Troubleshooting electrical problems in rear camera hookup

I never knew the backup camera later got integrated into the rear view mirror.  Ours is mounted in front of it but higher and though it is a very nice size, somehow my head finds it when getting in and out from the driver seat.  Given the mirror does no good except for monitering indoor activities, I contemplated mounting the camera where the mirror is today to get it out of the way of my head.

Are there any pictures on the Phoenix website of the camera-in-mirror?.  I am curious what it looks like.

Here is mine, a 2007 model with sound.

Ron,
Our 2011 PC 2350 has the backup camera, with sound, integrated with the backup mirror.  Unfortunately, it is not parked at our house, or I would take a picture.  We are pleased with it being one unit rather than 2 separate pieces.  We don't have problems with bumping into it.  We don't have problems "seeing" it.  We feel it functions fine for us.  We actually were very happy when we picked it up to see it was "all in one".  We never had it separate- so it might just be a case of what one gets used to.
Roni   

Ron,
Our 2011 PC 2350 has the backup camera, with sound, integrated with the backup mirror.  Unfortunately, it is not parked at our house, or I would take a picture.  We are pleased with it being one unit rather than 2 separate pieces.  We don't have problems with bumping into it.  We don't have problems "seeing" it.  We feel it functions fine for us.  We actually were very happy when we picked it up to see it was "all in one".  We never had it separate- so it might just be a case of what one gets used to.
Roni   

  I would love to see a pic of the backup mirror turned on.  Maybe someone else has a pic.  Maybe PC-USA has a pic of it shown for one of their models. 

So yours has sound too?  Nice that you have that.  Is the speaker in the mirror as well?

The speaker comes through the mirror.  It is one way- the driver  can hear the person out back.  The person out back can't hear the driver. 

Ron,
Although I am not able to send a picture.  Here's the website for the backup mirror.

http://www.magnadyne.net/index.cfm?MasterAction=Item&InvMasID=25281&Web_CatID=221

Hope this helps-
Roni

Thanks for the link.  That looks real slick.  But I do understand the complaint about it being on the small side.  It is hard to say which is preferered.

Adding:

I wonder if one could splice a big video screen into the mirror.   I may have to check this idea out this weekend.....

DJM

My own personal preference as a potential PC owner and solo fulltimer?

I would rather delete the rearview mirror altogether, and rely on a larger rear-view carmera display in its place otherwise.

I have the Sony monitor without the mirror. When I start the engine, I can see what is behind the coach. I have add a 8" extention with coupler from Kayalu. The monitor is now positioned where the mirror would be. Now the monitor is like looking in the rear view mirror. 

George

I have the Sony monitor without the mirror. When I start the engine, I can see what is behind the coach. I have add a 8" extention with coupler from Kayalu. The monitor is now positioned where the mirror would be. Now the monitor is like looking in the rear view mirror.  George

I really like that George !

Hey, What are those leuvers in your side window?  Do they have screens in them?  Where did you get them?  Are they fairly secure for security sake?  Would you leave the rig unattended with them installed?

Ron

This is a screened louver vent  that I made with plexiglass. The louver fits in the window track. The bottom of the louver has a rubber channel that seals over the window glass. Originally, I made one for the sprinter. I leave this up when I do not need AC.  The screen lets in a nice air flow. Everything to make one can be found at the hardware store.


George

Getting back to my original topic, I now have my motorhome in the shop for loss of back up camera, turn signals, stop lights, dash lights, windshield wipers, and other electrical maladies.  Because it occurred after being out in a torrential storm, my inclination was that it was related to this. It is still in the shop, but the initial diagnosis is that I need a new ignition lock and possibly a cam that goes with it.  It seems my lock does not return to the same correct place after it is in the starter crank position and that different sets of contacts are being made with different functions being disabled.  Compared to other possibilities, it will probably be a relatively simple fix.  Just thought you all might be interested in this if you ever have similar troubles.  Mine may be aggravated by the fact that my 6 year old unit was driven only 4K miles by the first owner in the first 4 years and the mechanism may have gotten gummed up from lack of use.

Jerry

Huh -

Never thought of that, JC -

"Gummy-ness" and humidity both are a poor marriage.  I can see that as a great possibility, especially for a rarely used vehicle.

In terms of faulty ignition switches, another issue can be excessive key ring sets.  Get enough keys and fob weight swinging and jouncing in the ignition switch over time, and that can also result in premature wear of the switch - especially on modern vehicles.  I've seen some folks whose key ring sets look like they were correctional officers at shawshank!  LOL!

I carry my 2 keys individually, one in each front pocket.  The single keys alone are not bothersome, and at least twice in the last 30 years, were my salvation.
 

My wife's everyday set of keys is starting to resemble a chandelier with all the bling.

When leaving on a vacation, I hand over her own set of "Trip" keys which has only what she needs for the motor home, 4 keys in-all.  I include an illuminous orange plastic fob to find the keys quickly if dropped in tall grass or weeds.  I learned that from one bad experience.  When hiking and such, my wife leaves her purse in the motor home so the compact keys are friendly for her little blue jean pockets.