Honda Ridgeline Owners Club Forums banner
Cancel
Create thread New Garage Forums

A different Rear View Mirror

Jump to Latest
5.9K views 15 replies 7 participants last post by  GLiChX  
#1 · (Edited)
Has anyone seen this before? Well, I have not seen it before until last week. I was looking at adding a rear view camera. I initially looked at the VR3 that has been widely mentioned here but I could not figure on a good place to attach the monitor. So I ran across this mirror while doing my research. The VideoMirror was exactly what I wanted. I don't like the idea of having to look at a monitor that's situated too far from the rear view mirror location. This product solves that problem. I should receive it in a couple of weeks...they are on back order but once I get it I'll post my comments here on the ROC.:cool:
 
#3 ·
Well...that's the hard part. The MSRP for the system (including rearview camera is $999)...ouch! I was able to arrange a very good price...trust me, it's much cheaper than the MSRP. I did not want to arrange a group buy at this point until I can confirm my source is good. I should know this within a couple of weeks. I've done a search of the item and it is sold by a company called HitchCam. I found it here. The problem is there is not a lot of information on this unit in regards to how it integrates with our RLs. I'll keep everyone posted on how well it works out.:cool:
 
#5 ·
Read this explanation:

"One thing that has already been eliminated from consideration is integrating the video screen directly into the mirror via a through-the-glass display. Magna’s engineers say they have tested such a system and compromises in image clarity, along with human interface issues, virtually eliminate that option. As the human eye matures it has difficulty focusing on different focal lengths so when you focus your eyes on a mirror that has a focal distance of infinity and then on a display that has a focal point from your eyes to the screen, your brain struggles at which to look at."

You could read the full text here. :cool:
 
K
#6 ·
bongus said:
Read this explanation:

"One thing that has already been eliminated from consideration is integrating the video screen directly into the mirror via a through-the-glass display. Magna’s engineers say they have tested such a system and compromises in image clarity, along with human interface issues, virtually eliminate that option. As the human eye matures it has difficulty focusing on different focal lengths so when you focus your eyes on a mirror that has a focal distance of infinity and then on a display that has a focal point from your eyes to the screen, your brain struggles at which to look at."

You could read the full text here. :cool:
Click to expand...
I guess it depends on what you plan to use it for. If collision avoidance, I think the focal point is moot - you see something, even blurry, you stop. However, if you plan to use it for lining up a trailer hitch, then yeah maybe.

But I will say CC had one in operation a few weeks ago, and it didn't look that bad to me!

You can also get a motorized LCD to mount in the dash for about $450 - and that could be used for other things - GPS, etc.

Just my $0.02 worth, and worth both of them :D
 
#7 ·
I'm not exactly sure but I think the price I showed includes the camera...not sure what type. So, you're getting an 3.5" LCD, electrochromatics, compass, temperature all-in-one mirror. You gotta factor in the price of the OEM compass auto dimming mirror at $200 plus, I believe the price point is not that bad. I personally hate to have anything mounted on the windshield except the rear view mirror. Of course there are people out there that have their TomToms, Palms/PPC, rearview monitors, etc...way too much for me...keep it simple...just my 2¢.
 
L
#8 ·
bongus said:
Read this explanation:

"One thing that has already been eliminated from consideration is integrating the video screen directly into the mirror via a through-the-glass display. Magna’s engineers say they have tested such a system and compromises in image clarity, along with human interface issues, virtually eliminate that option. As the human eye matures it has difficulty focusing on different focal lengths so when you focus your eyes on a mirror that has a focal distance of infinity and then on a display that has a focal point from your eyes to the screen, your brain struggles at which to look at."

You could read the full text here. :cool:
Click to expand...
That quote is funny.


The focal length to their screen is a whole 1 mm different from an Audiovox in-the-mirror screen (the thickness of the glass), so they have the same difference in focal length between the reflection in the mirror and the image on the screen!

If you have not yet purchased a camera and screen, there are some other options, particularly for handy people like you.

