Got bored this afternoon - now what?

HPsauce · #1 29th April 2012, 05:10 PM

Well, as mentioned in another thread.........
and prompted by recent DVB-T discussions.......

Quote:

Originally Posted by HPsauce

I'll have to have a rummage in the boot sometime before April when Crystal Palace gives up on Analogue TV...

(OK I know it's now late April and CP has switched

)

..... I've had my (version A) TV tuner out and plugged a set of red/white/yellow video/audio leads into the back before reassembly.

Then I connected up my video camera in the (open) boot, got in the car and tried the Aux input.
Nice sharp colour picture and clear sound too. I could heard the blackbirds singing in the drizzle.

So, what now? Remember I've only got 1 input and presumably it cuts off when I move (RNS-C) even on Aux?

I've seen someone (Amar?) install a reversing camera in the boot lid as a "mirror" of the keyhole. Not sure I'm desperate for that as my parking sensors work well and I'm always EXTREMELY careful where I park.

Or there's Digital TV, which I realise will need a separate remote control, but should be easy enough to wire in, assuming I can find a suitable 12V supply.
(there's what I assume is my Bose amp underneath the CD changer)

What would people recommend?

Nollywood · #2 30th April 2012, 07:21 AM

I would go for digital TV. Personally, a reverse camera is just a gimick. You don't really need one, unless you're a poor driver. Your car has PDC. If the car comes with reverse camera, great. If not, I wouldn't bother fitting one.

Of course, if you still wish to install one, you can fit a line-in splitter, which is switchable. These are available at Maplins or any good audio shop. You can mount the switch at the front of the car, or set up a control unit to detect source, and switch automatically.

I'm installing DVD and digital TV to mine, and both remote eyes will be removed from the PCB's, and hidden at the front within remote range. This is assuming the units I buy don't have extendable remote eyes. If I need to install more than two AV sources, I'll install a splitter.

HPsauce · #3 30th April 2012, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nollywood

I would go for digital TV. Personally, a reverse camera is just a gimick.

My thinking too.

Have you decided on a TV for yourself yet, if so what was the logic?

PsYcHe · #4 30th April 2012, 08:31 AM

Was chatting to the guy I bought my D3 from who has one in his new D4... Reckons that it's pretty gimmicky, but is great for reversing up to a caravan, or maybe a wall. Beyond that... Meh.

IT · #5 30th April 2012, 08:44 AM

I'd agree.... If you can drive properly, you shouldnt need a camera

The one in the Q7 works brilliantly in the bright sunshine, but the first sign of rain and its a pita - Swithes off the perfectly useful graphical view of the parking sensors and replaces it with a misted up view of nothing....

Plus, its tough to know where to look. Instinctively I want to use my doors mirrors to reverse, but my brain says I should somehow use the Tv monitor that is on, showing me something, I end up with my eyes flicking between all these things, having less concentration on the job of reversing than I would have without it...

limoncello · #6 30th April 2012, 08:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IT

The one in the Q7 works brilliantly in the bright sunshine, but the first sign of rain and its a pita - Swithes off the perfectly useful graphical view of the parking sensors and replaces it with a misted up view of nothing....

Plus, its tough to know where to look. Instinctively I want to use my doors mirrors to reverse, but my brain says I should somehow use the Tv monitor that is on, showing me something, I end up with my eyes flicking between all these things, having less concentration on the job of reversing than I would have without it...

thats a good advert for not bothering with the pain of fitting it, think il stick to getting a graphical display instead

HPsauce · #7 26th September 2012, 08:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Architex_mA8tey

Next .................. Phantom Aeriel

Just out of interest, what phantom aerial are you planning to fit and do you have the leads?

Reason I ask is that as a result of my own failed attempt (SO FAR) to "phantom" the PF OEM "unidentified connector" TV aerial into my new DVB-T unit I have some spare leads that I was going to send back for a refund.
However, they may be suitable for the FL model TV aerial leads as they're different (more "standard") and the vendor was convinced they were correct as he had fitted some.

PM me if you are interested or want details.

Architex_mA8tey · #8 26th September 2012, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HPsauce

Just out of interest, what phantom aerial are you planning to fit and do you have the leads?

Reason I ask is that as a result of my own failed attempt (SO FAR) to "phantom" the PF OEM "unidentified connector" TV aerial into my new DVB-T unit I have some spare leads that I was going to send back for a refund.
However, they may be suitable for the FL model TV aerial leads as they're different (more "standard") and the vendor was convinced they were correct as he had fitted some.

PM me if you are interested or want details.

It might be worth meeting up at some time to see if there is a use for them in mine then. He told me originally that he would make the aerials up to suit my particular situation but I just hadn't got around to it yet and it sounds like the options are more limited now

HPsauce · #9 26th September 2012, 09:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Architex_mA8tey

He told me originally that he would make the aerials up to suit my particular situation

The web site implies that, but when I spoke to him the other day he basically has just one type in stock of (short) male-male lead which is SMB at one end and F-connector at the other and fits almost all systems (but not my old A-type tuner leads).

I sort of got the impression that he might have had a batch made up some time ago and the bespoke variations were not an option now.

I imagine you could buy such leads on eBay these days quite cheaply delivered directly from China.

HPsauce · #10 18th October 2012, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HPsauce

I have some spare leads that I was going to send back for a refund.

Hope no-one was interested, these have gone back and I've been refunded in full.

On a more positive note all the other bits/connectors/extensions I ordered have now arrived so I went back looking for a route from boot to cabin.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Night Train

I used a net curtain wire as a 'pull through', having moved the sponge 'bung' aside, then re-fitted it (in the boot behind the carpet trim)

With that big "bung" out I actually used a length of TV aerial cable to do the same thing. Nice and easy, only took about 5 minutes in total including emptying the boot and putting everything back. It's a nice big hole down there, though I felt a bit silly disappearing deep into the boot with only my legs waving outside!

Tomorrow I'll use that cable as a pull-through to feed through what I need. To cover all the options I'll have extension cables for power, remote IR link and 2 aerials at least.