Electronic rear view mirror?
- Thread starter morphix
- Start date
Thanks Alan, I actually had your PSP setup in mind when I got the idea, as I know you have mounted your teeny weeny PSP camera for rear view in past.
That Hindsight gadget looks the business but I'm guessing it won't come cheap. If it's under £60 I would consider it, but I think more than that for what is essentially an electronic mirror is a bit over the top, even if it does record..although sat nav built in would persuade me..
I saw this today..
Looks very nice bit of a kit and would do the job nicely, but damn, £200! If it had two camera inputs and a switch to let you go from rear to forward view, I would not hesitate, but as it stands, looks over priced for a rear view mirror.
Lynda are you reading still? OK HERE is a gadget to drool over and top of my shopping list now..
The Archos AV series tablets have got my attention (AV500 -AV700).. interestingly these little devices have their own 1.3 megapixel bullet style camera with its own in-line remote control. They can be had cheap on eBay (£10-£16), it also has a headband option so you can wear it..The tablets run Google's Android OS and can be used to access internet and they are also a fully fledged DVR's with 100GB internal hard drive so can record TV shows on schedule directly from cable/satellite boxes.
This setup looks much affordable (at £60-£100) and way more usable as you can use the device for loads of stuff. And the cameras are so cheap you could easily buy two, wear one or attach to handlebar, and then have a rear view..maybe rig up a small junction box switch to switch between the two cameras.
The question is, how well would the screen perform in daylight? And would it stand up to mounting on the bike and road bumps? Over to YouTube to do some research.. check out this video review.
Just to clarify a couple of things on my previous post re the Archos...
It seems the tablets come in two flavours, they have internet-enabled PC-style devices and the other type are more basic MP3/MP4 media players/DVRs known as the "Vision" series. The DVR's don't have the 100GB storage, only 8GB but they can take SD cards and cost around £80 new. Batteries reported to last an incredible 30 hours, so ideal for filming on the road.. I'm not sure which models can take the camera I mentioned (so many models and naming conventions, really confusing!), still doing some research so will report back later..
Here are a couple of video reviews of the Archos 43 Vision showing video playback and touch screen interface:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQ_WBr1L8k4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTvvdgmbk1k&feature=related
The 4.3" generous screen provides really nice video quality making this device ideally suited for rear camera mirror. And the thing is only 10mm thick and light, so mounting should be possible. There are plenty of bike mounting options cheap on eBay aimed at tablet and sat nav devices, but would probably need something with a waterproof plastic cover.
It seems the tablets come in two flavours, they have internet-enabled PC-style devices and the other type are more basic MP3/MP4 media players/DVRs known as the "Vision" series. The DVR's don't have the 100GB storage, only 8GB but they can take SD cards and cost around £80 new. Batteries reported to last an incredible 30 hours, so ideal for filming on the road.. I'm not sure which models can take the camera I mentioned (so many models and naming conventions, really confusing!), still doing some research so will report back later..
Here are a couple of video reviews of the Archos 43 Vision showing video playback and touch screen interface:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zQ_WBr1L8k4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTvvdgmbk1k&feature=related
The 4.3" generous screen provides really nice video quality making this device ideally suited for rear camera mirror. And the thing is only 10mm thick and light, so mounting should be possible. There are plenty of bike mounting options cheap on eBay aimed at tablet and sat nav devices, but would probably need something with a waterproof plastic cover.
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For those interested, further research into the Archos devices and new findings...
The cheap £16-£20 Archos cameras on eBay I mentioned, are only available for the Archos AV 404,504,604 models it seems. They will not work with other models. These models are no longer sold and are scarce on eBay so I don't think this is viable option. Also, you need an additional travel adaptor to make the camera work (another £20). If you could find a cheap Archos AV 404 or 504, this might be a good set-up.
The Archos AV 500 however is definitely a readily available option. Although these are no longer in production, they are readily available on eBay and can be picked up for around £35 for a second-hand one with 30GB storage. One company still makes and sells helmet-style cameras for the AV500 (see link below). They cost £48 each and don't require any adaptor, they just plug straight into the Archos. They use a Sony CCD sensor and are PAL 500 x 582 resolution (not HD) but perfectly fine as a rear view mirror. In fact I've seen sample videos from the camera and it looks very good, certainly good enough to film bike rides with if you're going to just put on YouTube or watch on the Archos AV ;-)
So in summary, Archos AV 500 30GB (second-hand) + New camera = £85 approx.
Less than half the cost of other devices on the market with the added benefit of the Archos with it's 4.3" screen being an excellent all-round media device capable of recording scheduled TV recording (even from cable/sat boxes). They are however strictly media devices and have NO software apps or internet capability at all.
