Wireless Components Pairing/Installation

Updated December 06, 2024 20:33

Wireless solutions are often used where it is difficult or impossible to run a cable such as applications with trucks and trailers. They are also used when mounting cameras on moving parts of the vehicle where cables could be damaged over time such as on booms, masts, or dump beds. Each wireless solution consists of a single wireless camera (or standard camera with a separate wireless transmitter) paired to a single wireless receiver. There are three different wireless pairing options with multiple products to meet specific vehicle needs. The pairing options and uses are below:

Overview

1. Power-based Automatic Pairing

The following products support this power-based pairing mode:

PX-1320WT - Wireless Transmitter
PX-1320WR - Wireless Receiver

2. Time-based Automatic Pairing

This pairing mode is used in applications where the camera is mounted to a component of the vehicle that is often interchanged with other components. Utilizing a receiver connected to the display or DVR in the vehicle cab, the solution automatically pairs the camera and transmitter on the interchangeable component (such as a trailer) by entering into pairing mode automatically after power is connected. The receiver starts pairing and looks for a camera that is also in pairing mode and connects. If the “pair” button is pressed twice, the receiver will begin to search for a new transmitter. If a new transmitter is not found within sixty (60) seconds, the receiver will revert to searching for its last paired transmitter until the “pair” button is pressed twice or the receiver is powered off. This solution differs from power-based pairing as it does not require both devices to use the same power source. It is not preferred, however, in tractor trailer applications as it may require driver input/action when switching trailers if the pairing is not completed within the first 60 seconds after power connection and could also potentially cross-pair with a nearby truck/trailer if the vehicle is also pairing components at the same time. The following products support the time-based pairing mode:

PC-1450WC - Wireless Camera (see note below)
PX-1420WR - Wireless Receiver (see note below)

3. Manual Pairing

This pairing mode is used in applications where the camera is paired to a single receiver at initial installation and does not change pairing during normal operation. This solution works well where multiple wireless cameras are used on the same vehicle or where the camera is not on the same power source as the receiver. The following products support this manual pairing mode:

PC-1420WC - Wireless Battery Powered Camera
PC-1450WC - Wireless Camera (see note)
PX-1420WR - Wireless Receiver (see note)

System Overview

Each wireless system consists of two components:

Wireless Receiver:
- This connects to the monitor, DVR, or multiplexer for viewing/recording.
Wireless Transmitter:
- This may be either a separate component or built into a camera. This sends the video signal wirelessly to a paired receiver.

The distance from the transmitter (camera) to receiver can vary significantly depending on the location in which it is used. Laboratory testing of the system in a controlled environment produced a maximum range of 2000 ft., but this is not possible in most cases in the real world as there are many factors that play a significant role in reducing this range. In the field we suggest about a 500 ft. line of sight and 100 ft. with no line of sight.

Factors that affect range:

Other transmitting wireless radios operating in the same proximity such as Wi-Fi Access Points, Cellular Modems, GPRS Modems, Two-Way Radios, and Cellular Phones can decrease the range of the system. If the maximum transmitting distance is desired, then the transmitter and receiver must be located as far from these other devices as possible. Field testing of the system in a highly populated area with other transmitting devices located on the vehicle at least 5 ft. from the transmitter and receiver allowed effect transmitting distance of 500 ft. with open cargo trailers and near line of sight between the antenna of the transmitter and antenna of the receiver. In the same scenario but placing the receiver just 1 ft. from a two-way radio reduced the distance to 75 ft.

The type of vehicle and cargo structure that the signal must pass through such as locations where the transmitter and receiver cannot have line of sight or near line of sight. In field testing, if the signal travels through near line of sight the transmission distance in most scenarios was around 500 ft., but when traveling through a refrigerated semi-trailer full of cargo the distance was reduced to 100 ft. In the same scenario but with the signal traveling through an ambulance with the electronics in the patient compartment active, the distance of signal was reduced to just 50 ft. Place the transmitter and receiver such that the signal has minimal amount of structural steel, electronics, metal cargo, etc. within the path of transmission. If necessary, relocate the receiver to a location that provides the best direct path to the transmitter.