I bought a microminiature CCD camera to place in the top of the tailgate. The field of view is such that you can see corner to corner on the bumper as well as the hitch.

I got a separate LCD to fabricate into the sunglass holder (although it could go anywhere.) Only thing is it will require some custom fabbing. Right now I am thinking of having an actuator open and close the sunglass holder with the screen inside whenever the truck is in reverse (with a delay to leave it open for a minute or so for back and forth situations).

The total cost should by much lower than the system you linked, and marginally less than the OEM system.

I don't mean to hijack your thread, I just wanted to float another option in case you hadn't yet made the investment.
 
#9 ·
Thanks for your contribution...and in no way are you hijacking the thread. This is what the forum is about...different views from different people. Your suggestions will definately come in handy for those that don't want to pay for a system like the VideoMirror. Those that don't have the time or skills to customize special cubby holes for an LCD monitor might find this option more feasible. Don't get me wrong...I admire those that can make their RL's their own but count yourself as one of the few that can do it. For me, tinkering is a hobby but with two young kids in the house plus my "day" job, free time is precious and my spouse hates all the time I spend in my RL already :cool: If you have documentation on your install please feel free to link it to this thread.
 
H
#10 ·
Actually, I considered that exact mirror before getting the VR3. I had seen the mirror on "Pimp My Ride" and was planing to use the OEM camera with the mirror as the monitor. After considering the cost of the mirror on eBay @ $699 + the camera @ $300 then running video lines to the front, the $75 wireless VR3 seemed like a more economical route.

I mounted the VR3 monitor right where the slide out will be when extended. I also used the power supply from the OEM mirror(which BTW is made by MAGNA DONNELLY). I too prefer to have a clean windshield, but the monitor is not really big, and it is mounted with the supplied velco for easy cleaning.

For the price I can live with a little static when in congested areas.

Generally, it is a clear picture even at night.

It's funny when I pick homeowners wireless security camera signals.
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
#12 ·
Okay folks, I have some good news to report. My long awaited VideoMirror has arrived!!! It's been more than three months since I first ordered the product. According to the Hitchcam people (this company distributes the product for Magna Donnelly), there were issues with the first run of the VideoMirror so Hitchcam requested that MD "iron out" some issues before shipping more product...at least that is what they told me. A prior post listed a price of $699 for the VideoMirror alone...lucky for me I was able to secure a price significantly lower than that which included a FrameCam. If anyone is interested please send me a PM. In addition, I was able to get my FrameCam modified so that images from the cam can be viewed on my AVIC Z1. Note: the VideoMirror is designed to be used with FrameCam products only. If you want to integrate a different camera aside from the FrameCam products, you will need to modify the wiring.

Now that I have my VideoMirror, I will take apart my RL again. I was holding off on installing my headrest monitors and automatic windshield wiper system until the VideoMirror arrived. My wife will be happy to see all the boxes in the office gone after all this stuff is installed. I hope to have pictures to share. It's Christmas all over again. :cool:
 
#13 · (Edited)
Okay folks...I did it. The VideoMirror is installed. Check out the pics. Things appear to work well so far. I don't have the camera attached because there are modifications that need to be completed. I just ran all the wires and so all I have to do is connect the camera and I should be good to go. Also, I installed the automatic windshield wiper sensor (the sensor is behind the rear view mirror). If you have any questions just ask. The first pic is the mirror with the monitor hidden. The second is the mirror with the monitor out when the RL is in the reverse position. :cool:
 

Attachments

#15 ·
I think it a great addition to our RLs. Here is a test...put a medium sized directly behind the RL and see if you can see it on the OEM rear view mirror. You'll be surprised on how much you are missing. :cool:
 
Honda Ridgeline Owners Club Forums
posts
1.4M
members
98K
Since
2004
Honda Ridgeline Owners Club, forum community to discuss reviews, accessories, performance, care, mods, and more.
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Second Generation Ridgeline (2G 2017+) 1G Problems & Issues General Honda Ridgeline Discussions Shoppin' and Test Drivin' 2G Problems, Fixes & TSB's