Integrated Caravan Camera
For the first time I had no response from a post. I don't know why? So apologies for my reposting but I think the previous title had something to do with it. So here goes:-
Many cars these days have quite sophisticated rear cameras, linked to a in built screen on the dashboard. It seems, there should be an easy way to use the same in-car equipment, for a rear caravan camera. Does anyone know whether there is something
on the market, that would include a switching arrangement, from one camera to another? Already when I connect up the caravan electrics, it switches off the car rear camera so could this switch on the caravan one? The idea is to stop having two screens when
one should do.
Comments
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In this technological age, is it not about time that cameras replaced towing mirrors? They could provide a vastly superior view.
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My cars reversing camera still works when i'm hitched up, i'm not sure why you wouldn't want it too, as its useful to check the hitch and leads when stood at lights etc.
It operates off selecting reverse, that along with obtaining detailed information makes connecting a caravan rear view or reverse camera more difficult.
I have a caravan rear view and reverse camera, both of which i can view via a monitor that clips onto the car's rearview mirror.
Cameras are great but pretty useless if the sun is blinding it, it does happen but not enough for me to not fit one, i wouldn't be with out it.
Wireless types are now much improved since going digital, not all are though, mine is wired.
I use the satnav so prefer the setup i have.
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As my reversing camera and sensors work in unison the big white thing would set off the bells and whistles. So as soon as the caravan wiring is connected it switches off. I understand you can buy a good wireless very cheaply but this means you have two screens.
My thought is all you would need is a camera and some wires0 -
As my reversing camera and sensors work in unison the big white thing would set off the bells and whistles. So as soon as the caravan wiring is connected it switches off. I understand you can buy a good wireless system very cheaply but this means you have
two screens. My thought is all you would need is a camera and some wires. Surely this could be operated by engaging reverse .Write your comments here...
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This sort of question has come up before.
It is my understanding from the current legislation that the use of a rear view camera is illegal except for its use of establishing vehicle positioning at low speed, due to it its clash with the not being allowed to watch a broadcast signal (really referring to TV) whilst the vehicle is in motion.
This is why reversing cameras and 360 camera systems like on my wifes new car, only work when reversing or at low speed and are disabled otherwise AND why you do not see cars with video camera mirrors.
I believe changes are currently being debated to clear up this antiquated legislation, primarily driven by the motor vehicle manufacturers who want video wing mirrors.
Someone ststed that there had been a parlimentary question raised to the transport minister, who said that it did not apply to reversing cameras etc whilst driving so I was talking rubbish - Whilst I agreed that exchange had taken place - I think until it was tested in law against the current legislation you would still be illegal and be liable to prosecution by the police.
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There have been numerous threads about rear cameras operating as you drive along. The consensus of opinion was that as the screen only shows what your rear view mirror does they are legal to use. Showing what is behind you is very different from watching
a video as you go along.As for the OP question, I am sure that it would be possible but might involve the re writing of the software controlling the reversing camera and a separate video feed into the screen. There is unlikely to be a spare input so you would have to somehow patch
it in.0 -
I would totally agree that this legislation is a mess. Many police vehicles are fitted with ANPR display screens, which show pictures of registration numbers of passing vehicles or have forward/reverse facing video cameras. Both of these can be seen and
operated by the driver. So are the police committing offences?The
legislation covering 'television sets' in vehicles is covered by section 109(1) of The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986. The definition of television receiving apparatus means - any cathode ray tube. Being very specific it doesn't cover
LCD or LED screens. I've included an extract of the legislation below.The Television sets
109.—(1) No person shall drive, or cause or permit to be driven, a motor vehicle on a road, if the driver is in such a position as to be able to see, whether directly or by reflection, a television receiving apparatus or other cinematographic apparatus used
to display anything other than information—(a) about the state of the vehicle or its equipment;
(b) about the location of the vehicle and the road on which it is located;
(c) to assist the driver to see the road adjacent to the vehicle; or
(d) to assist the driver to reach his destination.
(2) In this regulation “television receiving apparatus” means any cathode ray tube carried on a vehicle and on which there can be displayed an image derived from a television broadcast, a recording or a camera or computer.0 -
I would totally agree that this legislation is a mess. Many police vehicles are fitted with ANPR display screens, which show pictures of registration numbers of passing vehicles or have forward/reverse facing video cameras. Both of these can be seen and
operated by the driver. So are the police committing offences?The
legislation covering 'television sets' in vehicles is covered by section 109(1) of The Road Vehicles (Construction and Use) Regulations 1986. The definition of television receiving apparatus means - any cathode ray tube. Being very specific it doesn't cover
LCD or LED screens. I've included an extract of the legislation below.The Television sets
109.—(1) No person shall drive, or cause or permit to be driven, a motor vehicle on a road, if the driver is in such a position as to be able to see, whether directly or by reflection, a television receiving apparatus or other cinematographic apparatus used
to display anything other than information—(a) about the state of the vehicle or its equipment;
(b) about the location of the vehicle and the road on which it is located;
(c) to assist the driver to see the road adjacent to the vehicle; or
(d) to assist the driver to reach his destination.
(2) In this regulation “television receiving apparatus” means any cathode ray tube carried on a vehicle and on which there can be displayed an image derived from a television broadcast, a recording or a camera or computer.I forgot to add the legislation also allows for information " to assist the driver to see the road adjacent to the vehicle"
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To answer the OP yes you can. The simplest way is to have a change over relay switching the cameras. With the relay in the switched off state the vehicle reverse camera is conected. Using the sensor feed in the tow socket to switch the relay on, switches
off the vehicle camera and connects to the caravan camera.0