Determine the type of wireless hardware that is going to be installed and then follow the matching installation instructions.

Wireless Camera and Receiver Systems

This system consists of a single wireless receiver connected to a display, DVR, or multiplexer, and a wireless camera with a built-in transmitter. Depending on the camera used, there are multiple pairing options available.

Manual Pairing:
- Wireless Camera (PC-1450WC/8010155) and Wireless Receiver (PX‑1420WR/8090416)
- Wireless Battery Powered Camera (PC‑1420WC/8010151) and Wireless Receiver (PX‑1420WR/8090416)
Time-based Automatic Pairing:
- Wireless Camera (PC-1450WC/8010155) and Wireless Receiver (PX‑1420WR/8090416)

Considerations

If multiple cameras are required, multiple receivers will also be required. It is only recommended to use multiple receivers on a single vehicle when using manually paired systems.
Receiver and camera do not need to share a power source – can be connected to any power source and will pair with the last paired device when both units are powered on.
The receiver can output SD or HD (default) – press and hold the “pair” button for 5 seconds to toggle between the two outputs.

Example Diagrams

Battery Powered Wireless Camera System:
Wireless Camera System:
Two Wireless Camera System:

When using multiple wireless systems on a single vehicle, manual pairing systems should be used. Automatic pairing solutions may cross-pair. Cross-pairing is when one camera or transmitter automatically pairs with the incorrect receiver.
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The Wireless Receiver PX-1420WR is waterproof and can be mounted either externally or inside the vehicle cab. Considerations for best line-of-sight to the wireless camera mounting location should be made for best signal strength. Proximity to the driver (easy reach) should also be considered for the mounting location if time-based automatic pairing is to be used so that the driver can push the pairing button. After determining the location, mount with the supplied mounting screws, attach the antenna, and then connect the video output to a monitor, DVR, or multiplexer directly or through an A/V extension cable.

The Wireless Battery Powered Camera PC-1420WC should be powered on by pressing and holding the power button for 3 seconds and then magnetically attaching it to the vehicle body. After mounting, loosen the large nut around the antenna and rotate the camera for proper aim and then re-tighten the nut by hand. Ensure the antenna is tight and rotate the antenna to the vertical position (if possible). This camera is typically removed each day, or each time the trailer is disconnected from the truck and placed in the vehicle for storage and recharging.

The Wireless Camera PC-1450WC should be installed following the instructions detailed in the Cameras Section of this Guide (above). After installation, the power connections should be connected to a +10-32VDC power source that receives power whenever the vehicle is in operation.

Pairing

Manual Pairing:

This pairing mode requires both the camera and receiver to be paired together. To begin manual pairing, power on the receiver and camera. Press the “Pair” button on the receiver and then press the “Pair” button on the camera (on the PC‑1420WC Battery powered camera, press the power button once while the camera is powered on).

If the pairing process is successful, the monitor will display “Pairing Success” followed by the camera image. If the pairing is unsuccessful, the monitor will display “Pairing Fail” and the process should be repeated.

Once the camera is paired and the image is on the screen, no additional pairing is required.

To pair another camera to the receiver, simply power off the originally paired camera and then repeat the pairing process with the new camera and receiver.

Time-Based Automatic Pairing:

This pairing mode can only be used with the Wireless Camera (PC-1450WC) and Wireless Receiver (PX-1420WR). These devices are set by default to use the manual pairing mode and must be switched to automatic pairing mode. To switch modes, power on the device, locate the “Pair” button, and press it 3 times in a row to toggle to the other mode. Press 3 times again to toggle back to manual pairing. The pairing mode must be changed on both the receiver and the camera.

If the receiver is in automatic pairing mode, the blue “Pairing” LED will be flashing slowly on the receiver when powered on and an “A” will appear on the monitor image when the wireless view is displayed. If the “Pairing” LED on the receiver is flashing quickly, then the receiver is in manual pairing mode.

Operation

Manual Pairing:
When the camera and monitor are powered on, the camera image will automatically display. Signal strength is displayed in the upper right of the camera image.

