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

[newbury]

This has been an educational thread - thanks.

I'd like to explore a different approach. I have open station tractors. Thinking it would be nice to be able to mount camera or two but instead of a permanent display just watch on my iPhone or iPad. My thinking is cost would basically be the cameras and if it worked well I could mount as many and wherever according to task as long as I had power. I'd likely add to rear of my Tundra for the trailer hitch and backing. Using my iPhone/iPad I won't be concerned with weathering and would only need the one I was using instead of multiple permanent units.
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I looked into that to do a WiFi approach.

BUT to be NIT picking my Samsung Galaxy Note does not have enough NITS

The candela per square metre (cd/m2) is the derived SI unit of luminance. The unit is based on the candela, the SI unit of luminous intensity, and the square metre, the SI unit of area.

As a measure of light emitted per unit area, this unit is frequently used to specify the brightness of a display device. Most consumer desktop liquid crystal displays have luminances of 200 to 300 cd/m2;[1] the sRGB spec for monitors targets 80 cd/m2.[2] High-definition televisions range from 450 to about 1000 cd/m2. Typically, calibrated monitors should have a brightness of 120 cd/m2.

Nit (nt) is a non-SI name also used for this unit (1 nt = 1 cd/m2).[3] The term nit is believed to come from the Latin word nitere, to shine.[4]

.

Does your I phone/pad put out enough nits for use in full sun?

They make wireless sending units, but when I looked wire was a LOT cheaper. It should be easy to hardwire a camera, if your display is bright enough.

 

[s219]

I am kot worried about it during use... it's the times I may get caught unaware, or have to leave the tractor outside for a couple days, or the like that I am concerned about.

Well, it is good to think ahead a bit -- usually I find out flaws in realtime....

 

[Threepoint]

That sure doesn't look any different than the camera I paid $12 for from a different vendor/brand:

Amazon.com : Car Rear Vehicle Backup View Camera (Waterproof) : Electronics

Since the cameras both have composite video out, there isn't going to be any real difference in resolution/fidelity (i.e., any claims of "HD" aren't realistic).

S219, yep, it's probably the same camera, the Esky EC170-08. Yours has guidelines, doesn't it? That's the same one I bought several months ago when Roger's epic thread was still young. I think I paid $12.95 at the time. I've kept it, and may use it somewhere else, but I eventually decided I preferred a no-guideline version for the tractor, and those are priced higher, oddly enough. Perhaps there's more demand for no guidelines. Yet your camera is actually the later model, and more robustly made than the other ones I linked to. Also, the camera lens angle is adjusted up or down by loosening the two machine cap screws on the bracket. On the others, fine tuning of the aim is by bend adjustment to the stalk (which actually allows a bit more flexibility in side-to-side aiming).

 

[Fallon]

Did people mount their bucket cam to the loader arms or to the bucket?

I got my monitor installed along with the wiring for my power SSQA & put the dash all back together. Running the wires up the loader arms now & trying to figure out where I want to mount the camera. I'm thinking mounting it to the loader arms so it doesn't pivot with the bucket might protect it a bit better & give the best view compared to mounting it so it pivots with the bucket. I have a SSQA, so I wouldn't actually mount it to the bucket itself, but some of the braces behind the SSQA pivot with the bucket. Looking for thoughts & opinions.

I got the waterproof monitor in & finally got it briefly tested with the rear view camera. Both work & the picture seemed pretty clear for the few seconds I had it going. Camera was barely connected by twisting some wires together for testing, so I couldn't get that good of an inspection.

Pyle PLMRM72B 7" Active Matrix TFT LCD Marine Display - Black - Overstock™ Shopping - The Best Prices on Pyle Marine Audio
Amazon.com : Esky® EC170-11 World Smallest HD Color CCD Waterproof Vehicle Car Rear View Backup Camera, 170 Degree Viewing Angle Rearview Camera- Size: 0.86*0.65*0.50 inch (No Guideline Version) : Car Electronics

 

[mangus580]

Hows the build quality of the Pyle waterproof display? I am still debating the $20 display in a 'waterproof' box, or just spending the $100ish on the waterproof display.

