D4 mod - Reversing Camera

[Lightweight]

I didn't get the reversing camera option, but am keen to retro fit. Has anyone installed one of these?

D4 Camera (http://www.smartauto24.com/reverse-camera-for-land-rover-discovery-4-new-917)


It looks OK, also anyone have any good options for a dash mounted video for it, most of the ones I have seen look very bulky or cumbersome.

[Lotz-A-Landies]

Can it be integrated with the original D4 HiICE video?

[kenl]

I have not used that particular camera but have used a couple of other e-bay cheapies.
The ones that replace the number plate light in my experience with them are just ok, the ones I tried did not see the tow ball and they were very poor in low light.
I've since fitted one similar to the one in your link and it can see the tow ball, it is also better in low light. I'm on second one as the first got moisture inside it at the cable entry point, so it's worth sealing this up if it's a nut/flange arrangement as mine is.

The camera can be integrated into the HiICE video, but needs to be activated with a faultmate or similar so that it comes on automatically when reverse is selected. Otherwise it can be viewed by switching it on with the hidden screen, which is tedious but better than nothing if say hooking up a trailer.

There is a current (long running) thread on the DISCO3 site with regards to fitting the camera, most there are spending hundreds of $$$ on original equipment looms and cameras. Mostly unnecessary in my view, some cars have the wiring in place for the camera feed and the power for the camera.
2009-2011 have a different connection on the back of the screen to the 2012-2013 models.

As far as I'm aware, they all use NTSC camera and a PAL will not work, that is certainly the case on my 2011.

[Lightweight]

I am not interested in the the current dash setup, I have an SE so don't have the OEM screen, I am more than happy to fit a mounted screen. I am more concerned with the wiring at the handle, and the AV out, back to the dash.

There seems to be heaps of cheap crap around, both camera and screen, bit of a minefield. Maybe the 4k for better stereo, SatNav and reversing camera was a better option than the eDiff...

[Lotz-A-Landies]

I have an SE with the ediff and the HiICE audio which has the screen but not NAV or camera.

From what I've heard not sad that I didn't get OEM nav.

[kenl]

If the wiring is fitted it should be in the panel above the rear door at the back of the hood lining, I don't think it goes all the way to the handle on any of them unless it's a factory fit. There may be (if fitted) a brown farcra connector (mini coax kinda plug) that then terminates in the center console under the gear stick with a similar plug, and next to the farcra there is a 2 pin connector that is +ve and -ve.

I ran a wire for my AV from the back to the front, when I did mine. I had seen the brown connector at the back but couldn't find it at the front so thought it must have been for something else, I of course was looking for it behind the screen, only Land rover would stop it 3 feet short of it's final termination point??

I have an SE with the nav and HiICE, I think when I got mine they came as a package deal, you had to get both. The nav is **** but I only really got it so I could play USB music, or ipod if I had one. My first D4 had the poverty ICE and not having the ability to play mp3s annoyed me.

[Graeme]

I might have to replace my number plate cheapie to one of these instead of chopping up and moving the existing one to the LR spot.

[kenl]

This is the camera that I am currently using and very happy with


CCD NTSC/PAL Rear Monitor CAR REAR VIEW REVERSE PARKING UNIVERSAL CAMERA | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/CCD-NTSC-PAL-Rear-Monitor-CAR-REAR-VIEW-REVERSE-PARKING-UNIVERSAL-CAMERA-/150973915431?pt=AU_Car_Parts_Accessories&hash=item2326bf2127&_uhb=1#ht_9493wt_1168)

Sorry don't know how to do the small links, I drilled a 23mm hole in the blanking plate and fitted the camera that way, very easy :)

[eddomak]

Hi,

If anyone gets one of these, please could you let me know or post in this thread?

I used a number plate light replacement unit. At first I used it to replace the number plate light, but didn't like the look of the number plate once lit (the new bulb is not as bright, and gives it not a symmetrical type look), so took it out, dremelled away the excess stuff, and mounted it in the OEM spot.

I quite like it, but wouldn't mind giving a $25 unit a go to see if it is any clearer.

Thanks!

[sniegy]

I would assume that the OP'er has enquired whether that the unit comes with a loom! As I can confirm that the vehicle is NOT Pre-wired with the cable required as I have been investigating the same.
The plug that connects to the factory loom to the camera is part of the tail gate handle loom.
The rest of the loom again is NOT in the vehicle.

I went down the path of buying a separate screen & mounted a camera in the same spot as the original.

