DCS/TIU, Camera/Monitor Questions

Car backup cam would work, 12 volt power and about $50 with led screen.

 

I would use a foam block since it is hidden and a bare 12 volt auto bulb for light. also very cheap.

 

I would use a cheaper track too, like used 027 - almost free, in a hidden yard.

Save the expensive Atlas track for where it can be seen.

 

 

Really good suggestions thank you!  Presumably, the back up cam can be. Ought at an auto parts store and the viewing screen is remote. If so this will be perfect.

Yes. These systems are designed with the intention that the LCD monitor is mounted on the car dash, and the camera is mounted on the rear of the car. A standard (cheap) analog video cable connects the two.

 

They are sold in auto parts stores and at pretty much any big box store that sells electronics - but the really basic $50 ones are more easily found by shopping online. If you don't already have one, you will also need to buy a 12VDC power supply for it.

 

One additional consideration - the image shown on the monitor of these devices is similar to what you would see on a car's rear-view mirror. In other words, the image on the monitor is flipped from right to left from the image the camera actually sees.

Went on-line and did a little research on back-up camera kits.  It seems they all have certain requirements that I'm not sure how to address for my purpose.  Here's an excerpt that indicates that wireless set-ups have the same requirements as wired set-ups:  " Wireless systems uses a camera installed in the rear of the vehicle and a receiving module installed in the dash area. The camera still requires power and chassis ground connections to the vehicle electrical system in the trunk/hatch area."

 

Also - with wireless, 2.4Hz is the same frequency (I think) as what's used by Legacy.  Curious if it interferes...

Ok, I've done some research to ID a backup camera and monitor and 12v DC power supply. Also located a wireless hook up kit as the camera and screen will be approx. 20 feet apart.  I think I will need to run it through a SPST toggle to both (a) power it only when need be; and (b) fool it into thinking the car is in reverse (the ones I've reviewed require you to put the car in reverse before they work. My guess is that this just means as soon as power is applied to that wire, it will work).

The problem is, I am NOT an electrical guy. Would really appreciate someone providing a simple diagram (for the layperson) on how this whole thing gets wired up. And if you have any recs on what camera/monitor to buy this would be appreciated. Thanks very much.

Peter

I know what I'm about to post isn't on a RR layout. I helped a friend of mine install one on a 30' motor home. I don't remember what he said that he paid, but knowing him it wasn't too much, as he wouldn't pay 7 cents to cross the street, and watch a **** Ant eat a bale of hay! We hooked the power wire into the reverse light, so basically when you put the truck/car into reverse, the power splits, and lights the back up lite, as well as powering the camera. That was pretty much it, other than mounting the camera on the dash for viewing..........Hope this helps.....................Brandy!   

Brandy. - thanks for trying but the whole "reverse gear" thing and actually hooking this thing up still remains unclear to me. Hoping someone chimes in with helpful advice and a simple diagram for a non-electricians.

Why not buy a cheap video camera with video cables and a small tv or monitor?   Mount the camera and run the cables to the tv.  You could probably get a used video camera with a remote for cheap on e-bay. 

PJB,

 

I'll give it a try.

 

1) mount camera

1A) connect 12V + and - to camera

2) mount monitor

2A) connect 12V + and - to monitor

 

(same 12V source can power both)

 

3) connect the video cable from camera to monitor... it probably has a yellow plug on each end.

 

4) on the camera, there is probably an extra wire hanging out labeled backup lights, or something like that.  If so, use a switch to connect that wire to 12V + when you want to see video.

 

That should do it.

 

In a car, the hookups would be the same.  When you put the car in reverse, the backup lights go on, right? so if you connect the "backup light wire" from the camera to one of the backup lights, it gets power when you put the car in reverse, and voila, the camera shows up on the video display.

 

... like Brandy said!

 

Ed