 

[countrybumpkin]

I made a quick and simple mount out of emt conduit , and mounted it like waxman did so it pivots with the loader attachment. This way I have very little time or money in the mount to see if I'm going to like it mounted that way, or if I may need to modify the mount. Once I'm happy with it I will build a nicer mount. You could always mount the camera to a magnet so you can change locations for different views, would let you try different views before making York mount.

 

[lostcreekranch]

I am way behind getting my system installed but, plan to put my front camera on a magnetic mount so, I can move it around. On top of grill guard for bucket work, on back frame of pallet forks, etc. I found some really strong magnets with a 1/4-20 stud on top of magnet. Plan to create protection for camera from a section of heavy wall square or rectangular tubing. Been busy on other projects.

Sent from my iPad using TractorByNet

 

[s219]

Did people mount their bucket cam to the loader arms or to the bucket?

I mounted to bucket -- see pics on page 22 of this thread. First I tried a few different temporary mount locations/types and concluded the bucket mount was going to be the only one that would give the views I was looking for.

 

[Utopia Texas]

I have the camera and display mentioned at the beginning of this thread on order but only want to use them when shredding or plowing, so I do not want the camera and screen powered up all the time. Can I put a toggle switch or something similar between the power and the camera and screen and does it have to be something more specific than I can get at the hardware store? Thanks...

 

[s219]

I have the camera and display mentioned at the beginning of this thread on order but only want to use them when shredding or plowing, so I do not want the camera and screen powered up all the time. Can I put a toggle switch or something similar between the power and the camera and screen and does it have to be something more specific than I can get at the hardware store? Thanks...

Screen has a power switch of its own. I don't have a switch for the cameras though, so they are always powered when tractor is running, whether I am needing them or not. I'd say any switch would do. The fuse amperage of the cameras and screens are around 1-2A each. I am sure the actual amperage is a small fraction of that.

 

[countrybumpkin]

If you don't want the camera or monitor getting power all the time while your tractor is running , just wire them both to the same toggle switch.

 

[PILOON]

Folks, looking at the Pyle marine unit I got the distinct impression that it was the exact same unit as the one I installed costing $50.00 ish. (row of push buttons* + remote only minus the eyebrow and base)**

To answer power question I wired the 2 + leads to a toggle.

*the switch row controls contrast, brightness, color, guide lines width+on/off invert and flip, language.
However they were a tad delicate so I did the toggle power switching as I could not imagine switching in the cold with gloves on. Besides I'm sure that teeny membrane (?) switch would probably freeze.

** Mine was ordered from China and arrived as expected 4-5 weeks later duty and tax free via post.

 

[Threepoint]

Folks, looking at the Pyle marine unit I got the distinct impression that it was the exact same unit as the one I installed costing $50.00 ish. (row of push buttons* + remote only minus the eyebrow and base)**[snip]

To test your hunch, try splashing a bucket of salt water over your monitor to simulate sea spray. If it's also water resistant, as the Pyle claims to be, you may be on to something!

 

[Threepoint]

Screen has a power switch of its own. I don't have a switch for the cameras though, so they are always powered when tractor is running, whether I am needing them or not. I'd say any switch would do. The fuse amperage of the cameras and screens are around 1-2A each. I am sure the actual amperage is a small fraction of that.

This. But seems like a lot of trouble to go to just for the negligible power draw of those tiny cameras alone. The monitor itself can just be left turned off at the unit until you want it. But I've gotten so used to having it on that I find myself glancing at it anyway out of habit, like a rear-view mirror. It's a bit disconcerting when the screen's dark! The field of view of the camera is so large that it really does add to my sense of awareness of what's going on behind the tractor, even when driving forward.

