50 | BOATINGMAG.COM | MARCH 2018
BOAT DOBOATDOCTOCTORR //////BOATINGLABBOATI NGL ABPHOTOS: (FROM TOP) COURTESY GARMIN (2), COURTESY TOP DAWG ELECTRONICS (2)SEE MORE BOATINGLAB TESTS AT BOATINGMAG.COM.GARMIN
DRIVESMART 61 LMT-S AND BC 30 WIRELESS BACKUP CAMERA
This two-part system rocks. In addition to giving turn-by-turn guid-
ance on a nearly 7-inch diagonal screen and free and easy lifetime
Wi-Fi map updates, DriveSmart offers on-map traffi c warnings to
help you reroute to better roads. In our tests, it responded fl aw-
lessly to voice commands such as a request for an address or to
make a call hands-free with Bluetooth-connected mobile phones.
The screen is so large and bright, our view of surroundings in
reverse was clear and crisp to make backing up on a trailer hitch
frustration-free. TripAdvisor on board helps you plan for stops,
meals and entertainment along the way. The 640 x 480 resolution
color Wi-Fi camera transmits to the Garmin device up to 45 feet
away and presents a proximity grid for perspective. Hard-wire the
display and cam to power and you can toggle at will between navi-
gation or the rearview cam.
ALSO COOL: Connect the BC 30 to the white backup lights’ power
leads and it will power up to automatically transmit its video image
to the display when backing up.
INSTALLATION: Garmin recommends professional installationwhen wiring the camera to the backup lights, but we’ve done this
type of installation and it’s not diffi cult. The camera has an adjust-
able bracket that clips to a license plate.
PROS: We loved the big, bright screen and high-resolution imaging
on the camera. The backup cam comes on upon shifting into re-
verse and gives a clear view. Garmin is probably more experienced
than anyone in mapping and turn-by-turn traffi c support. Voice rec-
ognition worked extremely well in our tests, and we could speak
directions to the GPS. Mapping fi rmware updates are thankfully
free forever.
CONS: Your vehicle may require dashboard adhesive mounting
to avoid obstructing windshield visibility. The Bluetooth connec-
tion for transferring road conditions to the GPS is a battery hog
for your phone, so you’ll need to keep it plugged in. The wireless
camera connection is convenient but gives a shaky image that,
though slightly delayed, doesn’t interfere with safe backing-up
observation.
COST: $269.99 (DriveSmart), $169.99 (BC 30); garmin.comView Behind
Garmin makes GPS
navigation for land,
sea and air, and
offers reverse-view
safety as well.WI-FI LICENSE-PLATE BACKUP CAMERA
THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT
Why not use your smartphone as
a backup display? Fasten this IR
illuminated camera over your license
plate just like a frame and the
camera transmits clear images day
or night and is always in place and
ready. The company says most users
connect the Wi-Fi backup camera’s
power cable to the vehicle's backup
light circuit. That powers up the
camera when the vehicle is shifted
into reverse. When powered up, it
automatically establishes a Wi-Ficonnection to a smartphone via the
free WIFIAV app (iOS or Android)
and displays the camera image.
Some users want to be able to see
their trailered rig as they move down
the highway. In that case, wire the
camera and Wi-Fi transmitter to an
ignition-activated power source and
keep your towed wheels in view at
all times. The camera is weath-
erproof and subtly integrates into
your license-plate area. $169.99;
topdawgelectronics.com