Author Topic: Problem with my Snakeeyes (Read 3230 times)

Main One · « **on:** March 01, 2008, 07:49:17 PM »

I installed a Snakeyes backup camera, the one that the camera mounts in the tailgate handle bezel, two Labor Day weekends ago. This makes the 2nd winter with it. It started getting a bit flaky the last few weeks, flashing the pic off and on and such, and now is just black. This fall, it started getting a fuzzy picture due to some moisture getting in the camera that you could see.

After looking at some corrosion at the connector that sits below the tailgate, behind the bumper, I thought that cleaning the connector contacts would take care of the problem, but had no luck with that. Had Rachel sit in the driver's seat looking at the monitor as I played with the connectors, but she never saw any picture.

After reading some posts at the CAFCNA site that I was able to find thanks to Yahoo (can't search or pm there since their "upgrade") I now believe that my camera is shot.

This camera has an S-video type connector. I noticed looking at the cameras on ebay that they all seemed to have an RCA-type video connector. Does anyone know much about the Snakeeyes cameras? I noticed I only had 3 pins in the S-video connector to the camera, when "real" S-video is supposed to have 4. I'm wondering if the camera is really running composite video with a single video line, with the other 2 pins for + and - power. (S-video separates the video into 2 signals, one for color, the other for intensity, which offers more bandwidth and hence the potential for better video quality than a single composite line, but I doubt that would matter in this application. Each signal line has its own ground, hence the 4 pins in S-video connectors.)

Anyway, if anyone has any technical insight, or has replaced their Snakeeyes camera with something else and has some suggestion for me to try, I'm all ears. It seems that Snakeeyes is out of business, so I don't think I can count on any help there.

bluedevil · « **Reply #1 on:** March 02, 2008, 01:55:28 PM »

Sorry Main1. I do not have one of these and dont know anything about it either.

Butch,Justjr,tdybr,ohiobellboy have backup cameras but theyre not snakeeyes.

No replies........Its Sunday so theyre probably out and about on this nice weather.

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #2 on:** March 02, 2008, 03:34:03 PM »

Just got home from Lowe's. spent $2100 on house modding to be done in a few weeks.
OOPS

Backup camera, I really don't know what brand mine is. It came off ebay and it's a wireless one. Want me to check with teksavy and see if he can contact you?

Main One · « **Reply #3 on:** March 02, 2008, 04:47:36 PM »

I'm open to all suggestions.

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #4 on:** March 02, 2008, 06:15:19 PM »

just sent him a pm. for some reason I thought you were banned from there according to previous post here. must have been another member here. sorry for the confusion. Hope he gets back to you.

Z66 Butch · « **Reply #5 on:** March 02, 2008, 10:29:53 PM »

Quote from: Main One on March 01, 2008, 07:49:17 PM

This camera has an S-video type connector. I noticed looking at the cameras on ebay that they all seemed to have an RCA-type video connector. Does anyone know much about the Snakeeyes cameras? I noticed I only had 3 pins in the S-video connector to the camera, when "real" S-video is supposed to have 4. I'm wondering if the camera is really running composite video with a single video line, with the other 2 pins for + and - power. (S-video separates the video into 2 signals, one for color, the other for intensity, which offers more bandwidth and hence the potential for better video quality than a single composite line, but I doubt that would matter in this application. Each signal line has its own ground, hence the 4 pins in S-video connectors.)

Anyway, if anyone has any technical insight, or has replaced their Snakeeyes camera with something else and has some suggestion for me to try, I'm all ears. It seems that Snakeeyes is out of business, so I don't think I can count on any help there.

I really don' t know how the Snakeeyes is wired but I but you are on to something about the s-video. I also bet that you can get an adaptor from s-video to RCA and that may be your best bet!

Butch

oHIobellboy · « **Reply #6 on:** March 03, 2008, 05:20:39 AM »

Quote from: Z66 Butch on March 02, 2008, 10:29:53 PM

I really don' t know how the Snakeeyes is wired but I but you are on to something about the s-video. I also bet that you can get an adaptor from s-video to RCA and that may be your best bet!

Butch

good catch on the adapter Butch, never thought of that myself.

Main One · « **Reply #7 on:** March 03, 2008, 07:11:00 AM »

Quote from: oHIobellboy on March 02, 2008, 06:15:19 PM

just sent him a pm. for some reason I thought you were banned from there according to previous post here. must have been another member here. sorry for the confusion. Hope he gets back to you.

If "there" is CAFCNA, well, I can log in, but cannot post. Seems like my ability to search and pm people comes and goes.........

Up until the CAFCNA site update, I had access to my PMs. For a while I could get them, but not send them. Lately I was able to send them. Now I can't even get to anything PM wise. Have him PM me here if he could.

