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Z Automotive front trail cam reviews / feedback?

JTPatriot

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Who has had a Z Automotive front trail cam installed for a year or more and how do you like it and how is it doing?

Plus are the new ones the same camera as I thought I saw something about a different supplier and not being as good.
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The Cargo Camera is an analog input, Standard Definition (480i), so the resolution is not great. ZAutomotive developed a kit to use it for a front camera on models that did not come equipped with the factory camera. There is nothing really unique or special about it, so there are now multiple clones available for less money. The most difficult part of the install is adding the wires to the factory connector behind the radio. ZAutomotive does sell a harness that makes the camera installation easy, but it is about $80.
 

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Who has had a Z Automotive front trail cam installed for a year or more and how do you like it and how is it doing?

Plus are the new ones the same camera as I thought I saw something about a different supplier and not being as good.
I posted this in the what did you do TO your…

Not sure why anyone would go through the headache and expense of retrofitting a hard wired front camera after this

I purchased a GreenYi 5G wireless Wi-Fi camera from Amazon. Install took about an hour and could have taken much less, but I tend do chase squirrels…lol. At some point I may correct the angle a bit due to a touch of OCD, but it’s damn close. So, I was out < $60 and have a camera with fully adjustable guidelines…through wireless technology…less a power and ground wire. The ground is run to one of the numerous fender ground posts and the power is ran to the cigar lighter switched power fuse in the fuse box.

The last 2 photos where from a horizontal screen, which were too large of files to upload so I screen shorted them in portrait mode.

After I save my penny’s, get and install a Bulletpoint dash mount I’ll mount an iPad mini so I can run multiple tracking maps at the same time.

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JTPatriot

JTPatriot

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I will have to check that out Dougstdig
 

Dunks001

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I’ve had one in the grill for over a year. Camera always works. Might install it lower if doing it again. YMMV
 

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Dougstdig

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I’ve had one in the grill for over a year. Camera always works. Might install it lower if doing it again. YMMV
I thought about mounting it to my winch protecting hoop, but the small area above my Bolt hood lock was calling me. It’s more protected. It worked well. Worse case scenario. If the camera module failed…$58 and no major re-wiring.
 

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Cool Bean’s. Under the winch would be the ideal position.
 

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I thought about that but there's too much water here in FL, GA, AL and TN. Up a little higher protects it.
 

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I liked it while it lasted. Mine lasted 10 months. Got it Black Friday of 2021 and by October of last year it was dead. Decent camera considering it wasn't HD. I reached out to Zautomotive and they sent me a replacement camera which was nice but the quality on the new one is garbage. Doesn't look as clear and it's zoomed in way too much and doesn't have that wide view. When I asked Zautomotive what's going on they said they switched suppliers and I can buy a different one on Amazon. Basically, too bad....
 
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Thanks Fishee.
 

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I posted this in the what did you do TO your…

Not sure why anyone would go through the headache and expense of retrofitting a hard wired front camera after this

I purchased a GreenYi 5G wireless Wi-Fi camera from Amazon. Install took about an hour and could have taken much less, but I tend do chase squirrels…lol. At some point I may correct the angle a bit due to a touch of OCD, but it’s damn close. So, I was out < $60 and have a camera with fully adjustable guidelines…through wireless technology…less a power and ground wire. The ground is run to one of the numerous fender ground posts and the power is ran to the cigar lighter switched power fuse in the fuse box.

The last 2 photos where from a horizontal screen, which were too large of files to upload so I screen shorted them in portrait mode.

After I save my penny’s, get and install a Bulletpoint dash mount I’ll mount an iPad mini so I can run multiple tracking maps at the same time.

CB5A964F-5228-4E82-943F-84DE49507262.png


86AB43A6-7DE9-44C4-928E-D0D22B62DDC3.png


B0816A5C-E8E5-45C5-BC99-65E5B9D9B29C.png


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Stupid question, but do you need data signal in order to use wifi on your phone/tablet? Meaning, would it work if you were out in the desert with no phone reception?

Do you find the guidelines are accurate to your tire line?

I'm unable to order with trailcam as it's unavailable at this time, which is really disappointing considering it's the only option with guidelines that follow steering. As such, I'm interested in easy aftermarket options, so thanks for the mention.
 

Dougstdig

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Stupid question, but do you need data signal in order to use wifi on your phone/tablet? Meaning, would it work if you were out in the desert with no phone reception?

Do you find the guidelines are accurate to your tire line?

I'm unable to order with trailcam as it's unavailable at this time, which is really disappointing considering it's the only option with guidelines that follow steering. As such, I'm interested in easy aftermarket options, so thanks for the mention.
Not a stupid question at all. When you open your phone WiFi connections you will find the camera link there. When it’s powered up it transmits a signal. Make sure your phone is connected to the camera’s link and open the JoyTrip app. Done.

The guidelines are adjustable from within the app. You can adjust the width and length.
 
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JTPatriot

JTPatriot

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Not a stupid question at all. When you open your phone WiFi connections you will find the camera link there. When it’s powered up it transmits a signal. Make sure your phone is connected to the camera’s link and open the JoyTrip app. Done.

The guidelines are adjustable from within the app. You can adjust the width and length.
So with the phones wifi and the JoyTrip app connected are you using any data from the phones carrier or is it just a way of connecting the two? Do you have to have a hotspot with your phone?
 

Dougstdig

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So with the phones wifi and the JoyTrip app connected are you using any data from the phones carrier or is it just a way of connecting the two? Do you have to have a hotspot with your phone?
My hot spot on the phone isn't on. I just connect to the WIFI from the camera. I think it's the same as if you logged onto your home network. You click on "MyHome" or what ever your network is...and the image taken by your camera shows up on the app. You can save an image or video on your phone. You can make the tire lines disappear etc.

Hell, if you're running with some other Jeepers, and they have the app, they can log on to your camera if in range and see what you're going over.
 
 



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