The Color Camera

The outfit comes with a 2.5-inch LCD wireless color monitor that you mount on the dashboard or a sun visor. The monitor has controls for brightness and contrast as well as a toggle that lets you change the view from a normal image to a mirror image. The mirror image is best because it replicates the view from your rearview mirror.

The kit comes with a small holder for the monitor with double-sided sticky tape. I still haven't decided exactly where to mount it, and I suggest you try it in a couple of spots before finding a permanent home. Once I know where it goes, I'll probably drill holes on the mounting device and screw it to the dashboard rather than use the tape.

Making the Power Connection

The wireless camera gets its power in one of two ways: You can plug it directly into what was once known as a cigar lighter (that changed in the sixties to a cigarette lighter; now it's a power outlet) using a 12-volt adaptor. A better way is to grab power directly from the vehicle's fuse box.

The License-Plate Camera

The camera mounts along the top or bottom of the license plate. Power for the camera also has to be hard wired, something I left for Mike.

When you or the mechanic install the camera, you have two options: Have the camera and monitor operate only when you shift into reverse, or have it work all the time. Mine's set for shifting into reverse, but if you ever tow another vehicle, you'll probably prefer it be on all the time.