 Yada YD-V43 Bluetooth rear-view mirror; photo by James Bergeron. Click image to enlarge |
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Manufacturer’s web site |
Review and photos by Russell Purcell
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Yada YD-V43
One of the most popular accessories on many high-end luxury vehicles is the back-up camera system. These clever devices provide the driver with a clear view of what is happening behind their vehicle, making the operation of backing out less stressful, and parking a breeze. Unfortunately, very few budget-friendly automobiles offer these systems as an option. Luckily, there are several aftermarket companies out there which fill the demand for these safety devices.
Winplus is a global marketing company that is well-known for its large catalogue of consumer electronics, lifestyle products, and automotive accessories. The company markets the Yada brand, which is distributed through Canadian Tire stores across the country. Recently, I received a Yada rearview mirror system which incorporates a back-up camera, as well as a Bluetooth speakerphone. The model number is VD-V43, and it retails for $249.00. This seems like a reasonable cost when you factor in the number of features integrated into the system, but should you need a professional to install it, the cost could quickly double.
  Yada YD-V43 Bluetooth rear-view mirror. Click image to enlarge |
The Yada system consists of a replacement rearview mirror that features an integrated display screen upon which the user will see the view from the camera, as well as information pertaining to your cell phone. A small, water resistant camera unit is mounted to the rear of the vehicle (usually clipped and taped to the top of the licence plate) and hard wired to the reverse lamp. A signal booster is connected to the camera which is used to send the wireless signal to the mirror’s receiver. Placement of the booster is limited by the length of its connecting wire, but it is easily mounted using double-sided tape.
Installation of the mirror is relatively simple, as it simply clips onto the existing mirror to which it is secured with Velcro straps. One of my straps proved faulty, but the company sent me a replacement set in short order. It is important to cinch these tight, otherwise the mirror will vibrate when the vehicle is travelling on irregular surfaces, rendering it useless. The mirror unit derives its power from either a 12-volt accessory cord, or you can hard-wire it to the vehicle’s electrical system. I chose to operate the vehicle using the plug-in method as a precaution in case I was not happy the unit’s performance.
Once I powered the mirror up and made sure it was working, I enlisted the help of my friend John to perform most of the install, as he is a mechanic and possessed the electrical knowledge and tools that would be required to complete the task. The instructions for the installation process are not very thorough, nor are the markings on the various wires included with the kit, so you would be wise to find a knowledgeable assistant and a circuit tester or multi-meter. The entire process took us about an hour-and-a-half to complete.