Main One · « **Reply #8 on:** March 03, 2008, 07:34:14 AM »

Quote from: Z66 Butch on March 02, 2008, 10:29:53 PM

I really don' t know how the Snakeeyes is wired but I but you are on to something about the s-video. I also bet that you can get an adaptor from s-video to RCA and that may be your best bet!

Butch

I'm afraid that it won't be quite that simple. The problem in my mind is that it doesn't look like a standard s-video connector since it is short one pin, and hence the use of the pins I suspect is non-standard since s-video uses all 4 pins. I also believe that 2 out of the 3 pins are running power and return, with the 3rd I am guessing running composite video since there is only one pin left.

I believe my end solution will be kludging together some sort of adapter with a female s-video connector on one end, and 2 RCA jacks on the other, one for power, the other for the composite video. I'm just trying to get as smart as I can before I end up frying the monitor too, although I'm not sure that my problem isn't the monitor. Given that I started seeing the moisture in the camera not too long before the thing went south, and how it started out as intermittent, I'm pretty confident that it is the camera.

73cuda · « **Reply #9 on:** March 03, 2008, 07:54:52 AM »

Main One,

If there is only three wires at the connector then I'm sure you're exactly right, positive, negative, video. With the one negative being for power and the video.

Have you checked the cable all the way to the monitor for damage or if it's connected tight at the monitor. Have you used a meter to see if you're getting power to the rear connector ? I don't have a snakeeyes but do have allot of experience with these micro cameras. Also, if you have it out, can you take a pic of the camera ?

Just trying to help,

73cuda

Main One · « **Reply #10 on:** March 03, 2008, 09:44:17 AM »

73cuda, I will try to take a pic tonight of the camera.

Connection at the monitor looks good - I unplugged and replugged the monitor connector at the monitor several times yesterday. Don't know the type of connector going into the monitor - it is some sort of micro connector with roughly 8-10 contacts and a button to push to release the connector.

I inspected the area of the cable where I have it exiting the cabin. My memory for the proper term is not working right now, but it exits under the step plate or whatever they call it that runs besides the driver's seat. I had surrounded the cable and opening with RTV to seal it and to provide a soft cushion for the cable. That appears to be in good shape.

I did not used a meter to check for power, but did check resistance with the meter. Was afraid to probe the connector pins with power on them because of their close proximity and not wanting to short them. I'm thinking I need to buy an s-video cable and cut it up to get to the individual lines that way which should give me more "space" to work with a meter's contacts, not to mention once I get the 3 pins figured out, I can try putting composite video from another source on the line and verify that the monitor is working.

Flint 4X4 · « **Reply #11 on:** March 03, 2008, 11:10:44 AM »

I was looking for info for you, sounds like snakeyes used a bastard connector/cable system and you'll have to fabricate a camera adapter.

Main One · « **Reply #12 on:** March 03, 2008, 12:01:03 PM »

Quote from: Flint 4X4 on March 03, 2008, 11:10:44 AM

I was looking for info for you, sounds like snakeyes used a bastard connector/cable system and you'll have to fabricate a camera adapter.

I think you're right Flint. Now I've got to get a good handle on how to hack this non-standard interface.

73cuda · « **Reply #13 on:** March 03, 2008, 12:15:44 PM »

I would think (guess) that the connector is a "5 pin DIN" and not "S". So you might want to take a close look and see if it has a small plastic pin in the lower center "S" or not. If not, then it's more than likely a DIN. 5 pin DIN's are used on allot of things such as CB mikes. So Radio Shack should have that.

But with out seeing any of your setup, I'm guessing.

Main One · « **Reply #14 on:** March 03, 2008, 01:21:44 PM »

This is what it looks like, except one of the two upper pins is not there, I forget which one. I definitely think it is a 4-pin mini-DIN, minus one pin.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:MiniDIN-4_Diagram.svg

Main One · « **Reply #15 on:** March 03, 2008, 01:24:20 PM »

It does not look like any of these, except for the 4-pin configuration.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mini-DIN_connector

Flint 4X4 · « **Reply #16 on:** March 03, 2008, 01:42:47 PM »

Problem is even with right connector you still have to identify what snakeyes used each pin for.

Who made the monitor ? maybe they have a diagram

Main One · « **Reply #17 on:** March 03, 2008, 04:25:15 PM »

I haven't been able to identify the maker of the monitor or the camera. There is a sticker with a serial number on the monitor, but not even a part number beyond that.

tdybr27 · « **Reply #18 on:** March 03, 2008, 04:49:07 PM »

here's my SnakeEyes monitor...

