Switching another camera on to the D4 screen

[Nod]

Installed a relay to switch a cabled reversing camera on my van onto the D4's screen. Didn't want another screen on the dash / rearview mirror. Plugging in the trailer actives the relay that switches from the factory D4 camera to the external socket. Simple to remove.

Parts:
- Van camera NTSC (Amazon)
- Reverse camera trailer 4 pin cabling system (Fleabay)
- Fakra female to Fakra male RG174 "Z" RF cable 1m (Fleabay)
- 12VDC DPDT PCB Mount Telecom Relay 2A (Altronics S4130C
- a bit of veraboard, cable & some soldering

The external camera picture is better than the factory rearview camera.

[Meken]

Installed a relay to switch a cabled reversing camera on my van onto the D4's screen. Didn't want another screen on the dash / rearview mirror. Plugging in the trailer actives the relay that switches from the factory D4 camera to the external socket. Simple to remove.



Parts:

- Van camera NTSC (Amazon)

- Reverse camera trailer 4 pin cabling system (Fleabay)

- Fakra female to Fakra male RG174 "Z" RF cable 1m (Fleabay)

- 12VDC DPDT PCB Mount Telecom Relay 2A (Altronics S4130C

- a bit of veraboard, cable & some soldering



The external camera picture is better than the factory rearview camera.


So does your setup switch cam inputs between cameras into the cable that runs from the rear to the head unit?

[Nod]

Yeap. When the relay is not in, the normal closed contacts connect the factory camera using the Fakra connectors (down the back in the roof rear light assembly).

[Meken]

Yeap. When the relay is not in, the normal closed contacts connect the factory camera using the Fakra connectors (down the back in the roof rear light assembly).


That's a great mod - got any more pics, or even a circuit sketchb - I have a wireless receiver I was going to try to plug into the back of the head unit into a video in connector & hopefully get a 2nd cam - but it would need selecting through the touch screen

[cjc_td5]

Installed a relay to switch a cabled reversing camera on my van onto the D4's screen. Didn't want another screen on the dash / rearview mirror. Plugging in the trailer actives the relay that switches from the factory D4 camera to the external socket. Simple to remove.

Parts:
- Van camera NTSC (Amazon)
- Reverse camera trailer 4 pin cabling system (Fleabay)
- Fakra female to Fakra male RG174 "Z" RF cable 1m (Fleabay)
- 12VDC DPDT PCB Mount Telecom Relay 2A (Altronics S4130C
- a bit of veraboard, cable & some soldering

The external camera picture is better than the factory rearview camera.

Good modification Nod!
When you run the added rear camera, which I assume is activated when you select reverse, does the D4 try to plot reversing lines onto the image (bendy or otherwise)? (i.e. does the D4 plot the lines in the camera unit itself or within the head unit?)

Cheers,

[Nod]

No bendy lines Chris... they must be generated within the camera.
Gordon

EDIT: After posting this, and additional thought, realized that is might be more complicated... as when D4 detects the trailer it turns the lines off also. However, with a bit of testing I can confirm that the camera must be generating the lines and "Check Surrounds" message.

[Nod]

Meken: I will draw up a diagram over the next few days.... it is rather simple.

I'm not sure how you will go inputting the wireless camera... unless it outputs NTSC format (PAL will not work). One of my biggest concerns was not knowing what resolution / number of lines the factory head would accept... and finding a NTSC reverse camera with a decent IP rating (may websites say that they offer both formats... until you ask).

I see no reason why duplicating the setup for handling multiple inputs would not work successfully though.

[Meken]

Cheers look forward to it

[cjc_td5]

Hi Nod. Thanks for the reply. Do you have a factory reversing camera? With this you would be able to select the camera manually via the Info menu?

I do not have a factory camera but retrofitted a generic one. The camera will activate when reverse is selected but I cannot manually activate it via a button on the screen. If I could I would consider installing a low down front mounted camera with a splitter switch like you have done.

Well done.

[Nod]

Have created this document with all the info that I could think of in the one place. Hopefully it makes sense?

[Nod]

Chris, yes... I have a factory reverse camera... and the short cuts work. I would have though it would just be a setting in the CCF? Have you compared your file vs one with a factory fitted camera?
Gordon

[cjc_td5]

Check out my MY14 D4 camera install thread. Basically in the MY14 the camera changed to include a CANBUS connection to the camera, which is used to create the bendy lines etc. I have installed a camera with video output only ie from a pre MY14 model. I have changed the CCF to enable the reversing camera but we cannot get the camera function button on the info screen. The camera only activates when reverse is selected. I presume the lack of CANBUS connection is the missing link.

A new MY14 camera unit is about $450. I can live without the bendy lines and info screen button for now.....

Cheers

[Graeme]

Are the Fakra connectors the green E-code versions?

