Smart Cruiser Project

[alwaysme]

After 13 months of testing and research (and ******* most of it primary), I feel I am ready to commence on the below project list as I have ordered most of what is required (atleast I hope)

• 6 Cameras (front, left, right, back, windshield mirror) + the OEM Reverse
• DVR recording on each Camera (for that 360 degrees need)
• Access Cameras via Smartphone Live (hmm dreaming?)
• View Camera Live recording to OEM Screen while driving
• View F,B,R,L cameras at once on OEM Screen
• Camera Live Recording to Rear Screens
• Mirror Andriod & IOS to OEM Screen wirelessly (hmmm Gmaps)
• Play Music & Video to OEM Speakers & Screen wirelessly
• Control Smartphone from OEM Screen
• Mirror Smartphone to Rear Seat Entertainment wirelessly while maintaining nav on OEM screen
• Play In-Dash DVD's to Rear Seat Entertainment
• Rear Seat DVD's to OEM Front Screen (whoa!)
• Rear Seat OEM RCA to Mirror Smartphone to Front OEM Screen & Back Screens
• Navigation Over-ride while driving
• Easy Access iPhone & Android Charger
• Voltage Meter w/Switch
• Dim Cupholder LED's to find my pesky coins
• Turn Camera's on/off while away from the car
• Full Control from Driver Seat
• Clean OEM Install, No add-on rocker switches, no hanging wires

My main concern so far is

1. figuring out the audio part (Rear, front, Aux etc.)
2. Converting an RGB signal to AV Video
3. Opening the OEM screen and modifying the touch screen connector
4. Not to scratch any panels

Prerequisites
6 buckets of testosterone


Timeline (I am an employee, so the majority of the work will be done on weekends)

Week 1: Interior panel Removal
Week 3: Electronics Pieces removal & Modification
Week 5: Installation
Week 7: Cleanup & Finalize


If you see any showstoppers or you feel you can add value please show your support

 

[gesteer]

I am really keen to do this too.

Please provide step by step photos of your progress, as well as details of the brands, models and part numbers of what you used.

Cheers

Graeme

 

[Billfish]

Subscribed. What year is your cruiser? I'm very interested in adding forward cameras for wheeling purposes. It would be best if I could somehow get video to OEM screen but quite happy if it can be wified to my mobile or a peripheral monitor.

 

[Yasir]

This is great man, subscribed!

I'm very interested to see how you'll mirror the android screen on the in car nav because that's one of my biggest gripes about the systems on the market now. I've been meaning to do something similar myself and have already bought a few cameras for testing but the thought of dismantling the interior trims been really putting me off.

 

[4x4tripping]

Sounds like a big list to me! I also had try to get many points of your list...

I did take a set of these monitors:


They work well, but i guess you had to replace them any 40`000km to avoid rattle when you often drive on bad roads.


And use a Flir Night Vision Camera in the front (hard to get the full equipped one outside of the US). Massive Export restrictions because of military stuff.





This camera is connected to both sun visor monitors (with an splitter).

It is a thermal camera who gives you a black/white video - where the hot sources are good visible.



These steps of my Buildup arent that well documented, most travellers think anyway that there is too much bling on my car

But here you find other details:http://transafrica2012.blogspot.com and my jorney through africa.

My Plan was to be able to watch the animals in africa with that equipment, and to be able to drive in the night without putting on the lights - if neccessary.

It was more nice to have than neccessary, therefore the environment was too pretty warm the contrast is not that high like in at home in europe. Driving without light is possible that way, and when you drive at night it is better than any hid upgrades. Also in foggy condition you can drive better than without. But it is a Gadget what i did not use that often. It is better when you codriver support you with it, than when you really drive just from the screen view...

To have other front/side Cameras would be nice - but i didnt found someone who was able to do it. Do it well that it works under any condition.

I would suggests you buy directly the 2013 upwards model, to get these surround cameras, and to modify that modell to your needs.

I didnt think that an aftermarket upgrade will be that handy. But i will follow your thread with interest!

4x4tripping

 

[kreiten]

this is an awesome project!!! I have a couple questions, I have a 2013 200 series, is there a simple way to set up the stock system to record the front camera on to something, i.e. phone, SD card etc? Also are there better cameras that you could plug into the stock system for the front camera, i.e. night vision etc wtihout changing too much?

 

[Atwalz]

Great project. I would love to see a mod done to view the any camera at any speed instead of only at low range and below 5mph. While you are at it see if you can hack multi-terrain monitor system to unlock it.

 

[alwaysme]

Thanks everyone, the interest really motivates. Regarding instructions, once I near completion and I am successful with yielding the results, I will definitely put a DIY for you folks. Currently there are too many variables as I will be experimenting as I go, so putting instructions before getting things done will waste your time and mine.

And use a Flir Night Vision Camera in the front (hard to get the full equipped one outside of the US). Massive Export restrictions because of military stuff.


I would suggests you buy directly the 2013 upwards model, to get these surround cameras, and to modify that modell to your needs.


4x4tripping

I have seen your build and blog a few times, crazy cool stuff and funny you mention the Pathfindr as its what instigated this whole project. 2 years back I went to their exclusive distributor to get one installed. They were quite positive that they can get it done on the factory screen, so I get a call 2 days later saying that they can only install it on an external monitor. Their Sales Director assured a 15% discount for the troubles if I decide to ever purchase one, also its not cheap at $3000+. Where did you mount yours? Couldnt find pics on your blog.

As for buying the newer cruisers. The side cameras point downwards, not really what I need, and besides I have already put too much effort and money into my current LC.

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Update: 1% complete

I got to work on some fresh OEM switches w/ harnesses, been busy sorting out the wiring. Some came with 6 wires, some 5, and some 4, and after a while I got the hang of it. I ordered a total of 8 new, and 5 used (some momentary some normal on/off). Always order more than you need just in case you mess things up (with my luck I always do).

I used wago connectors and labeled them so when it comes time to solder the harnesses I can easily figure out the schematics, this will save you LOTS of time.

Yes pretty pathetic i work on my bed, no garage and its raining outside

5 Done, a couple more to go

 

[alwaysme]

Need some help, can you guys tell me what most of these abbreviations are? Also where is this harness located? I wish to avoid taking out the steering wheel to reach the high beam switch. I am looking to wire a sensor to it

 

[xrayos]

Have you thought about putting in an iPad mini for the main display? i.e., let it control your cameras and even use it as the navigation tool?

 

[xkennx]

Need some help, can you guys tell me what most of these abbreviations are? Also where is this harness located? I wish to avoid taking out the steering wheel to reach the high beam switch. I am looking to wire a sensor to it

If your in the UAE - try and come out to RAK and I'll take you into my factory where we armor the TLC 200. Also I have a bunch of the Android head units which can be modded. but already had a bunch of USB inputs and CAMBUS installed