W124 Auto dimming mirror with backup camera display

[2phast]

Working on a new mirror and want to gauge interest. So would appreciate comments and feedback on this design.

This new design is almost identical to an existing model I sell, but it also has a internal 3.5" color display. The display sits behind 2 way glass, so when the display is off, you can not tell it is there and the full width of the mirror is usable.

This is the full run down of the functions;

Standard auto dimming with on/off button to turn the feature on/off. The button also serves to adjust the brightness of the display screen (when the backup camera is used)
3.5" color display screen (not visible when the display is off)
When the backup camera is engaged, the auto dimming feature turns off automatically, then turns back on once you shift the car into drive.
Has 2nd video input for display of content from DVD player or possibly GPS that has external display output. Backup camera overrides this when car is put into reverse and changes back to video input when car is put in drive.

Cost wise, price would be $200.00 (W124/W201/W123/R107/W126)

The attached workbench pictures show the mirror with the backup camera off, then with it on (the screen comes on automatically when it detects a signal from the camera). I also have the camera pointing at a box, just for testing purposes.

 

[2phast]

This is a short video of this new design.

[youtube]?v=TnFoff5HjSg[/youtube]

 

[borring]

It reminds me of a similar product I had demonstrated at a conference in Las Vega's last month.
http://www.gentex.com/automotive/automotive-products
This product has some other features as well.

But I like your minimalistic design

 

[gerryvz]

The 2Phastian videos are getting better and better. Good work Rik !

 

[2phast]

It reminds me of a similar product I had demonstrated at a conference in Las Vega's last month.
http://www.gentex.com/automotive/automotive-products
This product has some other features as well.

But I like your minimalistic design

Gentex builds aftermarket and OE mirrors with integrated backup displays. Many new cars come with integrated displays in their mirrors now. So its something the public in general has been asking for.

Not every mirror on the market is suitable for conversion and use in a Mercedes, so that limits the style, availability and sets the cost for the most part. This backup display mirror and the GPS mirror are new mirrors that I convert. I am now working directly with a manufacture that can build in options as needed. They don't build "minimalistic" mirrors though, which is too bad so my compliment of products with consist of locally sourced mirrors and these new mirrors.

 

[2phast]

The 2Phastian videos are getting better and better. Good work Rik !

Thanks! It helps to have talking points written down. I have a tendency to ramble ;-)

 

[PSP]

Sorry for the late post? Don't know, but is this ready ?
I love this

 

[2phast]

Sorry for the late post? Don't know, but is this ready ?
I love this

Because of problems with the overseas manufacture, I won't be selling this particular mirror.

Mirrors that are available can be seen at http://mirrors.2phast.com

 

[Dbreid]

I can chime in as a happy customer of the current model with the compass and auto-dim, and homelink. Easy to install, and works great! The HomeLink is excellent.

 

[PSP]

Because of problems with the overseas manufacture, I won't be selling this particular mirror.

Mirrors that are available can be seen at http://mirrors.2phast.com

Thanks for fast response 2phast ! Will be ordering soon

 

[gerryvz]

I have purchased three 2Phastian posterior observation solutions for my Benzes and have been happy with all of them.

 

[Roma_500E]

Because of problems with the overseas manufacture, I won't be selling this particular mirror.

Mirrors that are available can be seen at http://mirrors.2phast.com

Is there anyway you can use other mirror for your project ? I know newer 2010+ Lexus RX without navi option comes with this type of mirror like you tried to make

 

[2phast]

Is there anyway you can use other mirror for your project ? I know newer 2010+ Lexus RX without navi option comes with this type of mirror like you tried to make

Certain criteria needs to be met for a mirror to be suitable for conversion (very few that are suitable). Some older Lexus mirrors could be suitable, but they are overly expensive and don't offer a full feature range (e.g. only auto dim and compass). The newer mirrors like you mentioned do not have a bracketing system that is suitable for conversion. Also, the adaptive headlight (Smartbeam) sensor would be problematic to relocate inside the mirror.

With that said, I am working on a OEM Gentex auto dimming mirror with a backup camera. I am stuck presently trying to figure out the wiring as the wiring colors of the mirror don't match what is listed in the factory wring diagram manual. Guess work has already netted me one expensive dead mirror.

 

[Jlaa]

Working on a new mirror and want to gauge interest. So would appreciate comments and feedback on this design.

This new design is almost identical to an existing model I sell, but it also has a internal 3.5" color display. The display sits behind 2 way glass, so when the display is off, you can not tell it is there and the full width of the mirror is usable.

