Backup / Reverse camera upgrades or modifications

[Matt]

You were trying to get one to work as a second camera, right?

[hoaxci5]

Correct, I ended up just adding a second monitor. I wanted to be able to see out the back when loaded up for a camping trip.

[lekmedm]

Here is a link to basically what I did in our Subaru:

http://legacygt.com/forums/showpost....2&postcount=21


I bet if you can track down the schematics, you can come up with a similar solution. I'm very interested in what you come up with.

[Matt]

Thanks Mark!

I have the schematics in my service manual so I should be good there

[lekmedm]

It's kind of a funny story with the Subaru. We have an '06 Outback XT with factory navigation. The back-up camera was never an option for the Outback in that model year, and yet everything was wired and ready for a camera. Some dude was sharp enough to recognize the plug in the back of the nav screen and figure out the pins. The homemade harness was easy enough to make, so plugging in an RCA jack makes the connection universal. Then you just need power and ground, and you're done!

[Matt]

I was just checking that out.... it's similar to what i was planning on doing just wasn't sure how i was going to handle the video feed since they're not easy splice/solder connections. I'll have to check out the back of the head unit to see if there's a similar plug and just run a new cable back.

[1USMC]

Matt,
Coastal Technologies Electronics , (long title to type) tech did get back to me about using aftermarket cameras with factory systems and if an interface would be needed.
He thinks that they most probably would Not work with a factory system without some sort of interface.
It would depend if the system is analog, digital, compression algorithm, etc etc etc.

He also noted that they do not sell cameras any more and only Lockpic and interfaces.

So I started wondering if he was perhaps slightly bias and perhaps just trying to sell one of their product?

I have also came across notes like this in the past >

Adding a Camera to a Car

If your vehicle already has a factory navigation system with a screen, you can integrate an aftermarket camera with that system instead of installing a separate LCD on the dash.
These OEM interfaces are very specific to vehicles and head units, so it's best to consult those companies' Web sites to confirm compatibility with your vehicle.

Most aftermarket cameras have standard composite video output via universal RCA plugs that connect to virtually any aftermarket display.

So… I contacted a couple of other retailers I have interfaced with.>

Pac-audio Tech said it would most probably work and you could splice one of their cameras into our system.
http://pac-audio.com/Products.aspx?CategoryId=34

Nav Tv was the most helpful, knowledgeable and even looked up our exact video feed systems in MyGIG.>
http://www.navtv.com/index.php They knew all this

MyGIG models

RER / REW / REP



REU / REX / RE1



REN / REZ



RBZ



"To date, three different versions of the MyGIG radio have been released in North America, models RER (with navigation), REN/RBZ (without navigation, and with or without Satellite radio) and REU (with navigation and remote display screen). Model REU is currently available only in the all-new 2009 Dodge Journey. MyGIG radios use two different Bus systems, high speed and low speed. Vehicles designed for a high-speed electrical bus will not work on a vehicle with a low-speed bus, and vice versa. Credit to WKJeeps. "


Nav Tv feels confident that our composite system is compatible with other composite cameras.
He noted that there is a newer "Uconnect' radio out, (not a MyGIG with Uconnect features) that use a different type video format.

Most say you can carefully solder the connection, some don’t recommend it. I have seen different “how to” and videos on U Tube.

Nav’s camera’s seemed a little higher priced than most , but I would recommend them over the others for tech questions.