Edit: Sorry, you've already stated Z!

[Lukeis]

Hey Guys

I have a 2011 D4, with reversing camera and sat nav.

I'm interested in adding a forward facing camera for when off-roading and not interested in adding another screen.

I have two questions:
1) in the factory D4's which have forward facing cameras, how and when do they activate?
2) I have heard there is room in the back of the Unit to add additional camera's, can I buy a camera and plug it in to one of these empty slots then use IID tool or the like to 'activate' the cameras? and If I could, how would I get it to show up on the screen?

I notice when I go into the diagnostics there are options of either proximity camera or companion camera which both say "not fitted".

thanks, Luke

[PeterJ]

Hi Nod, great stuff, are you able to view the output from the camera on the van while you are driving along, if yes, what did you change to be able to select the "reversing camera" on the screen. As soon as I am not in reverse the screen reverts to home screen.
I have MY13 HSE and I note you have MY15 so a different system and different capabilities perhaps.

Thanks

Peter

[Nod]

Sorry Peter... been making it look like I was busy with work stuff for the last couple of weeks!

I'm not sure what entertainment system you have... but yes, I can select the rear camera through the screen at anytime and see what is behind the car, or van (when connected).... can see if anyone is sitting in behind the van without having to have extended mirrors.

Select "4x4" info then you can select "Camera" and turn on the reverse camera... can also create a short cut and put Camera on the home page. The below thread talks about selecting a monitor with a MY12: http://www.aulro.com/afvb/d3-d4-rrs/126787-reversing-camera-5.html

[Geary]

Hey Guys

I have a 2011 D4, with reversing camera and sat nav.

I'm interested in adding a forward facing camera for when off-roading and not interested in adding another screen.

I have two questions:
1) in the factory D4's which have forward facing cameras, how and when do they activate?
2) I have heard there is room in the back of the Unit to add additional camera's, can I buy a camera and plug it in to one of these empty slots then use IID tool or the like to 'activate' the cameras? and If I could, how would I get it to show up on the screen?

I notice when I go into the diagnostics there are options of either proximity camera or companion camera which both say "not fitted".

thanks, Luke

Re 1 - From what I understand the typical setting is that it is activated when moving from reverse to drive and switches off once over 10kph. Not sure if that is correct for the D4 though.

I'd be interested in a fwd facing camera for mine if it were simple enough.

[Mungus]

Re 1 - From what I understand the typical setting is that it is activated when moving from reverse to drive and switches off once over 10kph. Not sure if that is correct for the D4 though.

I'd be interested in a fwd facing camera for mine if it were simple enough.

Front cameras only activate when selected from the camera options, or in the case of a HSE their is a dedicated button that brings the front two cameras on and then touching the screen allows selection of the side cameras. I want to change the cabling or CCF so this dash button brings the side cameras on instead of front ones. I find these much more useful, being able to see the front wheels.

[LRD414]

I find these much more useful, being able to see the front wheels.
Are they mounted in the side mirrors?
Where are the front ones mounted?

Scott

[PeterJ]

Hi Nod, you made this comment in your more detailed instructions "......back of the van (as I did not really want to add oversized mirrors).
The D4 mirrors are quite good? but as the van is slightly wider than the D4?."
Just be aware that while the law may differ from state to state it is my understanding that there is a fair bit of consistency across jurisdictions, but here in SA having a camera on the van does not comply with the law with respect to rear visibility and towing. It was explained to me by cops at the caravan and camping show that they will align the towing vehicle and van and if you cannot see all the way down the side of the van you do not comply. The PO comment was " I will hold out my hand at the rear of the van and if you can't see how many fingers I have out you do not comply, having the camera does not change that." I think it is yet another example of the law not keeping up with technology, but that's where it sits.
So, having said that this is an excellent mod for getting that second screen off the dash, I for one very happy about that.
PeterJ

[Mungus]

Are they mounted in the side mirrors?
Where are the front ones mounted?

Scott
Yes Scott, mounted in the under side of side mirrors. Front ones are below and to the outside edge of the fog lights. Hard to pick exact vehicle position with them, but they can be slightly helpful when pulling out of car parks if vehicles are parked on the road kerb blocking your view down the street in either direction. One day soon I'll find out how good they are seeing over drop offs, crests and dunes etc.

[Graeme]

Has anyone done any research into switching the rear camera to a van-mounted camera in a digital surround-camera system? MY12 D4s seem to have the same system as my MY12 RRV where the cameras are 4-wire LVDS/LIN system.

[Graeme]

An option would be to switch inputs to the monitor between the image processing module o/p and a NTSC van camera, switched by reverse lights and possibly manually too, not that I've ever felt the need to see what's behind when not reversing.

