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Does your car lack a rearview camera? What if I told you this problem could be solved quickly and relatively inexpensively? At first glance, that claim might not sound very convincing – especially if you imagine installing a camera and screen, running cables through the interior of your car. But I hope your opinion will change after reading this article.
So, I invite you to check out the review of the ready-made AUTO-VOX Solar Wireless Backup Camera kit, which helps you avoid all the typical complications of installing a rearview camera. Let’s explore it together.
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Main features and characteristics of AUTO-VOX Solar Wireless Backup Camera
I’ll start with the main point. The kit stands out thanks to two key features: the exterior rearview camera is wireless and powered by a built-in solar panel! This completely changes the perception of the installation and use process by eliminating the need for cables for powering the camera and transmitting the video signal. You’ll agree – this is a significant advantage and the foundation of the AUTO-VOX product philosophy.
Main characteristics:
- Complete monitor: 5-inch FHD 1080p LCD
- Two-channel operation mode – the ability to connect a second camera
- Camera battery: 5000 mAh (provides 3-4 months of operation on a single charge)
- Waterproof rating: IP69K
- Operating temperature: -20°C to +65°C
- Maximum distance between monitor and camera: 15 m
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Price and Package Contents of the AUTO-VOX Solar Wireless Backup Camera
The AUTO-VOX Solar Wireless Backup Camera kit is available for $150 on Amazon. You can choose between a version with a 5-inch screen or a set with a larger 7.2-inch display for $160.
- Use discount code “RZ64MAMD” to get 15% off!
The product comes in a white thick cardboard box covered with a light blue sleeve. Inside, all components are securely held in a plastic holder. The accessories are packed in a separate box.
The AUTO-VOX Solar Wireless Backup Camera package includes: a camera mounted on a metal bracket, an adhesive pad for the camera, a display with a short cable and connector, a long power cable for the display with a car cigarette lighter plug, a USB-A to USB-C cable for charging the camera, and a display holder with an adhesive base.
Design and build quality
Overall, the camera’s design is simple but practical. The device’s body is made of durable matte plastic, and the mounting bracket is metal. I have no complaints about the build quality. The housing provides the necessary level of water and dust resistance and is resilient to temperature fluctuations. The camera head can tilt up or down by about 45 degrees, giving a total adjustment range of 90 degrees.
As for the 5″ monitor, its mount, and the additional accessories, there’s nothing particularly remarkable about the design here either – standard materials are used, mostly matte plastic. But let’s be honest: these components serve a purely utilitarian purpose, so it’s reasonable not to expect anything extraordinary from them. Overall, the build quality is acceptable and aligns with the product’s price point.
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Installation
First of all, I want to draw your attention to the fact that the camera mount I received is designed for an American license plate. In Ukraine, many cars are imported from the US – mine is one of them. However, if you have a European car, you’ll need to come up with some sort of adapter, which undermines the idea of quick installation.
P.S. After communicating with the seller, I found out that there is also a version of the camera with a mount designed for European license plates. You just need to purchase the product from the European version of Amazon. So, keep this in mind when ordering.
The AUTO-VOX Solar Wireless Backup Camera kit is designed for quick DIY installation within just a few minutes. Depending on your vehicle’s design, you can choose the installation option that suits you best – either above or below the license plate.
Before installing the camera, it’s best to completely remove the vehicle’s license plate and clean the surface where the camera will be mounted. Then, apply the adhesive pad to prevent any damage to the vehicle’s paint during camera use, place the camera under the license plate, and secure it with screws.
After installation, you can adjust the camera’s tilt angle over a wide range to achieve an optimal rearview display on the screen inside the vehicle.
Next, you will need to install the display inside the vehicle in a convenient location. You can use the included mount, which can be attached to the dashboard, or you can opt for an external mount or even attach the display without the mount, using double-sided tape, wherever you prefer.
After that, connect the monitor to the main cable and plug it into the nearest 12V car socket.
Activate the camera using the button on the body:
There is no need for any separate procedure to connect the camera to the monitor; the image appears on the screen immediately.
As you can see, installing the AUTO-VOX Solar Wireless Backup Camera is a fairly straightforward and simple process without any complex steps. However, if you’re unsure about your ability or prefer not to spend time on the installation yourself, you can always seek assistance from a professional automotive electrician.
The camera doesn’t necessarily have to be installed on the car itself. If you have a tow bar and occasionally pull a trailer or caravan, the camera can be installed on them instead. Additionally, it’s quite easy to move the camera from the car to the towed vehicle when needed. Furthermore, you have the option to purchase a second camera and connect it to the existing monitor, as the system supports dual-channel operation. It’s also worth noting that there is a version of the AUTO-VOX kit that includes one monitor and two cameras. If you’re looking to expand the viewing area for larger vehicles, such as trucks or motorhomes, this expanded kit might be a more cost-effective option, allowing you to save around $50.
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Using and setting up
To activate the camera while driving, you need to press one of the buttons – either on the monitor’s body or on the power adapter that plugs into the car’s power outlet.
Once you press the button, the camera feed will immediately appear on the screen. The display’s three buttons allow you to enter the menu and adjust some system settings, such as connecting a second camera, adjusting brightness and contrast, flipping or mirroring the image, setting the camera’s operational time (60, 90, or 120 seconds), and configuring the guidelines for parking assistance.
The camera shows good results when working at night. The picture is bright, clear, and the camera’s light sensitivity is high. The second photo in the gallery is the camera monitor screen in the car, and the third photo was taken with a Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, just for comparison:
If you need to remove the camera later, for example, to charge it after long storage in a dark space, you can do so without removing the license plate. Simply unscrew the hidden securing screw using the included tool.
However, you can also charge the camera without removing it from the vehicle by using the USB-C port, either with a power bank or an external power adapter.
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Conclusions
The AUTO-VOX Solar Wireless Backup Camera is a clear example of modern technology applied in a specialized device. The task of installing a rearview camera, which would previously take several hours of work by an expensive professional, now takes just a few minutes and can be done independently.
Additionally, it’s worth noting the versatility of the camera’s application beyond regular vehicles. In fact, it can be used for trucks, trailers, caravans, and any other real-time video surveillance tasks where quick installation is required. For example, I could power the included monitor with a portable power station like the BLUETTI AC200L, OUKITEL P2001 Plus, or BLUETTI AC70 inside a camping tent, while positioning the camera anywhere outside. The idea?
Overall, the kit works as advertised by the manufacturer, and no significant downsides were found. I recommend considering this set if you’re looking for a backup camera for your vehicle.
Where to buy
- Amazon – a set with one camera
- Amazon – a set with two cameras
- Use discount code “RZ64MAMD” to get 15% off!
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