New observation camera installed - question on aiming

larry2c · 06-08-2020, 05:32 PM

I have installed a Amtifo observation on our TT and I have a question or two about aiming correctly. I've attached a couple photos showing the camera as I mounted it as well as a shot of the monitor after it was aimed how I think it should be.

As it is aimed now I can see a bit of my rear bumper - that seems right since I want to avoid backing into things at the CG or other parking. However, with it at this angle, it seems like I only have a view of about 20' behind my TT. I thought I'd see more than that. DO I have to re-adjust the camera when I switch from backing to highway driving? That seems like a bit of a hassle but not impossible.

Sorry about the orientation - couldn't get it to rotate for me. Tilt your head 90 degrees and it looks fine!

**bikendan** · 06-08-2020, 07:11 PM

Yep, you need to angle it up.

larry2c · 06-08-2020, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bikendan

Yep, you need to angle it up.

So you angle it up so you see farther back and leave it there? Then you can't see the bumper which when I use my truck's BU camera is very useful. I guess I could estimate once I start getting close...

Famoussenior · 06-08-2020, 07:58 PM

The camera is not oriented properly to give you the best view of rear traffic. And, you will not be able to elevate the camera because the antenna will prevent you from doing so.
I purchased a Haloview camera and mounted it to my Furrion mount. Yes, I had the adapter to get the camera mounted but the Haloview antenna was also mounted on the left side of the camera. I got the camera mounted, but like you, I could not elevate it properly because of the antenna location. I wanted to keep the Haloview because it is a fantastic camera but in the end, I returned it to Amazon.
I don't think you are going to be satisfied keeping the camera in its restricted position. Just my opinion. Good luck.

Coevers · 06-08-2020, 08:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Famoussenior

The camera is not oriented properly to give you the best view of rear traffic. And, you will not be able to elevate the camera because the antenna will prevent you from doing so.
I purchased a Haloview camera and mounted it to my Furrion mount. Yes, I had the adapter to get the camera mounted but the Haloview antenna was also mounted on the left side of the camera. I got the camera mounted, but like you, I could not elevate it properly because of the antenna location. I wanted to keep the Haloview because it is a fantastic camera but in the end, I returned it to Amazon.
I don't think you are going to be satisfied keeping the camera in its restricted position. Just my opinion. Good luck.

The haloview is not designed to use that furrion plastic shell. It you remove it, the mounting bracket aligns with the holes in the trailer. I did use the rubber gasket, because it gave me something to seal. It also allows you to position the camera as you prefer.

larry2c · 06-08-2020, 08:24 PM

I used the Furion shark fin because I thought it might work out OK and I have a small milling machine that allowed me to make a custom mounting plate that fit inside of the shark fin. Even if I remove the shark fin and mount right to the TT wall, the angle the camera needs to be at to see the back bumper would be the same. Yes it would let me rotate it further upward (no interference with the antenna) so I could see farther behind me but the main reason I bought the camera system was for backing into campsites and into our driveway - the traffic monitoring would have just been a bonus.

I guess I can't have both without physically rotating the camera to get the proper angle for each type of view. Not a big deal but obviously, it would be nice if it could see both things from one position.

CorkyM · 06-09-2020, 01:45 PM

I'm really new here and I cannot get my rear camera to tilt. It's just pointing at the hitch. Is the tilt a software thing or mechanical driven by a little motor or something? I have a Jensen system that came with my 2011 Itasca 32h. I would love it if all I have to do is move the thing for now. I have a very bad back so I only climb things when necessary

**bikendan** · 06-09-2020, 02:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CorkyM

I'm really new here and I cannot get my rear camera to tilt. It's just pointing at the hitch. Is the tilt a software thing or mechanical driven by a little motor or something? I have a Jensen system that came with my 2011 Itasca 32h. I would love it if all I have to do is move the thing for now. I have a very bad back so I only climb things when necessary

You should ask your question in the Dynamax sub-forum.

