New Video Monitor that fits like a Dream

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03/28/2009, 09:33 AM
twistedsymphony

New Video Monitor that fits like a Dream

I was getting rather aggravated over the poor rearward visibility so I started looking at head units with a monitor so I could install a backup camera. Of course the fact that the CD changer would jam often didn't hurt this decision either.

I ended up getting the Jensen VM9412 it's a CHEAP (I paid $300 through amazon.com) simple CD/DVD headunit, it's Satellite radio ready, iPod adapter ready and you can even upgrade it with a NAV unit down the road... the Jensen 101 goes for $150-$200 and you can stash it under your dash somewhere and it adds full NAV to the head unit. and of course inputs for a reverse camera too.

The best thing for VX users is that you can program the screen to stick out further from the unit to give you extra room. It has two mounting holes and going with the set further back, along with programming the screen to stick further out I'm actually able to get a comfortable back angle Without the screen even hitting the dash.

http://solid-orange.com/wp-content/u...x_stereo_1.jpg
it sticks out a bit more than the factory stereo because of how I mounted it but it doesn't stick out so much as to be obnoxious, it also looks like a cheap generic CD player when it's closed so it doesn't draw attention ;)

http://solid-orange.com/wp-content/u...x_stereo_2.jpg
Open I have the screen set to stick out a bit away from the unit, this allows me a nice back angle. It's not the most feature filled or best sounding unit but I actually like the CD player interface better than the $700 double din unit Kenwood that I have in my 240sx.

http://solid-orange.com/wp-content/u...x_stereo_3.jpg
it's hard to tell but the screen isn't even touching the dash... If I wanted to I could even lean it further back.

-----------------

I'm pretty pleased wit this unit so far, I'm still looking at my backup camera options (so if you have any recommendations let me know).

I posted this because I'm always seeing threads with people who want to know how to fit a video unit in their VX and this is the only flip out unit I've seen that could actually fold out with a comfortable angle and not hit the dash.

I should note that I had to trim up the dash garnish a bit. the screw hole above the stereo I took a dremel and cut off the bump on the inside, I might not have had to but it made things easier, I probably wouldn't have been able to get the screw back in anyway because of how far the stereo sticks out. You can't even see it from the outside. Also the opening for the stereo was literally a hair too narrow so I took a file and filled down the left and right sides, if you put the stock stereo back you wouldn't even be able to tell that's how minimal I had to file it down. took me less than 5 minutes to do both of those things. Other than that it was a standard stereo install, just wire up the harness and screw it in place. :cool:

I swapped the lower unit out with a simple din pocket so I have some place to put my CDs or my Zune and it frees up the arm rest for other stuff.
03/28/2009, 11:47 AM
lasturbo

Nice unit and install!! Sounds very tempting too considering the fitment for the VX.
03/28/2009, 12:59 PM
VCrossfan

Quote:

Originally Posted by twistedsymphony

I posted this because I'm always seeing threads with people who want to know how to fit a video unit in their VX and this is the only flip out unit I've seen that could actually fold out with a comfortable angle and not hit the dash.

My Pioneer in-dash and other motorized models have "memory of location" so once you motor it where you want it to stop it will always default to that exact location.. And on tha rear camera, I'm still using a kinda cheap model from China. It's still working good night vision and all for over 5 years now. I'm waiting for it to die so I can upgrade..

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...s/100_3435.JPG http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...s/100_3427.JPG
03/28/2009, 02:42 PM
rowhard

Quote:

Originally Posted by twistedsymphony

I'm pretty pleased wit this unit so far, I'm still looking at my backup camera options (so if you have any recommendations let me know).

I just did a quick search, Crutchfield list 8 cameras ranging from 150 to 300 bucks for that unit. http://www.crutchfield.com/p_110VM94...View%20Cameras
03/28/2009, 02:54 PM
etlsport

looks good :thumbup: i had the issue with my monitor hitting the dash.. so i mounted it upside down so it flips down over the ac vents now.. works nicely except its not touchscreen since my head unit is separate from my screen
03/28/2009, 06:26 PM
don moore

nice look
03/28/2009, 06:45 PM
Gussie2000

Hey twisted what's up ?

Let me tell you some thing,i got a $ 60 rear view wireless camera from ebay.com & it does the job very goob,no complains.

The monitor looks very good,i like it;Just take care of it & will last you'til you ready to drop a big brand in there.
03/28/2009, 09:58 PM
twistedsymphony

Quote:

Originally Posted by VCrossfan

My Pioneer in-dash and other motorized models have "memory of location" so once you motor it where you want it to stop it will always default to that exact location..

yeah this unit remembers the location as well, it automatically folds back down whenever you shut the car off, it's quite nice. I usually prefer stationary double-din screens but for a fold out this one has been pretty nice.

Quote:

Originally Posted by rowhard

I just did a quick search, Crutchfield list 8 cameras ranging from 150 to 300 bucks for that unit. http://www.crutchfield.com/p_110VM94...View%20Cameras

I don't think you'd need a camera specially built for this unit. really any camera that outputs a composite video feed should work. you could actually use a camcorder if you really wanted to. The monitor has a wire that you hook up to the shifter to automatically switch to the camera when you put it in reverse. It's literally just a video input like what you'd find on the back of your TV or VCR so you can hook up just about anything.

cameras range in quality quite a bit though and being a backup camera I think the two most important things for me would be night vision as well as how well the camera holds up to the elements, particularly the cold since I'm up in the North East and we get some cold winters up here.

