LRRB Local Operational Research Assistance Program (OPERA) for Local Transportation Groups Field Report This report must include the underlined subject areas and supporting resources (i.e. photos, graphs, charts, etc.). The OPERA program will use this information in an annual report that will be shared with other local agencies within the state. We request that a short 5-10 minute demo or presentation be shared at the Spring Maintenance Training Expo. Date: 6/11/09 Project Title: Evaluation of rear vision systems for snowplows Project Number: 2008-08 Agency: Person Completing Report: Project Leader: McLeod County Highway Department John Brunkhorst, County Engineer Brian Schrupp, Shop Foreman Phone Number: 320 234-0234 Problem: Snow plowing and sanding operations can be a stressful undertaking for maintenance operators. With a tandem snow plow, vision is very limited and several blind spots occur, particularly during backing. Solution: Install rear vision cameras and LCD monitors from Pro-Vision, Inc. on snow plow trucks to determine if they will be effective in snow/ice events. Procedure: Two styles of rear vision cameras and two styles of LCD color monitors (5 and 7 ) were mounted on six tandem snow plow trucks in three locations to determine which setup is the most effective. See attached summary and photos. Results: Cameras were used in approximately 5-15 events. Both styles of camera seemed to get covered quickly by salt and or snow in any of the three mounting locations. All operators liked concept of cameras. There was no advantage of the 7 monitor over the 5. Next steps are to figure out a way to keep lens clean. The operators liked the security of having a second set of eyes when backing. Approximate Cost: $4,000 Implementation: Due to relatively low cost (~$700 per system) we will likely consider on all new tandem purchases. Status: Completed Total Duration of Project: 4 months Project End Date: May 2009 Total OPERA Funds used for project: $4,000 Send and Email a completed report with pictures to: Mindy Carlson, CTS - 200 TSB, 511 Washington Ave. SE, Mpls. MN 55455, email carlson@umn.edu. For questions about this report please contact Mindy Carlson at 612-625-1813.
McLeod County Highway Department OPERA Project 2008-08 - Rear Vision Cameras for Snow Plows SUMMARY Operator Craig Ron Bryan Elvis Pat Kim Camera Style Pro-Series Xtreme Duty Color VLI Series Color Pro-Series Xtreme Duty Color VLI Series Color VLI Series Color Pro-Series Xtreme Duty Color Camera Location (see photos) Left Rear near turn signal Left Rear near turn signal Center on top of brine tank (no photo) Center on top of brine tank (no photo) Right Rear near turn signal Right Rear near turn signal Monitor 5" Color LCD 7" Color LCD 7" Color LCD 5" Color LCD 7" Color LCD 5" Color LCD Monitor Location Lower Right near passenger seat Top Center of Dash Lower Right near passenger seat Lower Right near passenger seat Lower Right near passenger seat Lower Right near passenger seat Snow Events 9 to 15 ~15 4 or 5 9 to 15 9 to 15 9 to 15 COMMENTS "very satisfied" "could always see even though lens got covered on edges" "snow/ice buildup quickly" "work good when not covered with snow" "perception of vehicle behind is way off. Vehicle is closer than appears on monitor" "believe they are good idea" "lens gets snow - hard to see" "big benefit at night or dark" "water/sun a problem" "snow sticks to lens in short time" "biggest drawback is depth perception" "snow cloud/blowing snow difficult" "closer view would be better" "infrared camera is very bright at night - strobes lights up entire cab" "good width of view" "easy to access and clean" "hard to see monitor on sunny day" "either size monitor was fine" "small inconvenience of cleaning is worth having the extra set of eyes" "need more time to judge fully" "could come in handy spring/summer for hooking up equipment, spreading gravel, or backing into shouldering machine" "overall give them a B+" Page 1 P:\LRRB-UMN\2009 backup camera OPERA summary.xls
