Replacing a rear vision camera

[Cuppa]

Hi, I've posted this on an RV forum, but thought I'd stick it up here too, just in case anyone can give a lead.

Can anyone point me in the direction of a replacement rear vision camera for our bus. Whilst there are many out there they all seem to have either RCA connectors or a '4 pin plug/socket' connector with bigger pins than what I have.

My existing camera (which finally died whilst I was out driving yesterday) has a 4 pin 'S video' screw together type connector but apart from one place in the US which *may* have a camera with a 'push together' S video connector (have sent a query) I have been unable to find anything suitable to replace *just* my old camera (ie. to plug into existing cabling).

http://www.nissanpatrol.com.au/forums/images/imported/2012/12/36.jpg

If possible I want a camera with a CCD sensor rather an a CMOS & a narrow angle of view suitable for 'on all the time rear vision' rather than the wider angle cameras best for reversing, but will consider any if I can plug'n'play with my existing cabling.

Cuppa

[my third 256]

is this one the same plug found on ebay http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/NEW-GENERATION-CCD-CAR-REVERSING-CAMERA-BACK-UP-KIT-/251184915414?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_15&hash=item3a7bc9a3d6

[Cuppa]

Thanks MT,
Unfortunately they are the larger pin size & slightly different shaped plug to mine.
The more I think about it, I'm thinking I might be better off cutting & converting to the more common RCA plugs.
Cuppa

[megatexture]

that would certainly be the easiest option , the only benefit to having those original plugs would be it won’t work loose and you have one plug not two, but that’s not a big deal and like you said nothing a bit of duct tape can’t fix

[the evil twin]

Hiya Cuppa,

Yeah, what you have there is a genuine "4 Pin S video" connector. They aren't all that common anyway and are getting rarer these days especially ones with threaded back shells. I haven't seen one since I left the pay TV game and even then they were only used in rack mount head end monitoring equipment.

The "push in" style that are still around will fit as the geometry is the same and they fit inside the back shell (at least the ones I last saw did so). If you want to leave the monitor wiring alone you can get adapters that will work with the RCA's on a replacement camera. On Ebay try "S video to single RCA" or "S video to 1 RCA" in your search.

Personally I don't know why S video isn't the protocol of choice in vehicles as it is waaaaay less bulky than those humungous RCA's. I've only just come in from fitting a new system to my Patrol today and the CMOS rubbish that I had put on it in a weak moment a year or so ago went straight in the bin. So glad I have gone back to CCD

edit... here's one style but you can get fly lead ones as well http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/1pc-RCA-Male-to-S-Video-Female-A-V-TV-Adapter-Plug-146A-/130764740849?pt=AU_Pro_Audio&hash=item1e722f98f1

[Cuppa]

Hi ET,
Because the cable which has the S video plug on carries both power - pos & neg, video & audio wires I didn't think it would be possible to use a S video to single RCA adapter, but rather would need at least two RCA plugs with one carrying the two power wires & one for the video. (don't need audio). Another issue arising from my looking around the net is that there was no standard for which S video pin got used for which function when used to carry the power to cameras. Some apparently even use the shielding on the audio or video for negative/earth. So not necessarily straightforward, but I'm sure I,ll get it sussed one way or another, hopefully without frying anything! .

[threedogs]

All the RCA fitted to my 4x4 head unit are taped after being pushed together, never had a problem with other 4x4 with same set over 20yrs, worked for me.
wouldn't hurt to check connections every 6 mths or so