Install Backup Camera ... (1 Viewer)

[cwmoser]

I'm wanting to install a Backup Camera in my 2002 LX470.
The dash display does not have video inputs - so I've been
looking at those inexpensive backup cameras on Ebay
that use a small 7 or 9" monitor.

I have some questions:
1- anyone have experience with this?
2- better to run a video wire from back to front or go wireless?
3- If I mount the display on the windshield just under the
overhead console, is there power in the overhead console
that I can use to power the display?

I kinda like the Camera that mounts on the License plate,
especially the Pearl backup camera but that thing is
very expensive.

Like to hear for you folks who have already done this.

 

[NeverClean]

I haven't installed one yet, but just ordered a unit from the local auto electrician. After quizzing them for about 40 minutes my decision was based on the following:
a. wireless means you don't have to drill any holes, but some do suffer from poor/no encryption on the wireless signal, so you can end up getting the video feed from another camera. This happened in the parking lot while I was talking to them. Funny to watch - I'm getting a wired camera. I'll be mounting the camera in the tailgate routing the wire through with the reversing light cable into the body and then routing it above the doors to the screen that will be mounted on the mirror stem on the windscreen. Power will need to go up through the A-pillar too as there is not enough amps available through the light circuits in my 60 series, it may be different with yours.
b. I'm going to be getting a 100 series shortly, so have made the purchase on the basis that I can set up both the camera and the screen as plug and play so I can swap the screen and the camera unit to whichever cruiser I'm using. The wireless ones are even easier to do this.
c. The unit I just ordered is almost $1k fitted, but I got it for just over half that as a kit - I'll be fitting it myself. I compared it with the ebay units, and while the specs weren't that different, the local guy is giving me a replacement warranty for 3 years if it fails.

I hope that helps.

 

[NeverClean]

Oh, forgot to mention that if you get a wireless unit, make sure it has a control wire to switch the screen on/off, but so the power is on the accessory circuit. If you have to rely on the reverse wire, or a manual switch that actually cuts the power, the unit will take 10+ seconds to boot, which makes them effectively useless.

 

[cwmoser]

Oh, forgot to mention that if you get a wireless unit, make sure it has a control wire to switch the screen on/off, but so the power is on the accessory circuit. If you have to rely on the reverse wire, or a manual switch that actually cuts the power, the unit will take 10+ seconds to boot, which makes them effectively useless.

Is the "10+ seconds to boot" the display monitor, OR is it associated with the
two transmitter/receiver parts?

Looks like there might be sufficient power in the overhead console.
Any idea how many milliamperes a 7" display needs?

Also, how difficult is it to run a video cable along the side of the headliner
say behind the plastic trim pieces? Then along the windshield header
to the overhead console?

 

[cwmoser]

I ordered these parts. I'll post back and let everyone know
how well this works out:

 

[cwmoser]

BTW, I've been thinking about where to position the
7" display backup monitor.
Thinking about using Velcro and attach it to the back of the
Driver Side Sunvisor. I certainly don't need that Makeup
Mirror When I'm backing up, just flip down the
Sunvisor. There is power there on the mirror light that
I can tap into assuming it runs through the accessory circuit.

Might even make more sense to remove the flip mirror in the
Sunvisor and insert in well a 4.3" display monitor.

 

[cwmoser]

Even though I spent $12 for the wireless transmitter/receiver gizmos,
I might instead run a video cable behind the headliner trim.

 

[NeverClean]

I ordered these parts. I'll post back and let everyone know
how well this works out:

I look forward to hearing about how you go.

 

[NeverClean]

Is the "10+ seconds to boot" the display monitor, OR is it associated with the
two transmitter/receiver parts?

Its the screen/control unit.

Looks like there might be sufficient power in the overhead console.
Any idea how many milliamperes a 7" display needs?

That is a good start.

Also, how difficult is it to run a video cable along the side of the headliner
say behind the plastic trim pieces? Then along the windshield header to the overhead console?

In the 60 it is really easy. I already have a 1/2" conduit running in the corner of the roof above the supports so you can't see it under the head liner at all. It has 3 lead wires in it so I can pull more wires/cables through from either end . The other option would be to run it under the carpet and up behind the plastic panel on the A-pillar.

