Wireless camera install question

[prayers1]

I have a wireless Backup Monitor and Camera that I want to install in a 1998 Georgetown Motorhome.

The Monitor and Camera both need a seperate power supply. The Monitor being up front is easy to do. However, the camera needs to be install outside at the Top/Rear. I would need to drill a 1/2" hole to feed the wires, but I have no ideal where to get a +pos / -neg feed since the insde is all closed up. There is an outlet and overhead light in the closet, should I tap into the closet light.

Heres a Picture of the camera wire lead:


It was suggested to use the trailer lights. Would that mean that the camera would only work when the lights were on.

If I tie in before the closet, would that mean that the camera would be on all the time???????

Any suggestions on how I can get power to this camera w/o having wires show from the outside.

Thank you!

[BarryD0706]

You really should post this in the forum area specific to your RV since it's very RV specific. You also need to let people know what kind of RV you have (exact make and model) for almost every question. It's usually best to put this information into your profile.

[prayers1]

OK Barry Thanks

[RodeoGeorge]

Generic answer regarding the Camera power. Tie into the 12V for a light in that area, and install a switch to turn the Camera off when not under way.

Doing that on my 8289WS 5th Wheel.

RodeoGeorge

[prayers1]

The wires going to the inside light, does it only have 1 wire for power and the unit is self grounded OR is there a Pos & Neg going to it. I like your ideal about a switch, could I just get a toggle switch from the Auto part store or would it be best to get a 110v single pole switch?

[BarryD0706]

Please don't use a 120v AC switch for 12 volts. Very bad practice. It leads to confusion for service people and the next owner of your RV.

[RodeoGeorge]

"Most" of the lights in the RV have a pair of wires feeding them, +12V and Ground. So you can obtain what is required to power the Camera from the power that feeds the light.

There is some sort of covered vent on the rear of my 8289WS 5th Wheel in the center of the rear cap above the window. I've removed the cover, and the rubber perforated plug, and found that I can drill right into the rear cabinet above the chairs. There is a 12V source there for the Camera.

Since the reliability of a wireless signal reaching from the rear of the 5th Wheel to the Monitor on the truck dash is marginal for most "wireless" systems available, I ordered a "wired" system. Being an Amateur Radio Operator, I am permitted to use a higher powered 1.2GHz Transmitter/Receiver to send the signal to the truck. I have a 3 Watt Transmitter inbound, and do not anticipate any signal loss using 3 Watts to cover the 40' distance, even through the RV. The Transmitter will be located in the cabinet where the 12V is available, with a higher gain antenna. The Receiver near the rear window of the truck. A second camera on the rack behind the rear window of the truck will be hard wired to the monitor.

The system will cost about the same as a "wireless" system available from China, but will be far more stable. And, I get to play with the design and implementation. LOL

RodeoGeorge

[RodeoGeorge]

Originally Posted by BarryD0706

Please don't use a 120v AC switch for 12 volts. Very bad practice. It leads to confusion for service people and the next owner of your RV.

Barry, if you mean one of the surface mounted 110V switches with a plate, I see no problem if it is labeled as a 12V switch for the Camera.

The cameras typically draw about .08A (80 mA), so the current capabilities of the switch will not be an issue. There is a lot less contact resistance in one of the lower voltage toggle switches available at places like Radio Shack, and they can be mounted through a 1/2" hole in the cabinet near the camera power, or even on a bezel inside the cabinet.

And if a 110V switch is used, think of all the discovery fun a new owner will have figuring out why he cannot find out what the switch operates. LOL

RodeoGeorge

[BarryD0706]

I do see a problem, but there's only so much I can do. Remember the thread we had a while back where the previous owner (er...hacker) had wired some of the outlets in the RV so that they were 120v on top and 12v on the bottom? I'm sure he thought it was ok as long as they were labelled.