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TrailVision Trail Camera System Designed For Jeep Wrangler - Retrofit Offroad

37K views 111 replies 35 participants last post by  babykud 
#1 ·
I'm starting this thread to get input on a product idea...

When driving a vehicle off-road through rocks and other obstacles, it's important to pick the correct "line" through the obstacles. Often a spotter is used, he/she will walk ahead of the Jeep, watching the line and tire placement among the rocks, directing the driver by hand signals.

The product idea is a trail camera system. The system would support up to four cameras - one might be used as a backup camera to provide a good view behind a large spare, and the other cameras could be mounted up front to give a view of the obstacles on the trail ahead.

There could be one camera on each side of the Jeep, aimed down at an angle to give a view of where each front wheel is going, and a third camera could be mounted on the front bumper or grille to give a view down at the terrain - a view of terrain closer to the Jeep than you could get from the driver's seat. Or, the third (or a fourth) camera could be mounted under the Jeep, perhaps on the transmission skid plate, looking forward between the front tires.

The front/side cameras wouldn't need to be on the Jeep every day, those could be installed just for the trail run - this could mostly be for security reasons - you wouldn't need the side cameras on a trip to the mall, where they might get stolen anyway. The camera mounts and wiring connections would be designed for quick removal and reinstallation.

I know some people done camera systems already, sourcing their monitor and cameras on places like eBay and then figuring out how to install and configure everything on the Jeep, but the idea here is to provide a ready-to-install system tailored for the Jeep, including step-by-step installation instructions so anyone could do it. Camera mounts would be provided that would be designed for the Jeep, so you wouldn't have to resort to zip ties or drilling holes in the Jeep to mount the cameras. Several different mount styles could be provided, including magnetic mounts that could stick to the body panels, frame or skid plate.

Several camera options could be offered, including a license-plate mount camera that could go on the front or rear, and small, lightweight cameras that could be mounted pretty much anywhere.

A system is in the process of being tested now, here are the main components - a monitor/DVR capable of displaying up to 4 cameras on the screen at the same time and recording up to 4 cameras on an SD memory card, a license plate camera, and two (or three) small cube cameras (circled in this photo because they're pretty small).



The monitor would mount on the dash (or anywhere else that would suit the Jeep or its driver), in this photo it's on the dash of an LJ:



The Jeep in the monitor view above has three cameras installed - in this view there's one on each side mirror showing an outside view of the front tires, and the third camera is mounted on the bumper to give a view just ahead of the Jeep. This photo was shot in the driveway, so there aren't any trail obstacles in the view.
 
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#2 ·
Here's a shot of the license plate cam, it's installed but when the photo of this Jeep was taken it hadn't been wired yet.



This is a closer view of one of the mirror-mounted cameras; it clamps to the mirror base and has a quick-release cam and is adjustable up/down and left/right.

 
#3 ·
The system will be tested on the trail in a few weeks at Easter Jeep Safari in Moab; so far it's only been tested in the driveway and around town. This video is a quick driveway test, and also demonstrates a key feature of the system called "triggers" - the trigger function enables switching camera views without taking your hands off the wheel. Wired into the Jeep's turn signals or other circuits, a quick flick of the left turn signal, for example, will bring the left camera to full screen.

Triggers are part of the basic system but their use is optional - if you didn't want to use the triggers the monitor views can easily be switched using the buttons on the monitor. There's also a small remote control that can be used to switch the views.

For this test the front camera is mounted below on the skid plate, giving a good view underneath between the front tires.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7UE6EQyQ9I

What are your thoughts on a system like this?
 
#5 ·
The system will be tested on the trail in a few weeks at Easter Jeep Safari in Moab; so far it's only been tested in the driveway and around town. This video is a quick driveway test, and also demonstrates a key feature of the system called "triggers" - the trigger function enables switching camera views without taking your hands off the wheel. Wired into the Jeep's turn signals or other circuits, a quick flick of the left turn signal, for example, will bring the left camera to full screen. Triggers are part of the basic system but their use is optional - if you didn't want to use the triggers the monitor views can easily be switched using the buttons on the monitor. There's also a small remote control that can be used to switch the views. For this test the front camera is mounted below on the skid plate, giving a good view underneath between the front tires. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7UE6EQyQ9I What are your thoughts on a system like this?
Very cool idea. Depending on the price I could see myself with this setup in my jeep. This would be especially handy for the front passenger side vantage point and definitely nice to have the rear back up camera as my spare tire blocks almost all my view!
 
