About Us
In the late 1990's vehicle vision systems and rear view backup camera systems were sold almost exclusively for waste management trucks and recreational vehicles. System costs were prohibitive and were a major impediment to widespread deployment.
We developed a modular rearview camera system that offered simple installation, excellent operational performance, all at a competitive price. Lower up front costs provided the economic justification for deploying these systems, and the rest is history.
Vehicle vision systems are now common place: from the courier truck to your personal vehicle to municipal vehicles and we are justifiably proud to have played a key role in the widespread utilization of what was once considered a luxury item.
Need help? We use the products we sell and can answer any questions regarding installation and use of our systems. Please contact us.
CONTACT US
If you have any inquires or questions feel free to contact us immediately using any of the methods below.
Dealer Inquiries
Please direct all dealer inquiries to sales@mobilesafety.net
FAQ
How long has this company been around?
Winsted Group Inc. was established in 1987.
What method of payment is available?
Payment may be made by Visa, Mastercard, American Express.
Why are these prices so low?
Our prices have a fair mark-up on our material/labor costs to provide profits for our company. We frankly cannot understand why specialty stores are selling rear-view systems at prices that are sometimes triple what you will pay here. The components in the Provix CCHT systems are of high quality and good value. We source all of our own components and complete final assembly on all systems at our location in New Lowell, Ontario Canada. The cameras and monitors provide a superior image and all camera systems have been tested in Canadian winter driving conditions. A full 6 month parts/labour warranty is included with each purchase. Volume discounts are available to retailers, OEM suppliers and anyone else who has a need to purchase more than 5 systems.
Is the installation difficult?
a) Mount the camera.
b) Run the cable under the vehicle and fasten with nylon wire ties.
c) Push the cable through an existing cable hole in the floor to reach the interior.
d) Mount the monitor using the sticky pad or screws.
e) Plug the cables together (they only fit one way).
f) Plug the power cord into your accessory or lighter socket.
How far will the Infrared lights shine?
Six IR lights will reach about 5 feet and twelve IR lights will go to 10 feet. The cameras are "light sensitive" and do not rely solely on the IR lights. When an object is very close to the camera, that object is blocking any ambient light. This is where the IR lights come into play. For rare situations where a camera is installed in a location where there are no tail lights, head lights or street lights, an independent Infrared flood lamp may be used. The models we carry have 69 IR lights and reach about 30 feet out.
Will the picture be as clear as my home television?
Your home television is typically a CRT tube in a controlled light environment. The stations you watch are also in a controlled light environment when they are filmed. An LCD monitor is the same as what is used in laptop computers or on your cell phone. Glare and bright surrounding light will make any LCD screen hard to see. Adjustments with the brightness and contrast controls can compensate to a certain degree. The camera must constantly adjust for changes in lighting from shadows, sunlight, street lights and vehicle headlights. In answer to the question, NO .. outdoor rear vision systems are a completely different game.
How big is the picture on the various size monitors?
Open the document link below for actual size scree shots of the monitors. Be sure to view them at 100% magnification for the proper size.
Do I need sound?
Sound would be important if you needed to hear a person behind the vehicle or trailer. Perhaps in the case where they are directing you when backing into a campsite.
Where I would use a black/white v.s. colour camera?
Consumer feedback tells us that colour is preferred since it is easier to keep track of surrounding vehicles by their colour as opposed to make/model with the black/white camera. More customers choose colour cameras over black/white. A colour image is at its best on an overcast day.
What is the difference a "rear-view" camera and a "back-up" camera system?
They are the same system. The difference is how they are used. The term "back-up camera" implies that it would only be used for backing up the vehicle. A "rear-view" system is turned on all of the time while driving. The camera provides a much wider view than the vehicle rear-view mirror. Essentially, a "rear-view" system eliminates the need for a rear-view mirror.
What is the difference between cameras with 1/4" CCD and 1/3" CCD?
This is the size of a camera sensor's active area. The smaller the dimension, the more "work" the camera will have to do to present a monitor sized picture. A 1/4" CCD will have to magnify the image more to show the image on the monitor. A 1/3" CCD will need less magnification to show the image on the monitor. A 1/3" CCD will cost more and have a better image. Both types are adequate for rear view systems.
Is it true that some CMOS cameras match CCD image quality?
Yes, CMOS technology has advanced over the past couple of years. Some manufacturers claim that their CMOS designs can compete directly with CCD camera. We know of two that are pretty close to CCD. These CMOS sensors may be known to some as "CCIQ" or "OV7949". OmniVision OmniPixel2 OV7949 CMOS sensors are designed specifically for the automotive industry and can compete head-to-head with the competitive CCD market. The OV7949 image sensor is a high performance video camera with a small footprint and low power consumption. The OV7949 excels in low light conditions and can operate within a wide temperature range from -20C to +70C.
What is the difference between waterproof ratings IPX6 and IPX5?
The "IPX" rating refers to how much water/weather the product can withstand. The IPX standards have set the following guidelines.
