Rear Camera at Night

[MrJoe]

The DW and I drove the MH for the first time at night. Noticed the rear camera view became very washed out, almost all white. It was useless backing into the campsite. Checked today and it works fine in the daylight. Has anyone experienced this?

[F.R.O.G.]

The camera picks up light during the daytime, but there's not enough light at night to get an image. There is likely a ring of small sensors around the lense to pick up an infrared image, which will show up as black/grey/white.

Sometime when you go through a well-lighted area at night you'll notice that it switches back for as long as the light is sufficient.

[MrJoe]

How can I turn it off while backing up at night? I had it off, but when I hit reverse it came on. Pure bright white.... Very distracting.

[jlbreaux]

Originally Posted by MrJoe

How can I turn it off while backing up at night? I had it off, but when I hit reverse it came on. Pure bright white.... Very distracting.

Ball pein hammer, or duct tape.

[Displaced2]

Don't back up or use reverse.

[MrJoe]

I'm thinking a paper bag....

[itat]

If it works much better in a lighted area at night, you could get a couple LED lights off eBay to install at the back of the MH so you get a decent picture. It worked for the rear view camera in my truck.

[F.R.O.G.]

I don't know if your particular model allows the camera to be turned off, but there is likely a button that allows it to switch from a bright "day" mode to a "night" mode that isn't quite so bright. You might look for that and see if it cuts down on the amount of glare.

[bubbles]

Mine to will come on if off and reverse is selected but I just hit off again and that bypasses the auto on function. But I suppose you have tried that and it didn't help.

[MrJoe]

Originally Posted by F.R.O.G.

I don't know if your particular model allows the camera to be turned off, but there is likely a button that allows it to switch from a bright "day" mode to a "night" mode that isn't quite so bright. You might look for that and see if it cuts down on the amount of glare.

We have the RVS-770619n. We didn't get the manual. We haven't found a day/night mode button, yet. Where would it be located?

[MrJoe]

Originally Posted by bubbles

Mine to will come on if off and reverse is selected but I just hit off again and that bypasses the auto on function. But I suppose you have tried that and it didn't help.

Actually hadn't tried that. Thanks!

[F.R.O.G.]

Originally Posted by MrJoe

We have the RVS-770619n. We didn't get the manual. We haven't found a day/night mode button, yet. Where would it be located?

I found your system at:
RVS-770619N | Back up camera system | Rear View Safety

The spec sheet shows a brightness level of 400, however that's measured, and I didn't see any indication of an adjustment capability. I also couldn't find a manual there. You might check a search engine and see if you can find one.

[MrJoe]

We poked around last night on the net for a manual. I'll try from home tonight.

[itat]

I purchased my RVS-Tailgate camera from them. I found David Newman david@rearviewsafety.com fairly helpful.

[MrJoe]

Originally Posted by itat

I purchased my RVS-Tailgate camera from them. I found David Newman david@rearviewsafety.com fairly helpful.

Thanks! I shot him an email.

[Taylorgso]

Originally Posted by F.R.O.G.

I don't know if your particular model allows the camera to be turned off, but there is likely a button that allows it to switch from a bright "day" mode to a "night" mode that isn't quite so bright. You might look for that and see if it cuts down on the amount of glare.

Alternatively, you might switch the input to a different channel that has no camera attached. Mine has (3) inputs, one of which is the backup camera.

It will automatically go to rear camera when you shift into reverse; you can then switch to a blank input - you'll then get a blue screen, but it's not as bothersome as the bright night screen from the backup cam.

[MrJoe]

Originally Posted by Taylorgso

Alternatively, you might switch the input to a different channel that has no camera attached. Mine has (3) inputs, one of which is the backup camera.

It will automatically go to rear camera when you shift into reverse; you can then switch to a blank input - you'll then get a blue screen, but it's not as bothersome as the bright night screen from the backup cam.

Fortunately or unfortunately, we have the side cameras occupying the inputs.

[itat]

With my truck, I used a DPST switch (ON-OFF-ON) and a relay so I could have the camera operate automatically when in reverse or I could turn it on manually or turn it off completely. I did the same thing with the LED backup lights I ordered on eBay. If your setup doesn't allow you to turn off the camera, you could put a toggle switch in the power line to the camera. Obviously, I only have a single camera though. If I were you I'd want the camera to work in all light levels. Hopefully Rear View Safety can help you out.

[MrJoe]

Just got off the phone with them. They are on the case. (-:

[RamblerGuy]

If your display doesn't have a day/night selection, maybe you can find a brightness adjustment. A brightness level that's good for daylight would probably be way too bright for night.