Weatherproof CCTV system
 

What is the cheapest weatherproof CCTV system available? It must have an LCD
screen and be capable of 12V operation (possibly via DC to DC converter).
Not concerned about colour, unless the monitor has an auxilliary input,
which might be useful for DVD watching etc.

The application is for a reversing sensor/rear view mirror on my new
minibus, which has opaque rear doors. Therefore, LCD is required for dash
mounting. Also, mirror image functionality would be useful, although I
suspect I can cope without for the right price.

I've seen L11AQ at maplin for 69.99 (which is cheaper than the official door
mirrors!). However, this has a bulky CRT and doesn't have mirror image.

There's plenty of cheapish cameras from around 15 quid which could be
wrapped in a bit of plastic, but the monitor could be problematic. I can't
seem to find anything cheap and small, even in monochrome.

Christian.

"Christian McArdle" wrote in message
. net...
What is the cheapest weatherproof CCTV system available? It must have
an LCD
screen and be capable of 12V operation (possibly via DC to DC
converter).
Not concerned about colour, unless the monitor has an auxilliary
input,
which might be useful for DVD watching etc.

The application is for a reversing sensor/rear view mirror on my new
minibus, which has opaque rear doors. Therefore, LCD is required for
dash
mounting. Also, mirror image functionality would be useful, although I
suspect I can cope without for the right price.


Lack of replies so far, so here's my not-very-relevent answer.

Here are a couple, reversing sensor only

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...5329&item=7919
542709

http://tinyurl.com/7xmbc

and

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...6798&item=2488
863954

http://tinyurl.com/677o8

"Christian McArdle" wrote in message
. net...
snip

The application is for a reversing sensor/rear view mirror on my new
minibus, which has opaque rear doors. Therefore, LCD is required for dash
mounting. Also, mirror image functionality would be useful, although I
suspect I can cope without for the right price.

Best learn to drive then [1], what is wrong with your mirrors, if they are
to small fit larger ones - if you can't see to reverse how can you see what
is behind ?...

[1] especially if you are using this minibus for it's intended purpose :~(

Lack of replies so far, so here's my not-very-relevent answer.

Thanks for the links!

The second one wouldn't be much good, as I don't have a rear view mirror to
hang it off!

However, even with the first link, I think that I would prefer a camera
based solution for several reasons.

1. I tow large trailers frequently. A radar/ultrasonic detector would have
to be disabled when reversing one of these. A camera based solution would
still be useful. In particular, at 15 quid a pop, I would probably have an
auxilliary camera that I can attach to the rear of the trailer/caravan with
a selector switch in the cockpit.

2. I want to use it as a rear view mirror, too, as I don't currently have
one and the door mirrors don't show what is directly behind, only traffic
that is already overtaking.

I'm currently investigating 2nd hand portable TVs on eBay, if I can find one
with an AV input...

Christian.

"Christian McArdle" wrote in message
. net...
snip

2. I want to use it as a rear view mirror, too, as I don't currently have
one and the door mirrors don't show what is directly behind, only traffic
that is already overtaking.

Well using it as a rear view mirror will mean a moving traffic offence or
similar.
If you learn to use your mirrors you will find that they give plenty of
visibility, if they don't you need to fit larger mirrors. WTF do you thing
drivers of lorries etc. see behind ?!...

Christian McArdle wrote:
Lack of replies so far, so here's my not-very-relevent answer.

Thanks for the links!

The second one wouldn't be much good, as I don't have a rear view
mirror to hang it off!

However, even with the first link, I think that I would prefer a
camera based solution for several reasons.

1. I tow large trailers frequently. A radar/ultrasonic detector would
have to be disabled when reversing one of these. A camera based
solution would still be useful. In particular, at 15 quid a pop, I
would probably have an auxilliary camera that I can attach to the
rear of the trailer/caravan with a selector switch in the cockpit.

2. I want to use it as a rear view mirror, too, as I don't currently
have one and the door mirrors don't show what is directly behind,
only traffic that is already overtaking.

I'm currently investigating 2nd hand portable TVs on eBay, if I can
find one with an AV input...

Christian.

I did say they weren't really relevent...

I did say they weren't really relevent...

They'll make a reasonable fall back, if I can't source a suitably tiny
monitor. It looks quite difficult to get a 2.3" LCD screen with an AV
connection.

Christian.

"Christian McArdle" wrote
| The application is for a reversing sensor/rear view mirror on my
| new minibus, which has opaque rear doors. Therefore, LCD is
| required for dash mounting. Also, mirror image functionality
| would be useful, although I suspect I can cope without for the
| right price.
| I've seen L11AQ at maplin for 69.99 (which is cheaper than the
| official door mirrors!). However, this has a bulky CRT and
| doesn't have mirror image.

How about mounting the CRT behind your shoulder and viewing it through a
mirror on the sun visor? Cheap, no dash mounting, and would give a reversed
image.

The 5" CRT monitor-tellies were reduced to 14.99 in Maplin after last
christmas I think.

Owain

Christian McArdle wrote:
I did say they weren't really relevent...

