Thread: D4 mod - Reversing Camera

Originally Posted by 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

Hi Tony,

Check out this thread and in the attachments for the GVIF install on this particular post - 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.

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

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 and do a search for "blackvue" and there are several illustrated guides as well.

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

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.

Originally Posted by 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.

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.

eddomak,

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

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?