Backup Camera
#1
Drifting
Thread Starter
Backup Camera
Hey all. Installing my backup camera as soon as the weather cooperates with working on the car (I need to build a garage already!).
I was wondering what the best method is for getting the backup camera video wiring inside the vehicle and up to the head unit. Are there any existing penetrations I can use or would this be drilling a new hole in the rear tub somewhere and grommet+sealant?
Thanks!
I was wondering what the best method is for getting the backup camera video wiring inside the vehicle and up to the head unit. Are there any existing penetrations I can use or would this be drilling a new hole in the rear tub somewhere and grommet+sealant?
Thanks!
#2
I ran mine under the console, under the rear carpet, out through the wheel well vent (or whatever its called, it has a rubber flap) and back to the camera from behind the license plate holder. No drilling necessary, works fine. I also ran the reverse light wire the same route from the headunit to one of the reverse lamps.
#3
Drifting
Thread Starter
#4
They may be on both sides, not 100% sure though. I ran mine through the driver's side vent. It's behind the carpet in the back left corner of the trunk area (at least it is in my FRC). I can't tell exactly what you have but I would assume the coupe has something similar. Might need someone to chime in for confirmation.
#7
Drifting
Thread Starter
#8
#9
Drifting
Thread Starter
For the actual video signals, I'm just going to Y them together. Since only one camera will ever be powered at a time, there shouldn't be any interference.
#10
I'm installing a small latching SPST switch on the foot rest next to the clutch. That will provide 12V to the front camera and trigger the +12v to the head unit to enable the 'backup' camera (which is also attached to the +12v from the reverse lights, and powers the reverse camera). I'll have a pair of diodes to keep the front camera from turning on when the reverse lights are on and prevent the back camera from turning on when I push the switch.
For the actual video signals, I'm just going to Y them together. Since only one camera will ever be powered at a time, there shouldn't be any interference.
For the actual video signals, I'm just going to Y them together. Since only one camera will ever be powered at a time, there shouldn't be any interference.
#12
I see. I actually run my front license because I get tired of getting pulled over by state troopers. If I did run a front camera though I'd try to find somewhere else though as have a black spot on the front like that would drive me crazy. It would definitely be hard to find a spot in the center other than that place though so I see why you did it.
Good luck!
Good luck!
#13
Drifting
Thread Starter
I see. I actually run my front license because I get tired of getting pulled over by state troopers. If I did run a front camera though I'd try to find somewhere else though as have a black spot on the front like that would drive me crazy. It would definitely be hard to find a spot in the center other than that place though so I see why you did it.
Good luck!
Good luck!
I *should* be running my license plate, but in 5 years I haven't been stopped for it once.
EDIT: You could get a camera that mounts to the front license plate bolts. Super easy.
Part of the reason I put it where I did is because that part is so easy to replace if I decided I hated it there. I just put that in yesterday, so we'll see if it grows on me.
#14
I'm installing a small latching SPST switch on the foot rest next to the clutch. That will provide 12V to the front camera and trigger the +12v to the head unit to enable the 'backup' camera (which is also attached to the +12v from the reverse lights, and powers the reverse camera). I'll have a pair of diodes to keep the front camera from turning on when the reverse lights are on and prevent the back camera from turning on when I push the switch.
For the actual video signals, I'm just going to Y them together. Since only one camera will ever be powered at a time, there shouldn't be any interference.
For the actual video signals, I'm just going to Y them together. Since only one camera will ever be powered at a time, there shouldn't be any interference.
#15
Melting Slicks
Try that again, this time manually powering one camera and then the other (but not both at the same time).
#16
Le Mans Master
I'm installing a small latching SPST switch on the foot rest next to the clutch. That will provide 12V to the front camera and trigger the +12v to the head unit to enable the 'backup' camera (which is also attached to the +12v from the reverse lights, and powers the reverse camera). I'll have a pair of diodes to keep the front camera from turning on when the reverse lights are on and prevent the back camera from turning on when I push the switch.
For the actual video signals, I'm just going to Y them together. Since only one camera will ever be powered at a time, there shouldn't be any interference.
For the actual video signals, I'm just going to Y them together. Since only one camera will ever be powered at a time, there shouldn't be any interference.
#17
Y Cable Trial
That's because when the headunit is in "camera" mode, one of the cameras is supposed to have power. Otherwise no video signal is generated and the headunit reports it is not getting anything.
