next »

[GeorgeB]

I'm getting ready to order a replacement backup monitor, but before I pull lthe trigger, thought I'd see if there were any opinions or suggestions.

It's a Zone Defense system.  I replaced the camera in Jan 2013, with a ZD model 313.C.  I was never happy with the monitor, but it worked somewhat better with the new camera.  Now the monitor needs replacement, just doesn't work.  (Camera connections are fine, as I did it myself, so that can't be the problem, right?  Actually, I followed several tips I found here before installing, so I really am confident in that installation.)

Emails with the Engineer at ZD results in my deciding to order the 7" M.302 monitor, but that would need a cable adapter (13-pin to 22-pin).  However, the cable in the RV is 8-pin, so it looks like I would need the 8-to-13-pin adapter, then the 13-to-22-pin adapter -- I'm still waiting for a reply from ZD on that.

I"m looking to go the simplest/least expensive route, meaning  I'd prefer to replace it myself without re-wiring the whole RV.

So any insights, suggestions or opinions would be welcome.

Thanks,

-GeorgeB

[ron.dittmer]

On the subject indirectly, Our 2007 has it's original Zone Defense system.  Our model has the "sound" feature but the last few times I tried using the sound, it gives the familiar residual noise when the volume is up, but I cannot hear real-world sounds.  I figured the microphone opening in the camera got dirty or maybe a tiny spider moved inside it, but I never could find the tiny microphone hole.  Does anyone know exactly where it is?  I really appreciate Irene's instruction through the obstacle-ridden primitive campsites we often utilize.

BTW:  We have the 5" monitor.  If it fails, I too would consider the bigger 7" monitor.  The 5" has been fine, but the 7" would be nicer.

[GeorgeB]

Hi George,

We just replaced our factory monitor by wiring the camera into our radio/GPS.  Would you like the monitor?   It's a Voyager model AOM562A, 5 1/2 inches on the diagonal.  Worked when we removed it.  It's yours if you like.

Bill

Hi Bill,

That's a very generous offer.  Some internet searching indicates it's a good monitor.  Do you know if the connecting cables are compatible with my existing 8-pin cables, also with the Zone Defense 313.C camera?  My research didn't provide any clues.

My abilities are limited to (sometimes) replacing existing installations.  Modifying/adapting is usually outside my wheel house without a bunch of hand-holding.  (And occasional hand-wringing!    Okay, frequent.)

Let me know what you think after reading the above.

And thank you for the offer.  Just one more example of the amazing nature of the folks on this forum.

--GeorgeD

[ron.dittmer]

George,

I believe you and I have the same Zone Defense system with 5" monitor.  I could never find the microphone in back by the camera and so maybe you too have sound.  I would like to know if you raise the volume on your monitor, if you hear people talking behind your rig.

The sound went out on our 2007 PC and I really don't know what the problem is.  I thought if I could find the microphone in back, the opening might be clogged with a spider's nest or something similar, but I could never find the microphone back there to begin with.  It was nice to have sound, and would be nice to get it working again.

[GeorgeB]

Hi Ron,

We probably do have the same backup system.  I tested the sound by turning the volume all the way up, didn't get any sound out of the speaker at all, not even a hissing sound (although I was exercising the generator at the time, maybe I just couldn't hear it).  The old monitor doesn't appear to have a speaker like the new one (it's in the back).

I replaced the camera last year (Apr 2013), model 313.C; I didn't see anything that made me think it might have a microphone, although according to the specs it should have one.  As I said earlier, it may have to do with 8-wire vs. 13-wire cabling.  I really don't know, just speculating.

I'm going back out to the rig later this week, I'll look at the manual and play around with the settings some more.  If I learn anything, I'll post back.

Since it appears the old monitor wasn't working very well from the get-go ("pre-owned", we purchased in 2012), I'm very happy just to have a usable monitor, and since I didn't have sound to start with, I'm not really missing it.  (We do have walkie-talkies when we need them.)  But it it's there, I'll find it, and let you know.

Doneworking:  I really looked into replacing the whole system with a wireless setup.  But I'd already invested in the new camera just a year ago, and I never saw any reviews for wireless systems that made me want to discard the new and start over.  I have no issues with wireless, but it would have taken a 6 stars out of 5 rating to get me to switch  .  Obviously, I didn't find one like that.

If I decide to go wireless in the future, I would seriously consider a Zone Defense system.  They have one with a 7-in monitor.  And their systems are aimed primarily at truckers, secondarily at RVers.  I would think they would not have interference problems with all the other "stuff" in an RV (electronics, inverters, converters, satellite antennas, what-not), plus would be able to handle all those potholes out there trying to eat our rigs.  But that's just more speculating on my part.

And based on my recent research, today I would be very suspicious of a $79 wireless camera! If something sounds too good to be true...

But be sure to post when you do decide on your next system.  I'd be far more likely to trust info on the PC Forum before most reviews elsewhere, even Amazon!

--GeorgeB