They'll make a reasonable fall back, if I can't source a suitably tiny
monitor. It looks quite difficult to get a 2.3" LCD screen with an AV
connection.

Christian.

Another entirely non-serious suggestion - there's a Lambourghini which
uses CCTV instead of a mirror - you might have to wait for JK to get his
license back so he can write one off for you...

"Christian McArdle" wrote in message
. net...
What is the cheapest weatherproof CCTV system available? It must have an
LCD
screen and be capable of 12V operation (possibly via DC to DC converter).
Not concerned about colour, unless the monitor has an auxilliary input,
which might be useful for DVD watching etc.

The application is for a reversing sensor/rear view mirror on my new
minibus, which has opaque rear doors. Therefore, LCD is required for dash
mounting. Also, mirror image functionality would be useful, although I
suspect I can cope without for the right price.

I've seen L11AQ at maplin for 69.99 (which is cheaper than the official
door
mirrors!). However, this has a bulky CRT and doesn't have mirror image.

There's plenty of cheapish cameras from around 15 quid which could be
wrapped in a bit of plastic, but the monitor could be problematic. I can't
seem to find anything cheap and small, even in monochrome.

Christian.




A google search will find plenty - but some are very expensive. Cheapest LCD
colour I have seen so far is -
http://www.henrys.co.uk/cctv/reverse.htm
or - cheaper is this green screen option if you decide to consider a CRT
type http://www.cutv.co.uk/acatalog/Reversing_systems.html

Dave

How about mounting the CRT behind your shoulder and viewing it through a
mirror on the sun visor? Cheap, no dash mounting, and would give a
reversed
image.


Nice idea. It even still looks the right way round when looking over the
shoulder. Unfortunately, it wouldn't be possible to use it as a rear view
mirror, though. It would be reversing aid pure and simple.

The 5" CRT monitor-tellies were reduced to 14.99 in Maplin after last
christmas I think.

Where abouts would I find them? With a 15 quid camera, some cable, some
plastic and Araldite, that would make a system for under 40 quid.

At that price, I'll live with the lack of flatness. I'm sure I could find
somewhere to mount it, but I can't find anything remotely like it on their
website, except the 70 quid bundle, which is probably outside my comfort
zone, especially with a CRT screen.

Christian.

"Neil Jones" wrote in message
...
snip

Another entirely non-serious suggestion - there's a Lambourghini which
uses CCTV instead of a mirror - you might have to wait for JK to get his
license back so he can write one off for you...


JK ??

:::Jerry:::: wrote:
"Christian McArdle" wrote in
message
. net...
snip

2. I want to use it as a rear view mirror, too, as I don't
currently have
one and the door mirrors don't show what is directly behind, only
traffic
that is already overtaking.

Well using it as a rear view mirror will mean a moving traffic
offence or
similar.
If you learn to use your mirrors you will find that they give plenty
of
visibility, if they don't you need to fit larger mirrors. WTF do you
thing
drivers of lorries etc. see behind ?!...

I have seen a number of lorries with rear mounted CCTV.

Also it is very rare to parallel park a lorry - but common to have to
do so with a minibus (and to reverse into or out of a parking space).
When lorries are forced to reverse they often require someone behind
the lorry for safety.

wrote in message ...

:::Jerry:::: wrote:
"Christian McArdle" wrote in
message
. net...
snip

2. I want to use it as a rear view mirror, too, as I don't
currently have
one and the door mirrors don't show what is directly behind, only
traffic
that is already overtaking.

Well using it as a rear view mirror will mean a moving traffic
offence or
similar.
If you learn to use your mirrors you will find that they give plenty
of
visibility, if they don't you need to fit larger mirrors. WTF do you
thing
drivers of lorries etc. see behind ?!...

I have seen a number of lorries with rear mounted CCTV.

But they don't use them a rear veiw mirors...


Also it is very rare to parallel park a lorry - but common to have to
do so with a minibus (and to reverse into or out of a parking space).
When lorries are forced to reverse they often require someone behind
the lorry for safety.


Bo**ocks !
Part of the HGV test is to reverse parallel park the lorry using nothing
more than the standard mirrors. Not to mention drivers having to reversing
on to delivery docks etc. with trailers on both sides and judging rear end
side (swing out) clearances using nothing more than the mirrors whist in
forward motion along the road.....

On Fri, 10 Sep 2004 14:41:35 +0100, "Christian McArdle"
wrote:

I did say they weren't really relevent...

They'll make a reasonable fall back, if I can't source a suitably tiny
monitor. It looks quite difficult to get a 2.3" LCD screen with an AV
connection.

Christian.

Hi,

All you need is a small wireless video cam powered off the reversing
lights and a cheap LCD TV.

cheers,
Pete.

"Christian McArdle" wrote
| The 5" CRT monitor-tellies were reduced to 14.99 in Maplin after last
| christmas I think.
| Where abouts would I find them?

Err, Maplin :-)

Order Code VW58N - £29.99 - put VW58N into the product search on the maplin
homepage.
"The Order Code you searched for is not currently featured on the Maplin
website.
However, you can still purchase this Order Code by clicking the buy link
below."