73cuda · « **Reply #19 on:** March 03, 2008, 05:04:56 PM »

Quote from: Main One on March 03, 2008, 01:21:44 PM

This is what it looks like, except one of the two upper pins is not there, I forget which one. I definitely think it is a 4-pin mini-DIN, minus one pin.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:MiniDIN-4_Diagram.svg

Oh okay, then you're right. I thought it would be the 5 pin DIN as the pins are larger and tougher. I think you've got the best idea regarding getting an S cable and then using the meter with that. You should be able to determine what wires are what pretty quickly. I've looked for specs all over the net on the snakeeyes as I'm sure you have too, and haven't come up with anything.

I'll keep looking,

73cuda

EDIT: tdybr, that pic of your monitor is a bit blurred, what does it say at the bottom of the monitor's frame ?

tdybr27 · « **Reply #20 on:** March 03, 2008, 05:14:33 PM »

I'll look when I leave work here shortly... that monitor also came with a remote control.

73cuda · « **Reply #21 on:** March 03, 2008, 05:37:24 PM »

Okay thanks tdybr.

Main One, is this what yours looks like ?

Main One · « **Reply #22 on:** March 03, 2008, 07:42:35 PM »

I believe that is exactly what mine looks like, both the camera and the monitor.

Guess I don't have to take pictures now!

tdybr27 · « **Reply #23 on:** March 04, 2008, 08:33:57 AM »

Quote from: tdybr27 on March 03, 2008, 05:14:33 PM

I'll look when I leave work here shortly... that monitor also came with a remote control.

the logo on the bottom of my monitor is just the snake eyes logo

73cuda · « **Reply #24 on:** March 04, 2008, 05:49:58 PM »

Well, I've looked all over and can't find any useful information on the snakeeyes. If there was any model number or manufacturer name on or inside of the camera or monitor, that would really help. I did find on TOS that others have had similar problems with theirs and could not get any info from the guy who was selling them. I found a phone number that I beleive is correct for him but based on what others have said, I don't think he'll help. (???)

I found a couple of cameras that "might" fit as a replacement. Looking forward to what you find out. If I can be of any help, let me know.

73cuda

Main One · « **Reply #25 on:** March 05, 2008, 07:49:01 AM »

Thanks for trying to help. I think we're both at the same place with our research. As noted above, I believe I'm going to get an s-video cable to cut up and do some more meter probing and then see if I can pump some composite video into the monitor.

Thanks again!

Main One · « **Reply #26 on:** March 09, 2008, 05:51:49 PM »

Well, I got an s-video cable and an s-video connector today, cut the cable in half and pulled the 2 small coax cables out of it in order to probe them, and it looks like I'm not getting + power to the rear of the truck. I need to unplug the monitor from the circuit to make sure the problem isn't in the monitor, but it was too cold out to get me to fired up to do too much trouble-shooting. It is supposed to get warmer here this week, but I've got to go to DC for work this week - hopefully next weekend will be nicer.

Main One · « **Reply #27 on:** May 05, 2008, 09:09:43 AM »

Well, after a couple of more trouble-shooting sessions, I believe I need to replace the camera.

Jumpering in power didn't help. I cut into the cable running under the truck to/from the camera location. I brought out of the house our smallest TV with RCA-jack video input, as well as my son's currently least-used gaming system, a game-cube. (Certainly not his Wii.) I had purchased an RCA-jack video cable, and cut off one end to get to the bare wiring. Plugged this into the TV and connected the bare wiring to ground and the shielded video line running back to the camera - nothing on the TV, pretty much like the monitor inside the truck. I then plugged the video line into the game-cube and held the ground and video wiring to the same running forward towards the truck monitor, while I had my son watching the monitor inside the truck. Maybe that wasn't the best thing to do as he exclaimed "Cool - can we install a game in the truck!". Well, at least I know the video monitor works, and that the video running to it is compatible with standard composite video. There are several potential replacement cameras available on ebay, and the wife has already determined that the camera will be my Father's Day gift. Looks like from what's available, I'm looking at needing at least 2" of depth, which the snakeeyes camera didn't need. I will probably have to do some modding to my electric tailgate lock mod to make room, but it should work. The upside is that it seems like all of the cameras I found on ebay have a ring of IR LEDs surrounding the camera to give it some limited night-vision capability.

Will do an update after Father's Day.....

Z66 Butch · « **Reply #28 on:** May 05, 2008, 10:47:51 AM »

Quote from: Main One on May 05, 2008, 09:09:43 AM

Well, after a couple of more trouble-shooting sessions, I believe I need to replace the camera.