Time-Based Automatic Pairing:
When the camera and monitor are powered on, if they were previously paired, the camera image will automatically display. If the camera was not last paired to the monitor, then after 5 seconds it will automatically enter pairing mode. The vehicle operator then has 60 seconds to either press the “Pair” button on the receiver or power the monitor off and back on again. If the driver fails to pair the camera and monitor within 60 seconds, the camera power must be turned off and back on again to restart the pairing process. Once paired, the signal components in the event of a short. If you are adding a new circuit, a 2A or 3A fuse should be used.

Maintenance

Always ensure that the antennas for the wireless transmitter/camera and receiver are in good condition and are attached properly. Clean the antennas only with a soft towel and low-pressure water. If the antennas are damaged and the signal is affected, contact Pro-Vision for a replacement.

Wireless Transmitter and Wireless Receiver System

This system consists of a wireless receiver (PX-1320WR/8090382) connected to a display, DVR or multiplexer, and a wireless transmitter (PX-1320WT/8090383) with a connected camera. This system is typically used in truck and trailer applications where multiple trucks and trailers are interchanged regularly.

Pairing:

The system automatically pairs the camera and transmitter by sending a pairing signal over the shared power supply of both components. The system is ideal for tractor trailer applications as it does not require any driver input/action when switching trailers with mounted cameras. After connecting to the standard trailer power connection, the camera will automatically pair and then the camera image will display.

Considerations:

Multiple transmitters/receivers cannot be used on a single vehicle as proper pairing cannot occur.
Transmitter and Receiver must both connect to a power source on the same circuit. The units may not be able to pair if they are on a separate power supply, on a separate circuit, or the power supply contains electronic filtering between the devices.
The transmitter can be connected to either SD or HD cameras. If an HD camera is connected, the receiver will output HD, if an SD camera is connected, the receiver will output SD.

Example Diagram

Wireless Tractor and Trailer Camera System:

Installation

Wireless Transmitter (PX-1320WT):

Mounting: The wireless transmitter is waterproof and can be mounted either externally or inside the vehicle/trailer body. Considerations for best line-of-sight to the wireless receiver mounting location should be made for best signal strength. After determining the location, mount with the supplied mounting screws, and attach the antenna. Adjust the antenna vertically for best performance.

Video: Connect the camera to the video input either directly or through an A/V extension cable.

Power: Connect the black ground wire to a chassis ground or directly to the negative terminal on the vehicle battery. Locate a +10-32VDC power connection near the transmitter mounting location. In most cases, the transmitter/camera will be connected to the vehicle or trailer clearance light circuit so that when the clearance lights are on, the camera/transmitter is also powered on. This power connection requires a small amount of current for operation of the transmitter and connected camera (0.4A @12VDC Max) so it can usually be integrated into existing pre-wired power locations. The power connection is the most critical component to proper operation as the transmitter sends a small digital pulse on this circuit that is picked up by the receiver to establish the pairing. If the transmitter is not on the same circuit and cannot receive the pulse signal, pairing will not occur. Once a suitable location is determined, connect it to the red power wire.

Important! Ensure that the power connection location circuit is appropriately fused to prevent damage to components in the event of a short. If you are adding a new circuit, a 2A or 3A fuse should be used.

Wireless Receiver (PX-1320WR):

Mounting: The wireless receiver is waterproof and can be mounted either externally or inside the vehicle cab. Considerations for best line-of-sight to the wireless transmitter mounting location should be made for best signal strength. After determining the location, mount with the supplied mounting screws, and attach the antenna. Adjust the antenna vertically for best performance.

Video: Connect the video output to a monitor, DVR, or multiplexer either directly or through an A/V extension cable.

Power: Connect the black ground wire to a chassis ground or directly to the negative terminal on the vehicle battery. Locate the +10-32VDC power connection on the truck that is on the same circuit as the transmitter power connection above. This power connection requires a small amount of current for operation of the receiver (0.2A @12VDC Max). The power connection is the most critical component to proper operation as the transmitter sends a small digital pulse on this circuit that is picked up by the receiver to establish the pairing. If the receiver is not on the same circuit and cannot receive the pulse signal, pairing will not occur. Once the connection location is found, connect it to the red power wire.