side-cameras?

[MazdaMatt]

I tried searching the site and found nothing much. I tried googling and I only found rear-view backup cams for moms in suv's who can't drive.

Anybody have any info on a side-mirror replacement camera? I'm thinking 4"-7" screens on each side of my steering wheel and cams either mounted in the stock location, or on the fenders above my wheels.

[NeilBlanchard]

Hi Matt,

I've looked into this (there is a thread on it), and all the units I found were backup cameras, so, only one camera and one screen. There is a model sold at WalMart that uses Bluetooth -- and using two at once is impossible, since the RF would interfere with each other.

[MazdaMatt]

Are you sure? Bluetooth is a multi-frequency hopping standard. If bluetooth didn't work well in proximity, all the pretencious douchebags downtown with the stupid things in their ears would hear eachother's conversations.

[SVOboy]

Could you link the wal-mart thing? I'm interested.

I've also been thinking about this a lot lately, and I hope that yahya will chime in since I know he's looked into it. I tried searching on insightcentral but it seemed to no avail, *shrug*

[i_am_socket]

I believe the initial subject was mirror deletes for the prior thread. The question then becomes power for screens and cameras, data transmission from camera to screen, legality of such replacement (I never got an answer from the person I asked), and visibility/field of vision/etc.

Assuming it's legal to do so in your area/state/country, and that it works fine at night/in the rain/etc. then the next thing to worry about is the data transmission. Wireless has issues with frequency (google up data on rear view cameras and baby monitors for instance) so I would only use a wired connection.

Next is power: will the system's power consumption put enough strain on the battery to increase alternator usage and will the Cd savings of the mirror delete be enough to offset any increase? Also, it would need to be connected to main power so it still functions during EOC or other engine off times (ie, getting out of the car on a busy street).

For location I would put the cameras in the stock mirror locations for simplicity. I would also have small screens in the door corners because that's where I'm used to looking and anyone else who would end up driving my car for whatever reason wouldn't be confused.

But anywho, I haven't seen anything marketed as a sideview mirror replacement. It's likely due to questionable legality as the law is always slow to catch up with technology, but as vehicles like the Aptera become prevalent that may be cleared up.

[MazdaMatt]

Yeah, my biggest questions were also legallity, rain and night. As for location, i'd honestly opt to mount them over my wheels in a little "bubble". You'd get much better visibility of the cars beside me (no more blidspot).

My neck still works, so i'm not concerned about stuff like getting out of the car on a busy street.

Power consumption... good question. I would expect very little, but I will look up some stats on wattage for a small screen and a camera.

[MazdaMatt]

totally random selection:
2.5", 12V@90mA = 1W
3.5", 12V@350mA = 4.2W
6.2", 12V@650mA = 7.8W

This was all from one page, no search was done for "low power" screens.
Housed LCD Monitors from 2.5" to 15.4".

I will keep searching for small cameras for wattage. It is looking pretty good, so far.

[MazdaMatt]

here is some random camera with 1.8W consumption.

MobileVideo4Less.com: NEW! Flush Mount InfraRed Night Vision Color 1/4" CCD Keyhole Camera

So, a total system cost of about 10W and about 5 pounds of wiring, mounting, equipment.

So how much power is used by a pair of mirrors at 100km/h? (someone with more FE experience can field that Q)

[SVOboy]

10 watts isn't enough to give a damn about, so that's good news,

[NeilBlanchard]

Hiya,

Originally Posted by SVOboy

Could you link the wal-mart thing? I'm interested

Here's the EM thread with the link to Walmart's camera:
http://ecomodder.com/forum/showthrea...drag-2888.html

And here's a direct link to the camera:
http://www.walmart.com/catalog/produ...uct_id=4744711

The camera would have to have it's bracket cut off, of course. You "just" need to power the camera(s) with 12v -- it is set up to work off of the license plate light, I think.