#4 ·
I think it could be cool, but like you said it's not too hard to rig up your own system for not too much money buying parts of Amazon/eBay/Monoprice so it would have to be a super reliable and easy to use system to stand out. I would think it would have to be pretty easy to install and price competitive to get good traction in the marketplace. Your mounting solutions will probably be the separating factor to make you stand out, so make sure it's solid, looks inconspicuous and provides an ideal view.
 
#6 ·
Here are where and how my side cameras are mounted to my rear view mirrors, all wires are run inside the mirror post and on quick disconnects so when the door come off I can disconnect the cameras. I have 4 total cameras connected to my MyGIG Air, Left turn signal activated, Right turn signal activated, reverse and a forward camera which goes on below 8mph.
This is the side cameras I used (These cameras could be turned forward facing too, I have them setup as blind spot cams)





Front camera location


Rear AEV with 3rd brake light


Really happy with this setup turned out and how clean all the wiring is, plus having the doors on quick disconnects is a big plus. Wasn't cheap but worth it IMO.
 
#7 ·
The key requirements that have been driving TrailVision system development are these:

- Affordable.
- Support for up to 4 cameras.
- DVR capability (optional).
- Support for viewing all 4, 3 or 2 camera on the screen at the same time, as well as individual cameras full screen.
- Small, lightweight cameras that are easy to mount without hacks - no zip-tying cameras in place or drilling holes required.
- Advanced features that simplify trail driving, like the triggers that let you switch cameras without taking your hands off the wheel.
- Ability to remove the cameras when off the trail if they're not needed for everyday driving without having to remove most of the wiring or undo installation details.
- Easy wiring - again no hacks allowed, everything should integrate easily with the Jeep.
- Additional camera and monitor options to accommodate special requirements.
- Clear step-by-step documentation so any Jeeper can successfully install the system in an afternoon.

Do you guys think these are the right requirments? Is there anything missing from the list or anything on the list that doesn't belong there?

Thanks!
 
#8 ·
I am a huge fan of this and if priced reasonably am pretty much a guaranteed buyer. Speaking for myself, I would be willing to pay a bit over the price of the individual components for the ease of a complete, quality "non-hack" setup. I'd also consider the blinker "trigger" a significant benefit over any setup I'd be able to put together myself. The only additional requirement I would like to see would be a camera mounting option when the doors are off. You alluded to that in your first post and its probably what you're referring to when you say, "Additional camera and monitor options to accommodate special requirements." but it would be a pretty key feature for me so I figured I'd clarify.
 
#10 ·
I especially like the idea of the DVR part. I have purchased a monitor and camera to be able to look in front of the jeep when I am pointed at the sky! Only tested on the dining room table so far. Your 'kit' would make it easier with no more experimentation. For a two camera, DVR capable, NO turn signal activation, removable front camera, I would be willing to pay around $150. Otherwise it is just too cheap to build my own non-DVR system for less than $50 worth of hardware.
 
#13 ·
Kevin,
Thanks for the input. While the #1 goal of the TrailVision project is to end up with a very affordable system while at the same time being very capable, the target buyer is not the "I can do it cheaper buying parts myself on eBay." You'll always be able to do it cheaper than the price of a complete system that's designed for the Jeep, includes mounts specifically for Jeep use, and includes a very detailed installation and user manual that takes all the guesswork out of the both the basic installation and the installation of advanced features such as the triggers. The target buyer is someone who may not have the electrical skills or the courage to buy random components as cheaply as possible and figure out how to make everything work by himself.
 
#14 ·
I am definitely interested! I currently have a dash mount DVR and wouldn't want to leave home without it.

I would like:

1. two camera support with cabling for front and rear
2. Full time display of rear so I can get rid of rear view mirror
3. Dash mount (low) for display screen so it doesn't block view like current rear view mirror
4. DVR capability is huge for me
5. low light, high res cameras are strongly preferred
6. Reliable. Reliable. Reliable.
7. Cost is a slight issue. Jeep specific (easier install) and under $500 is good.

RV camera systems have this kind of setup. If you piece something together, please post. Or if you put a quality system up for sale, let us know how to get it.

