Clarity Back-up sensors

I have ordered parts to build an initial test prototype of the RCTC (Rear Cross Traffic Camera) system. If that works out, I will build the full system. I'll post photos.
I decided to use a night vision camera (with a relatively sensitive sensor) as opposed to an IR or white LED-based camera because I was concerned about the range of the LED illuminating source.
One final note: the microwave RCTA systems seem to only have a range of about 12'. I hope to beat that.
I was at Walmart today (snowy narrow aisles). It would have come in handy.

 

How about an after-market device like below? Use the beeper, ignore the video feature.
https://www.amazon.com/License-Detector-Sensors-Indicator-Parking/dp/B074GM52K9/ref=sr_1_2?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1515349022&sr=1-2&keywords=backup+radar+license+plate

 

It says radar, but it looks (and is priced) like an Ultrasonic device. It also does not appear to be cross-looking.

 

Tiralac: Thanks. This is very, very impressive and is what the Clarity should have had! At 25 meters (over 75 feet) I'll bet it uses digital processing of the camera data and not radar. It is, in essence, what I am building except that the digital processing will be done in my head.

 

FYI - the RCTA in our 2018 Odyssey is pretty accurate in our parking lot experience, but our (former) 2015 Highlander did routinely beep you for roadside traffice across parking lot and the sidewalk behind you.

 

I finally installed my Ham Radio in the Clarity and am now back on the Rear Cross Traffic Camera project. In my first static test, I used an old 7" monitor I had around and a new camera built for rear view applications, mounted sideways. Based on that test, I now see that I will need a camera built for front view application. (Actually a newer camera I just got can switch to both direct and mirror images.) I also decided to use a pair of 5" monitors (which will fit well above the Clarity screen.) They fit better than 7" monitors.

That being said, I'm still in the static test mode (not permanently installed or moving.) I'm doing one side first. My first 5" monitor arrived today and failed within 5 minutes of use. Amazon is sending another one. However, I can see that two of these will fit beautifully above the main clarity monitor. Each is about the size of a 3 x 5 index card.

My plan is to complete one side, try it in a rolling mode, and if successful and useful, complete the other side. It will be important to decide if this is really useful.

Meanwhile, I love the Clarity. We live on an island, and even with trips to the mainland, my wife has figured out that we will never need gas! I only use the 110V charger and am in the automatic habit of plugging in the car whenever I get home. Its been cold here, so the max range indicated in EV mode is in the 40-42 mile range. I was going to be worried about that, but after reading the comments of others here, realize that it's likely just the cold.

 

I have completed my first test installation on the left side. Attached is a picture that was taken with the Honda backup camera and simultaneously with my $50 side view camera system. It turns out that its easy to do the wiring and installation without any cutting or drilling. Two 5" monitors will fit perfectly atop the Honda monitor.

 

Awesome John - where did you mount the cameras?

 

I only have one camera at the moment - I wanted to start cheap. The camera is just to the left of the lower part of the trunk lid, on the fixed part of the car. It needs to be as far back as possible. This is the second location I tried. The first did not work out well. I'll send more pictures showing where later in the week. I'll also describe what I learned, and am still learning about cameras and monitors. This test was in my driveway since I wanted time to take pictures and not want to cause a commotion in a real parking lot. This may not be the final setup, but its good enough now to test some more.

 

Can you guys clarify, Does the Clarity have front and rear parking sensors? I haven't bought the clarity yet, but this is an option that i really want to have.

 

No parking sensors.

The closest thing is a down-looking view from the rear camera.

 

that's pretty lame. I don't know what to think about that. I really think the top Accord trim level is what should be on the Clarity.

 

In general I think Honda would have been wise to combine all of the best features of both cars, offer the Accord and kill of the Clarity. It makes no sence to me to have two competing lines. Adding the Insight makes even less sence .

 

^^ i agreed, partly. I'm trying to decide between the Clarity and the Accord right now. There are no dealer incentives to buy a clarity other than the federal tax incentive. I really really like the accord, but I know in a couple years i wont be able to find my car in a sea of other accords. That's what happened with my ES350.

The Accord is way better looking but the clarity is a bit more unique. My wife always liked the look of the Contour.

Thanks for answering my question. Now i have to decide if i can live without parking sensors. I wish it was at least an add on option.

 

I like the fact that the Clarity is unique. Gives it more cool factor. That said, I would have liked all the safety features available on Honda's other cars. But, I bought it anyway, so they were not deal breakers. And having lived without them for 2 months now, I have no regrets.

 

I just got a 2018 Accord booklet in the mail. Rear Cross Traffic Alert is an option.
As to the Clarity, I do not miss the front sensor, and the rear camera is quite good for parking.
However, I am adding rear cross traffic alert cameras. I believe that they will see further than sensors in a crowded parking lot.
I installed the second camera today, and will install the second 5" monitor tomorrow.

 

I'm curious how well the air vent works with the 2nd monitor in place. How long did it take to complete both camera and monitor installations? How did you attach the monitors?
Thanks for sharing this.

 

My estimate is that the project could be done in 3-4 hours total. It is not complicated at all.

But mine has taken much longer because I spent a lot of time experimenting to find the best position for the cameras considering visibility by the camera, minimal intrusion of the car body into the picture, and some camouflage. The result is shown below. I believe this is my final choice. (At one point I had visions of the cameras making the car look like an old imperial with lollipop lights.)

I'm also attaching a picture of the monitors and vents. I do not believe this will be a problem, and this may be my final choice. But the monitors are just lightly tacked in with Scotch double sided tape at the moment, as a test. That is a solid mount but still permits me to easily remove them without damage. I use the same for the cameras.

The wiring from the rear was easier than I thought. The trunk rugs have a seam between the bottom and side. Its easy to sneak wires under the rugs at that seam. They then go to the front via the right pull-down seat hole.

I elected not to use the backup lights as a power source, because there may be times when I want the cameras on when I am not backing up. Hence, everything is powered from the 12 V cigarette lighter in the front via a Radio Shack plug with a switch and LED on it.

Cheers,