 

[Complete Turf Care]

I'm considering these two systems. This one New 7" TFT Monitor Waterproof Car Rear View Night Vision Backup 2 Camera System | eBay has a 7" monitor and is new.

This one 9" Monitor and Two 120 has a 9" monitor and is refurbished. I like the idea of a bigger monitor, but I'm not sure if it's necessary. And I'm not sure if it will be too bulky.

Otherwise they seem to be similar systems. Looks like the cameras are the same, and both are 'wired' systems. Both ship from the USA. I think I'll go with wired instead of wireless, since I have to get power to the cameras anyway, I might as well power them within the 'system'.

I plan to mount one somewhere on the back of my tractor and one on the front end loader. I think some sort of magnetic mount for the front loader, and on the cab for the rear. My tractor is a Kubota L5740 with a cab.

 

[s219]

I'm considering these two systems. This one New 7" TFT Monitor Waterproof Car Rear View Night Vision Backup 2 Camera System | eBay has a 7" monitor and is new.

The remote control and mounting base in those photos are the same that comes with the $26 monitor from Amazon, so I suspect the rest of the monitor is similar if not identical under the skin (in one of the other photos in that listing, it looks identical). Cameras are different, but as good as the $11 waterproof cameras work in my experience, I just can't see spending $145 for what you can get from Amazon for about $50. It's more or less the same Chinese junk, so don't be fooled into paying more than the bare minimum. And I think it was noted before, but the cameras put out a composite video signal, so there won't be a point to HD or higher resolutions (which are likely bogus specs anyhow).

 

[PILOON]

I'm considering these two systems. This one New 7" TFT Monitor Waterproof Car Rear View Night Vision Backup 2 Camera System | eBay has a 7" monitor and is new.

.

Because this system includes cables (which look rugged)I'd suggest that their price is fair and not worth shopping farthur.

 

[Complete Turf Care]

Because this system includes cables (which look rugged)I'd suggest that their price is fair and not worth shopping farthur.

I just ordered this system. I like the fact that it is a 'system' and all components are (supposed to be) compatible. And, the 'refurbished' system shows the monitor measurement as horizontally at 9.1" which I suspect would be the same as the 7" diagonal monitors.

The only thing I don't like about the system I ordered is that the cables are 66' long, which is waaaayyyy more than I need.

Now I need to find some good magnets and build a bracket to mount the front camera.

For the rear camera, there is a bracket already just below the rear window that I think will work fine, although it is a little offset from center.



And, I think there are several flat surfaces on my loader and on my buckets (I have 2, one with a grapple, and one without) and on my forks. I think the magnet will give me plenty of options for mounting the front camera.

 

[PILOON]

"The only thing I don't like about the system I ordered is that the cables are 66' long, which is waaaayyyy more than I need."

Hey, better long than short!

Man made it, man can alter it. Best would be to unsolder the connector at one end and resolder to your liking.
Where the cable runs from the cab to your FEL mounting area add an additional protection of some sort as that will be a very vulnerable area. Best would be some kind of braided metalique sleeve material.

Having pretty much the same system I can confirm that type and length of cable is not critical.

If you have old TV co-Ax you generally can skin the outer plastic and underneath is just the kind of braiding that I'd suggest.
While not bullet proof It certainly will offer excellent protection.

 

[Utopia Texas]

Hello, Can someone tell me the correct name for the male plug I need to fit the socket pictured below? The socket is in my NH T4.75 within 2 feet of where I want to mount my backup camera in the rear window. The tractor manual just calls it a "single-pole electrical connector 8A". It is smaller than a cigarette lighter socket and measures 1/2" diameter. When I place my electrical meter positive lead to the center bottom and negative lead to ground I get 12V with the ignition key off. I have typed "single-pole electrical connector 8A" into Google and get nothing that looks similar and I need to find a male part that fits this socket. Thanks....