Adding a front camera question

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Feb 27, 2018 | 02:10 PM

jrprich

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From: Hillsboro Oregon

Adding a front camera question

I will be installing a new Pioneer head unit in my 04 C5.
While I am doing this I want to add a front camera as well as a rear camera.
The rear camera is easy as it is activated by the backup lights.

My question is, where should I power the front camera?

I was thinking of using the DRL wiring but that will leave the front camera on whenever the car is running.

Any suggestions would be appreciated

Jim

Feb 27, 2018 | 04:39 PM

danzio56

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Joined: May 2017

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From: Diamond Bar Ca.

I ran my power using the accessory fuse slot and a fuse tap under the passenger floorboard then ran that wire under the A-pillar cover and then into the engine compartment. I joined the ground wire with this hot wire from a stud in the engine compartment (same one I'm using for my battery tender connection).

Last edited by danzio56; Feb 27, 2018 at 04:40 PM.

Feb 27, 2018 | 04:54 PM

jrprich

Thread Starter

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From: Hillsboro Oregon

Quote:

Originally Posted by danzio56

So your front camera is always on when the Vette is running?

Feb 27, 2018 | 04:56 PM

madsonp

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From: Billings Montana. Out in the wild west

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrprich

So your front camera is always on when the Vette is running?

About all's you can do is add a switch somewhere to turn it off and on when you want, otherwise, yes it will have power when the car is running.

Feb 27, 2018 | 06:57 PM

jrprich

Thread Starter

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Joined: May 2006

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From: Hillsboro Oregon

Quote:

Originally Posted by madsonp

About all's you can do is add a switch somewhere to turn it off and on when you want, otherwise, yes it will have power when the car is running.

Understood, I planned to hook it to a source that is on when the car is on.
I don't think I will need a switch as I will have to select the front camera from the Pioneer anyway.

Thanks,

Feb 27, 2018 | 06:59 PM

J02ws6transam

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Joined: Apr 2007

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Likes: 3

Is it bad to leave it powered while the car is running? I am about to add a front camer to my c6 and wondering the same thing. I know the rear camera will only be powered while it’s in reverse from the back up lights but the front would be powered all the time and I turn the front camera on the screen by pushing a button on the head unit. Is it bad for the camera to always have power when the car is on?
thanks
jon

Feb 27, 2018 | 07:26 PM

danzio56

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From: Diamond Bar Ca.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jrprich

So your front camera is always on when the Vette is running?

Yes it's on with the ignition. Nothing wrong with that. It's a camera. If you have a dash cam it's always on. And they're cheap anyways. The one I have cost me $12 on Amazon and is easily replaceable because of the way they're wired. Pull the old and plug in the new. But I would imagine this camera will last a long time, but we'll see.

Feb 27, 2018 | 07:28 PM

danzio56

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From: Diamond Bar Ca.

Quote:

Originally Posted by J02ws6transam

This is not true. My rear camera is on with the ignition as well. I can bring up the camera view on my Head Unit anytime I want and switch between front and rear cameras with the push of a virtual button (on the video screen).