| pcconrad |
hey, folks,
i just picked up one of dom's conversion units last month, and want to eventually add a backup camera. my question(s) concerns finding the right aftermarket backup camera.
first, is it worth checking with salvage yards to see if i can find a camera to buy from a wrecked 03-05? i'm wondering if that would be a more difficult install in an 02, for any reason, than a straight-up aftermarket camera. would it be worth trying to find out who manufactures the camera for acura, and buy it directly from them?
if that's not a viable option, most of what i'm seeing on ebay are these relatively cheap "keyhole" cameras. (i don't know why someone would replace the lock on their vehicle with a camera, but that's not an issue on the X anyway). i'm worried about how/where a camera like that would be mounted. other choices online seem limited or exorbitantly priced, unless i just can't figure out the best search terms to use.
a couple other things...the factory (03-05) camera apparently has a 120-degree-wide (or so) viewing angle, and 90 degrees vertically. for a camera, i'd prefer that mine have a fairly wide angle, but i don't want to go overboard. also, do i need a camera with a particular configuration to utilize the entire screen (16:9 rather than 4:3) for the backup camera? thankyousirmayihaveanother: what about infrared (night vision)? are my backup lights enough to have visibility at night, or should my camera be so equipped? oh, my, the questions are spewing from me uncontrollably...i'll stop there.
i'd appreciate input from anyone who's had experience. thanks, all!!!
paul |
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| dj-mdx2 |
Just my 2 cents. As with all AV equipment, you get what you pay for. That said, I installed a relatively unknown brand called Performance Technik from overstock in my 01 X. So far, except for some artifact when struck straight on by direct sunlight (this produces bright vertical lines or cuts the view in half), it's holding up so far. The night vision function is a must, as I can almost assure you that you won't be able to see anything in the dark. I didn't want my installer to mess up the rear hatch lining for a clean stealth install, since I'm going to eventually mount it over the (future) tow hitch.
Btw, isn't Dom selling a camera that supposedly works well with his unit? |
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| pcconrad |
quote:
Originally posted by dj-mdx2
Just my 2 cents. As with all AV equipment, you get what you pay for. That said, I installed a relatively unknown brand called Performance Technik from overstock in my 01 X. So far, except for some artifact when struck straight on by direct sunlight (this produces bright vertical lines or cuts the view in half), it's holding up so far. The night vision function is a must, as I can almost assure you that you won't be able to see anything in the dark. I didn't want my installer to mess up the rear hatch lining for a clean stealth install, since I'm going to eventually mount it over the (future) tow hitch.
Btw, isn't Dom selling a camera that supposedly works well with his unit?
yeah, dom sells one, but it's $200 or something. i'm thinking that at that price, i might as well get two cheap ones, for when the first one gets stolen.
how did the performance technik camera install, and where did you mount it? also, can you tell me how much you paid?
while we're on a related topic, did you buy & install dom's unit? also, did you add a dvd player, and if so, which one? there are a lot of dvd cheapies on ebay as well.
thanks for the response...
paul |
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| dj-mdx2 |
quote:
Originally posted by pcconrad
yeah, dom sells one, but it's $200 or something. i'm thinking that at that price, i might as well get two cheap ones, for when the first one gets stolen.
how did the performance technik camera install, and where did you mount it? also, can you tell me how much you paid?
while we're on a related topic, did you buy & install dom's unit? also, did you add a dvd player, and if so, which one? there are a lot of dvd cheapies on ebay as well.
thanks for the response...
paul
Yes, I caved in and blew upwards of $1500K to install:
1) Soundstorm indash 2" high DVD player from overstock, running thru Blitzsafe audio, $120. You're right, there's lots of DVD players out there, but I chose one that fits in the space under the "not an ashtray" for easy access, with a front AV input for, believe it or not, future video karaoke use for my passenger (it's a Filipino thing). The Soundstorm gets decent reviews.
2) NAV conversion unit from Don $125 with the GB. Mounted behind the screen.
3) Backup camera $130. Of course, wired to operate once gear put into reverse. Installed in a temporary position opposite the exhaust. Only because I plan to remount it over the trailer hitch later on. It uses ordinary RCA cables to transmit feed to the NAV conversion unit. Cheapie unit but no probs yet. If Dom can attest to his camera's reliability, $200 may be worth it. Also, you can stealth install it under the rear garnish or even poking thru the Acura symbol, if you're worried about theft.
4) AV and AC unit with voltage regulator custom installed in the rear HVAC unit $80.
5) Polarion HIDs courtesy of copout.
6) 04 headlights c/o ebay under $120 for the set, that I installed myself after several weeks agonizing over the bumper removal and reinstallation process.
7) 04 tails also installed by myself (nowhere near the difficulty level of the bumper) c/o ebay also under $120 (this is my psychological price limit for some reason), with harness and bulbs c/o Tim for under $92.
8) FormFit deflector c/o Tim $110.
Next projects: Muth mirrors sitting in my garage (still mentally preparing myself for the wiring); rear spoiler (when Tim does a monthly special again); trailer hitch with coolers (remove bumper again!); interior PIAA lamps; LED bulbs for the exterior lights) and finally my X's transformation will be complete. |
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