though based on what some others have said even the cheap ebay cameras seem to work pretty well :)
03/29/2009, 10:21 AM
pbkid

look into the audiovox CMOS-1

you may end up paying a LITTLE more than $60 (more like $99), but its a great camera and i promise you its going to be one of the most resilliant ones you can find. you can find it at any best buy or online for $99. guarantee its gonna hold up in the cold (it has no problem in colorado cold)

it also has a reverse image viewer which is very very necessary (most of the cheapies dont have it), otherwise you will see everything backwards and end up backing into everything ;)

it doesnt have a 'night shot', but it does adjust for bright or dim situations. and it fits perfectly in our rear view spot (as well as possible without having the factory)

also, you will have no problems plugging it into your deck (i have done many of them on land rovers and yukons)
03/29/2009, 08:34 PM
Riff Raff

As far as the location for the rear-view camera lens-- don't forget about the "Dummy Plug" location on the rear tire carrier (located just below the big word ISUZU)!!! This is exactly where the local domestic Japan Version VX had the OEM stock camera lens. On USA export models, it's a Dummy Plug.

The cool thing about the existing Dummy Plug location for mounting the actual camera lens is that it's already at a 45 degree angle. Thus, the camera view shows the back edge (hitch area) of the VX rear bumper and any protruding objects as they enter the camera view when backing up. This would also work great when trying to hook-up to a trailer.

I don't like the License Plate Frame Camera's because they don't look downward at a 45 degree angle and show the edge of the VX rear bumber. Consequently, it's still possible to back into a very low slung object that is just out of camera view (crunch, crunch).
03/29/2009, 09:36 PM
pbkid

Quote:

Originally Posted by Riff Raff

I don't like the License Plate Frame Camera's because they don't look downward at a 45 degree angle and show the edge of the VX rear bumber. Consequently, it's still possible to back into a very low slung object that is just out of camera view (crunch, crunch).

as far as technicality, yes....you need to have 45 degree angle..but anything under the licence plate on a VX out of back up camera view would most likely end up hitting the gas tank skid plate (not much damage to the VX unless moving very fast)
04/02/2009, 01:30 PM
twistedsymphony

I knew about the dummy plug (I can't tell you how often I've cursed Isuzu for not making that a factory option in the US with the accompanying double din video unit)... thanks for the advice on the camera, honestly the mirrored image deal didn't even cross my mind but now that you mention it I would say that feature should be a necessity!
04/02/2009, 09:17 PM
etlsport

pb, how do you get the camera to show in reverse? i guess i could read the instructions.. but i figure you will answer before i muster the motivation to look ;Db;
04/03/2009, 12:29 PM
pbkid

Quote:

Originally Posted by etlsport

pb, how do you get the camera to show in reverse? i guess i could read the instructions.. but i figure you will answer before i muster the motivation to look ;Db;

if you have the audiovox CMOS-1?

there's a blue wire loop at the end of the RCA's connected to the camera....cut that loop and the image will flip
04/03/2009, 03:04 PM
etlsport

Quote:

Originally Posted by pbkid

if you have the audiovox CMOS-1?

there's a blue wire loop at the end of the RCA's connected to the camera....cut that loop and the image will flip

well its def audiovox.. apparently not the cmos-1 tho.. no wire loop
04/03/2009, 05:03 PM
pbkid

does it have night vision? they made another model: Rosela
that one has night vision but no flip view...
08/23/2009, 03:58 PM
VCrossfan

Quote:

Originally Posted by VXinVegas

I tried a low tech low cost quick fix to the VX rear view problems that works quite well for me. It is a $12.00 wide angle lens from Camping World. See http://www.campingworld.com/shopping...le-lenses/4600 . I placed the 8" x 10" version in the top center of the rear window, and finally trimmed the bottom up to the 4th rear window defrost element line - so I could still see those pesky vehicles with the light bars that might be behind me. This still allows me to see objects that are very close up behind me for backing up, etc., and, as a bonus, even vehicles in the rear quarter blind spot. The wider version might be even better with the blind spots. VXinVegas

Yes they do work well. The brand I bought about 5 years ago for my VX came from Auto-zone and I rely on it more than my camera...
08/23/2009, 05:23 PM
Riff Raff

VXinVegas--- Thanx for the "link" to Camping World. Most of us VX'ers (including myself) already have the Fresna-Lens magnifier stuck in the back rear window. Those that don't should get one, as they are a very inexpensive life saver. The one from Camping World is the best on the market.
08/25/2009, 12:39 PM
JAMAS

Do you apply the magnifier to the WHOLE rear window, or just a portion?

That might throw me off more than help me.
08/25/2009, 04:31 PM
workmeistr

I didn't see them on Camping World anymore.

I got mine from: http://cgi.ebay.com/_W0QQcmdZViewIte...mZ320349456540

I'm going to explore trimming, and maybe only installing two bits in the dips on either side of the spare for blind spot assistance (I might need 2 to make a straight across appearance from the peak of the spare), as opposed to overt backing assistance. I know center mass in the middle of the rear window is optimal, I just don't know if I want it there. For whatever reason, I'm thinking the visual aid is in the category that curb feelers reside in. :yesy:
08/25/2009, 05:55 PM
Moncha

A long long time ago, in a galaxy far far away... Oh, wrong story.

I too use a Van Eyes and had cut it down. You really don't need a full lens. Here's a few pics to help you decide on what you may want to do. They are quite effective on keeping your butt out of trouble. :)

http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...bs/overall.jpg http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...mbs/cutout.jpg http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...rear_end_1.jpg http://www.vehicross.info/gallery/da...rear_end_2.jpg
#1)Green shows placement #2)Idea of what to cut #3) View through #4) Etc.
08/25/2009, 06:04 PM
Gussie2000

I bought mines at strauss auto for $ 12.00 a piece & placed the whole lens