N4 Pro S Camera Redesign Thread:

[jsmith]

@Vortex Radar "Shared" this in his SEMA coverage, although I didn't see him talk about it any. Therefore, I feel comfortable sharing this information. Based upon feedback and testing, I suggested Vantrue redesign their hinged cameras due to unstable nature and flexing of the hinges. The hinges causes video shot from the rear dashcam (S1 Pro Max and N4 Pro S) to have vibrations. Vantrue recommended using 3m VHB to attached the top and bottom hinges together, and while the "work around" did resolve a majority of the vibrations, most consumers would see the problem and simply return the product without reaching out to Vantrue Support.

Therefore, @Jeff_Vantrue shared my feedback with the engineering team, and the S1 Pro Max and N4 Pro S rear cameras are getting redesigned. The N4 Pro S has started production in early November, and should be out to the public in late November / Early December. The S1 Pro Max has yet to begin production.

Note: I have yet to test the "Redesign Camera". For the moment, pictures only. I plan to test it in the next few days (received camera about 3-4 days ago)

Here are images of the N4 Pro S featured in @Vortex Radar SEMA coverage with the Old Rear Camera versus New.


1. Left is Redesigned Camera. Right is "Old Camera".

2. The Rear Cable plugs directly into the Redesigned Rear Camera on the Left. On the right, the old Camera uses a "Pig Tail".

3. The Redesigned Rear Camera (Left) uses a Swivel Concept. The Old Camera on the Right uses a Hinged Design.

4. Both Cameras use a 1.8 Fixed Lens and 5M Cmos Sensor

5. Redesigned Camera (Left) uses a Swivel and Fixed Mount. Old N4S Pro Rear Camera (Right) used a Pig Tail and Hinge Design

 

[jsmith]

I did some bench testing with N4 Pro S + New Rear Dashcam. So far, the rear camera seems to work well. I'll try to do some more extensive testing to see how it does day to day. However, I've yet to have time.

You'll notice the website doesn't yet have the firmware for the RC18 (new N4 Pro S) Rear Dashcam.

Here is the firmware running on the front + rear camera: Rear is using VT-EEI291 (newer than the RC09 of course).

 

[TonyM]

@jsmith For anyone who might not be aware and reads this thread in a few month's time, can you confirm that the old design is waterproof but the new design is not waterproof?

 

[jsmith]

@jsmith For anyone who might not be aware and reads this thread in a few month's time, can you confirm that the old design is waterproof but the new design is not waterproof?

@TonyM Given the new swivel design, which appears to lack a water tight seal and encasement, I surmise the retooled camera is not waterproof. Likewise, there appears to be no method for exterior mounting. Vantrue has not confirmed the lack of waterproofing, but I am pretty certain you are correct.

From a consumer standpoint, external mounted cameras pose significant issues. My backup camera (mounted under lip of hood) is susceptible to dust, dirt, rain, snow, etc. I've got to remember to wipe it off on numerous occasions, if I want a clear view when reversing. I see this as cumbersome and problematic for consumers that want a hands off experience.

Would I recommend Vantrue discontinue the hinged, waterproof, model? I guess it depends upon the demand. For probably 90% of consumers, the retooled barrel shaped camera will be a significant improvement.

 

[Jeff_Vantrue]

@jsmith For anyone who might not be aware and reads this thread in a few month's time, can you confirm that the old design is waterproof but the new design is not waterproof?

yes, you are right, the new design is not waterproof

 

[dcdirtrider]

The hinges causes video shot from the rear dashcam (S1 Pro Max and N4 Pro S) to have vibrations. Vantrue recommended using 3m VHB to attached the top and bottom hinges together, and while the "work around" did resolve a majority of the vibrations, most consumers would see the problem and simply return the product without reaching out to Vantrue Support.

Funny enough, I just went through this issue installing the RC09 camera with my S1PM. It vibrates like crazy. Not only that, RC09's bulky design doesn't allow the camera to sit close enough to the rear window to see over things like the rear wiper assembly if it's at an angle.

