Reversing Sensors

Actually, any info on reversing cameras would be appreciated.

We have driven past polaris a couple of times, and see that they are selling complete reversing systems for $348 which includes a 7" monitor (from memory). We have been contemplating this, but are not wanting to be the first to take the plunge.

Hi Ray,
Yes, I like the idea of a camera, but there are other issues such as price for a good quality colour system, where to mount the screen, mud/water on the camera lens etc. I thought the sensor would be cheaper and maybe more reliable. Not sure how the sensors are effected by mud and water. I would think thick mud would stop them working but have no experience here.
Scooby

G'day blokes,
There was some recent info on here about the camera issue/s. John (Vic) was kind enough to offer to approach Poron about their infrared camera set-ups and has got a great group deal for himself, me and one other bloke. I think the price we ended up with is about $300-; just waiting to get mine in the post.
It all started when Wayne (NSW), of Great Divide Tours fame, advised on here that he had just fitted one of these units ("CM60")....see the website ..www.poron.com.au
The unit is well priced as far as I'm concerned. Wayne mounted his camera up high on his roof rack and I'm waiting to hear from his wife about how it is standing up to the rigors of the Canning etc, as he is away at present and she speaks to him via sat-phone every so-often. He mounted his screen where the normal interior mirror usually goes; the screen is a bit bigger than a normal mirror.
I am a bit concerned about the camera being in the weather and will see what I can do about mounting it inside the back door, next to the top brake light......hopefully I can get it in a place where there will be no "bounce" off the window glass. Being an colour infrared camera, I will be able to see at night also and it will keep the kids amused as they watch kenworths bearing down on us from behind; a scary privelige that only I have been able to experience up until now!!!!!!!!!!!
Cheers
Roachie

Got them on my work van - great. Want them on my LC100 'cos I canna see the back when backing... Will have to wait for the ARB rear bar first though.

However - was answering the dog'n'bone when reversing one day and backed into a low wall. Smashed the sensors... :( goes to show that phones and cars just *don't* mix!

Yeah I know - they make enough racket when reversing, but I just did not hear it!!!

/viz

Bazza if its not to rude, How much was the Poron and was it the CM60 ?

John,
Mine is the CM56, 5" colour monitor & infrared waterproof camera. This unit does not incorporate reversing sensors. Cost was $395 inc GST less postage.
Regards,
Bazza.

G'day Craig,
Once again, I would refer you to a post which Wayne (NSW) put up several weeks ago before fitting his reversing camera set-up, which is what I am now in the process of doing too.
I don't think it is so much a matter of driving "skill" as you seem to be inferring. When you have a 4by (or any other vehicle with limited vision to the rear) which has dual spare wheels on the back, storage shelving, fridge/s, air tanks etc....well mate, I can't see anything out the back. In fact I have long ago removed the interior mirror. I use both of my exterior mirrors all the time.
Now, back to Wayne's post................ He told us all about a little experiment he did with his troopy. Try it yourself if you like.
Place a wheelie bin or something about the same size, behind your rear bumper bar and slowly drive away from it. If you have an interior mirror fitted, measure the distance that you've driven when you can first see the bin. If you have no chance of seeing anything with an interior mirror, do the same using only your exterior mirrors. Wayne found that the distance was (from memory) about 25 meters.......this is his "blind spot"......Sorry mate, I don't give a stuff how good you are at reversing using your mirrors, you can't avoid hitting something you can't see in the 1st place.
Once he fitted the camera, Wayne said he was able to reverse right up to the wheelie bin and stop an inch away from it. That was enough for me to outlay my hard-earned ( no comment from you blokes who know please!!!) $$$$$. The safety of my own kids and those of other people is far too important for me to stint on a couple of hundred bucks.
Cheers mate
Roachie

Roachie. Here's another little experiment. Set your wheelie bin up as you describe then as you drive away turn your steering wheel a little to the right then look out your driver side mirror & you will see the bin appear in less than 5 metres. All of a sudden your blind spot is 400% less. Same reversing onto a trailer. Back up slightly crooked so you can see the draw bar then straiten up at the last. (Can normally put the tow ball within 10cm of the hitch) These are skills that most drivers can easily learn & dare I say probably already have.
I don't disagree that a camera will give a better view but doubt the need to fit items like reversing buzzers, camera's & distance sensors to the average 4x4 are really that nesesary. I suppose if safety concerns were that great then they would already be fitted as standard to all cars like seat belts. Search the forum & you'll also find multiple posts of failures of these gadgets as they often can't stand up to the vibration, dust & moisture.
It concerns me a little that many think that technology is a good replacement for learning a skill.
Cheers Craig........

Im with Crackles... Thats why god gave you mirrors... Learn to use them well. Maybe having driven trucks for 8 yrs helps, but I cant see why people have so much hassle reversing...

Reversing cameras, buzzers etc may as well have a camera on each wheel too since you cant see 100% exactly where EACH one is going, and may as well have a roof camera cause you cant see the roof, and why not one on the dipstick too to see how the old orl is going...

... but then with 1200000 buzzers, alarms, flashing lights, cameras, how thebleepdo you see the dash or out of the windscreen or know which one is going orf?

and as John says his buzzer we fitted on weekend wouldnt have saved the Rolls he reversed into...

YMMV.

Sounds good KA. Is the wireless (infrared) model much more expensive? I probably favour it as I have a Hilux dual cab with canopy. I'd try to mount the camera inside (like yours). Any interference from the van camera over the distance? I guess you don't ever use both camera at once? Is it a switch between cameras or a unplug one and plug the other?