Information about video cameras in place of outside mirrors - Page 2 - Fuel Economy, Hypermiling, EcoModding News and Forum

Eddles · 05-12-2009, 05:02 PM

50,000 km at 4l /100km = 2,000 l * 100p = £2,000
50,000 km at 3.72l /100km = 1860 l * 100 = £1,860

A saving of £140 ($215) over 50,000 km. Hmm, I suppose so, if 7% saving is really achieveable.

Eddles · 05-15-2009, 11:40 PM

I've been looking at a website selling parking sensors (not sure why I did, but there you go) and spotted that they have parking cameras - cameras mounted in the middle of the bumper and a screen on the dash to see the distance. That got me thinking - how about a camera mounted at the edge of the bumper where the bumper curves, that would give a good replacement view for the side mirror? I realise the view immediately to the side of the car wouldn't be covered but a mirror mounted inside the car itself would solve that problem? There could even be two cameras on each side of the bumper, allowing both mirrors to be deleted and there wouldn't even be a bulge on the side of the door to house the camera?

I'm not going to do this due to cost, but I was just thinking whether this would be an interesting idea, or not.

Christ · 12-08-2009, 09:14 PM

Anyone ever consider using a flip-down monitor to view the images from side-view cameras?

I think it would be convenient, because your rear view mirror is already there, so you're already looking. Plus, a flip down would be somewhat larger than what could be placed to your left on the A pillar, so a more resolute view could be seen.

Also, since the driver's door is in periphery, should the cameras really be mounted forward of the driver, or would someplace about mid-way down the door and lower than eye-height be better?

EDIT:

Most cars have plastic side cladding that the mirrors could be mounted to, as well, so that they could be mounted in such a way that doesn't require irreversible modification, and would still be functional to the largest extent possible.

NeilBlanchard · 12-08-2009, 11:17 PM

I considered putting my screens near the A pillars, because that is near where the mirrors are, so your habits would not have to change much -- but my xA has side air bag curtains, so I can't interfere with them operating.

I ended up putting them right behind the steering wheel, because I can fit them there (the instrument cluster is in the center/front of the dash). Another advantage (that I did not expect) is that this position avoids a bright reflection in the windshield at night.

Christ · 12-08-2009, 11:19 PM

Might you provide an digitized, electronically conveyed image of said modifications?

NeilBlanchard · 12-08-2009, 11:36 PM

Hi Chris,

Sure -- it starts on post #167: http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...s-2969-17.html.

It goes on for a while -- if you "lose the trail" after the pictures of how it works at dusk, you can pick it up again on page 22 / post #213.

Christ · 12-09-2009, 03:06 AM

Found this in case anyone is interested:

new! 7" car video flip down car screen swivel w/ clock

3.5 in car monitor w/ back up color cmos camera system

The second link includes the same (appears to be) camera that Neil used in his mod.

They seem to be great deals, though, if anyone else is interested in doing this mod. There are a couple other ~$50 monitor deals, as well.

Sorrow Six Star · 12-09-2009, 04:10 AM

what about fender mirrors?

I often wonder if these are more aero than the big door mirrors.

NeilBlanchard · 12-09-2009, 09:50 AM

Yes Chris, that appears to be the same camera as the ones that I have. The price looks to be pretty awesome, too -- less than I paid for my (larger) screens alone.

The smaller screens would be okay IMO, if they are used fairly close to the driver. Since the cameras are wide angle (which is good for seeing a lot), this means that cars that are farther away are pretty small already, even on my ~6" screens. So, 3.5" screens would be a minimum size, but they could work fine with the right installation.

Christ · 12-09-2009, 09:56 AM

Neil -

I was thinking that if I were to do something like this, it would be replacement of all three mirrors with a roof-mounted camera just a few inches further up from the rear window with a large (possibly 9 inch diagonally) monitor mounted to the ceiling.

I believe this would afford an optimal view of the entire area behind the driver and to both sides, excepting those areas that a simple shoulder check could be used, and excluding periphery.