Here's a link to the camera seller:
Newly Designed Digital Mini Cam Camera for Archos AV500 PocketDISH AV500E AV530 AV560 AV580 AV5100 (500760) NTSC & PAL - Archos Accessories
It's a pity the camera is so expensive (if you wanted two cameras so you can have a rear view mirror and film your bike rides on a front-view cam), adding a second camera would bump up the cost to £135. But still, it's not going to break the bank is it.
Note: The above camera will ONLY work with the old AV series of Archos DVR devices. As far as I'm aware it will not work on the newer Archos Internet Tablets (such as the excellent WiFi-enabled Archos 43) which is a pity as that really would be more useful
I still don't know how good the Archos AV 500 screen is in daylight. I'm going to ask some owners on YouTube and will report back.
I'm also exploring Sav Nav devices and have discovered one device which does support cameras and is being touted on eBay as an electronic rear view mirror & sat nav device funnily enough. I will do a separate post about it shortly..
The cheap £16-£20 Archos cameras on eBay I mentioned, are only available for the Archos AV 404,504,604 models it seems. They will not work with other models. These models are no longer sold and are scarce on eBay so I don't think this is viable option. Also, you need an additional travel adaptor to make the camera work (another £20). If you could find a cheap Archos AV 404 or 504, this might be a good set-up.
The Archos AV 500 however is definitely a readily available option. Although these are no longer in production, they are readily available on eBay and can be picked up for around £35 for a second-hand one with 30GB storage. One company still makes and sells helmet-style cameras for the AV500 (see link below). They cost £48 each and don't require any adaptor, they just plug straight into the Archos. They use a Sony CCD sensor and are PAL 500 x 582 resolution (not HD) but perfectly fine as a rear view mirror. In fact I've seen sample videos from the camera and it looks very good, certainly good enough to film bike rides with if you're going to just put on YouTube or watch on the Archos AV ;-)
So in summary, Archos AV 500 30GB (second-hand) + New camera = £85 approx.
Less than half the cost of other devices on the market with the added benefit of the Archos with it's 4.3" screen being an excellent all-round media device capable of recording scheduled TV recording (even from cable/sat boxes). They are however strictly media devices and have NO software apps or internet capability at all.
Here's a link to the camera seller:
Newly Designed Digital Mini Cam Camera for Archos AV500 PocketDISH AV500E AV530 AV560 AV580 AV5100 (500760) NTSC & PAL - Archos Accessories
It's a pity the camera is so expensive (if you wanted two cameras so you can have a rear view mirror and film your bike rides on a front-view cam), adding a second camera would bump up the cost to £135. But still, it's not going to break the bank is it.
Note: The above camera will ONLY work with the old AV series of Archos DVR devices. As far as I'm aware it will not work on the newer Archos Internet Tablets (such as the excellent WiFi-enabled Archos 43) which is a pity as that really would be more useful
I still don't know how good the Archos AV 500 screen is in daylight. I'm going to ask some owners on YouTube and will report back.
I'm also exploring Sav Nav devices and have discovered one device which does support cameras and is being touted on eBay as an electronic rear view mirror & sat nav device funnily enough. I will do a separate post about it shortly..
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Here you go then Alan, this might interest you...
It's the only Sat Nav I've been able to find that definitely supports AV camera input. Not sure how well it would perform as an electronic mirror though..my concern would be the LCD and light reflection.. It looks more like a PDA/Smartphone device than Sat Nav doesn't it as far as the 7" screen goes... I guess I could order one, try it out and sell it on if it's no use.
£60 from China, so probably import costs and VAT to pay ontop. Total cost likely to be around £80.
Not sure how well the software would work for Sat Nav with them being from China. Might be worth asking a few buyers on eBay who purchased them.
They also sell a 4.3" Sat Nav for £40.
Might be better size for bike, but I'm not sure if it supports camera input, although it looks from the picture like it has an AV port. Awaiting a reply from them..
UPDATE: The seller has confirmed the 4.3" Sat Nav definitely will NOT work with a camera, only the 7" one does.
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Heres my flowerpot solution to light reflection:
FLOWER POT 003 | Flickr - Photo Sharing!
Although on days like today with so much White Cloud around you don't really need it. Perfect rear view conditions.
What I would really like is something to act as rear view mirror, GSP, maps and maybe a bit of music neatly fitted onto my handlebars but easily removed......I suppose a bit like an iphone with mirror but much cheaper.
Personally I am not interested in the camera aspect.....so what would my options be ?
Does this exist ?
Lynda
Personally I am not interested in the camera aspect.....so what would my options be ?