Jumpering in power didn't help. I cut into the cable running under the truck to/from the camera location. I brought out of the house our smallest TV with RCA-jack video input, as well as my son's currently least-used gaming system, a game-cube. (Certainly not his Wii.) I had purchased an RCA-jack video cable, and cut off one end to get to the bare wiring. Plugged this into the TV and connected the bare wiring to ground and the shielded video line running back to the camera - nothing on the TV, pretty much like the monitor inside the truck. I then plugged the video line into the game-cube and held the ground and video wiring to the same running forward towards the truck monitor, while I had my son watching the monitor inside the truck. Maybe that wasn't the best thing to do as he exclaimed "Cool - can we install a game in the truck!". Well, at least I know the video monitor works, and that the video running to it is compatible with standard composite video. There are several potential replacement cameras available on ebay, and the wife has already determined that the camera will be my Father's Day gift. Looks like from what's available, I'm looking at needing at least 2" of depth, which the snakeeyes camera didn't need. I will probably have to do some modding to my electric tailgate lock mod to make room, but it should work. The upside is that it seems like all of the cameras I found on ebay have a ring of IR LEDs surrounding the camera to give it some limited night-vision capability.

Will do an update after Father's Day.....

HERE YA GO....a phone nember:

E3 Solutions, Inc.
d/b/a CUBBYCAM.COM
5669 Snell Ave
Suite 272
San Jose, CA 95123
Phone: (408) 985-7658 (Pacific Time)

This is from teksavy, inventer of the Cubby Cam.

Name: teksavy
Posts: 845 (0.438 per day)
Position: CAFCNA Site Partner
Date Registered: 01/23/03 02:19 PM
Last Active: Today at 12:41 PM

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ICQ:
AIM: ewodzien
MSN:
YIM: ewodzien
Email: av@ecubed.com
Website: Ed's AV website
Current Status: Offline [Add To Buddy List]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gender: Male
Age: 38
Location: San Jose, CA
Local Time: 05/05/08 09:46 AM
Language: English

I know Ed and will act as the "middle man" if needed. There is ONE reply stating soem interest as of now.

Hi All:

I'm selling the tailgate bezel handle CCD camera on my rig to a CAFCNA member for a great price... $100. (But there is a small catch.. see below.)

See full hi-rez pictures here

Great price and works great. This is a special version with an angled ring installed. The nice thing about this is that you can see the outer edge of your bumper as well as having the bird-eye view a lot of people like.

I already have a hitch mount on my rig and don't need this for demo anymore.

This would be ideal for someone with aftermarket navigation. If you'd like a CUBBYCAM monitor, PM me and I'll give you a deal on that as well.

Whats the catch? I need you to send me your bezel (2003-2006 dark-gray cladded).. quickly.

-Ed

First one who pays gets it. I can take VISA/MC as well as paypal.

This is only for CAFCNA members for the next couple of days. Jump on it.

Main One · « **Reply #29 on:** May 05, 2008, 10:55:45 AM »

Thanks for the info Butch. Sounds like he is going to swap the bezels. I'd rather not be without mine for a few days. And I wonder if he wants to put one with a non-functional camera onto his AV. Either way, I'm going to go with a new one, but thanks again for sharing.

Z66 Butch · « **Reply #30 on:** May 05, 2008, 11:38:21 AM »

Quote from: Main One on May 05, 2008, 10:55:45 AM

Thanks for the info Butch. Sounds like he is going to swap the bezels. I'd rather not be without mine for a few days. And I wonder if he wants to put one with a non-functional camera onto his AV. Either way, I'm going to go with a new one, but thanks again for sharing.

OK, I did not know that your SnakeEyes camera was in the bezel.

Main One · « **Reply #31 on:** June 09, 2008, 12:57:56 PM »

Finally got my backup camera going again.

I bought another camera on ebay for about $60. Chose the smallest one I could find. Depth was an issue. The snakeyes camera had very little depth, less than half an inch, the one I bought was a bit over an inch.

After trimming the wiring at the camera to splice in the new one, I found out that I wasn't getting power to the original camera. I believe the s-video type connectors can only take some much winter road salt, etc, and were not up to surviving 2 winters, at least not where mine were located. The original camera had taken on some moisture, so the picture was getting more and more blurry anyway.

The new camera does not have the fisheye type of picture that the snakeyes did, but that means it has a smaller field of view. I had to use one of the adjustment rings that came with the camera to get it to look more down. (I'll try to get pics up sometime - got to figure out how to do that with the new computer at home since the other one gave out.)

The new camera also has some IR LEDs integrated with it, to give it better night capability. The LEDs primarily only light up the center of the camera field of view, so they are limted, but still, the original camera didn't have any.

As far as I can tell, picture quality is as good as the orginal camera, although it's not like I look at it for hours on end.

As suspected, even though the original camera had what looked a lot like an s-video connector, the system is working great with a composite video camera in the works.

For anyone else that runs into this, I'd suggest cutting off the original connectors, and doing some temporary splicing of the wiring to make sure that the problems you may be experiencing is not due to a bad connection. I had tried cleaning the connectors as best I could, getting s-video cable to plug into the connector going to the front of the truck to make sure power was there, but had not tried tapping into the wiring past the last connector, which seemed to be where my problem really was.