Dual monitor cameras?

[BradKW]

I would really like a camera system that allows for 3 cameras and will display on two separate monitors.

I want to obviously see backup and side cam while driving, but would also like to use cameras as security and surveillance when I'm in back camper. At this point, DVR isn't necessary, but might be nice to have. I will have a PC in back, so something that feeds into a PC for 2nd display would be cool if it exists.

Most of my searches that meet criteria end up being home systems that are POE (power over ethernet, 48v). It's fair to say there's just an overabundance of search results, So any links, suggestions or recommendations would be much appreciated!

 

[Nomad]

You can record it all on your PC but how much you gonna pay me to do your homework is what I want to know?
Just setup a 2 cam system front/rear not hard just gotta research what works for you...

 

[BradKW]

I think we'll just keep your "thanks received" at zero for now... ;P

 

[blars]

You can use a Y cable or addaptor to split a video signal to multiple monitors, but the signal may degrade some. Some monitors have multiple inputs, (2 is common, 3 less so) or you could use an external switch.

 

[ahh_me2]

I'm running 4 back up cameras on 4 monitors, so I have a 360 degree view around my cube van.
The monitors are around 3" x 4"
The monitors are arranged in an easy to view manner.

Here's a pic...

 

[BradKW]

I'm running 4 back up cameras on 4 monitors, so I have a 360 degree view around my cube van.
The monitors are around 3" x 4"
The monitors are arranged in an easy to view manner.

Here's a pic...

hehe, nice work-around! So two questions:

1) can you also see the backup cam from the driver's seat (and if so, how did you split the signal)?

2) that looks like a bad neighborhood...who's running around spray painting all the red and yellow lines on everything??

 

[BradKW]

You can use a Y cable or addaptor to split a video signal to multiple monitors, but the signal may degrade some.  Some monitors have multiple inputs, (2 is common, 3 less so) or you could use an external switch.

I've experienced signal degradation splitting video before and hoping to avoid that. I've been looking at systems similar to this and hoping to find something set-up with dual display out of the box:  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00O50XC5Q/ref=s9_acsd_hps_bw_c_x_5

I guess I'm picturing something with a monitor that has a pass-thru feed to 2nd. While I'm sure I could invent some sorta work-around with my PC, I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed with other aspects of the build, and waiting till later after all the electrical routing is done to then add cameras...well, I'd be happy at this point to drop $500ish to have a box delivered with instructions    

 

[ahh_me2]

hehe, nice work-around! So two questions:

1) can you also see the backup cam from the driver's seat (and if so, how did you split the signal)?

2) that looks like a bad neighborhood...who's running around spray painting all the red and yellow lines on everything??

I have another backup camera system for driving, I made a bracket for the rear that holds 2 cameras, 1 for the driver, the other for inside the home.
As for the lines, they unfortunately come pre-painted in the monitors, it doesn't bother me though.

The only thing that could be an issue is all views are mirored views, took me a bit to get used to, but I like it.

 

[ahh_me2]

Here is a pic of the bracket for the dual cameras at the rear:



And here is how I mounted my front and side cameras, within the light domes:

 

[Mobilesport]

This will allow you to switch view from camerer to camera and do it cheap

4-Way Port Audio Video AV RCA Game Selector Switcher Switch Box Splitter Black

 

[BradKW]

This will allow you to switch view from camerer to camera and do it cheap

4-Way Port Audio Video AV RCA Game Selector Switcher Switch Box Splitter Black

http://www.walmart.com/ip/4-Way-Por...3875809&wl4=&wl5=pla&wl6=134817294729&veh=sem

So question: If you have 1 camera and wish it's feed to goto two places, how does this work? I see something that takes 2-4 feeds and allows choice of throughput...

 

[ahh_me2]

You would need an A/V distribution amplifier, instead of a 4 port switchbox

 

[ahh_me2]

Something along the lines of this:

https://www.amazon.com/RadioShack-1500320-Component-Distribution-Amplifier/dp/B004Z1SO9O

 

[Mobilesport]

Wire up
Camera 1 to ---------Input 1 
Camera 2 to ---------input 2
Camera 3 to ---------input 3 
Camera 4 to ---------input 4

Wire the monitor to the single output , if you want the video to show up on two monitos use a y connector to branch it to the monitors.

Switch the manual switch to the desired input you wish to view.

Or you could also just unplug or plug whatever camera in to the montors input that you want to view and skip a switch all together , probably would wear out the connectors prematurely , thats all that fancy switch is doing.
You only use the yellow ports

http://www.walmart.com/ip/4-Way-Por...3875809&wl4=&wl5=pla&wl6=134817294729&veh=sem

So question: If you have 1 camera and wish it's feed to goto two places, how does this work? I see something that takes 2-4 feeds and allows choice of throughput...

 

[ahh_me2]

So question: If you have 1 camera and wish it's feed to goto two places, how does this work? I see something that takes 2-4 feeds and allows choice of throughput...

A distribution box is needed, similar to the one I linked above your post.
What happens is you can usually only split a composite video signal(yellow RCA) into 2, otherwise the signal is degraded too much and the monitors
can't lock on to the signal, so you need an input , then multiple amplifiers for the number of outputs, so all outputs think they are the only one on that line. That in a nutshell is what an A/V distribution box does, I use them often in my line of work, there are numerous brands, and I buy mine locally

 

[Mobilesport]

Imo , you might as well just get a third monitor and run each camera to its own dedicated monitor , I'm thinking it would be simpler that way

 

[Mobilesport]

I'm running 4 back up cameras on 4 monitors, so I have a 360 degree view around my cube van.
The monitors are around 3" x 4"
The monitors are arranged in an easy to view manner.

Here's a pic...

Thats pretty cool , do they have microphones that pick up sound?

 

[Mobilesport]

Pc as 2nd monitor ?
Lets say if something is going on outside and you want to see it fast , I would think that wouldn't be good if you have to wait for the Pc to boot up.
Just a thought

 

[ahh_me2]

Thats pretty cool , do they have microphones that pick up sound?

Since they are back-up cameras, there is no audio.

Pc as 2nd monitor ?
Lets say if something is going on outside and you want to see it fast , I would think that wouldn't be good if you have to wait for the Pc to boot up.
Just a thought

My cameras are on 24/7, if i hear a noise, I can look immediately.

 

[Mobilesport]

@ahh-me2
The op was talking about a pc as a second monitor , yours look like they would power up fast even if you didn't leave em on 24/7