Enhancing the performance of a WiFi backup camera
A while back I bought Rear View Systems' GoVue WiFi backup camera (model RVS-020813), hoping to use it in my trailer with a Samsung tablet in the cab of my truck to receive the camera's video signal. The camera was meant for use in a car, not an RV, so I had my doubts if it would work.
I was right-- the distance from the back of my trailer to my truck was too great and I couldn't get a good video signal. I got no signal at all from the camera's stock antenna, and only an intermittent signal from a directional WiFi antenna that I installed. I moved the directional antenna to the front of the trailer but this didn't help; apparently the additional antenna line used more than made up for having the antenna closer to the truck. No luck.
But I found a solution: I bought a WiFi repeater and put it in the front of the trailer. The repeater receives the video signal from the camera and retransmits it. I bought the Hawking model HW2R1 repeater because it has two radios-- it will receive on one WiFi channel and resend on another, which I thought would be helpful in repeating a video signal. The repeater cost about $100 from Amazon. It uses 12V DC power so I could use it with the trailer's low-voltage electrical system.
I set it all up on a test basis using the Escape's 12V outlets, hitched the trailer, and took it for a test drive. The video is a bit jittery at times but otherwise works fine; I can definitely see out the rear of the trailer when going down the road. I'm pretty happy. Now I need to permanently mount and wire everything and I'll be all set.
So if you don't have a WiFi backup camera like this, don't buy one-- the distance is too great for good performance in our trailers. But if you do have one and want to make it work better, the Hawking WiFi repeater will do the job.
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Mike Lewis
She don't lie, she don't lie, she don't lie-- propane
Photos and travelogues here: mikelewisimages.com
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