Here is an example system:

Amazon.com : Spy Tec K1S Dual Car Dash Camera | Front and Rear 1080p Remote Lens Cameras | 140 Degree lenses | 64GB microSD capacity | Ambarella A7LA70 : Electronics
 
#16 ·
I am definitely interested! I currently have a dash mount DVR and wouldn't want to leave home without it.

I would like:

1. two camera support with cabling for front and rear
2. Full time display of rear so I can get rid of rear view mirror
Is removing the rear view mirror legal in your state?

3. Dash mount (low) for display screen so it doesn't block view like current rear view mirror
Here's one place where the monitor might mount in a later model JK:



4. DVR capability is huge for me
5. low light, high res cameras are strongly preferred
This photo shows a night test. It's hard to take accurate photos of bright things like bright screens at night so this photo doesn't quite do it justice, but the image at night is very good - the cameras are very sensitive and reveal more detail than you might see with the naked eye. The cameras also have infra-red LEDs in them which helps define the images at night.



6. Reliable. Reliable. Reliable.
We have to report that we accidentally dropped the monitor off the table onto the floor the other day and no harm done. But we definitely don't recommend dropping it! :)

7. Cost is a slight issue. Jeep specific (easier install) and under $500 is good.

RV camera systems have this kind of setup. If you piece something together, please post. Or if you put a quality system up for sale, let us know how to get it.

Here is an example system:

Amazon.com : Spy Tec K1S Dual Car Dash Camera | Front and Rear 1080p Remote Lens Cameras | 140 Degree lenses | 64GB microSD capacity | Ambarella A7LA70 : Electronics
If all you need are those specific functions, then the system you linked to is probably a better thing for you to than the TrailVision system. That system has a very small screen (2.7") vs. the TrailVision's 7" screen; it only supports two cameras vs. the TrailVision's 4, and it doesn't have the capability of viewing multiple cameras on the screen at the same time or the advanced features like the trigger function, which can be very useful off-road.





If the system were simple to install and wire by oneself, I think I would pay a premium over the route of buying individual components.

The idea in general is fantastic, and I love the ability to get even more information from a central location. I'd probably buy this in a heartbeat.
Making the installation easy enough for the average Jeep owner is key. The TrailVision manual includes step-by-step instructions for installing and wiring all of the components including advanced features like triggers, as well as congfiguring the system options and tips for using the system. Here's a quick view of the steps for installing the monitor in a TJ, it shows the steps for removing the dash trim and how to route the wires through the dash so they're not visible. These pages are just for the physical mounting of monitor and routing of the wires, there are more step-by-step pages making the power connection, wiring the cameras, wiring the triggers (which are optional BTW, if you don't need them you don't have to wire them), etc.

The goal is to provide a level of detail that should enable anyone to successfully install the system so that a professional end result is achieved.

 
#15 ·
If the system were simple to install and wire by oneself, I think I would pay a premium over the route of buying individual components.

The idea in general is fantastic, and I love the ability to get even more information from a central location. I'd probably buy this in a heartbeat.
 
#17 ·
There's a system just like this already out there.
Not that you can't compete with it.

It is a system I'm am planning to buy at one point
 
#18 ·
There's a system just like this already out there.
Not that you can't compete with it.

It is a system I'm am planning to buy at one point
The only other system advertised to the Jeep market we're aware of is the Rubicam system from Red Peak Offroad: Red Peak Off Road Home Page - off road cameras. The Fall 2015 issue of JPFreek magazine (JPFreek Adventure Magazine - Jeep Adventure Lifestyle Magazine) has a review of the that system.

Based on what's on the Red Peak web site and that review, we think the Trailvision system is better and has more functionality. Some of the standard cameras the Rubicam system offers are very large compared to the cameras we're testing for the TrailVision system, and they don't seem to offer a license plate mount camera either, nor to they seem to offer a range of easy-to-use mounting options like the TrailVision system. The Rubicam system also doesn't seem to have the trigger capability that the TrailVision system does, which we think is a key feature for driving on the trail because you don't have to take your hands off the wheel to switch camera views. The review also doesn't mention step-by-step instructions, which we think is key to helping people of all skill levels install the system successfully. We're not saying the Rubicam system is a bad system, we just think there are a number of reasons the TrailVision system will be better for many people.
 
