I installed a Lockpick, av harness and backup camera this past weekend. I checked the camera after installing the Lockpick, worked fine, then mounted it in the back. During the install I damaged the cable. I cut out the damaged part (it was one wire), crimped it together. Now it doesn't work. I removed the cable, checked the continuity with an multimeter, seems to be ok. I contacted Coastal E Tech, they say they can't do anything without looking at it, but I have to return it through the distributor I bought it from. I've contacted Solid Signal about it, but it doesn't look like they are going to help. Seems stupid to trash a camera over what looks to be a damaged cable, but I'm not too surprised from what I have read about the level of customer service from either company.

So at this point I want to buy a new camera, but not from Coastal E Tech. I wasn't too impressed with the quality of the one I have (when it was working). I've seen some on eBay, but I have no clue what is a good one or a scam. Can anyone recommend a quality ccd camera with IR capabilities?

Thanks-

Patrick

 

The video cable should be a two conductor coax cable. If you just spliced it like it was a single braided wire, it will not work. There *should* be an insulated small wire, wrapped in a braided, or twisted shield wire. If you cut the video wire, you would have to re-splice both the small diameter inner wire, as well as the outside shield wire for the camera to work. Unless you are referring to the power wire, in which case I'm all wet.

 

Oh, missed that. I looked at the wire, it didn't look like a coax cable inside, just single braided. I'll take a look at it again tonight. Maybe that is why I got 2 pins on the s-video plug to be continuous with the center of the RCA plug.

 

I bought a front and rear cam from veisedotcom which is a company based in China. The customer support was excellent and the color ccd cameras I bought are very good quality. The cams I chose were model # DF-8088 which cost $29 USD each. PM me if you need more info or the email address of the rep. that I dealt with, she was very helpful. Also, there's a thread somewhere around that I posted a few weeks with pics of the cameras and where I installed them.

 

I looked at the cable, definitely missed the outer shield. The wires are so thin, I'm not sure if I can fix it. I'll probably see if I can get a friend who does electronic stuff for a living and see if he can help.

 

ok, so now that i got my lockpick working i want to add a backup camera. i just looked at e.b.a.y. and found a lot to choose from at only $23.99. is that what i should expect to pay? has anyone else bought a camera for this price? does it work good? has it lasted for awhile? i was expecting to pay more. for that price i might put one up front too

 

Look to pay around $25-$100 depending on what you want; B&W or color? Low light capable? Make sure you get one with a reversed image so as you look at the dash it is just like looking backwards, if not it will be backwards on the screen, good luck!

 

I actually just ordered the Lockpick on e-bay this weekend and am looking for a good rear view camera. I may follow MFX's recommendation as I really like his install pics. If anyone has additional suggestions since I want to install it somewhere on the bottom of the bumper.

Come to find out that Coastal is actually not the manufacturer of the unit, but are one of the companies that carry the item, which is an item sold by various vendors. Saved plenty by ordering the item on e-bay, just hope I don't have any issues.

 

I got mine off of ebay as well, works great

As for the camera, I didn't want to spend the coin on the Coastal camera, so I ended up picking up one of the $25-$30 keyhole cameras on eBay. I drilled a hole in my RR XHD bumper, and mounted it in there. Works great, and doesn't attract attention very much in it's location.

 

Can anyone post or direct me to some pictures on the actual camera install using the lockpick?
I know it may not be difficult it's jst the wiring of the power that has me concerned. The lockpick seems to have 2 power leads, is there any rhyme to which one I should use for the rearview cam?