The Maplin ones have A/V input; the £25 ones in Woolies didn't. There was a
useful article in "Television" magazine about these things a couple of
months ago. They are all made with the same innards and all have the same
faults.

Cash Converters / Cash Generator type stores are a good place to try.

There are gazillions of the things on Ebay.
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...tem=5718836063
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...tem=5719192477
(Caveat Emptor. Check for AV inputs)

| With a 15 quid camera, some cable, some
| plastic and Araldite, that would make a system for under 40 quid.
| At that price, I'll live with the lack of flatness. I'm sure I could
| find somewhere to mount it,

Can you hack out an air vent to give you a partial recess. Or vertically on
the central pod, with a periscope style mirror on the sun visor.

Alternatively, if you don't mind dealing with Ebay sellers in Asia,
flatscreens are about £60
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...tem=5718793751
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.d...tem=5716936833
(Caveat Emptor.)

Owain

":::Jerry::::" wrote in message
...

"Neil Jones" wrote in message
...
snip

Another entirely non-serious suggestion - there's a Lambourghini which
uses CCTV instead of a mirror - you might have to wait for JK to get his
license back so he can write one off for you...


JK ??



Lead singer of Jamiroquai (spelling?), well known for his love of expensive
cars and, most recently, the loss of his license for 6 months for (tusk
tusk) doing 105mph!

On Fri, 10 Sep 2004 18:08:23 +0100, Pete C
wrote:

On Fri, 10 Sep 2004 14:41:35 +0100, "Christian McArdle"
wrote:

I did say they weren't really relevent...

They'll make a reasonable fall back, if I can't source a suitably tiny
monitor. It looks quite difficult to get a 2.3" LCD screen with an AV
connection.

Christian.

Hi,

All you need is a small wireless video cam powered off the reversing
lights and a cheap LCD TV.

Oops, looks like you can't get those iffy TV transmitters anymore.

Next best bet might be to run the RF from a conventional wired or
wireless camera through a cheap modulator, eg:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=3320&item=57198618 40&rd=1
http://custom1.farnell.com/cpc/product.asp?catalog%5Fname=CPC+Catalogue&category% 5Fname=&product%5Fid=AV1036366

With the right shaped bit of wire on the output it will probably reach
a pocket TV a few feet away :)

cheers,
Pete.

"Alex" wrote in message
...
":::Jerry::::" wrote in message
...

"Neil Jones" wrote in message
...
snip

Another entirely non-serious suggestion - there's a Lambourghini which
uses CCTV instead of a mirror - you might have to wait for JK to get
his
license back so he can write one off for you...

JK ??

Lead singer of Jamiroquai (spelling?), well known for his love of
expensive
cars and, most recently, the loss of his license for 6 months for (tusk
tusk) doing 105mph!


Oh, right, I was thinking about another JK, who would have to get out of
prison first, let alone getting his license back, assuming the ******* gets
out.....

In message , ":::Jerry::::"
writes

"Christian McArdle" wrote in message
.net...
snip

The application is for a reversing sensor/rear view mirror on my new
minibus, which has opaque rear doors. Therefore, LCD is required for dash
mounting. Also, mirror image functionality would be useful, although I
suspect I can cope without for the right price.

Best learn to drive then [1], what is wrong with your mirrors, if they are
to small fit larger ones - if you can't see to reverse how can you see what
is behind ?...

[1] especially if you are using this minibus for it's intended purpose :~(


ISTR making the exact same comment when we were talking about distance
(parking) sensors
--
geoff

Christian McArdle wrote:
What is the cheapest weatherproof CCTV system available? It must have an LCD
screen and be capable of 12V operation (possibly via DC to DC converter).
Not concerned about colour, unless the monitor has an auxilliary input,
which might be useful for DVD watching etc.


I just noticed relatively cheap TFT displays on ebay, for small sizes.
http://search.ebay.co.uk/search.cgi?tft%20composite
I think should bring it up.
If I've misremembered the search URL, then just search for
TFT composite.
There are a few BIN vendors offering 2.5" ones for around 20 quid.

If you learn to use your mirrors you will find that they give plenty
of visibility, if they don't you need to fit larger mirrors.

Clearly they don't. Even leaning over, I can't see anything directly behind
unless it is studious obeying the 2 second rule with some to spare. The
mirrors are already at the legal maximum width.

Whilst just about adequete, having a direct view of following traffic would
be safer.

Christian.

"Christian McArdle" wrote in message
. net...

If you learn to use your mirrors you will find that they give plenty
of visibility, if they don't you need to fit larger mirrors.

Clearly they don't. Even leaning over, I can't see anything directly
behind
unless it is studious obeying the 2 second rule with some to spare. The
mirrors are already at the legal maximum width.

Whilst just about adequete, having a direct view of following traffic
would
be safer.


But that is down to the driver following, if they chose to drive that close
then there is noting you, as the driver of the larger vehicle, can do. As
and when they move to one side to, say, try and over-take you will be able
to see them. If you suspect that someone is trying to 'hitch a tow' all you
need to do is move slightly over in your lane which will give you a
sighting, even if it's only the tip of a door mirror to confirm your
suspicions.