#20 ·
Good catch on the rear view mirror. I will probably low mount a plain old mirror behind the display just to keep it out of line of sight.

I am very interested. 1080 resolution is nice. Any visibility to the rear is awesome. I have often thought about a high mount on the hard top. I would have to drill to install it which is scary. But the view would be awesome.

Keep us up to date. I sit very tall in the seat. I look forward to any rear view backup system with DVR for front and rear.

Can you explain the value of triggers? I don't know what they are...
 
#22 · (Edited)
Good catch on the rear view mirror. I will probably low mount a plain old mirror behind the display just to keep it out of line of sight.

I am very interested. 1080 resolution is nice. Any visibility to the rear is awesome. I have often thought about a high mount on the hard top. I would have to drill to install it which is scary. But the view would be awesome.

Keep us up to date. I sit very tall in the seat. I look forward to any rear view backup system with DVR for front and rear.

Can you explain the value of triggers? I don't know what they are...
The monitor has 9 possible views, including each camera full screen, and various multiple views, including quad view (all 4 cameras at the same time), triplex view (3) and 2 cameras. Normally on the trail we'd think you would run with a multiple camera view, so if you had 3 cameras, you might run the triplex view as the default.

When you approached an obstacle, let's say a large rock on the left, you might want to see the left camera full screen for a better view. With the trigger function connected, you don't have to remove your hands from the wheel to switch the monitor to have the left camera full screen - all you'd do is flick the left turn signal quickly and that would trigger the display of the left camera to full screen. Similarly, the right turn signal for the right camera, a flick of the high beams for the center camera, or putting the Jeep into reverse and having the backup camera go full screen. Early in the thread I posted a video which included a demonstration of triggers, here it is again:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7UE6EQyQ9I

If you won't want to use triggers, that's not a problem, there are two other ways to change the view on the monitor - using the switches on the monitor and using the remote control. This video demonstrates the other methods of switching:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lTFasslnx7c
 
#109 ·
Toyota has this built into some of their new stuff.

Bird’s Eye View Camera
www.youtube.com/watch?v=gFIaEpcsI3E

It would be great if Jeep offered this as an option in the JL.

The next step for the aftermarket is to have an autonomous drone fly ahead and spot for you. When not in use on the trail the drone would magnetically lock into its station on the hood and wirelessly charge there.
Sorry folks, but I DO have to pat myself on the back for this one: :happyyes:

Land Rover’s new Discovery search and rescue SUV has a roof-mounted drone
https://techcrunch.com/2017/03/07/l...arch-and-rescue-suv-has-a-roof-mounted-drone/
 
#25 ·
Wow that's some out of the box thinking, the only problem with relying on Cameras only some places you need to think of your line four to eight steps ahead. Fixed cameras can't give you that kind of info, you basically only see in front and under you.....a drone even can't give the info a spotter does......
 
#28 ·
The DVR has typical features for a mobile system - default record, looping (overwrite), motion (crash) detection, ability to set the length of recorded segments. You can also set the video resolution, frame rate and image quality (video compression) to make the tradeoff between quality and maximum recording time.
 
#27 ·
Eliminating the rear view mirror is a huge plus in technical ascents / descents. So if the rear view camera could be activated by a switch, along with Reverse, that would be a very nice option. :thumb:

They have an option now for WiFi cameras. With that package it would only mean running B+ & B-. This would make a huge difference in installation issues for a lot of folks.
If you mapped it out to be as "tool-less" as possible, I think you'll find price is a lesser issue to the type of individual who would buy your kit.

Good luck on this!
 
#29 ·
Eliminating the rear view mirror is a huge plus in technical ascents / descents. So if the rear view camera could be activated by a switch, along with Reverse, that would be a very nice option. :thumb:

They have an option now for WiFi cameras. With that package it would only mean running B+ & B-. This would make a huge difference in installation issues for a lot of folks.
If you mapped it out to be as "tool-less" as possible, I think you'll find price is a lesser issue to the type of individual who would buy your kit.

Good luck on this!
The triggers are activated by the application of 12v to the particular trigger input, so that could be connecting a trigger to a circuit in the Jeep, such as a turn signal or the backup light, or if could be done by applying 12v to the trigger input with a switch. Or you can just push the appropriate button on the monitor to cause the rear view camera to be displayed full screen. Lots of ways to do it depending on your particular needs.

