I have an older pick-up where a back-up camera aimed at the receiver hitch would be desirable. Problem is they are “spendy”, so I came up with an idea that approaches Free. (I like Free).
What you need!
* Apple Ipad2 or 4g cell phone, android, apple i.e. your cell phone. You need 4g iPhone for display speed. (I own the Ipad2)
* An old cell phone with camera, I found a Galaxy Samsung 3g version for free. Got if from a grocery store which was a collection point for old phones. Faster is better. It helps if you have a couple of old flip phone you can trade for the cell phone at the grocery store.
* An old wireless router. In 2013 I replaced my 12 year old Linksys wireless router with a new model which had the higher speed and latest technology (wife got a new computer). If you don’t have a router, you can get one from Walmart for about $25.00. Make sure the power supply is 12 volt, most of them are 12volt
* 6”x8” piece of tin
* 2 strong magnets (Walmart or Home Depot)
Whatever cell phone you get for free, you need to re-set the phone to factory setting. Google it. Than download an app called webofcam. If it’s android, use google play store, if iPhone go to the apple app store.
Also download webofcam to your iPad or 4g Cell phone same as you do for the free phone.
Build a cell phone holding frame out of the Tin. Attach the 2 magnets to the back with double stick tape.
Clip the cell phone holder to the back of your pick-up using the magnets to hold it in place.
Connect the wireless router to 12volt lighter outlet. I cut off the A/C transformer and connected the wires to a lighter plug. MAKE SURE YOU DO NOT BYPASS THE FUSE in the connector
Turn on the free phone, make sure the WiFi is linked to the router in the truck, than start the webofcam app. Select the camera option for the phone
Connect your iPad or cell phone Wifi to the same router, start the webofcam and select Viewer for the iPad/cell phone.
The viewer should show the camera shot of the phone attached to the back of you pick-up. I set my iPad behind the steering wheel.
Word of caution, there is about a ˝ second delay viewing the receiver/hitch so back up very slowly.
This setup will work on any vehicle I also use it to hook my boat to Motor home or buddies 5th Wheel. Has a range of about 150 feet.
I included another feature to this back-up-cam:
I made another camera frame and mounted it in my Wheel House above one of the holes.
When I get to my fishing hole on the Ice, I move the camera to this frame inside my Wheel House. I like to mark the holes I drill than move the house forward to drill and clean the holes and ice. I than use the iPad/camera to assist in backing the wheel house back over the drilled holes. This affords me to see the drilled hole line up with the house hole. When alone without the set-up, one usually needs to trek back and forth from the truck to inside the house checking alignment. This is a pic of my iPad with camera looking at the wheel house hole.
If you need additional assistance, send me a message or email.