[Graeme]

It appears that when switching to a van camera input instead of the surround camera module input that the touch screen requires the van camera to be PAL format. It still has to be proven but is logical considering that the native format for the touch screen is PAL that changes to NTSC for a fixed reverse camera, i.e. one that is not part of the surround camera system, but does not change format if the reverse camera image is supplied through the surround camera module. The touch-screen still switches to video feed when reverse is selected and the surround camera module selects full screen reverse camera image and adds lines if they're enabled.

A camera sold as NTSC shows as flickering image on my touch-screen's video input with or without reverse gear selected. It appears to be the same touch-screen fitted to at least some D4s.

Edit: Scrub the above! Definitely NTSC, as determined using a proper Pentax digital camera that can o/p either NTSC or PAL and NTSC works regardless of whether in reverse or not yet PAL provided the same angled, flashing/rolling display as the NTSC (not!) reversing camera.

[LRD414]

.... switch a cabled reversing camera on my van onto the D4's screen. Didn't want another screen on the dash / rearview mirror....
I am working towards doing something similar for a van we have ordered.
However, I'm looking at switching signals with a simple dash mounted rocker switch.
This will allow me to access the D4 camera even with van attached, allowing visibility of drawbar.
Or potentially plug in a front camera & switch to that when not towing (unlikely thought bubble).

Anyway, here's what I think is required to achieve this arrangement.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/11/89.jpg

Switch similar to what I used for the voltmeter switching:
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/11/763.jpg

One concern I have is the length of the cables to get to dash.
It's only a video signal but I'm not sure if the signal degrades over longer cables, like voltage drop?
I could use a wireless switch instead with the module located in the back, similar to this thread:
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/l319-discovery-3-4/241448-driving-light-switch-2.html
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2016/11/90.jpg

Any feedback welcome ....

Cheers,
Scott

[Nod]

Howdy Scott, I think that it will work fine. My van camera picture is better quality that the factory camera (due to the camera resolution). There is no noticeable noise. The cable from camera to relay (near rear roof light) is about 8 metres (through 2 plugs/sockets). Running to a switch would only add a couple more metres of foreign cable.

The only comment would be use a SPST switch, so one camera is always switched through... no centre off.
Gordon

[LRD414]

Thanks Gordon. I thought SPST switches were either on or off, so no good for switching between feeds. Will have to do some research.

Scott

[Nod]

Howdy Scott. Sorry,just re-learned the same lesson as when I put the switch down the back to switch in the trailer LED light resistors...

.... it is hard to find a "pretty" toggle switch with changeover contacts.... there are lots of ugly ones!
Gordon

[Nod]

Found 2 examples:
http://www.ozautoelectrics.com/hella-compact-on-on-changeover-rocker-switch-black-7563.html
http://www.ozautoelectrics.com/hella-compact-on-on-changeover-rocker-switch-black.html

[l00kin4]

Thanks Gordon. I thought SPST switches were either on or off, so no good for switching between feeds. Will have to do some research.

Scott


Yes, that's right Scott. Changeover = SPDT


http://www.aulro.com/afvb/attachment.php?attachmentid=116312&stc=1&d=1478555362


Where are you currently thinking to 'plumb in' to the video cable? Are you familiar with the Fakra connectors coding etc. ?


David

[LRD414]

Where are you currently thinking to 'plumb in' to the video cable?
Are you familiar with the Fakra connectors coding etc. ?
David, I'm planning to use the Fakra connector in the rear headlining same as Gordon showed earlier in this thread.
The one under the gear selector is more difficult to access.
Gordon nominated the actual connector type - RG174 "Z", seems to be plenty on eBay etc.
If I go with a remote relay type switch (with fob switching), it would live up in the rear headlining.
If I go with a dash switch then I'd run the wires through the headling to the front.

Cheers,
Scott

[l00kin4]

Thanks Scott,
That will teach me to go back and read the whole thread! :angel:
RG174 is the cable and the Fakra Z is essentially unkeyed (really it has all the other key slots) so fits all other Fakra connectors.
If it's more convenient for you, the Fakra under the console is pretty easy to get to - just pull the cup holder, 2 screws, remove the drip tray and lift the console out. The space under there is a perhaps a little more limited than in the rear headlining.
The remote controlled switch would save running any cabling from back to front though which seems a good call to me.
David

[LRD414]

Successful camera test yesterday.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/03/527.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/SAXp8G)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/03/528.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/SQGeTi)

Now I need to figure out how to wire in the remote fob relay switch to allow live switching between factory camera and reverse camera.

Scott

[cjc_td5]

Have you got a factory reverse camera Scott?

[LRD414]

Have you got a factory reverse camera Scott?