Not sure wireless cameras really mean less wiring effort - with the current wired cameras you plug the camera into an extension cord and the extension cord into the wiring harness that comes with the monitor. Done. With wireless cameras you have to run wires for the power and ground from the camera to a power source (the ground connection can be made to a nearby body or frame surface). Sounds like the same effort really, perhaps less for the wired cameras because the wired cameras and extensions are all ready to plug in, no connections to figure out for power sources. Plus wired cameras are generally less expensive than wireless cameras.

The first test installation that was done in an LJ required drilling two holes to bolt the monitor bracket in place, no other holes were required to be drilled. The wiring was routed out of sight behind the dash and into the engine compartment, where the main connections were made. A screwdriver was required to remove a few dash panels for access to fish the wiring. The main electrical connections were all plug-and-play due to the pre-wired extension cords. The trigger connections were made to the turn signal and high beam circuits with clamp-type t-tap connectors, so no real tools involved there except a pair of pliers to squeeze the t-tap closed. So not tool-less, but only a drill for two holes to mount the monitor, a screwdriver and a pair of pliers. Oh almost forgot, a knife to make a hole in an existing grommet in the firewall for the wires to pass through.
 
#32 ·
Here's are some photos of another set of camera mounting magnets we're testing. These have rubber boots to prevent scratching the paint. They've got 53 lbs. pull each without the boots, about 22 lbs. each with the boots, so the camera, which only weighs a few ounces, isn't going anywhere.




 
#33 ·
We'll be testing the TrailVision video system off-road over the next 3 weeks around Moab, in Death Valley and the Mojave Desert, and after that, and with the help of your input, we'll be deciding if there's enough market potential to make the system availabe.

I've gotten a few comments about price; some people saying they'd only consider a system like this if it were under a certain amount, or only if it wasn't more than x$ more than they would spend to buy the components on eBay. I've done some searching on eBay, and if you're willing to order from China you can buy components less expensively than a complete system might cost, also there are cameras available on eBay that are fairly inexpensive. I don't know about the quality of any of the eBay items, but they are less expensive, particularly the cameras.

As a complete system, the TrailVision package does offer a few things that a system from China bought on ebay might not have -

- Detailed step-by-step Jeep-specific documentation to ensure success.

- Camera mounts/adapters specifically designed for this application, including padded magnetic mounts and universal angle brackets, both of which mean cameras can be installed pretty much anywhere on a Jeep without drilling.

- "One wire hookup" for cameras which includes video and power connections - plug in the camera and go; no need to wire power to each camera separately.

- Everything's tested to work together and tested to work in the Jeep.

But still for some people price is the most important consideration, so they'll forgo the advantages listed above and buy components individually for the best price they can find, and they'll try to figure out on their own how to make it all work together and install it on their Jeep.

So here's an idea for your input - another possible option is what might be called a "DIY Kit". This kit would include the monitor/DVR, adapters so inexpensive eBay cameras could plug in to the system, and the full Jeep-specific step-by-step documentation. No cameras would come with the system, nor would the magnet mounts or the angle mount adapters for the cameras. You'd install the monitor/DVR as per the detailed TrailVision instructions, and do most of the wiring also following the instructions, but you'd have to source your own cameras, wire each one to the system and for power (the supplied adapters would make this straightforward in most cases), and you'd have to adapt the cameras you'd bought to mount where you needed on your Jeep.

The benefit to the DIY Kit would be less cost because you could source inexpensive cameras on eBay, and the tradeoff would be a little less "plug and play" installation depending on the cameras you bought and the connectors they came with. But you'd have the proven quad-view monitor/DVR with the trigger capability and the detailed step-by-step documentation to guide you through the install in a JK or TJ, so the single most expensive part of the system would be a well-tested and known component, rather than some random thing found on eBay.

What do you guys think about the idea of the "DIY Kit"?
 
#34 ·
Today the TrailVision system got it's first trail test in the Moab area; the Spring Canyon Bottom trail and part of the Hey Joe Canyon trail were run with three cameras - one on each side mirror and one underneath on the transmission skid plate.

To set the stage, the highlight of the Spring Canyon Bottom trail is a narrow shelf road, here's a wide shot of the beginning part across the canyon, at after it rounds the bend on the left it begins a descent to the canyon floor. The Jeep is a small spec in the center of the photo.



