Hi folks,
Discussion in another thread got me poking around the Internet, and I see that there are a number of alternatives to connecting a backup camera to the in-dash unit. Some are snap-on overlays to the existing rear view mirror, some replace it, using the original on-glass mounting nub. Either way, the backup monitor is in the mirror itself, and when not backing up, it's just a regular mirror.
Has anyone tried this approach (successfully)?
Random examples:
Amazon.com : I-Max 4.3 Auto Adjust Brightness Car Rear View Mirror Monitor of General Parking Assist System - Support Backup Camera Compatible : Car Electronics
Amazon.com : AUTO-VOX Universal 4.3 inch LCD Wireless Rear View Car Monitor with Mirror Kit+ Waterproof HD Wide Angle Backup Camera : Car Electronics
I'm thinking to save headaches in wire routing by mounting the rear camera to the under side of the center break light, inside the cabin, instead of on the rear license plate frame. It's high enough there that it can see over the side "wings", and far enough forward, so a 170 degree view will cover the side blind spots when driving normally (i.e. just leave the camera on all the time). The view down low directly behind the car would be reduced, but I think still good enough. Certainly better than no camera at all.
While I like the idea of having the monitor in the rear view mirror - looking at the dash while backing up has never felt right to me - I wonder about the effect of the eyes needing to change focus so drastically between the monitor and mirror views.
Any thoughts?
Discussion in another thread got me poking around the Internet, and I see that there are a number of alternatives to connecting a backup camera to the in-dash unit. Some are snap-on overlays to the existing rear view mirror, some replace it, using the original on-glass mounting nub. Either way, the backup monitor is in the mirror itself, and when not backing up, it's just a regular mirror.
Has anyone tried this approach (successfully)?
Random examples:
Amazon.com : I-Max 4.3 Auto Adjust Brightness Car Rear View Mirror Monitor of General Parking Assist System - Support Backup Camera Compatible : Car Electronics
Amazon.com : AUTO-VOX Universal 4.3 inch LCD Wireless Rear View Car Monitor with Mirror Kit+ Waterproof HD Wide Angle Backup Camera : Car Electronics
I'm thinking to save headaches in wire routing by mounting the rear camera to the under side of the center break light, inside the cabin, instead of on the rear license plate frame. It's high enough there that it can see over the side "wings", and far enough forward, so a 170 degree view will cover the side blind spots when driving normally (i.e. just leave the camera on all the time). The view down low directly behind the car would be reduced, but I think still good enough. Certainly better than no camera at all.
While I like the idea of having the monitor in the rear view mirror - looking at the dash while backing up has never felt right to me - I wonder about the effect of the eyes needing to change focus so drastically between the monitor and mirror views.
Any thoughts?