Does this exist ?
Lynda
Low-tech but effective
I've seen screen filters available that claim to eliminate glare and improve contrast.As for the waterproofing question... I think this might be ideal and solves the problem of mounting too:
Bargain £6.50 with free delivery, from China! I've just ordered one..
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That is what I'm interested in too. But it's difficult to find a device that has SatNav AND rear view camera support PLUS the functionality of a media player. The only one I've seen so far is the Chinese one posted above with the 7" screen @ £60 + VAT and import costs. That would do everything you want, but you would still need to buy a suitable mini camera for it.
Good idea
I have a Garmin Edge on the bike and a TomTom on the motorbike. They can both be difficult to see in bright sunlight but a tilt of the head normally sorts that problem out.
The issue with a camera on the back of the bike would be the angle it covered. With a normal lens I would think that blind spots could be an issue.
Just for more fun I attached my TomTom to my ICE Trike which turned out to be a big success. I like listening to books and so I could ride my trike, listen to books and not need maps as I rode along.
The TomTom was powered by a very small scooter battery which was in a bag on the crossbar. I rode like that for 3 days and there was still plenty of charge left in the battery. This would be an easy set up on any bike.
Here is a clip of me riding: You can hear the book on the Tom Tom
YouTube - 015.AVI‏
Steve
Of course it is Alistair. That is part of the fun.
I have a Garmin Edge on the bike and a TomTom on the motorbike. They can both be difficult to see in bright sunlight but a tilt of the head normally sorts that problem out.
The issue with a camera on the back of the bike would be the angle it covered. With a normal lens I would think that blind spots could be an issue.
Just for more fun
I attached my TomTom to my ICE Trike which turned out to be a big success. I like listening to books and so I could ride my trike, listen to books and not need maps as I rode along.The TomTom was powered by a very small scooter battery which was in a bag on the crossbar. I rode like that for 3 days and there was still plenty of charge left in the battery. This would be an easy set up on any bike.
Here is a clip of me riding: You can hear the book on the Tom Tom
YouTube - 015.AVI‏
Steve
More gadgets...gadgets galore!!
1) 7" LCD + Camera + Remote Control - £76
Comes with a tiny waterproof CMOS PAL wide-angle camera and a remote control. No recording capability, just a rear view. Bit big and tricky to mount for a bicycle handlebar?
2) High Definition Mini Pinhole Spy Camcorder - £80
Tiny CMOS HD Camera. DVR has 2" LCD, capable of recording (8hrs on 8GB MicroSD @ 720i). Will camera be sufficient to provide a wide enough angle? LCD might be a tad too small for decent road view?
3) 7" Android Tablet with WiFi - £84
Has a built-in camera but no external camera or AV port, although it MIGHT support a USB camera as it has full Android Marketplace Apps support (tons of free software).
None of these devices have GPS/SatNav. All the devices are from same UK eBay seller. All are free delivery, but maybe shipped from China, so advise to check before buying (beware of VAT + import charges).
1) 7" LCD + Camera + Remote Control - £76
Comes with a tiny waterproof CMOS PAL wide-angle camera and a remote control. No recording capability, just a rear view. Bit big and tricky to mount for a bicycle handlebar?
2) High Definition Mini Pinhole Spy Camcorder - £80
Tiny CMOS HD Camera. DVR has 2" LCD, capable of recording (8hrs on 8GB MicroSD @ 720i). Will camera be sufficient to provide a wide enough angle? LCD might be a tad too small for decent road view?
3) 7" Android Tablet with WiFi - £84
Has a built-in camera but no external camera or AV port, although it MIGHT support a USB camera as it has full Android Marketplace Apps support (tons of free software).
None of these devices have GPS/SatNav. All the devices are from same UK eBay seller. All are free delivery, but maybe shipped from China, so advise to check before buying (beware of VAT + import charges).
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Useful info Steve, thanks, liked the video tooOf course it is Alistair. That is part of the fun.
I have a Garmin Edge on the bike and a TomTom on the motorbike. They can both be difficult to see in bright sunlight but a tilt of the head normally sorts that problem out.
The issue with a camera on the back of the bike would be the angle it covered. With a normal lens I would think that blind spots could be an issue.
Just for more fun
The TomTom was powered by a very small scooter battery which was in a bag on the crossbar. I rode like that for 3 days and there was still plenty of charge left in the battery. This would be an easy set up on any bike.
Here is a clip of me riding: You can hear the book on the Tom Tom
YouTube - 015.AVI‏
Steve
Many of these devices look great on paper but when you come to use them for a specific set up like rear view cam, might be different story...your comment about the cam and limited angle / blind spots is a good point to consider. I suspect a SatNav device is going to have a better screen for sunlight than some of the other devices and probably is a more practical application for bike...