These videos were shot while climbing back up the canyon wall on the ledge trail. Mostly he passenger side camera is on the screen to see the distance from the edge, but in the first video the view is switched at one point to all three cameras while going through a space between the cliff on the driver's side and a spire on the passenger side.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4uOmzLs3-Gk

While shooting both videos it felt from the driver's seat that the Jeep was too close to the edge, but as you can see in the videos, there was usually had 18" or more to spare.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FluM1kqwyi8

Close to the beginning of Hey Joe Canyon trail there are a pair of rocks that look like a pretty tight squeeze from the driver's seat. Here's what they look like on the monitor. Looking at the monitor views, you think "no big deal, lots of room to spare", which is true, except when you're looking at the rocks from behind the wheel - it seems so much tighter than it really is.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9wcDbA6te4

For today's trails the camera on the skid plate wasn't as useful as it might have been, so after I got off the trail I moved it to the bumper. Will test it there tomorrow and post more videos then.

Initial reaction to the system: it definitely added a lot of value on the trail, it was much easier to negotiate tight spots with confidence (and safety).
 
#35 ·
This looks like a very cool project. I can think of many enhancements that I'd like, but may not be in the cards.
1. Installation should be smooth. Not look like a hack
2. Using the mirrors may not work because people running doorless on the trails. (you probably already covered that)
3. Can you add other offroad tools such as displaying angle of the vehicle?
4. Create a GPS breadcrumb trail?
5. GPS capability as an option?
6. Night vision / low light?
 
#36 ·
It probably doesn't make sense to combine GPS and trail camera functions in one system - based on our testing so far, it's very convenient to have both separate rather than switching between them all the time. Here's what the cockpit of the test Jeep looks like right now - the TrailVision monitor is on the dash and the GPS is mounted above the mirror. It works very well that way for us.



Most GPS units have the capability for a breadcrumb trail of some kind, the Garmin in the photo shows the path travelled as a dashed line.

Mounting options for cameras were covered earlier in the thread; there are a number of ways to mount side cameras with the doors off, including magnets.

Is there anything that you've seen so far in this thread that looks like a hack? Let us know and we'll work to improve it.
 
#37 ·
Please consider a version that can integrate with an aftermarket stereo as the display.

I believe another display on to of the dash will likely run afoul of the "no obstructions on dashboard" rules in California. The cops around here love to pull over people who use suction cups to hold their GPS devices to the windshield. It's a big money maker for the local constabulary.

I already have a bunch of ham radio gear above the rear view mirror, so mounting a screen up there is a no-go.

I will shortly have an aftermarket stereo with a screen, but it only has one AV input and one backup camera input, making a 4-way camera system very hard to add in.
 
#39 · (Edited)
To show the center cam, this quick clip shows approaching a small ledge. The best line over this ledge is all the way to the right, that's where the ledge is the lowest. There's a rock at the right and a bush that could scratch the paint so I don't want to go too far right. All three cameras in the view; the center cam shows the ledge coming up and the right cam shows me the clearance to the rock and bush on that side.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dt7Yl9Rumnc&feature=youtu.be

The next clip shows a route that requires sharp turns due to rocks.



It starts with just the center camera on the screen but once the first rock has been centered under the Jeep the view is switched to all three cameras to spot the narrow edges of the cut. At about 8 seconds a tight turn right is required to avoid rocks on the left, at 0:14 the rocks have just been cleared. An immediate hard left turn is next to avoid a rock ledge on the right at about 0:20. After negotiating a few more rocks on both sides, a quick flick of the high beams brings the center view to full screen. It's smooth sailing for a bit until about :45 when a there's a ledge followed by a rock to clear on the right - a flick of the right turn signal brings the right camera full screen and that view is used to clear that rock. After the preconfigured delay the view goes back to three cameras.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QzVyJrRwO_g&feature=youtu.be

So far the trails haven't been too challenging, but the TrailVision system is proving useful even on these trails.
 
