Reverse Camera

[ChrisK]

I'm nearly done with the next stage of my audio/video system. I installed a reverse image camera (So left is left and right is right) in the key hole location. I am also installing my aftermarket alarm that has a remote trunk output so I felt I could loose the cylinder key unit. The Alpine TME-M760 monitor uses AUX 3 input wired to turn on anytime 12V is present in on of the input wires, thus when you put the car in reverse the monitor automatically selects AUX 3 and will even turn on the monitor if it is off. I hooked the voltage input wire to one of my reverse lights.

The image quility is grainy in low light conditions but looks pretty good in daylight. The picture below was taken under lowlight condition with a long shutter speed, so it is kind of grainy and blurry since I didn't use a tripod.

 

[Tobal]

Wow very nice setup, how does the camera perform during night time? also which rear camera did you choose? Did you have concern of someone maybe accidently jabbing a key into the camera area?

 

[xxx]

OMG that is brilliant, awesome, and OMG, OMG, amazing!

 

[jlindy]

This camera is awesome, great set up, but something wrong with your rear view mirror? That's a lot of work and money to see who you are blowing away.

 

[DocL]

This camera is awesome, great set up, but something wrong with your rear view mirror? That's a lot of work and money to see who you are blowing away.

Actually, if he were to look at the cars he was blowing away he'd probably trash his tranny. From the description it seems that the camera only turns on when reverse is engaged. But, it would be cool to somehow be able to turn it on when going fowards.

 

[ChrisK]

From the description it seems that the camera only turns on when reverse is engaged. But, it would be cool to somehow be able to turn it on when going fowards.

Ahhh, that would be cool. Actually, you can indeed manually switch the monitor to any input you want to view so I can view the rear view camera even though I'm not in reverse. The reverse sense just overides any input you were viewing. Also, a neat feature of the monitor is the ability to output any of the 3 AV signals to a second monitor, or have it set up where it will output any AV input (AUX 1, AUX2, AUX3) that you are viewing on the monitor to the second monitor. That means you can simply hook that AV output to a video camera and recored image that is going through the monitor. My plan is to add two more foward facing cameras (One on the inside viewing out through the windshield with a view similar to mounting a camcorder with a camera mount, and the second will be mounted somewhere in the front airdam for the F1 low frot spoiler shot view. I'm not sure if I will really use a mini cam for the inside front view since these mini cams are at best Hi8 quality only. I may just use my mini DV camcorder for the in cabin front view recordings.

I don't race or anything, so this whole project is mostly for fun and to try record some neat images on NSX cruises and gatherings. The reverse camera does have some functional value though, but you have to get used to judging the size of objects in the image to gauge how close you are getting since there is no distance gauge meter like some OEM cars and the mounting point (In that center tail lens) is a bit too high so you can't see the edge of the bumper.

 

[ChrisK]

Wow very nice setup, how does the camera perform during night time? also which rear camera did you choose? Did you have concern of someone maybe accidently jabbing a key into the camera area?

Not really. I did install a clear plexi glass plate directly in front of the camera so that acts as a shield from dirt and the occasional accidental key insertion Removal of the lock is real easy and if I wanted I could probably reinstall it in about 10-15 minutes.

 

[ChrisK]

This camera is awesome, great set up, but something wrong with your rear view mirror? That's a lot of work and money to see who you are blowing away.

Hehehe, not really a lot of money. I already had the monitor and AV system, so the additional cost was only the reverse image camera that I picked up from ebay for about $50. I did all the work so it was a good day to spend the day with the NSX. Time will spend I think

 

[Tantheman]

Damn, Damn it to hell for putting these ideas in my head.

 

[GinaK]

Now that is really cool. I might just have to steal your idea as one of my upgrades this winter!