Watch this video to find out the answers to the most commonly asked questions we get about revering cameras...

Vehicle cameras: Eliminating blind spots, enhancing safety

Increasingly New Zealand truck drivers and operators of heavy machinery are demanding features that actively increase safety and efficiency, and reduce risk. Among these are effective, reliable, vehicle-mounted camera systems.

TransQuip is New Zealand's market leader in Sentinel reversing cameras. High resolution, high performing and durable they are used extensively in the agricultural industry and by truck builders and new truck and equipment suppliers.

The use of the cameras goes well beyond the most familiar location, positioned over the registration plate to give a rearview. Cameras are also in demand at the front of very large equipment, including harvesters; along the sides of long vehicles equipment, and even mounted on booms. Essentially, anywhere there's a potentially deadly blind spot or the need to monitor an area from your seat.

Feature-packed

While some new model trucks have cameras built-in, these often lack the advantages in the performance of the specialist Sentinel kits which provide better and clearer images and a wider view. Added to this is the Sentinel monitors' ability to adjust the picture contrast, colour, brightness, and more.

Importantly, all Sentinel cameras have night vision so they provide clear feeds no matter what the light level is - for safer operation day and night. Most cameras also have a heated screen to stop condensation, which helps to improve visibility when driving in wet and cold conditions.

All these features contribute to operators being able to work quickly and safely in all conditions.

Full range, New Zealand-tested

At TransQuip, we stock a variety of Sentinel truck reversing camera and monitor kits, with wired, hybrid and wireless options. Along with a full range of accessories including extra cameras, cables in various lengths, mounting brackets, and joiner kits.

These robust systems are tried and tested in New Zealand's often-challenging environment. Built to stand up to vibration, dust, and moisture; hot, cold, wind, rain and even snow, the cameras have an IP69 rating for waterproofing and dust protection.

Although the standard monitors aren't dust or waterproof, monitors are available that are specifically designed for use in boats and marine environments.

How many cameras do I need?

The Sentinel systems have monitors for 1, 2, 3 or 4 camera set-ups - the most common camera configurations. Looking for a reversing camera for a truck? The most popular choices are; a single, rear-mounted camera, or two cameras - one located at the front of the vehicle and the other at the rear. Four cameras are predominantly used on large-scale agricultural equipment.

Check out this video to see the #4484 and #4486 reversing cameras in action.

Monitoring - what's going on there?

Sentinel monitors have high performance LCD screens that come in two types.

The first can take the feed of up to two cameras but can only show one camera's feed at a time. A trigger switch moves between the two feeds.

Typically, this is wired so the feed from the rear camera is activated automatically when the vehicle is put into reverse. Similarly, if there is a camera mounted on the front this can be wired to be activated when the vehicle moves forward. Sometimes, a system is wired into work manually, so the feed can be chosen at the touch of a switch. It depends on specific needs.

Want more?

A quad monitor can have the feed from 1, 2, 3 or 4 cameras showing at a time, providing multiple views from multiple angles for improved visibility and operating safety.

NOTE: Neither kit is designed to record. They will only show what is happening live, in real time.

Wired or wireless?

Sentinel reversing camera kits are multi-volt, so they run on either 12 or 24 volt vehicles.

There are two different cameras and monitor wiring options; wired and hybrid operated.

Wired has a wire between the monitor and the camera. Hybrid is wired into power but doesn't have a connector between the camera and the monitor.

Each has its strengths and weaknesses.

The wireless ones do have a poorer quality camera feed because the connection is not as good, and they can suffer from interference.

In contrast, the wired options will run for hours on end. And they're always in place, and ready to go.

The idea behind the wireless unit is to save on the wiring between the camera and screen but seeing that you still have to wire a power source to both units the pro vs the cons lean in favour of a wired unit.

If you insist on a wireless system try to keep the distance between the monitor and camera to a minimum.

12-month warranty

There is a 12-month warranty - so that if anything does go wrong, it's covered and the unit can be returned. (In our experience, faults very rarely happen.)

Easy installation, even easier operation!

Sentinel reversing kits are very easy to wire. Or just ask your local auto electrician for help.

Cameras have mounting brackets making it easier to attach them to the vehicle or equipment.

The monitor also has a bracket on its base - so they're really easy to mount. Or there's the option of adhering them to the dash (using 3M tape) which eliminates the need to drill into the dash.

Reversing camera safety - at your fingertips

TransQuip's Sentinel reversing camera kits and accessories are quick and easy to order online here. Or just give one of our helpful team a call to discuss your needs.