Backup camera for Navigation

dibble9012 · #1 (**permalink**) 10-04-2006, 09:54 PM

Ok, well I'm about to bite the bullet and buy a navigation system from OEM value for my Tundra

I figured since I'm getting the navigation, I should just put every upgrade I can on it right now, do it right the first time. (so I don't have to take the console out more than once and risk any rattles)

Well this includes sirius radio, microphone, back-up camera, and I'm still deciding on an ipod input (waiting for coastaletech to release their special input)

So for my question, first of all everyone post their backup camera pics!! Has anyone installed their backup camera off-center on their Tundra? I plan on getting a camera that mounts IN the bumper, but there is not enough room below the license plate to drill the hole and install the camera. Do you think installing it on the passengers side of the license plate would be ok? Maybe an inch or two from the edge of the plastic surround?

Thanks in advance!

This is the camera I am considering

LifeTech · #2 (**permalink**) 10-04-2006, 10:10 PM

A bullet cam like this will work well and they are fairly indestructible. They usually come with angle shims to offset the view as needed ,so this might be an option for yu.

These cams can be had for reasonable price.

My choice for my O/E Nav in my H/L LTD. would be the Eclipse bec-105.

No pix for yu . But google it. It happens to be a direct plugin for my O/E app. and also the aftermarket Eclipse Navs.

Make sure yu are buying a ccd based cam not a cmos type ($40-$60) by mistake. The cmos types have low resolution and poor lux/light sensitivity. Also make sure yu are getting a reversed view image cam . Some generics are not and yu won't get the correct field of view as if yu were looking to your rearview mirror.

Yu might already know this stuff....

goodluck.

dibble9012 · #3 (**permalink**) 10-04-2006, 10:16 PM

Yea, I already knew most of that (have been researching this nav/camera since before I bought the Tundra

) But I still appreciate you advising on whats best and whats not, I'm sure it will be useful for many people who come on this board

I found a CCD camera on ebay for $120, which seems reasonable. It has the mirrored video and the angle shims, plus infrared LED's (not sure how well they work, I'm sure the backup lights will light up enough) And an awesome cable thats waterproof and 32 feet long, sure saves time verses running 4 separate wires under the truck.

It also has a 110 degree viewing angle

Mainly I just want to know if it would be a bad idea to have the camera offset instead of centered in the bumper.

rlehan · #4 (**permalink**) 10-04-2006, 10:52 PM

Check my gallery. I originally had my camera located under the 4 pin trailer wire connector which is offset to the driver side of the truck. I have pictures of what the view looked like. I damaged the camera 4 wheelin and I installed the new camera under the tailgate handle centered in the handle recess area. The view is not that much different. The original camera was a BEC102 and the new camera is a BEC105.

Rick

dibble9012 · #5 (**permalink**) 10-04-2006, 11:12 PM

yea, the only problem is, if I install it into the bumper to the left or right of the license plate "pocket" in the bumper, would the picture be offset too much to be that useful?

tomhole · #6 (**permalink**) 10-04-2006, 11:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dibble9012

Yea, I already knew most of that (have been researching this nav/camera since before I bought the Tundra

) But I still appreciate you advising on whats best and whats not, I'm sure it will be useful for many people who come on this board

I found a CCD camera on ebay for $120, which seems reasonable. It has the mirrored video and the angle shims, plus infrared LED's (not sure how well they work, I'm sure the backup lights will light up enough) And an awesome cable thats waterproof and 32 feet long, sure saves time verses running 4 separate wires under the truck.

It also has a 110 degree viewing angle

Mainly I just want to know if it would be a bad idea to have the camera offset instead of centered in the bumper.

That's the camera I have installed on my Tundra. I've been meaning to snap a pic, but haven't yet. I put it in the middle of the license plate at the top. That req'd making a 1 1/4" hole in the center pillar thingy, but it worked great.

That camera is outstanding, BTW. Great AGC and white balance during the day. At night, it really can see out to 50' in pitch black. Built VERY well. The cable is all in one (power + video) and the connectors are first rate. I got it in a package with the 5" LCD because I don't have the NAV system. Also got the camera in the case for the back of my travel trailer.

Tom

dibble9012 · #7 (**permalink**) 10-04-2006, 11:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tomhole

That's the camera I have installed on my Tundra. I've been meaning to snap a pic, but haven't yet. I put it in the middle of the license plate at the top. That req'd making a 1 1/4" hole in the center pillar thingy, but it worked great.

That camera is outstanding, BTW. Great AGC and white balance during the day. At night, it really can see out to 50' in pitch black. Built VERY well. The cable is all in one (power + video) and the connectors are first rate. I got it in a package with the 5" LCD because I don't have the NAV system. Also got the camera in the case for the back of my travel trailer.

Tom

Yea pictures would be great!! Did you actually drill through the license plate? I don't wouldnt want to do that.

tomhole · #8 (**permalink**) 10-04-2006, 11:37 PM

Yup, drilled a hole right through it about 1.45" in diameter. Then I stood there and looked at it and wondered if I just broke some sort of law against drilling holes in license plates. Mighta oughta thought of that BEFORE I drilled that hole, eh? My skipper told me one time that I was the dumbest smart person he ever met. My wife agrees

If you don't need the night vision part, you could just drill a 1/4" hole for the camera to see through.

Tom

dibble9012 · #9 (**permalink**) 10-04-2006, 11:46 PM

but officer, its only a 1/4 inch hole

Yea, I don't think I'll drill into the license plate, I guess I'll just play around with it, hopefully the picture wont be too offset when the camera is to the right of the license plate hole

rlehan · #10 (**permalink**) 10-05-2006, 09:36 AM

Why don't you hook up the camera and try some different locations? That's what I did. You can determine if the picture is acceptable. You don't have to permanently mount it until you are happy with the results.

Rick

dibble9012 · #11 (**permalink**) 10-05-2006, 09:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rlehan

Why don't you hook up the camera and try some different locations? That's what I did. You can determine if the picture is acceptable. You don't have to permanently mount it until you are happy with the results.

Rick

With the type of camera I was planning to buy, I am limited on mounting options since it has to be installed in a drilled hole, it cannot be surface mounted

tomhole · #12 (**permalink**) 10-06-2006, 05:08 PM

Got some pics:

Here's where I put the monitor. This is before I finished the install. It is moved to the left right now. I have it hooked to the reverse power and it comes on when the truck is in reverse and turns off when it's not. I was towing yesterday so I turned it on all the time. Weird view. I will add the camera to the back of the travel trailer and hook it into this monitor as well.

Please excuse the mess. I use my truck for truck things and sometimes don't keep it as clean as I should. You can also see the Prodigy brake controller on the left side of the pic.

Tom

LifeTech · #13 (**permalink**) 10-07-2006, 09:51 AM

nice cam ...nice work yu did!!

HeathV · #14 (**permalink**) 10-07-2006, 11:48 PM

Does anyone have the specs on the eclipse bec-105??? Mostly what I would like to know if the camera has mirror image capability, wide angle field of view, is it CCD or CMOS, does it have infrared night vision, and how much cable comes with it and can you get extra cable if needed. I own a 35ft fifth wheel camper I want to install the camera on.