Making the Most of What Remains

October 8, 2001 - No matter how much we like it here, we’ve only got so much time, and then we’re taken on a journey of which no one really knows anything. While we’re here, that’s the time to make the most of things.

After the passing of John Manning’s parents last year, he and his wife decided that they would learn to enjoy more of life’s "little" pleasures. As a result of that decision John says, "we bought a small, older motor home to use on weekends and holidays." This would allow them to get out of the city and visit the world around them, taking comfort in the arms of nature.

"While shopping for items that we would need to make the camping experience more leisurely," John says, "I noticed that camera systems used to view the area behind the RV cost upwards of $500.00, and they were only good for that purpose." So John came up with another solution, one that would cost him much less.

"I took my XCam2" John says, "and made a camera mount for the back window." Then he went out and bought a small AC/DC TV/VCR and made his own back up video system. "Since I usually go to the camping area and set up before my wife arrives, I can now back up safely by myself." This comes in handy, as anyone who’s ever tried to back up a large vehicle with limited sight could testify to. John also tows a vehicle behind the RV when he goes out, and now he can "watch the car while I am driving."

With all the extra equipment that John had to buy, did he save money? Even the most conservative quotes "were upwards of $500.00." What was John’s cost? Here’s what John said. "The cost for my system was less than $300.00," and he got plenty for his money. While he and the wife are camping, they have a TV and VCR that they can watch while camping. They can also take the XCam2 and set it on a tripod and hook it up on top of the camper to watch the wildlife while they’re nestled safe and snug in their RV.

How does that commercial go? But wait, there’s more. Thanks to the XCam2, John can videotape his grandchildren when they come to visit so that he and his wife will have all the memories they want and desire. Later, They can play the videos and entertain the kids.

The choice was easy. John could have paid $500.00 or more for a system that only allowed him to see while he backed up his RV, or he could pay $300.00 to purchase a TV/VCR, and the XCam2, which he could use at home, on the road, and everywhere he went. It’s called getting more bang for the buck, and John got plenty of bang. "Thanks X10."

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