The BOYO VTC1743M is a 4.3" Rear View Mirror Monitor and IR Camera Combo Kit designed to enhance vehicle safety by providing improved visibility for maneuvering and reducing blind spots. This system is particularly useful for parking and reversing, offering a clear view of the area behind the vehicle.
Function Description
The core function of the BOYO VTC1743M is to provide a real-time video feed of the area behind your vehicle, displayed on a monitor integrated into your rear view mirror. This allows drivers to see obstacles, pedestrians, or other vehicles that might be in their blind spot, especially when backing up. The system includes both a rear view camera and a mirror monitor, working in conjunction to offer a comprehensive solution for improved rearward visibility. The camera captures the video feed, which is then transmitted to the mirror monitor for display. The monitor automatically activates when the vehicle is put into reverse gear, providing an immediate visual aid.
Usage Features
The BOYO VTC1743M offers several features that make it user-friendly and effective:
- 170° Camera Viewing Angle: The wide viewing angle of the camera helps to eliminate blind spots, providing a broad perspective of the area behind the vehicle. This is crucial for safe maneuvering and parking.
- IP67 Water-Proof Rated Camera Housing: The camera is built to withstand various weather conditions, including rain, snow, and dust. This ensures reliable performance in all seasons and environments, making it a durable addition to your vehicle.
- Choice of Mounting Options: The camera can be mounted on the license plate or stuck to the vehicle's bumper, offering flexibility in installation to suit different vehicle types and preferences.
- Clip-On Mirror Monitor: The monitor is designed to clip over your existing rear view mirror, providing a seamless integration into your vehicle's interior. This design avoids the need for a separate display unit, maintaining the original aesthetics of your dashboard.
- 4.3" TFT/LCD Display: The monitor features a crystal clear display that provides a sharp and bright image of the camera feed. This ensures that the driver can easily discern details in the video, even in varying light conditions.
- Automatic Activation: When the vehicle is shifted into reverse gear, the mirror monitor automatically powers on and displays the camera feed. This eliminates the need for manual activation, allowing the driver to focus on maneuvering. Conversely, when the reverse gear is disengaged or the ignition is turned off, the monitor automatically switches off.
- Auto-Dimming Feature: The mirror monitor incorporates an auto-dimming feature that adjusts the ambient light levels. When the ambient light increases, the display will brighten, and when it decreases, it will dim. This feature helps to prevent glare and ensures optimal visibility of the display at all times.
- Dynamic Parking Lines: The system includes dynamic parking lines that are displayed on the screen when reverse gear is selected. These lines serve as a guide to the vehicle's trajectory, assisting the driver in accurately judging distances and positioning the vehicle during parking maneuvers. The parking lines are displayed in three colors: green, yellow, and red, to indicate varying distances from obstacles. Green indicates a safe distance, yellow indicates caution, and red indicates that the vehicle is very close to an obstruction.
- Adjustable Parking Lines: The manual emphasizes the importance of adjusting the camera so that the red parking line is level with the rear bumper of the vehicle. This calibration ensures that the parking lines accurately reflect the distance to objects behind the car. The manual also advises stopping the vehicle when the red parking line touches an obstacle at the rear of the vehicle, indicating that the vehicle will be approximately 12-18 inches away from the obstruction. This precise guidance helps prevent collisions.
- Reverse Image On/Off: The system offers a "Reverse image on/off" option, which can be cut to turn off the reverse image feature. This provides flexibility for users who may prefer to disable this function.
- Parking Line On/Off: Similarly, there is a "Parking line on/off" option that can be cut to turn off the parking lines. This allows users to customize the display based on their preferences.
Maintenance Features
The BOYO VTC1743M is designed for ease of installation and minimal maintenance, with clear instructions provided in the user manual:
- Simple Installation Process: The manual provides a step-by-step guide for installing both the mirror and the camera.
- Mirror Installation: The mirror mounts to the existing rear view mirror using rubber straps, ensuring a tight and secure fit. Wiring involves routing cables from the mirror, through the vehicle's headlining, and down towards the passenger side. The harness is routed behind the A-pillar and into the kick panel, connecting to the cigarette lighter adapter or a hardwire adapter for power. A crucial note advises against using the cigarette lighter adapter if the cigarette lighter is powered permanently, as this can drain the battery. Instead, a hardwire adapter connected to an ignition-switched power source is recommended.
- Camera Installation: The camera installation involves removing the vehicle's license plate, sticking the existing sticky tape onto the vehicle to prevent adhesion when the new tape is used, and then aligning the supplied license plate bracket so it is centered on the vehicle. Drilling new mounting holes for the bracket may be necessary, and a caution is given to ensure no obstructions (wiring, motors, etc.) are behind the panel before drilling. The bracket is then aligned, and mounting holes are drilled. A pilot hole for the cable entry is drilled, and the hole is enlarged to 10mm to protect the hole with a suitable brush or spray-on rust inhibitor or paint before installing the grommet. The cable is then run through the area behind the license plate and secured. For vehicles with a rear bumper, a suitable grommet may need to be found to run the cable up to the reverse light. The cable is routed through the existing grommet that carries the current wiring from the tailgate to the boot. In some vehicles, the reverse wire at the front of the vehicle will need to be accessed. The wire that switches 12V+ when reverse gear is engaged is identified.
- Wiring Diagram: A detailed wiring diagram is included to guide users through connecting the camera to the reverse light, vehicle chassis ground, and the mirror monitor harness. It specifies connecting the RED WIRE from the camera to the REVERSE LIGHT (12V+ on a multimeter when the vehicle is in reverse), the BLACK WIRE from the camera to the VEHICLE CHASSIS GROUND or EXISTING GOUND POINT, and the YELLOW VIDEO RCA CONNECTOR to the corresponding YELLOW VIDEO RCA CONNECTOR on the Mirror Monitor Harness.
- Troubleshooting for Reverse Signal: The manual highlights that many modern vehicles have a bulb warning system that can cause the camera system to function incorrectly. In such cases, a 12-volt changeover relay may be needed to configure the wiring. For vehicles without a suitable reverse wire, a CAN-bus adapter (available separately) can be used to generate a reverse trigger for the camera.
- Cable Management: A "PLEASE NOTE" section advises ensuring that the cabling is routed securely and that necessary cable ties are included. This helps prevent damage to the wires and ensures a neat installation.
- Insulation of Unused Connections: For the reverse signal connections, the manual instructs to use either connection and to ensure that the unused power connection is insulated and no bare wires are exposed. This is a critical safety measure to prevent short circuits or electrical issues.
Overall, the BOYO VTC1743M is a practical and reliable solution for enhancing rearward visibility, offering a blend of user-friendly features and straightforward installation instructions to improve driving safety.