Merc DriverCam. Vision problems?

At least carryfast has an opinion unlike some. :unamused:

robthedog:

Carryfast:

Mick Bracewell:
Have you actually driven one? :unamused:

Are you saying that anything I’ve said is incorrect.

More to the point IS anything you say correct !!

So are you saying that mirror cams aren’t, a flawed 2d system and therefore which can’t possibly provide any distance information.
Or that the distance lens of bifocal glasses will focus on a TV screen less than 3 feet away.
As opposed to the direct reflected 3d image provided by mirrors. :unamused:

GasGas:

DAF95XF:

GasGas:
You need that self-driving stuff to take over the plot while you navigate through the screens to find out how to turn the heating down a tad.

“It’s progress, Jim, but not as we know it.”

You know all those buttons underneath the screen?
Press them and it’ll take you to where want you want without scrolling through…

Which is ok, but on previous trucks, you could just press buttons or turn knobs and not then have to dab at the screen

Which is why they have the buttons underneath the screen :unamused:
I’d like a proper headlight switch though, the last mirror cam unit I drove I put my finger through the switch below the dashboard and it’s a 70 plate :blush:

Side light and headlight switch next to the catwalk switch.
I don’t like the mirror cams at all, the image on screen is not a true representation
Of a mirror. Evening is smaller and a bit distorted.

For the first time last week I drove a Merc demonstrator RoRo 8 wheeler, it has cameras with monitors and to be honest they’re not progress. Firstly I can see in the near side monitor but on the offside I’m struggling everything is a blur I can see objects but because I need reading glasses I’m stuffed.
When manoeuvring to drop the skip I have to put my reading glasses on but even then the picture has a gossamer type flicker ( brand new truck) and my depth perception is crap with difficulty in judging distance.
My problem is the company has bought me a new truck with the same set up what do I do? You would have thought they’d try before you buy but cart and horse springs to mind.

Simple, you need to tell them asap that you can not cope with it from a medical pov, and that you strongly feel it will be a safety issue.
In fact you should have told them from day 1 when you disvovered difficulty on the demo truck.

It depends what type of firm you work for, if they wanted to they can spec a standard type mirror conversion…
Or better still cancel the Merc and get something decent instead…I hate the bloody things mirrors or otherwise.

Mercedes are all I’ve ever driven (apart from a MAN in training and one shift in a DAF) so can’t really judge them against anything else but I don’t mind them.

I do however prefer the 2019 units over anything newer or older. They have real mirrors and enough technology (but not too much).

The newer ones that slam the brakes on approaching roundabouts (or roads that were previously roundabouts) are often unpredictable. It also worries me that the brake lights don’t come on unless you are physically pressing the brake, so I’m always trying to do that to show the vehicle behind that I’m slowing, whilst not pressing it too hard and overriding the automatic braking. There must be a way to knock it off whilst still keeping the cruise control, but I’ve not found it yet.

I also heard a story recently where the mirrorcams shut off on a journey, so Mercedes were called… They were unable to fix the cameras, so instead stuck real mirrors to the side instead. Makes you wonder!

I suffered those Actros abortions for 10 years mate.
You say you have driven nothing else, they are bad trust me…and I was originally brought up on ERF s Seddon Atkinsons and the like, up to modern spec trucks,.so I know I am right on this, and it’s a view shared by many drivers.

I now drive a top spec high cab Renault, it is like comparing a modern Audi car with a 60s Anglia.:joy:

As you say the newer ones are laden with all that electronic crap for those who can not drive properly to use as an alternative to ability.:roll_eyes: some of it is ok, but as I said tech for techs sake.

Many firms are speccing mirrors on new Actroses I notice, which says it all.
I now see DAF and MAN now have the mirror cam option also.

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I bet route planning will be a whole different ballgame soon with electrification of large HGV’s by 2040. The dashboard will be full of electronic gizmos that will tell you how much electrons are in the pack, what a headwind or side wind will do to the range, Heavy rain & elevation topography will play a huge part in dictating which drops are reachable & nearest charging locations, The ChatGPT algorithm will mither you to death with alternatives. :grinning: https://www.electrive.com/2024/08/31/pem-makes-progress-in-route-planning-software-for-electric-trucks/

Cga toss 2040 my trucking days will be history.
:joy:

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Try getting some varifocal glasses, they may help.

Latest Actros think it was 22 onwards are vastly improved in my opinion. Decent fleet spec ones with eco turned off are fine.
They’re never ever going to pull uphill with a scania or volvo like for like. Mirror cams I’ve no problem with, probably prefer them but I don’t wear glasses for driving.
And they’ll run on over 60 down the hills at Moffat :laughing:

Try standing at the rear guiding the driver back, you’ve no idea if he’s watching you or the bit of stuff that’s walking past.

I’ve brought up all the issues with mirrorcam. They’ve contacted Mercedes and according to them, Merc said you can’t change back to mirrors as the truck isn’t wired for them. I called ■■■■■■■■ as in my opinion the wiring is already there.
I’ve been taking guys out on the hire truck and to a man all hate the mirrorcam in fact two of the drivers have rattled their knuckles off the monitor.
This is going to be fun.