Back-up camera system

I am shopping for a back-up camera system for our snowmobile club's trail groomer. I don't know anything about the lighting or the resolution ratings. It needs to be effective at night, and of course at low temps down to around ten degrees. It doesn't need to be very wide angle but must have good resolution out to around twenty feet. I would like it to be wireless and it must be waterproof and a screen of around nine inches. What do you have experience with and what works and what to avoid?

There are cheaper units out there, but if you're going wireless, I cannot stress enough to go with something of higher quality! Here's one on Amazon that sounds nice. It's a little pricey, but should work for you no problem:
https://www.amazon.com/Digital-Wire...backup+camera&refinements=p_72:1248879011

With a wireless camera, the video signal is what is transmitted wirelessly. The camera still needs a power source, and it MUST be a live source! If you have an always-hot wire going to your trailer, you're covered. Otherwise, it would be good to have a small rechargeable battery that could be used to provide the power for your camera - something like a lawn mower or motorcycle battery, for example. Just be sure to charge it after each outing. Other thing you can do is to always drive with the lights on, and have the camera powered by the light circuit. then there will be no battery to mess with, plus you "should" be more visible to other motorists. ....That's the theory anyway.

I chose to go fully wired for my trailer. I have a video cable that plugs in to the truck wire near the ball hitch, though you could make this connection happen anywhere that the cable/wire won't get dirty or damaged.

There was another wireless model I read about some years ago that was designed and meant for farmers. The camera mounted using a magnetic base and had a rechargeable battery for its power source, if I remember correctly. That one was designed to handle heavy vibrations, which I would assume you won't necessarily need.

When I looked at wireless back-ups, they were not totally
wireless, had to run two wires for power. So why go wireless?
Plus instructions stated it's very important to have a clear
view so wireless signal doesn't get blocked.

I found the best deal going on Wal-mart on line. About $75,
free freight shipped to local store.

I also figured if anything went wrong, Wal-mart has no problems
taking returns.
Mine has two camera inputs and two settings for camera, close up and long range. Close up has a wide angle view. Camera has more view than both side mirrors put together.

geo.

If you go wireless you will be on the same freq. as some of the convenience stores (gas stations) and it will show up on your viewing screen as you drive by. That freq. is used by many businesses. I gave away the wireless system I had. The car and truck I have now both have wired factory cameras.

Most of the cameras are equipped with the infrared LED lighting. You CAN see in the dark, but it is a black and white image. Still very sharp.

Somehow, I don't think there are too many convenience stores on the side of snowmobile trails yet. Just couldn't resist.
Loren

I don't know but I think you might be right(LOL)

You've got to stop at the store and buy some beer so you can say " Hey ya'll hold my beer and watch this".

(quoted from post at 05:23:14 08/06/17) Somehow, I don't think there are too many convenience stores on the side of snowmobile trails yet. Just couldn't resist.
Loren

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Actually you might be surprised. Sleds need gas so most trails go very close to if not right into the parking lot of whatever C-stores are within half a mile of a trail, and plenty of them have a drive-thru.

Sounds like the best ,cheapest camera would be somebody standing back there as guide.

(quoted from post at 01:25:42 08/07/17) Sounds like the best ,cheapest camera would be somebody standing back there as guide.

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Well maybe, but he would have to be running awfully fast, which is very difficult in ten inches of soft snow and under some conditions he would get fairly cold. He would also have to have a two way radio in order to constantly get the needed information to the driver. I think that a back-up camera would work much better for us.

Heck, just tie a sled behind the trailer, set him in it and tell him to hang on! :shock:

I have 10 or 14 of them. make sure they will work at the speed you want to back-up!! have them on 2 snow
plow trucks, only good for about 5 mph then screen freezes, snow blowin around back of truck gets on lense
and cant see. got all wireless units and works good after dark

(quoted from post at 17:17:45 08/08/17) I have 10 or 14 of them. make sure they will work at the speed you want to back-up!! have them on 2 snow
plow trucks, only good for about 5 mph then screen freezes, snow blowin around back of truck gets on lense
and cant see. got all wireless units and works good after dark

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How many of the little LED lights do they have around the camera lens?

had to go count looks like 6 little lights

How much "DIY" you want to do? Could get a raspberry pi 3, usb camera (s), and even a touch screen for use..