Is there a night vision camera available like the one on the BMW or MB that could be installed in the lower front grill and have the image be seen on the display?
On a 2006? Sure, why not? I can't give you a link to a particular camera, but I've shown you how to hijack the backup camera video input for other purposes. What range do you need? Most of the infrared video camers that I've played with don't particularly have much range to their LED's. I wonder if anyone makes one with a laser illuminator?
Short answer= yes if you want to spend +$5k for a camera and HUD. Long answer=no LEDs will shine out the 200+ feet you need for vision+reaction time+stopping distance. You need a near IR camera, not a junky "security" one, to be able to detect body or exhaust heat at a distance. Watching you MFD while driving in bad conditions will cause you to crash, you need a real HUD (projector, lense and reflector). Go search for Raytheon Bendix Vision Systems OEM PN: 5012083 The human eye is capable of detecting electromagnetic radiation in a range from about 380 nanometers (nm) of wavelength to 700 nm. The radiation between 380 and 700 nm is thus called visible light. Wavelengths around 700 nm appear red. So, beyond 700 nm, the radiation is referred to "infra"-red, or IR. Anything that gives off heat is giving off some form of infrared radiation.
You can find cheaper cameras than that. I plan to do this mod too, and mod my fog lights with 50 watt IR bulbs. It can be done.
Cheap, check out the second to last Popular Science. It tests the Mercedes and BMW systems. You may be able to buy Mercedes IR bulbs or lights. The best possible "cheap" IR camera I seen specs on is the new Sony Super HAD. Good luck, let me know how it turns out.
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(200Volts @ Jun 22 2006, 06:51 PM) [snapback]275534[/snapback]</div> I am leaning towards a FLAR camera (Thermal) but I don't know enough about it yet. Right now I am working on some Aerodynamic modifications. I'll get back to Power efficiency (Led's, Digital Accelerator) and then luxury mods (Cameras, Cappuccino Machine) later. Here is some information on a bulb I found, but I have not gone any further with it to see if it would really give you a better light then the LED's or if it would get to hot, or if it would even fit. If it would work, and fit in the fog lamps you would not even know it was there. Product Description 37-watt IR 12-Volt Flood 40-degrees Sylvania Tungsten Halogen Tru-Aim MR16IR. Has a UV-Stop Capsule (greatly reduce any potential for fading of merchandise or decor) Bi-Pin Base. SYLVANIA IR halogen lamps feature a special infrared-reflective coating on their inner capsules that makes them up to 30 percent more energy efficient. One bulb per pack. [attachmentid=3891]