#40 ·
Here are a pair of videos negotiating a steep ledge. The best line is to keep the driver's side tires close to a rock towards the bottom, so the driver's side camera was used for accurate tire placement. Even so, there isn't enough lift/tire size on the LJ to do this one without some contact, so you'll hear the receiver scrape, towards the end the Jeep is moving very slowly to minimize the impact. Both hands were on the wheel the entire time, switching the monitor views was done with the turn signals/high beam switches connected to the TrailVision system trigger inputs.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IaDEaQAPNro

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zWUqq0wt4vM
 
#41 ·
Here's another example where the TrailVision system was very helpful. The best line for this hill was defined by the placement of the driver's side tires, so the left camera was full screen the entire climb.

Towards the bottom of the hill there are two rocks that are placed so the space between them is too narrow for the Jeep to fit through, so the plan was to have the driver's side tires run over that rock, and the passenger side tires would ride between the rocks. Couldn't have the driver's side tire outboard of the rock because then the front axle wouldn't clear the rock, so the only choice was to run the tire over the rock. That's at about 13 seconds in.

Then there was a rock to avoid with the driver's side tires, followed by a ledge, and the best line over that was to have the driver's side tire all the way to the left, but no so far left to hit the rocks on the side of the hill.

For the third ledge the best line was to have the driver's side tire to the passenger side of the highest portion of the ledge, so again the driver's side camera was the best view.

Finally, another rock on the driver's side was best avoided, leaving the passenger tires to climb a smaller rock.

The videos make the hill look easier and less steep than it was, you can see that at least twice the obstacles are large enough to cause one of the front tires to lift off the ground (I know, a good argument for sway bar disconnects).

The TrailVision video and the view from the top of the hill:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gq5lI-X13FI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NX0Mak_cSIs
 
#43 ·
Jeff's finished up his two-week expedition to Easter Jeep Safari in Moab, followed by Death Valley and the Mojave Desert, testing the camera along the way. We've posted a bunch of the videos from his testing and now that he's one the way home he's sent me a summary of the testing:


After using the prototype TrailVision camera system on the trail for the past two weeks, here's what I think about it:

- The more difficult obstacles were and the more precise the line had to be to traverse the obstacle, the more useful the camera views were. If I had to place a tire in a specific location to get over an obstacle, the camera view was invaluable.

- Walking the obstacle first to determine the best line and tire placement, and then using the cameras to get the tire placement correct, I never felt the need for a spotter.

- On easy parts of the trail, the camera views aren't needed.

- I found the camera views very helpful on narrow shelf roads to see how much room I had between my tire and the edge.

- I found the side cameras more useful than the front camera in most instances, although cresting a steep hill where you can't see over the hood was a case where the front camera was very helpful to see where you're going.

- The trigger functions were very helpful, allowing me to switch camera views without taking my hands off the wheel or my concentration from the driving task. They're definitely worth connecting, and the connections to the necessary Jeep circuits were very easy to make.

- After being on the trail for two weeks, I've been thinking about a few other locations that cameras could be helpful, so I may experiment with additional locations.

- I didn't do this, but I could imagine putting a camera on a magnetic mount on the top of the windshield frame to record the entire experience - a 32gb SD card has 24 hours of capacity at the highest quality recording settings.

- The clip-on camera mounts for the mirrors and the magnetic mounts worked out very well. I wasn't able to use the magnetic mounts all that much on this Jeep, since the hood and fenders are fiberglass, but I tried a camera on the grille with a magnetic mount and it worked well, especially since the magnets have rubber boots so they won't damage painted body panels. The cameras were easily removed when I parked at the hotel for the night and when I did the long interstate runs and didn't need them.

- The system software worked very well and the configuration options were useful for getting the most out of the system.

About the installation...

- I'm very pleased with how easy it was to install the system so that the monitor and the cameras can be removed when not in use. The main wiring harness is hidden behind the dash and stays in place when the monitor is removed, leaving only the monitor plug tucked in the gap between the dash and the windshield.

- Mounting the cameras in various locations was very easy using the magnets that would be supplied with the kit, or the brackets that adapt the cameras to easily sourced clamp-on camera mounts.

Summary: I think this is a system that anyone could succeed in installing and using, without much experience or expertise in installing electronic devices in the Jeep. No cutting/splicing of the Jeep's wires was required, and no drilling was required to mount the cameras in useful locations. The system adds a lot of value in many trail situations and I'm looking forward to having it on all of my future expeditions.
Any further input you guys have would be very helpful in helping make the decision whether or not to release the TrailVision system to the market.
 
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