McLeod County Highway Department OPERA 2008-08 Rear Vision Systems for Snow Plows VLI Series Camera (Left Rear Mounting Location Shown) Pro-Series Xtreme Duty Camera (Left Rear Mounting Location Shown)
McLeod County Highway Department OPERA 2008-08 Rear Vision Systems for Snow Plows 7 LCD Color Monitor (Center of Dash Mounting Location Shown) 5 LCD Color Monitor (Lower Right Passenger Mounting Location Shown)
VLI Series Night Vision Camera Systems 28 Infra Red LED - Night Vision Audio LED Monitor Backlighting Twist-Lock Type Monitor Connector Seeing is Safety TM.com Eliminate dangerous blind spots on any vehicle! With unmatched Night Vision, a PRO-VISION VLI Series Night Vision Camera System will eliminate dangerous blind spots on any vehicle for reduced accidents, insurance and liability costs. With the addition of Infra Red LED Night Vision, the VLI Series will provide a clear view in total darkness. No vehicle is complete without a PRO-VISION Video System. VLI Series Night Vision Camera Systems 5.0 7.0 All New Ruggedized LCD Design! 5.5 B/W CRT System 5.5 Green CRT System Model TV-205 Model TV-505 Model TV-105 Model TV-405 Systems Include: Heavy Duty Monitor Wide Angle Camera Power Harness Two 33 Video Cables Popular Accessories: Side View/Second Camera Kit Trailer Connection Kit Five Camera Control Device Digital Video Recorder PRO-VISION Cameras are plug-&-play p compatible with major brand control display screens and rear vision systems. Self Sealing Rubber Grommet R a n g e of M otio n Inverted Mount Straight Mount Standard Mount The PRO-VISION VLI Series Mounting Bracket allows full range of motion for expanded mounting versatility. R a n ge of M otio n R a n g e of M otio n With 28 Special Infra Red LED s, the PRO-VISION VLI Series Night Vision System provides more than 4 times the night time performance of other brands. Don t forget a side view second camera kit! An American Corporation Fleet installation services available. Page 11 PC-1207 Specifications and design subject to change without notice. Copyright 2009 PRO-VISION, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Visit our website to learn more about PRO-VISION and our full line of rugged, reliable rear vision and digital recording systems! 800.576.1126 PRO-VISION Video Systems provsnusa.com 4
PRO-VISION Side & Rear Vision Cameras Need just a camera? PRO-VISION Cameras are plug-&-play compatible with major brand control display screens and rear vision systems. PRO Series Xtreme Duty Camera Machined Camera Housing nectors 3 Year Camera Warranty Patent Pending 3 Year Camera Warranty Seeing is Safety TM.com Pictured above is the popular PRO-VISION Xtreme Duty Camera that has been designed for the toughest applications. With a housing machined out of a solid block of aluminum, the Xtreme Duty Camera is virtually indestructible. PRO-VISION Side & Rear Vision Cameras 3 Year Camera Warranty PRO Series 2.5 Camera Light VL Series Affordable Performance Camera VLI Series Night Vision Camera SAE/DOT Compliant Light 145 (h) Camera View warea IP67 Waterproof Camera IP67 Waterproof Connectors 3 Year CameraWa Warranty Patent Pending 140 (h) Camera View Area Stainless Bracket & Hardware Audio 28 Infra Red LED - Night Vision i Audio VLBI Series Night Vision In Body/Bumper Camera Ideal for body or bumper mounting ng 9 Infra Red LED - Night Vision WEDGE Series Night Vision Camera Ultimate Extreme Duty Design 9 Infra Red LED - Night Vision ion Lifetime Housing Warranty PRO-VISION Cameras are plug-&-play compatible with major brand control display screens and rear vision systems. Additional interface cable may be required. See your local PRO-VISION Dealer or call 800.576.1126 for more information. RCA / BNC Connector Interface Cable Jumper Cables An American Corporation Fleet installation services available. Specifications and design subject to change without notice. Copyright 2009 PRO-VISION, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 7 Visit our website to learn more about PRO-VISION and our full line of rugged, reliable rear vision and digital recording systems! 800.576.1126 PRO-VISION Video Systems provsnusa.com