Ok question to all you EE whizzes out there. Here is my intended setup:

- Boyo VTL425HD rear view camera
- PAC VCI (x2/nis2) video switch module

As you know, the VCI module automatically switches the screen from factory to backup on sensing the reverse line. What I want to do is install a toggle switch so that I can force the rearview cam on even while driving normally. So does it make sense to do the following:

1) Add a SPDT switch on the reverse line going to the VCI module to toggle it between the actual reverse line (normal behaviour) and a 12v line (to trick the VCI thinking its in reverse)
Q: Will this work?

2) subsequently on the same reverse line, after the switch, going into the VCI module, tap this to trigger a relay that controls power to the reverse came. So whenever the VCI *thinks* its going in reverse, the camera is powered accordingly.
Q1: Will this work?
Q2: I'm assuming a typical bosch 12v 30a relay will do the trick, but is this what most people would use? (I just find it rather clunky, not sure if theres more compact ones .. also the current draw on the camera is very small.. < 1A)

thanks!

 

Comatose,

yes, if you wire the switch to 12V you can trick the reverse sense on the VCI unit. shouldn't be too hard. Just wire it to the "drive" indication wire and flip as needed.

as for #2, you have a few options....the easiest thing to do (in my opinion) is to power it from the XM receiver in your trunk (if so equipped) so it's constantly on. option #2 is that the boyo should come with a long enough wire to reach the front of the car (it should have two power leads and the video connector), so you can just wire it to the cigarette lighter for constant power. otherwise yes, you can use a small relay to give 12V to the camera no problem. i'm sure you can find a smaller relay at radio shack or something though.

cheers!

 

Thanks Remmy! I was hoping someone like you would reply

I was initially concerned about overheating the camera if powered constantly, but its probably not something I need to worry about given today's applications. It definitely simplifies the work for me if i just power it constantly.

Regarding faking the reverse signal - would there be a difference between tapping the "drive indication line" (I couldn't find this, but i found other references to 12v signals. e.g. ignition) versus the same 12v line that powers the VCI unit?

Did you bother hooking up the brake-wire? I suspect this just shuts off the vci display when the parking brake is applied.. (I also found some diy installations for a GTR, where they simply grounded this wire using the white wire twisted around it)

Lastly, if I want to reuse the existing RCA video port in the center console, could I just t-tap into this and hook it up to VCI's aux connection?

thanks!

 

well i wouldn't worry about overheating it unless it's like a 105 degree day out but even then i don't think a CCD camera like that should really over heat. but if you're concerned then just tap the camera power off the 12V sense line on the VCI unit, that was whenever the VCI sees 12V the camera gets 12V.

there should be no issue with tapping the line that powers the VCI. but yes, you need to hook up that brake wire or the unit won't work properly. another member here had troubles with his installation because he didn't hook it up but it's easy to get to, right behind the head unit with the other connections so you may as well do it while you're back there. i'm not sure exactly which function it serves though. i suspect it may be an "insurance" thing where it won't show you the reverse camera with the parking brake on so you're not tempted to back up and ruin your parking brake or damage your vehicle. that's just a guess though. i'll test it when i get back in my car and let you know.

i'm not sure if i understand your last question...are you asking if you can tap into the RCA connector in the center console and run it to the secondary video input on the VCI unit? you can do it, technically speaking, but this is almost like a bypass for the safety feature which we can't discuss here. although ironically the PAC VCI units are like a giant bypass system anyway but that's a whole other issue. for now we should limit the discussion to the backup camera usage.

if that's what your question is it almost seems like a waste of time to do that anyway since you have the second input on the VCI and your stock RCA input will still maintain it's normal functionality.

 

Remmy, thanks for the all the tips!

For RCA input, yes your understanding of what im trying to do is correct. Its not important I agree - I was merely looking for a cleaner integration. The secondary port I would end up using with a portable device (e.g. gps off my phone). So since the VCI is tucked away, I'd figured I could reuse the existing compositive video port rather than relying on a dangling extension cable or drilling/fitting a new port.

 

that makes sense i guess, so it's really for convenience and not for the purpose of bypassing safety features so it shouldn't be too taboo to discuss. you could totally do that but since it's an RCA you'd have to cut the wire and isolate the ground and signal cables. if i were you, i'd run a 3ft RCA cable to the console and just drill a new hole and mount it, that might be the best way.

 

Here's my post-installation impressions:

- The VTL-425HD camera is supposedly the 2011 (HD) revision of the original VTL-425, but without the 2010+ higher-res display (I have a 2007), I dont think I'm able to benefit from the higher-res camera. Low-light sensitivity is suppose to be better on this model as well, but all I can say in any low-conditions its hard to pick up anything. Also due to the poor viewing angle on the lcd, I have a hard time seeing any low-contrast images. I'll be upgrading my reverse lights to see if it helps.

- The bar camera is extremely thin, and its nearly impossible to notice it. That said, it still protrudes outwords from the license plate, and actually blocks off alot of the light that normally would illuminate onto the plate.

- Although I'm fairly pleased with the 425HD, if I were to do it again, I think I would give the VTL-422HD instead. Its about $20 cheaper, has guidelines, and its design does not extend as far outwards (blocking less light to the plates). Some negatives are supposedly slightly worse low-light sensitivity, and a slightly more noticable design.

Below are some pics:

Reverse Cam view:


Reverse Cam:


Camera mode override: (auto on reverse / off / forced-on)


Video toggle switch:

 

nice job brother!

 

So today I decided to disconnect the parking-brake line from the VCI-X2, as for some reason it was causing my parking-brake dash light to remain on even with the pb disengaged. With the line removed, I simply connected it to the white ground-wire that wrapped around it.

$20 iphone4-compatible video out cable + TVOut2 Mirror app =

 

that's odd about the parking brake light, but at least you resolved it. yeah i like the idea of using the iphone as the navigation system and entertainment system. that new mimics panel is pretty sweet since it allows touch screen control too. too expensive for my taste though....

 

I'm looking to do something very similar, did you do the install yourself? I'm looking for a camera that has lines (much like the OEM one) is this possible? I don't really want to have flip a switch, I'd like for it just to pop up on the screen.

 

Nismo, there are several camera out there with parking lines. Actually, there are one or two other members in this sub-forum that have done the same install so i'm sure you'll be able to find those threads for more info.