reversing aids

RegW · 2025-07-26 17:08:58

I have reverse sensors on the van and I put the wee led/beeper thing in the back for
simplicity as I can tell by testing and observation when I'm reversing close to something.
When the increasing beeps get to a continuous tone, I know I'm =<30Cm from something.
the indicator leds are not that useful IMO and if anything a distraction.

Recently found an old-ish 4.3" TFT display amongst my electronical gubbins and thought I'd make a
rear view 'mirror' out of that and a bought cheap camera ofn that Ebay

I want to declutter and re arrange the dashboard soon and didn't want to fit the screen there,
but the wee black thing on the windscreen got me thinking.
I made a forky thing to slot into it for mounting the screen on so it sits in place of where you'd have
a rear view mirror on a conventional vehicle.

All the cables are laid in and tucked away and I've modded the high level brake light to hold the wee cam
and I'm still using a stock 21w BS15S blub but that can easily be changed for an LED type later.

Image quality on that bog standard TFT screen is ok but not brilliant.
the camera is capable of putting out a much higher resolution than what's currently being displayed.
I'll run as is I for while but if I think its worth it, I may upgrade the screen to a more modern AHD type
which utilises stock RCA cables so it will be simple enough to swap.

With a dual input screen and a second camera, I could easily add the capability to be able switch it to constant rear view mode like a conventional mirror, but will test it out first to get an idea how useful it might be.

Last edited by RegW (2025-07-26 17:17:04)

kenbw2 · 2025-07-27 16:32:27

Interesting choice to use the rear view mirror but actually it makes sense since you can't see out the back anyway!

I mounted my camera similarly - I specifically wanted it to point downwards for a better view on how close I am to things

I mounted the screen above the passenger seat though because I'm generally looking backwards when reversing. I never understood why they're set up to use facing forwards when you're reversing

The bits of tape on the screen represent the corners of the van

RegW · 2025-07-28 12:43:43

Yep, wide angle lenses make things look further away than they are and have to be pointed down-ish at least to give
a more accurate depiction of relative distance when backing up which is the most important thing.
My cam allowed me to swap R/L so what I see in the 'mirror' is what you'd get when looking in any car/van mirror
( right is on the right left is on the left) otherwise it gets confusing.

RegW · 2025-08-02 01:36:40

I had to use the reverse camera for real for the first time yesterday when backing into a gap between two parked cars and it was actually quite useful.
The pic appears to show I have about 7/8 feet or roughly 2 meters space behind me but that's the wide angle lens affect distorting perspective.
In reality it's 3 feet or a meter at the most and that's after I moved forward a bit
Nonetheless, it proved to be helpful in that situation

I'm looking into getting a better quality screen but the sheer amount of bullshit and lies spouted by sellers
is a PITA to sift through.
A lot of them state 1080p in listings but many screens are in fact way lower resolution than that and I've sent one back already with very shitty feedback.
It was 800x400 pixels which isn't even 720p HD let alone the FHD of true 1080p

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#1 2025-07-26 17:08:58

reversing aids

#2 2025-07-27 16:32:27

Re: reversing aids

#3 2025-07-28 12:43:43

Re: reversing aids

#4 2025-08-02 01:36:40

Re: reversing aids

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