"Reverse Image" Video Camera Makes It Easy To Back Up

"Reverse Image" Video Camera Makes It Easy To Back Up COMBINES Accessories 22-6-3 "What makes our new video system unique is that it reverses the image so things look the way they really are. That makes it a lot more useful, especially when backing up," says Tom Smith, A&T Enterprises, Sherwood, Mich. The camera comes with a 5-in. black and white monitor and a wide variety of brackets and harnesses that allow it to be mounted on back of combines, tractors, grain carts, bale wagons, etc. A switch on the monitor reverses the image. Another unique feature is that the monitor can be used with two different cam-eras, allowing views of two different areas. The operator simply pushes a button to select the camera he wants to look at. "It solves the problem of blind spots on tractors, combines, and other farm equipment," says Smith. "A conventional monitor projects the object on the wrong side of the monitor which makes it difficult for the driver, particularly when backing up. We came up with the idea after we bought a Deere 9500 combine. We had a lot of problems backing it up because there's a huge blind spot. Our Deere dealer said he had to replace the straw choppers on 10 different combines in just one year due to problems backing up. "The rear-mounted camera really helps when you're on the highway and need to make a left turn. One farmer had trouble seeing an air seeder that he pulls behind his chisel plow so he mounted our camera on back of the plow. It solved the problem. "Wiring two cameras into the same monitor can often be helpful. For example, one camera can be mounted on back of the combine to make it easier to back up, and the other on the combine's unloading auger so that you can see how full the truck is. One farmer mounts a camera on each end of his 24-row corn planter. "Either camera can be switched to a normal or reverse image. There's also a switch for æday or night' contrast which makes head-lights behind you show up better at night. An optional light kit can be used to illuminate an area behind the combine or wagon, etc., so that the camera can pick it up better at night." One camera and monitor sells for $549. The second camera sells for $199. Contact: FARM SHOW Followup, A&T Enterprises, 733 Athens Rd., Sherwood, Mich. 49089 (ph 517 741-3208; fax 5051).

To read the rest of this story, download this issue below or click here to register with your account number.