This is the full run down of the functions;

Standard auto dimming with on/off button to turn the feature on/off. The button also serves to adjust the brightness of the display screen (when the backup camera is used)
3.5" color display screen (not visible when the display is off)
When the backup camera is engaged, the auto dimming feature turns off automatically, then turns back on once you shift the car into drive.
Has 2nd video input for display of content from DVD player or possibly GPS that has external display output. Backup camera overrides this when car is put into reverse and changes back to video input when car is put in drive.

Cost wise, price would be $200.00 (W124/W201/W123/R107/W126)

The attached workbench pictures show the mirror with the backup camera off, then with it on (the screen comes on automatically when it detects a signal from the camera). I also have the camera pointing at a box, just for testing purposes.

Ok 12 years later ……. . Is anything like this still for sale? Id like to hook up a backup cam AND retain auto dimming. Thanks.

 

[2phast]

Ok 12 years later ……. . Is anything like this still for sale? Id like to hook up a backup cam AND retain auto dimming. Thanks.

Currently, this is the mirror I have been providing as a custom build.

 

[Jlaa]

Thanks Rik!
I have one of your existing auto dimming w compass mirrors for the w124 and I enjoy it very much. I have, however, been wanting to put in a backup camera. I have been waiting until I can find a super-duper low profile camera --- and I finally found this one --- I am hoping it would work - Amazon.com <--- wondering if you have any thoughts on this.

All of the backup cams I have found up until now are all too ugly. See, for example, this backup cam that I installed on my w210 --- too-high-profile -

 

[2phast]

Thanks Rik!
I have one of your existing auto dimming w compass mirrors for the w124 and I enjoy it very much. I have, however, been wanting to put in a backup camera. I have been waiting until I can find a super-duper low profile camera --- and I finally found this one --- I am hoping it would work - Amazon.com <--- wondering if you have any thoughts on this.

All of the backup cams I have found up until now are all too ugly. See, for example, this backup cam that I installed on my w210 --- too-high-profile -


View attachment 190394 View attachment 190395

There are many cameras on the market and several I think are worth mentioning. These specific brands are not necessarily what I am recommending, its the mounting style. In the first one, the camera mounts to a metal frame that goes behind your license plate. This provides a bit more adjustment to the camera angle and allows you to drill a hole for the wiring in a more hidden location if that is of concern.

https://www.amazon.com/PixelMan-Rearview-Reversing-Waterproof-Universal/dp/B09FHLTVBS/

The camera integrated into a license frame is also a nice solution, good adjustability.

https://www.amazon.com/GLK-License-Reverse-Waterproof-Viewing/dp/B07Y5Z4WFP/

I always suggest getting the highest quality, highest resolution camera, but the highest resolution is somewhat lost due to the low resolution of the screen in the mirror. So 720P, 1080P isn't really going to make much of a difference.

Although I have no personal experience with this, you may want to consider not using a camera with IR lights, which are problematic when you put your car into reverse and the backup lights come on. Night vision cameras that work without IR would be my preference.

If you buy something from Amazon, I would first test it without mounting, that is at night, have the camera outside and see what kind of picture you get and then put your car in reverse with the backup lights on. If its junk, send it back. You could do the same for lights with integrated IR. Kind of a pain, but if you really want something reliable that works in the dark, you may need to experiment a bit. Daytime, I don't think will be an issue with any of the cameras.


This is the Amazon camera I used in the video

https://www.amazon.com/Backup-Camera-Waterproof-Reverse-DoHonest/dp/B0B6B9L29G/

Another license plate mounted solution

https://www.amazon.com/Boyo-VTL425TJ-License-Trajectory-Parking/dp/B07CRKSBTL/

 

[DerFuror]

In hindsight …
The chicks went bonkers over my 2phast W124 auto dimming with integrated compass & homelink mirror. I can only imagine what I’d be in for with the addition of a rear view camera…It’s got to be on par with carrying a box of grey light switches in public!

 

[Jlaa]

In hindsight …
The chicks went bonkers over my 2phast W124 auto dimming with integrated compass & homelink mirror. I can only imagine what I’d be in for with the addition of a rear view camera…It’s got to be on par with carrying a box of grey light switches in public!

Just to follow up --- Rik made an autodimming mirror with display for me. I installed a backup cam under my trunk handle as well. As always, I am super pleased with Rik's responsiveness and fine character, and, of course, his work.



Here is a post that details my installation.

 

[2phast]

I am glad your happy with mirror. You did an excellent job putting it all together and integrating the camera.