TSman · 06-09-2020, 04:41 PM

I had the same problem and the solution I came up with is to have two cameras. I had the factory back up camera which shows the area immediately behind the Rv and I installed another camera that she's me a view is the road and traffic behind reconnected to an extra video input in my dear view monitor. I do have to switch the monitor on manually but it works great as a rearview mirror. When I shift to reverse it automatically goes to the factory back up camera.

emm-dee · 06-09-2020, 04:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CorkyM

I'm really new here and I cannot get my rear camera to tilt. It's just pointing at the hitch. Is the tilt a software thing or mechanical driven by a little motor or something? I have a Jensen system that came with my 2011 Itasca 32h. I would love it if all I have to do is move the thing for now. I have a very bad back so I only climb things when necessary

There are set screws on both sides of the camera. Loosen them up and the camera can be tilted all you want.

SailorSam20500 · 06-09-2020, 05:10 PM

I'm thinking that both the Haloview and Furrion cameras have a much wider angle lens. On mine, I can see the sky and up to about 5 feet behind the trailer. I suppose I could angle it down a bit more but haven't had the need.

itat · 06-09-2020, 05:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by larry2c

I have installed a Amtifo observation on our TT and I have a question or two about aiming correctly. I've attached a couple photos showing the camera as I mounted it as well as a shot of the monitor after it was aimed how I think it should be.

As it is aimed now I can see a bit of my rear bumper - that seems right since I want to avoid backing into things at the CG or other parking. However, with it at this angle, it seems like I only have a view of about 20' behind my TT. I thought I'd see more than that. DO I have to re-adjust the camera when I switch from backing to highway driving? That seems like a bit of a hassle but not impossible.

Sorry about the orientation - couldn't get it to rotate for me. Tilt your head 90 degrees and it looks fine!

larry2c, I recall someone had an extender for their antenna which was basically a wire with connectors on either end that allowed them to mount the antenna a few inches away from the camera. You’ll need something like that to allow you to rotate the camera up for a much better viewing angle.

itat · 06-09-2020, 05:18 PM

Found the video I was thinking of. Go to 1:15 in this video.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=IZUaHQ...ature=youtu.be

larry2c · 06-09-2020, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by itat

larry2c, I recall someone had an extender for their antenna which was basically a wire with connectors on either end that allowed them to mount the antenna a few inches away from the camera. You’ll need something like that to allow you to rotate the camera up for a much better viewing angle.

I may look into that. I can actually rotate the antenna 90° and get a good bit more "up angle". However, if I do that then I don't see the very back of the trailer.

I got two cameras with the system - maybe I rotate the one on the shark fin up to use as a "rear view mirror" and then mount the other one down where it can show me the bumper when backing up.

TitanMike · 06-09-2020, 07:48 PM

Just curious, have you checked pictire reception with the antenna horizontal?

Antenna position doesnt seem to matter on mine.
Even pointed out to side?

larry2c · 06-09-2020, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TitanMike

Just curious, have you checked pictire reception with the antenna horizontal?

Antenna position doesnt seem to matter on mine.
Even pointed out to side?

Only with the truck parked out in the street - maybe 60 feet from the camera. I will be hooking up and heading out for the weekend (YES, the parks are open!!!). I'll let you know how it works out then.

I also looked at some "extension chords" like itat mentioned. I'll see how it works with the factory antenna first and go from there.

Mike_Tucson · 06-21-2020, 10:50 PM

I just installed the Haloview RD7. It has the antenna on an extension cable. I tried the 12" short cable but, the reception in the truck was terrible. (rear of Toy Hauler to truck ~ 38') I used the included extension cable and mounted the antenna on the Max Air housing for the front bathroom fan. I now have 3 bars reception no matter how I have the monitor antenna facing.

Geobound · 06-21-2020, 11:18 PM

Could you mount the camera upside down so that the antenna would work with the Furrion mounting bracket, and then just rotate the image on the 7" monitor?

I don't have one, but I know I can rotate the image on my Furrion system.

mwdilday · 06-22-2020, 07:32 AM

I think it is fine where it is. I don't really use my camera on the highway except to keep an eye on the bikes. It is mainly for backing in parking lots and campsites and keeping an eye on the bikes. Your side mirrors are for the highway. I stay out of the left lanes except to pass so if somebody is tailgating me I can't do anything about it anyway and they show up in the camera.

delseb · 06-25-2020, 08:23 PM

In the process of installing the MC7108 camera and find that the long bolts used to attach brackets together have 2 washers on it that seem impossible to take off of the bolt. Can buy new bolts but frustrated that washers are not removable to be used properly. Sent email to Haloview to help solve this issue. How have others used these washers?

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