Good idea about the 7dayshop camera, we know from other reviews it's a good cheap camera for filming bike rides so should work well for rear view providing you can get a live stream via the USB (Webcam style) into some tablet device... maybe yourself or Kitchenman could test this on a PC with some webcam software to see if it works?As for a camera, I expect Kitchenman can advise. I have just found this 7dayshop Vehicle / Bike Camcorder - Camera Only: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics It's cheap and has a USB connector on it but if that is just for PC file transfer or actual live feed output, I don't know....
There has got to be some cheap, battery operated media tablet things that can take USB input from an action camera.
I will also continue to research and chat to Kitchenman, who I work with. I want a cheap solution. There has to be one somewhere....
...and as for Lectureral's post above: Probably but it's fun to find a solution and being passionate about gadgets and the like, I just gotta do it
Interested to know how you get on with your research anyway.. the USB camera set up is an interesting angle to explore with all the cheap cameras and media DVRs/internet tablets on the market.
AH...its just clicked.....although I said I dont want a camera (thinking forward facing ) of course the camera is needed for the 'mirror' option.......the techie bits were confusing me
So......its not possible to get the mirror bit without a camera......
Ok guys I'm catching up with your thoughts .......all this brain activity should be great for my ' anti senility '
process
Lynda
AH...its just clicked.....although I said I dont want a camera (thinking forward facing ) of course the camera is needed for the 'mirror' option.......the techie bits were confusing me
So......its not possible to get the mirror bit without a camera......
Ok guys I'm catching up with your thoughts .......all this brain activity should be great for my ' anti senility '
process
Lynda
That's it!
Turn LEFT! lol ..thats a great clip.Of course it is Alistair. That is part of the fun.
The issue with a camera on the back of the bike would be the angle it covered. With a normal lens I would think that blind spots could be an issue.
Just for more fun
Steve
Regarding rear view and blind spots ... I haven't noticed a difficulty with that ...
4) Wireless rear-view parking monitor wide angle camera - £53
2.5" LCD monitor (doesn't record) and a weather-proof wide angle camera (no info on type). Camera is wireless. Both the LCD monitor and camera require 12v and are obviously designed for a car, but you could use a cheap voltage converter to produce 12v from ebike battery.
5) 4.3 Inch Bluetooth Rearview Mirror Built-in GPS - £85
Split-screen, Sat Nav and rear-cam view at same time. No camera included, standard AV port. Bit large length-wise, 267 x 76 x 16mm. Plays MP3/Video and has a stylus pen. Runs off internal lithium battery.
6) GuideStar - 4.3 Inch Touchscreen Portable GPS Navigator - £88
Basically same as above, but without the dual split-screen and so half the lenth at 120 x 81 x 15mm. Doesn't specifically state supports camera, but spec shows AV-in port, so probably does. Like the above, features MP3/Video player with stylus pen.
2.5" LCD monitor (doesn't record) and a weather-proof wide angle camera (no info on type). Camera is wireless. Both the LCD monitor and camera require 12v and are obviously designed for a car, but you could use a cheap voltage converter to produce 12v from ebike battery.
5) 4.3 Inch Bluetooth Rearview Mirror Built-in GPS - £85
Split-screen, Sat Nav and rear-cam view at same time. No camera included, standard AV port. Bit large length-wise, 267 x 76 x 16mm. Plays MP3/Video and has a stylus pen. Runs off internal lithium battery.
6) GuideStar - 4.3 Inch Touchscreen Portable GPS Navigator - £88
Basically same as above, but without the dual split-screen and so half the lenth at 120 x 81 x 15mm. Doesn't specifically state supports camera, but spec shows AV-in port, so probably does. Like the above, features MP3/Video player with stylus pen.
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If you put this one on with the camera facing opposite way, you would quite literally have eyes in the back of your head
I spotted a gadget not on my list that might be ideal for use as an electronic rear view mirror.. The Nokia N810 Internet Tablet. I just purchased one today, at £45 delivered I couldn't resist it. It has 4.1" screen a Linux OS, WiFi and the icing on the cake, Sat Nav built-in, and slide-away keyboard.
What drew to me to this device is a webpage I saw which showed it's possible to hook up any USB cameras to it for streaming video. Maybe something like this would work.
I'm waiting delivery of the tablet so will do a full review when it arrives.
What drew to me to this device is a webpage I saw which showed it's possible to hook up any USB cameras to it for streaming video. Maybe something like this would work.
I'm waiting delivery of the tablet so will do a full review when it arrives.
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