meall Posted July 28, 2014 Report Share Posted July 28, 2014 Hi, I'd like to add a backup rear-view camera for my AR2. Pioneer suggest the NC-BC5. Someone on this forum suggested to me to look a Boyo's camera. But it is really a jungle in that market. I've been looking at this a few times over the last few months, and could never figure out what to buy. I own a Pontiac Vibe, and I'd like to have some recommendations on what and where to buy. I live in Canada. Thanks Quote Link to post Share on other sites
meall Posted July 31, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 31, 2014 Any one have suggestion? I kept looking and really not sure what will work fine... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
meall Posted July 31, 2014 Author Report Share Posted July 31, 2014 I'm tempted by this one so far: http://www.amazon.ca/Boyo-VTL420-Plastic-Housing-Camera/dp/B00133J0XQ Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Iseemax Posted July 31, 2014 Report Share Posted July 31, 2014 I have the backup camera thats built into the license plate. Black in color. works really well. clear and also has night vision. Very happy with it. The amazon one looks a little big IMO Quote Link to post Share on other sites
hotmoosettu Posted August 1, 2014 Report Share Posted August 1, 2014 I have this one and it works just fine. Cheap, clear, and easy to install. Only thing I regret not doing is hooking it up to a constant power source so i can view it at any time, not just while backing up. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005Q65JHM?psc=1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
meall Posted August 1, 2014 Author Report Share Posted August 1, 2014 I have this one and it works just fine. Cheap, clear, and easy to install. Only thing I regret not doing is hooking it up to a constant power source so i can view it at any time, not just while backing up. http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005Q65JHM?psc=1 I fond it on Amazon.ca at $40 CAD. Ordered it right now. At under $50 it was a no brainer, over that, I had to be sure it was good! And if you feel it is OK for you, should do the job for me. I have a Vive which is a hatchback and we don't see very well when driving back. I also have a trailer, and it is a nightmare to drive back with it as we don't see it very well in the mirrors and window. A small backup camera should help a lot... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
meall Posted August 1, 2014 Author Report Share Posted August 1, 2014 By the way, how the camera is powered from the head unit or car? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
rockthebeef Posted August 1, 2014 Report Share Posted August 1, 2014 The camera is powered by any 12V source (not the head unit). I tapped into my reverse lights since they are close to the camera. The camera doesn't turn on unless the car is in reverse. But like the other poster I wish I had wired it to a constant 12V source so that I could turn the camera on whenever i want, like to see what's on my trailer hitch or to see if my car isn't on train tracks at a stop, etc. I would NOT get this one (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005Q65JHM?psc=1). I had that and not only did it get moved often, it only lasted through two car washes before the lens got all messed up. I had to trash it and re-install a new one. At the time, that camera was $20. I use a Crimestopper (http://www.crimestopper.com/products/safetyplus/cameras/sv6818emII.html). I did not pay $100 for it though. I think I paid $40-50. It's been going strong for a couple of years now. It's embedded into a hole you have to drill, but it looks factory and was worth the effort. The ones that mount to a license plate don't look that great in my opinion. They stick out like a sore thumb and just look like a lazy installation to me. Have pride in your workmanship and make it a goal to look like it came from the factory that way. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
meall Posted August 1, 2014 Author Report Share Posted August 1, 2014 The camera is powered by any 12V source (not the head unit). I tapped into my reverse lights since they are close to the camera. The camera doesn't turn on unless the car is in reverse. But like the other poster I wish I had wired it to a constant 12V source so that I could turn the camera on whenever i want, like to see what's on my trailer hitch or to see if my car isn't on train tracks at a stop, etc. I would NOT get this one (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005Q65JHM?psc=1). I had that and not only did it get moved often, it only lasted through two car washes before the lens got all messed up. I had to trash it and re-install a new one. At the time, that camera was $20. I use a Crimestopper (http://www.crimestopper.com/products/safetyplus/cameras/sv6818emII.html). I did not pay $100 for it though. I think I paid $40-50. It's been going strong for a couple of years now. It's embedded into a hole you have to drill, but it looks factory and was worth the effort. The ones that mount to a license plate don't look that great in my opinion. They stick out like a sore thumb and just look like a lazy installation to me. Have pride in your workmanship and make it a goal to look like it came from the factory that way. I see, the reverse 12V is active only when in reverse mode, which make sense... I'll try to figure it out. Don't know if we can use the 12V used by the head unit itself or it is preferable to get back to the fuse panel for a dedicated 12v... The unit you talk about, you dig a hole in the car metal to get it installed? ichhh, I'm sure it does a better looking job, but not sure I want to dig hole in my car... How about water sealing? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
meall Posted August 2, 2014 Author Report Share Posted August 2, 2014 I just took a look at the Crimestopper camera, and it does not look so bad to install after all. The kit necessary to dig the hole is provided anyway. And in any case, wiring the inside of the car is not going to be easier with a license mounted camera. I may take a look at this option. Cannot find where I can buy it in Canada. I just can find them in USA delivered to Canada via eBay... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
meall Posted August 7, 2014 Author Report Share Posted August 7, 2014 I finally cancelled my order on amazon and ordered the Crimestopper from the USA last week end. I hope to receive it early next week to install in on the car. Should be easy enough... Quote Link to post Share on other sites
rockthebeef Posted August 7, 2014 Report Share Posted August 7, 2014 The hole I drilled was in plastic next to the license plate lights. Most cars should have a location where the factory camera would go, and I bet it's usually plastic there. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
rockthebeef Posted August 7, 2014 Report Share Posted August 7, 2014 The camera comes with a foam gasket as you can see in the upper picture. That should keep the water out. I also put some silicone sealant on the inside around the camera. It's not shown in the second picture, but I basically ran a bead of silicone around the perimeter of the camera. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
meall Posted August 8, 2014 Author Report Share Posted August 8, 2014 Thanks for the pics. I read the online installation manual and saw the reference to the foam. The silicone touch is a very nice addition. I should be able to. Install it on the back door on the left of the handle. I think it is in plastic, not sure. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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