 

[ad27326]

BTW, I've been thinking about where to position the
7" display backup monitor.
Thinking about using Velcro and attach it to the back of the
Driver Side Sunvisor. I certainly don't need that Makeup
Mirror When I'm backing up, just flip down the
Sunvisor. There is power there on the mirror light that
I can tap into assuming it runs through the accessory circuit.

Might even make more sense to remove the flip mirror in the
Sunvisor and insert in well a 4.3" display monitor.

I am thinking of doing this as well! Let me know how it works, pics and such! I ordered a clip on mirror style but the front camera interfered with my stock mirror so I am returning it! Once I find a good place to mount the monitor, I will be ordering,again!!

 

[ad27326]

I ordered these parts. I'll post back and let everyone know
how well this works out:

View attachment 1387239

View attachment 1387240

View attachment 1387241

Link? Amazon?

 

[jLB]

I ordered these parts. I'll post back and let everyone know
how well this works out:

View attachment 1387239

View attachment 1387240

View attachment 1387241

We used one of the license plate frame cameras, like the one you posted, on my son's 2000 LC. Wired to the aftermarket Kenwood nav/stereo we installed at the same time. In our case, it's not quite as clear as the factory cam in my vehicle, but after a little tweaking is has worked just fine for my son.

 

[spressomon]

From what I've read the Pearl RearVision unit looks solid; on the 'consideration' list especially since I'm in trailer-ville again. Not inexpensive but stuff that works rarely is.

Pearl - No New Car Required

 

[abuck99]

From what I've read the Pearl RearVision unit looks solid; on the 'consideration' list especially since I'm in trailer-ville again. Not inexpensive but stuff that works rarely is.

Pearl - No New Car Required

I saw that- thought it was a cool idea being wireless, wifi & BT to your phone and the camera has built in solar charging, but @ $425 that seems way overpriced.

And it captivates the OBD port so if you're running
Scanguage or torque app- you loose that functionality or have to get a splitter.

 

[cwmoser]

These are the backup camera parts I purchased:

License Plate Camera - metal frame: $29.99
Amazon.com: CAR ROVER 170° Viewing Angle Universal Waterproof Car License Plate Frame Mount Rear View Camera With 8 IR LED Night Vision: Cell Phones & Accessories

Wireless Transmitter and Receivers: $12.99
Amazon.com: Esky Wireless Color Video Transmitter and Receiver for Vehicle Backup Camera / Front Car Camera: Cell Phones & Accessories

Display Monitor - 7": #26.99
Amazon.com: [Upgrade with Image Reverse Function] Esky 7 inch TFT LCD Color 2 Video Input Car Rear View Monitor DVD VCR Monitor With Remote and Stand: Cell Phones & Accessories

All the parts look very nice.
I think I still going to need some more wire and connectors.

The advantage of the Wireless Receiver/Transmitters
is that I don't have to run a video cable from the
rear to the front.

 

[cwmoser]

I hooked up these parts on my workbench and got the camera working.
Pretty good picture with backup markers.
I did not use the "Blue Wire" associated with the monitor - just
the black and red wires for power, and the yellow RCA input
to the wireless receiver.

The Monitor displays the image in about 2 seconds after power is applied
to everything - all from a power off state.
So, the power should be gotten off a circuit when the transmission is shifted
into Reverse - anyone know where this wire can be accessed?

I recorded these current readings:
Display Monitor = 229ma
Wireless Receiver = 139ma
License Plate Camera = 78ma
Wireless Transmitter = 208ma

Total Current for Monitor and Wireless Receiver = 367ma
Total Current for the Camera and Wireless Transmitter = 285ma

 

[cwmoser]

I spread the parts out in my workshop about 15 feet apart and got
a rock solid image and the display appeared to reflect changes
at the camera very fast.

I need to locate under the Dash the wire that supplies power for the
Backup Lights - probably going to be hard to find. Any help is appreciated.

I need to locate the wire on the Rear Hatch that supplies power for
the Backup Lights - should be easy to find.

 

[savirc]

I hard wired mine, hardest part was getting it through the small rubber tube/boot on the tailgate. Power to the camera should be constant otherwise time to boot will be annoying. Screen should have a back switch wires to one of the back light positive. I found one on the driver side foot panel.

I've heard wireless have interfearance issues.

My 2 cents

 

[savirc]

If your looking for the backup wire I have a pic on my build

 

[cwmoser]

If your looking for the backup wire I have a pic on my build

Savirc, that is a great build thread.
Thanks for sharing.

Is this the photo? Copied from you build thread: