctcg · Oct 30, 2020

Nice job... I like the idea of the removable monitor... may have to put this on my to do list.... would be nice not to have to turn around all the time when running the PTO debris blower or when grading the drive....

Yes the snow today in CT was no help.... I unfortunately still have a lot of leaves to do....

Tinhack · Oct 30, 2020

Thanks for the tip about the unit. The recording feature made up my mind. I see a lot of "creatures" when I'm out on the tractor. Using the camera(s) for viewing to the rear is just a bonus.

I use my Go-Pro clone for recording to the front. It's amazing what you miss while out in the fields. You can glance down at the gauges and completely miss a fox or hog. I like to review the footage even if it's on fast forward. The Great Egrets always follow me around while I'm mowing in the summer. They're after the bugs and mice I stir up, I guess. They must come up from the creeks down the road. There's not much water around here except for my air conditioning condensate pond. I used to keep fish in it until they ate them all.