Yep

[LandyAndy]

So,Scott.
Its possible if one buys a caravan to link the reversing cam into the factory screen????
I was thinking Bluetooth to a tablet,which I have.
Thoughts please.
Andrew

[LRD414]

It most certainly is possible Andrew. That is what Gordon (OP) did and my test lead proves the concept too but the camera details and connection type are critical. Gordon set his up to automatically switch to the van camera whenever the van was connected. I will be setting mine up to allow live switching between van and factory cameras at any time. Sometimes it's good to see the tow ball and stone stomper while on the move.

If the van comes with a camera it's only a 50/50 chance (or less) to be suitable for feed to the factory screen.

Cheers,
Scott

[LRD414]

Camera needs to be:
NTSC with Res 510(H) x 492(V)

[cjc_td5]

Andrew, if you have a factory reverse camera, you can switch it on anytime using the icon in your info screen. If you splice another camera into the feed as Scott has done you don't get the bendy lines as these seem to be generated in the reverse camera itself. Critical thing is to get the camra type correct ie PAL vs NTSC.

[LRD414]

Successful test of the video switch tonight, the last major hurdle.
In the clip I've got the switch sense wire temporarily connected to a cig socket plug, which I insert & remove to represent flicking a switch "on" and "off"
Doesn't look like much but as Borat would say, I'm excite. There's been a few trial-and-error steps to get to this point.


https://youtu.be/FM2T1NNMPrk

I've already installed a 7-core cable from back to front that I will use for the latching switch to go in the overhead light console.

Cheers,
Scott

[LRD414]

It's finished, selection switch to swap between factory reverse camera and van camera. Big thanks to Gordon (OP) for the initial inspiration with this thread and assistance along the way via PM as I explored options to achieve live camera selection.

Camera needs to be: NTSC with Res 510(H) x 492(V)
I purchased from: 4-PIN Heavy Duty 12V 24V CCD IR Colour Reverse Reversing Camera + 5 Meter Cable | eBay (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/232113929119)

This is where I mounted the switch, sun roof switch blanking plate:
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/05/553.jpg
The other switch will be for driving lights or some other future brilliant idea.

I ran a 7-core trailer cable from back to front to connect the switch to the video signal switching device.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/06/153.jpg
It's under the door sill trim and up the a-pillar, then across to the overhead light console.
I plan to use other wires for dash cam power feed.

Most of the wiring and components are in the rear passenger storage cubby or the rear headlining cover.
Switched power picked up from the 12S trailer plug loom in the rear cubby.
Video feed picked up at Fakra connector under headlining cover.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/05/554.jpg

Here's my wiring diagram.
https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/05/555.jpg

The camera cable will plug in at the tow socket panel when in use.

Here's a camera comparison photo with new van camera on the left temporarily mounted to the Mitch Hitch for testing.
The colour range is not as good and the field of view is different but it will do nicely for the van I think.https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/05/556.jpg


Cheers,
Scott

[veebs]

Andrew, if you have a factory reverse camera, you can switch it on anytime using the icon in your info screen. If you splice another camera into the feed as Scott has done you don't get the bendy lines as these seem to be generated in the reverse camera itself. Critical thing is to get the camra type correct ie PAL vs NTSC.

Is this something that was introduced in later models? My 2010 has a factory reversing camera (though no bendy lines - they remain static) but no signs of a button on the info screen? I can enable it on the move using the 'secret' diagnostic/service menu though...

I wonder if there is a CCF edit or ecu update that might enable that button on the info screen?

A fascinating thread though - excited to duplicate when we eventually get our trailer sorted out!

W

[LRD414]

Is this something that was introduced in later models?
It's an MY14+ feature. For older models, if enabled via "secret" screen, I think it may need to be PAL rather than NTSC camera.

Scott

[PeterJ]

Hi Scott, nice work with the mod. This is on my (ever increasing) list of things to do, just wondering if you have tested it at night. My existing van camera with the stick on screen just becomes unusable at night due to headlight glare from following vehicles. Does the factory screen handle it any better, it does have a "night" mode that kicks in dependent on ambient light but just wondered what the van mounted feed was like.

Peter

[LRD414]

The final piece. This is the reversing camera I can select from inside the D4 and show on the factory screen.
The culmination of one of the most time consuming and detailed mods I've done. And most satisfying too.
I made up this bracket for the bumper and did some angle adjustments to get what I hope is the right field of view, slightly favouring the passenger side.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/07/469.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/VxREkT)

Cheers,
Scott
PS .... no night testing yet Peter.

[Abb]

Could someone send me the wiring diagram of how to wire a safety Dave caravan camera to the existing reverse camera on a Disco 4 2016

[kelvo]

Could someone send me the wiring diagram of how to wire a safety Dave caravan camera to the existing reverse camera on a Disco 4 2016
You use the diagram posted above, BUT the camera must be NTSC to work. I suspect the SD camera will be PAL.