IPX-0: No special protection
IPX-1: Protected against falling water
Equivalent to 3-5mm rainfall per minute for a duration of 10 minutes. Unit is placed in its normal operating position.
IPX-2: Protected against falling water when tilted up to 15 degrees
Same as IPX-1 but unit is tested in 4 fixed positions - tilted 15 degrees in each direction from normal operating position.
IPX-3: Protected against spraying water
Water spraying up to 60 degrees from vertical at 10 litres/min, (2.6 gpm), at a pressure of 80-100kN/m2, (11.6 to 14.5 psi), for 5 min.
IPX-4: Protected against splashing water
Same as IPX-3 but water is sprayed at all angles.
IPX-5: Protected against water jets
Water projected at all angles through a 6.3mm, (0.25 inch), nozzle at a flow rate of 12.5 litres/min, (3.3 gpm), at a pressure of 30kN/m2, (4.35 psi), for 3 minutes from a distance of 3 meters.
IPX-6: Protected against heavy seas
Water projected at all angles through a 12.5mm, (0.5 inch), nozzle at a flow rate of 100 litres/min, (26.4 gpm), at a pressure of 100kN/m2, (14.5 psi), for 3 minutes from a distance of 3 meters.
IPX-7: Protected against water immersion
Immersion for 30 minutes at a depth of 1 meter.
How do different camera lens angles affect what I see?
A typical highway lane is about 12 feet wide. To see the full width of a four lane highway you will want a viewing width of about 50 feet. For the distance behind you, you will want to see at least 10 car lenghts in order to make safe lane changes. If we use a car length of 10 feet for the calculation, you will want to see an area of 50 feet wide at 100 feet back.
The chart below shows the viewing width of various camera angles. As you can see, all camera angles will suffice for back-up or rear-view systems. The width at 5 feet back should be wider than the width of the vehicle. For example, a small car could use 60 degrees or more. A motor home needs at least 110 degrees in order to view an appropriate sized area behind.
CCD Cameras |
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Horizontal Lens Angle | Width 5 feet back | Width 10 feet back | Width 25 feet back | Width 50 feet back | Width 100 feet back | "fish-eye" | Diagonal Lens Angle | Lens Size |
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15° | 1.4 ft | 2.8 ft | 7 ft | 14 ft | 28 ft | Zoom | ° | 16.0mm |
22° | 2 ft | 4 ft | 10 ft | 19 ft | 39 ft | Zoom | ° | 12.0mm |
42° | 4 ft | 8 ft | 19 ft | 38 ft | 77 ft | None | 53° | 1/3" |
53° | 5 ft | 10 ft | 25 ft | 51 ft | 102 ft | None | ° | 6.0mm |
60° | 6 ft | 12 ft | 29 ft | 58 ft | 115 ft | Minimal | 75° | 1/3" |
78° | 8 ft | 16 ft | 40 ft | 81 ft | 162 ft | Slight | ° | 4.3mm |
90° | 10 ft | 20 ft | 50 ft | 100 ft | 200 ft | Slight | 106° | 1/3" |
92° | 10 ft | 20 ft | 50 ft | 100 ft | 200 ft | Slight | 106° | 3.6mm |
95° | 11 ft | 22 ft | 55 ft | 11 ft | 222 ft | Slight | ° | 1/3" |
100°
| 12 ft | 24 ft | 60 ft | 119 ft | 238 ft | Yes | 115° | 1/3" |
110° (standard) | 14 ft | 29 ft | 71 ft | 143 ft | 286 ft | Yes | 123° | 1/3" |
130° | 22 ft | 43 ft | 107 ft | 214 ft | 429 ft | Strong | ° | 1/3" |
150° | 37 ft | 75 ft | 187 ft | 373 ft | 746 ft | Extreme | ° | 1/3" |
1/3" OV7949 Cameras |
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Horizontal Lens Angle | Width 5 feet back | Width 10 feet back | Width 25 feet back | Width 50 feet back | Width 100 feet back | "fish-eye" | Diagonal Lens Angle | Lens Size |
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25° | 2.5 ft | 4.5 ft | 11.5 ft | 23 ft | 46 ft | Zoom | ° | 12.0mm |
40° | 3.5 ft | 7.5 ft | 18 ft | 36 ft | 73 ft | Zoom | ° | 8.0mm |
51° | 5 ft | 10 ft | 24 ft | 49 ft | 98 ft | None | 69° | 6.0mm |
78° | 8 ft | 18 ft | 40 ft | 81 ft | 162 ft | Minimal | 92° | 3.6mm |
92° | 10 ft | 21 ft | 52 ft | 104 ft | 207 ft | Slight | 120° | 2.8mm |
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The most important aspect of the camera angle is that the wider it is, the image appears more and more curved horizontally ("fish-eye"). A 42 degree lens will have the same "depth perception" as the human eye. A 110 degree lens will view the same width as the human eye. One is a trade off for the other. In the wide angle lenses, objects will actually be closer to you then they appear on screen.
Are your cameras compatible my Pioneer DVD Navigation System?
Yes, all of our "PR" series cameras are compatible with Pioneer Navigation Systems.