Try that again, this time manually powering one camera and then the other (but not both at the same time).
Try that again, this time manually powering one camera and then the other (but not both at the same time).
Is there some type of filter I need, or maybe a different Y-cable manufacturer that was successful for you?
Thanks...Bill
#18
Melting Slicks
OK - so I installed the Y-cable with only the backup camera plugged in. When power was applied to the backup camera, I get an image, but it's distorted - like horizontal oscillation - instead of a clear image. When I remove the Y-cable and connect direct, it's a clear image.
Is there some type of filter I need, or maybe a different Y-cable manufacturer that was successful for you?
Thanks...Bill
Is there some type of filter I need, or maybe a different Y-cable manufacturer that was successful for you?
Thanks...Bill
Good video cables/adapters are constructed with RG-6 cable, like these 2 examples:
1) . Made from premium quality RG-6/U with double copper braid shielding.
- This cable is ideal for conducting S/PDIF digital audio signals and other high-bandwidth content
- It can also be used for composite video and other line level RCA signals
- Gender-changer adapters would probably need to be used, but it illustrates the idea.
2) . This is actually 3 adapters in 1. It is also constructed using premium quality RG-6/U with double copper braid shielding.
Strictly speaking, these adapters are generally intended to share a "single" source signal with 2 display devices. Since you are only powering 1 camera at a time, they should work, but as they say: your mileage may vary.
A much better suited device for this kind of installation is an automatic "video switcher" like .
Last edited by GCG; 02-20-2018 at 01:55 PM.
#19
Installation Update
A much better suited device for this kind of installation is an automatic "video switcher" like .
[/QUOTE]
Thanks for all of the ideas. I like the "automatic video switcher" device. I've ordered the parts and will report progress. FWIW, the Y-cable I was using is shielded, high quality, so I'm glad to move on to a better solution. Thanks again. Bill
UPDATE AFTER INSTALLATION 3/5/18
I installed this video switching device and it works perfect for my application.
I purchased the switch from Amazon using the link above from GCG. The first review on Amazon is by Peter Robinson and he helps by labeling the inputs and outputs for the backup camera, and two more cameras. He also outlines that you'll need male to male and female to female RCA gender menders or a female to female RCA extension wire to correctly join the HEAD UNIT and REVERSE RCA connections. I stuffed the switch in a gap to the right of the radio unit so the extension wire and one male to male gender mender worked for me.
I connected CAMERA 1 to my front camera, HEAD UNIT to my Android backup camera input, and REVERSE to my reverse camera. I use a switch that I mounted on the side of the console to give power to the front camera and the 18gauge red CAMERA 1 power line.
When I put it in Reverse, the reverse camera comes on. When I power the front camera, it displays on the unit instead of the reverse image. If not in reverse, the front camera shows on the display.
This is a great way to get front and rear cameras working together. So far, no noise on the line and perfect images!
Thanks again, GCG, for giving direction to this switcher!
[/QUOTE]
Thanks for all of the ideas. I like the "automatic video switcher" device. I've ordered the parts and will report progress. FWIW, the Y-cable I was using is shielded, high quality, so I'm glad to move on to a better solution. Thanks again. Bill
UPDATE AFTER INSTALLATION 3/5/18
I installed this video switching device and it works perfect for my application.
I purchased the switch from Amazon using the link above from GCG. The first review on Amazon is by Peter Robinson and he helps by labeling the inputs and outputs for the backup camera, and two more cameras. He also outlines that you'll need male to male and female to female RCA gender menders or a female to female RCA extension wire to correctly join the HEAD UNIT and REVERSE RCA connections. I stuffed the switch in a gap to the right of the radio unit so the extension wire and one male to male gender mender worked for me.
I connected CAMERA 1 to my front camera, HEAD UNIT to my Android backup camera input, and REVERSE to my reverse camera. I use a switch that I mounted on the side of the console to give power to the front camera and the 18gauge red CAMERA 1 power line.
When I put it in Reverse, the reverse camera comes on. When I power the front camera, it displays on the unit instead of the reverse image. If not in reverse, the front camera shows on the display.
This is a great way to get front and rear cameras working together. So far, no noise on the line and perfect images!
Thanks again, GCG, for giving direction to this switcher!
Last edited by billmoore48; 03-05-2018 at 09:19 PM. Reason: UPDATE