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Wireless Backup Camera System
Do You Need a Wireless Backup Camera System?A wired or wireless backup camera system is now standard equipment on many luxury vehicles including recreational vehicles (RV’s). Some of the systems are in color but a black and white picture is probably good enough for most uses.
So why might you want to install a wireless backup camera system on your car, truck, van or RV?
- To check for people or obstructions before you back out of your garage, driveway or parking space at the mall. It is easy to miss someone walking in the parking lot.
- If you get in situations where you need to parallel park you need to get close to the car behind you but do not want to run the risk of damaging the other car
- If you pull a trailer for a boat or snowmobile you know backing up can be a challenge. Additional visibility to the rear will help make this task both easier and safer.
- You have limited mobility and find it difficult to turn and see behind you when backing up
- RV’s are great fun but they can be a challenge to get parked in the desired location without some assistance. This is a great way to see behind your vehicle if there is no one else available to assist you with parking.
What is a Wireless Backup Camera System?
Most systems are composed of a camera to be mounted on the back of the vehicle and a monitor that is placed somewhere that is visible to the driver but is not a distraction. The size of monitor varies by models and you need to select a size that works for you and can be mounted securely.
Installing Your Wireless Backup Camera System
First you must determine if you want the backup camera active only when the vehicle is in reverse or if you want to be able to have it active on demand. If you have it continually active it may be distracting to have an additional view that is not normal. But after a while your brain will adjust to an additional view just like it adjusts for images in the rear view mirrors.
The wireless part of the system means that there are no wires required between the camera and the monitor. However, the camera will need to be connected to a power source and how it is connected determines how the system operates. If you want the system to only be operational when your vehicle is in reverse then it must be connected to the backup light circuit. If the camera is to be operational continually then it should be connected to the main power system. And if you want it to operate even when the vehicle is turned off it will need to be connected to an un-switched circuit – this may require professional installation.
The monitors come in many different shapes and sizes and mounting options. Most of the monitors are battery powered which makes installation and placement easier. Some monitors are transparent when turned off and can be placed over the rear view mirror. Others include a GPS and mapping system that all share one monitor.
It is important that you determine how the system will be used, where the monitor will be placed and if you want to have a wireless backup camera system that is integrated with other devices.