Honda Insight Tail Extension Project

[user removed]

The lower hatch glass on mine was always an annoyance, reflecting road stripes off the other glass and sometimes it could get to be a real distraction.

regards
Mech

[3-Wheeler]

Originally Posted by NeilBlanchard

A possible addition to this, is a backup camera; since the loss of the vertical glass window on the back of the hatch? It could be on all the time, or only when needed in reverse.

And with a little finagling, that same camera could be used to view tufts on the underside of the tail extension!

Neil,

I investigated several web sites selling complete setups for camera's with the idea of using it as a reverse aid. Once I saw the price of around $300 or so, I started looking at ultrasonic sensors.

It seems that were several kits available that had two sensors, the microcontroller and speaker for around $60 or so.

That setup could be wired into the reverse tail lights for power, so it would only work when reversing the car.

I think for tuft testing, I'll get one of those low cost webcam's that works with a laptop.

Jim.

[Piwoslaw]

Originally Posted by miket

Edit: botsapper is that photoshopped?

Naw, botsapper had some time on his hands, so he went over to 3-wheeler's and painted it for him

[botsapper]

Originally Posted by Piwoslaw

Naw, botsapper had some time on his hands, so he went over to 3-wheeler's and painted it for him

...with a logitech spray gun set.

[NeilBlanchard]

The video camera I use is still under $30 and the screen is about $55. The screen needs to be out of direct sunshine (both for visibility/glare and to keep it cooler, as the contrast gets worse and worse as it heats up).

[3-Wheeler]

Originally Posted by NeilBlanchard

The video camera I use is still under $30 and the screen is about $55. The screen needs to be out of direct sunshine (both for visibility/glare and to keep it cooler, as the contrast gets worse and worse as it heats up).

Thanks for the update Neil.

Where is the make and model information on your thread? That sounds very tempting at that low of a price.

Jim.

[3-Wheeler]

I had to meet someone tonight on short notice, and that gave the opportunity to try the extension on a "normal" 55 mph highway, not the usual old-and-crusty backroads that I take to/from work.

Traffic flow on this particular road ranged from 55 to 62 or so, and there were 3% or so grade hills that I was driving over. Also the wind was blowing about 5 mph and I was driving almost straight into it.

Was surprised me most was that last year I drove this road on several occasions, and both times 4th gear was used to get over the steep grades. Fifth year was simply not possible and still keep up with traffic.

Tonight, no shifting to 4th was necessary, as fifth gear had enough power to make the hills, while traveling into the wind and going about 61 mph or so at times.

The extension really has made a difference. And for those wanting hard numbers, yes, another coast-down was done today! I do these in the morning run to work, as the air on average, is the most still compared to night-time.

Jim.

[RobertSmalls]

FWIW, I've used this product, which is now $59 for screen and camera: Amazon.com: PYLE PLCM35 3.5-Inch TFT LCD Monitor/Night Vision Rear View Camera: Electronics: Reviews, Prices & more

I don't recommend it for replacing a side mirror, because glare disables the product too often, and the screen isn't bright enough to read out of the corner of your eye. It would be fine for a back-up camera, because you can afford to take a second to squint at the screen, or you could mount it someplace relatively dark.

It does have a great field of view and adequate picture quality, though.

[NeilBlanchard]

That's the same camera as I have. I bought mine from here:

REAR VIEW CAMERA NIGHT VISION WATERPROOF NEW FOR CARS (Some of these have a set of green line superimposed on the image trying to help with perspective...)

6 inch standalone headrest car lcd tft monitor screen

Annoyingly, they make you email them for a price on the monitor -- I paid $56 or so, if I recall correctly.

Great to hear the encouraging improvements on the road, Jim. It really can't but help...

[MetroMPG]

Fantastic progress! And the workmanship is inspirational.

Looking forward to hard data. And in that vein...

Originally Posted by 3-Wheeler

I think for tuft testing, I'll get one of those low cost webcam's that works with a laptop.

FYI, all my tuft testing has been done with a cheap webcam-on-a-stick. Works well:









Discussion of above: http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...tml#post142832