However, I did contact Vantrue's support and they're sending out the new design (RC18, I think). If Vantrue didn't have this option, I would have 100% returned the camera .Too bad the process of getting replacements takes so long, I'll be lucky to get the new camera before the new year ticks over

 

[jsmith]

Funny enough, I just went through this issue installing the RC09 camera with my S1PM. It vibrates like crazy. Not only that, RC09's bulky design doesn't allow the camera to sit close enough to the rear window to see over things like the rear wiper assembly if it's at an angle.

However, I did contact Vantrue's support and they're sending out the new design (RC18, I think). If Vantrue didn't have this option, I would have 100% returned the camera .Too bad the process of getting replacements takes so long, I'll be lucky to get the new camera before the new year ticks over

Vatrue told me the S1 Pro Max Rear Camera isn't yet ready as of a few days ago? The rear camera to replace the N4 Pro S works fantastically, sits close to the windshield, and no longer has any vibrations. The image is stellar.

 

[dcdirtrider]

Vatrue told me the S1 Pro Max Rear Camera isn't yet ready as of a few days ago? The rear camera to replace the N4 Pro S works fantastically, sits close to the windshield, and no longer has any vibrations. The image is stellar.

Vantrue sells the S1PM with a 2.5k rear camera option (which is what I have), and it uses the same RC09 camera unit as the N4PS. So maybe the person you spoke to was referring to the RC11 4k rear camera? The 4k RC11 has the same issues as the RC09, with it's cheap steel scissor-legs vibrating all over the place.

 

[jsmith]

Vantrue sells the S1PM with a 2.5k rear camera option (which is what I have), and it uses the same RC09 camera unit as the N4PS. So maybe the person you spoke to was referring to the RC11 4k rear camera? The 4k RC11 has the same issues as the RC09, with it's cheap steel scissor-legs vibrating all over the place.

The RC18 (new N4 Pro S Rear Camera) is 2.5K. The S1 Pro Max 4K has a 4K front and 4K Rear. The redesigned camera is called the the RC17.

Per @Jeff_Vantrue I’ve just double-checked with our warehouse, and the RC17 is indeed not in stock yet.

 

[attila24nagy]

Greetings. I installed the entire N4 ProS system myself with a VANTRUE USB-C Display Hardwire kit on a Mondeo Hybrid Combi, I used a switch on the kit's power supply so as not to use the battery when the car is parked in the yard. I don't want to be a jerk, but if the screws on the rear camera are tightened more, the camera shake is eliminated. I didn't notice what you noticed. Sorry use Google Translate.

 

[dcdirtrider]

The RC18 (new N4 Pro S Rear Camera) is 2.5K. The S1 Pro Max 4K has a 4K front and 4K Rear. The redesigned camera is called the the RC17.

Per @Jeff_Vantrue I’ve just double-checked with our warehouse, and the RC17 is indeed not in stock yet.

Ok. However, the S1PM in the US is sold as 3 options:

1. 4k front camera only
2. 4k front, and 2.5k rear (RC09)
3. 4k front, and 4k rear (RC11)

If you'd like more info, here's Vantrue's Amazon-US ad for the RC09 camera (which I have), that clearly states it is compatible with both the S1PM AND the N4PS.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/B0FXGFG7MG
Stands to reason, if the new RC18 is compatible with the N4Ps, it will also be compatible with the S1PM.

 

[jsmith]

Ok. However, the S1PM in the US is sold as 3 options:

1. 4k front camera only
2. 4k front, and 2.5k rear (RC09)
3. 4k front, and 4k rear (RC11)

If you'd like more info, here's Vantrue's Amazon-US ad for the RC09 camera (which I have), that clearly states it is compatible with both the S1PM AND the N4PS.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/B0FXGFG7MG
Stands to reason, if the new RC18 is compatible with the N4Ps, it will also be compatible with the S1PM.

Ok. Sorry so you have the 4K and 2.5K Rear and you're saying the N4 Pro S Rear (RC18) is compatible with the S1 Pro Max 4K front + 2.5K Rear. Understood