[tngw1500se]

I have the 4" factory back up screen and have been very unhappy with the image it displays so I bought an aftermarket unit. The first one came DOA but the second one is great. It's a major improvement.

EDIT: First things first: If you have rear windows without black out curtains, this is not for you. When off it's a mirror so in the daytime, it shows two images, one reflected and one camera view. That isn't a problem for me as I have black outs that are always closed. I didn't know that until today.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B082XW8217/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[hunterjah]

Dang it, now you're going to force me to add this project to the list. I had it as one of the top projects when we bought our van last year, but it's slowly worked its way down in priority. How was the install?

 

[tngw1500se]

Dang it, now you're going to force me to add this project to the list. I had it as one of the top projects when we bought our van last year, but it's slowly worked its way down in priority. How was the install?

First things first: If you have rear windows without black out curtains, this is not for you. When off it's a mirror so in the daytime, it shows two images, one reflected and one camera view. That isn't a problem for me as I have black outs that are always closed. I didn't know that until today.

Installation was easy since I'm doing ceiling panels now and I also have a north south bed with a headboard to mount the camera to. You have to consider the center back of the van is metal and black covered glass. It worked great mounted to my headboard with some wood moving it up to the rear window.

 

[gregoryx]

We have a similar unit (https://amzn.com/B089SVCW1X - a lot more money! 🤔 ) and I like shifting between mirror versus camera mode. Camera is taped to the top of the center brake light. FWIW...

 

[rockDAWG]

We have a similar unit (https://amzn.com/B089SVCW1X - a lot more money! 🤔 ) and I like shifting between mirror versus camera mode. Camera is taped to the top of the center brake light. FWIW...

I have the same unit. For some reason, the voice command does not work consistently. Just like my wife, sometimes, she just doesn't listen. Sometimes she listens to the radio and does something without me knowing it and then says "OK" 😂 It drives me nuts.

 

[TransitFocus]

The Vantop 4K model was the most popular for a while, but the price has nearly doubled in the past month. Maybe they've been hit by the chip shortage too or something.

There's a 4K 10" model out there under some other brand for what the original Vantop sold for, my van didn't come with a mirror though, and has been on backorder for 2 months now.

 

[bojiro]

The Vantop 4K model was the most popular for a while, but the price has nearly doubled in the past month. Maybe they've been hit by the chip shortage too or something.

I just installed the TOGUARD CE80 4K/1080P. Very nice so far
Amazon.com: TOGUARD 4K Mirror Dash Cam Backup Camera for Cars Voice Control GPS Tracking, 12" Full Touch Screen Rear View Front and Rear Dual Dash Cam Waterproof Reverse Camera Mirror with Parking Assistance: Electronics

With the VANTOP hardwire kit.
Amazon.com: VanTop V9H Dash Cam Hardwire Kit, 11.5ft Mini USB Hard Wire Kit for Dashcam Converts 12V-24V to 5V/2.5A w/Fuse Kit and Installation Tool, Low Voltage Protection for Dash Cameras: Car Electronics

 

[njvagabond]

The Vantop 4K model was the most popular for a while, but the price has nearly doubled in the past month. Maybe they've been hit by the chip shortage too or something.

Which price checker are you using? Item doesn't show up on the one I use (CamelCamelCamel). Thanks

 

[rockDAWG]

The Vantop 4K model was the most popular for a while, but the price has nearly doubled in the past month. Maybe they've been hit by the chip shortage too or something.

This is a common practice for Chinese companies to raise the price of their product when are selling well. American companies will do this too but react slower pace.

 

[gregoryx]

The Vantop 4K model was the most popular for a while, but the price has nearly doubled in the past month. Maybe they've been hit by the chip shortage too or something.
...

Ah. I didn't think I paid that much... 🤔 😄

 

[SION1771]

That's the camel^3 graph as I recall it. - I painstakingly purchased at $199 even though I saw the changes over time. It was $220 earlier this week so I stopped following then so I could at least know it got worse.

If you look in the gray, the link to 3cmls.co is in the top right.

Which price checker are you using? Item doesn't show up on the one I use (CamelCamelCamel). Thanks

 

[njvagabond]

That's the camel^3 graph as I recall it. - I painstakingly purchased at $199 even though I saw the changes over time. It was $220 earlier this week so I stopped following then so I could at least know it got worse.

If you look in the gray, the link to 3cmls.co is in the top right.

Thanks. I'll have to double check what is going on with my Chrome extension. Maybe the web page works better?
Yea, I mostly use it to avoid buying stuff at a some of the crazy short term price spikes on Amazon.

 

[SION1771]

Here's my Vantop mirror installation SION1771 Vantop mirror installation

I have no idea what I'm doing for posting, so let me know if you have suggestions of a better way to memorialize my build bits.

 

[rockDAWG]

Here's my Vantop mirror installation SION1771 Vantop mirror installation

I have no idea what I'm doing for posting, so let me know if you have suggestions of a better way to memorialize my build bits.

Where did you get your power from? Is it from an uninterrupted power source or from CCP? TIA.

 

[SION1771]

Good question - no, not uninterrupted. It's hooked to the overhead lights so it turns off 10 minutes after the van doors are shut if the engine isn't running.

The Vantop has a battery so the 'impact record' features still work, but probably not forever.

 

[TransitFocus]

Here's the 4K 10" mirror, currently under $100 after coupon. It's the same Sony 4K sensor as the Vantop, and likely the same firmware.

https://www.amazon.com/Xeapoms-Assistance-G-Sensor-Emergency-Recording/dp/B088YWJVTN/

 

[Covid van de Mic]

On Feb 2nd the VanTop H610 (10" 2.5K) was $79.99 on Amazon. It's $120 now.

My main use is the rear view mirror, and for the brief amount of time I look at it, I don't think resolution of the mirror/extra 2" would make a difference. I thought the 4K referred to the front camera resolution, and I suspect the H610's 2.5K will be sufficient if there is ever an insurance issue.

 

[TransitFocus]

On Feb 2nd the VanTop H610 (10" 2.5K) was $79.99 on Amazon. It's $120 now.

My main use is the rear view mirror, and for the brief amount of time I look at it, I don't think resolution of the mirror/extra 2" would make a difference. I thought the 4K referred to the front camera resolution, and I suspect the H610's 2.5K will be sufficient if there is ever an insurance issue.

4K is indeed referring to the recording resolution.

I haven't seen a back-to-back comparison, but the higher resolution should have a better chance of catching a license plate (all other things equal). That might be the different in collecting on your own insurance vs someone else's, which could determine your annual premium for years to come.