Cheers

Sent from my iPad using Forum Runner

[tony_s]

I have bought a wireless camera with a windscreen mounted monitor. I would like to put the camera next to the number plate lights under the tailgate handle. It then presumably needs to be wired into the reversing light so that it activates in reverse gear. Can someone please give me some instructions on how to run the cable?
Thanks Tony

[eddomak]

I have bought a wireless camera with a windscreen mounted monitor. I would like to put the camera next to the number plate lights under the tailgate handle. It then presumably needs to be wired into the reversing light so that it activates in reverse gear. Can someone please give me some instructions on how to run the cable?
Thanks Tony

Hi Tony,

Check out this thread (http://www.aulro.com/afvb/d3-d4-rrs/126787-reversing-camera.html) and in the attachments for the GVIF install on this particular post (http://www.aulro.com/afvb/d3-d4-rrs/126787-reversing-camera.html#post1463069) - in Part III it covers how to route from the rear number plate area to get power from the reverse light.

One thing you might consider, which I have not tried yet, is getting power from an "always on" source for the camera, but still having a signal go from the reverse light to the relay that auto-activates the screen. Why do this? I have found a couple of situations where I want to look out the back of the camera without actually engaging reverse gear, and ideally I would just manually select the rear camera input. And in the situations I actually do select reverse, then I want it to be auto-on due to the relay activation.

[tony_s]

Many thanks - I will check the links.
I actually bought a unit which can take up to 4 cameras. It allows for the first camera to be linked to reverse then the others to be used as you suggest. I am going to put one on the back of my camper trailer so I can use it to see what is behind. I might end up leaving that one on full time when on the road - I'll see how it goes.
Cheers
Tony

[eddomak]

I don't know where you're going to get power from for the monitor, but you might want to check out the other parts of that document for how to get power from the fusebox.

I have a rear-vision mirror mounted monitor, and don't know what setup you have, but if you want some other ideas on how to get wiring and power, check out the DISCO4.COM - Index (http://www.disco4.com/forum) and do a search for "blackvue" and there are several illustrated guides as well.

[tony_s]

Thanks again eddomak
The monitor has a cigarette lighter plug, which I will use at the moment, but I would like to put it on the right hand side of the dash, so will need to wire it in there somewhere.
Tony

[cruiser1]

eddomak,

I notice you said that you have a rear vision mirror mounted screen for the reversing camera. Is this the type that fits over the existing rear vision mirror? I would like to use this type of screen, but thought that the D4 did not "like" the mirror being covered. My D4 has the standard small screen and I do not want to dash mount a screen for reversing camera. I had the rear vision mirror screen in my previous vehicle and found it worked well. Thanks.

[eddomak]

eddomak,

I notice you said that you have a rear vision mirror mounted screen for the reversing camera. Is this the type that fits over the existing rear vision mirror? I would like to use this type of screen, but thought that the D4 did not "like" the mirror being covered. My D4 has the standard small screen and I do not want to dash mount a screen for reversing camera. I had the rear vision mirror screen in my previous vehicle and found it worked well. Thanks.

Yes, it is the type that clips over the existing rear vision mirror, and the D4 has no problems with it. The auto-dip/darkening of the original mirror is no longer a function that I can use though (as it is behind the new mirror).

I purchased one with the largest LCD that I could find, where the screen is the same area as the mirror, but really only end up using 1/3 to 1/2 of the LCD area. The downside of this is that under normal circumstances without the monitor on (eg freeway driving etc) then the whole area of the mirror is significantly darker than a standard mirror. SWMBO and I both didn't like this aspect of things, but have got used to it.

For anyone doing this install, I would suggest doing the same as I did which is to make the system modular with the ability to easily detach any components without a massive uninstall/reinstall job:
- to be able to swap cameras - install plugs in the rear tailgate
- to be able to swap monitors - install plugs in the roof-light area

The price of these parts is so cheap and there is so much variation that you may find it worthwhile to change over if you are not happy. My total install was under $80. The $18 camera is doing OK, but I was considering swapping for one with better quality etc. The mirror is a little too dark, so it's only around $40 to try a different one.

[cruiser1]

eddomak,

Thanks for your response and advice. I can now start planning this.

[tony_s]

ANy thoughts on this as a possible solution for my wireless reversing camera: could I put the camera (it is about the same size as a sensor) through the bumper with the transmitter unit behind the bumper and get power from one of the reversing sensors? Will that muck up operation of the sensors?

[SBD4]

I would say that would cause issues with the sensors. If you are putting the camera in that area, why not get power from the trailer socket?

[tony_s]

Thanks Sean
Except the camera needs to come on when in reverse and there is no reversing connection into the trailer socket.
Tony

[rufusking]

Apart from the back of the light cluster I believe there is a reverse feed on the "S" (White cover trailer socket) at pin 1 which is thein opposite the locating key.

[SBD4]

Apart from the back of the light cluster I believe there is a reverse feed on the "S" (White cover trailer socket) at pin 1 which is thein opposite the locating key.


You beat me to it - I was just posting up a link to a post of yours:

http://www.aulro.com/afvb/d3-d4-rrs/161609-trailer-wiring-reverse-light.html#post1784468

[rufusking]

Forgotten I wrote it before.

Good memory or search skills SBD4.

[tony_s]

Thanks - I will have to have a look. I haven't got the white connector - changed it for a 7pin, but maybe its still around.