Analogue to Digital TV in 2002 S8

[HPsauce]

Originally Posted by HPsauce

a 5A fuse in it's wiring, in that constant 12v circuit.
So while I'm at it I'll make sure any 12v take-off I use is protected by that fuse.

Done and refitted, though a bit of "readjustment" is still required behind the RNS as something is stopping it going back that last 5mm.

I now have a 12v supply, protected a 5A fuse, energised via a relay when the RNS is on (irrespective of ignition). I've moved the CVBS/RGB converter box to that and the RNS does indeed "see" a TV input all the time now, though when selected it currently says "No Signal" unless I'm in reverse.

I'm just about ready now to start testing the TV tuner in the car.

[HPsauce]

First test, that's it for today.
Aerial not yet supplied with power and we're in a valley in a rubbish reception area, but it still got Channel 4!

[HPsauce]

Bodged a power supply to one aerial and got reception with the aerial sitting on a sun visor.
Given that our house, to get decent Freeview reception, has a big rooftop aerial with masthead amplifier this is pretty good.

Next I need to sort out aerial power (x2) and tidy it up before testing the various aerial location options.

[HPsauce]

Originally Posted by HPsauce

Next I need to sort out aerial power (x2) and tidy it up before testing the various aerial location options.

Done, first full test this afternoon with components and wires strung all over the drivers footwell area. A few minor issues to resolve but basically it works well, as planned.

With the aerials tucked up just under the headlining (behind the top of the windscreen shadeband) reception is OK on my drive.
Radio is excellent and gives me loads of digital (Freeview) stations.
TV is a bit variable, but I expected that. Some channels are OK, others break up. Testing required at better locations than my driveway.

The XCarlink continues to work as it should, though I need to reroute the lead to the Bluetooth unit and handsfree phone microphone if I ever want to use it.

Switchover to the camera when reverse is selected works exactly as planned, energising the video switching relay, camera and radio link from the reversing light circuit.
Finally, when switching to reverse the TV/radio sound is maintained.

Slight problem with TV video signal, it worked OK initially then started losing sync. Probably a poor connection at/near the relay. I've taken it and its loom off to investigate.
Bypassing the loom/relay TV works fine and the reverse camera is OK via the loom/relay so it's a small area to check.

[HPsauce]

Originally Posted by HPsauce

Slight problem with TV video signal, it worked OK initially then started losing sync.

Sadly, not my wiring, it's the unit itself. After a few minutes the video out loses sync.
Turning it off to change cables fooled me, as it cooled down or whatever reversed the failure.

I feel a PayPal claim coming on. Though strangely when I look on eBay it's not due to arrive yet and hasn't been delivered.
I can't even make a claim for nearly another 3 weeks according to eBay!

Edit: Tested in the morning and it lasted about 5 or 6 minutes before degrading. Sound is fine, it's just the video that loses sync and scrolls rapidly.

[HPsauce]

Originally Posted by HPsauce

I feel a PayPal claim coming on.

Just ordered another one from a different seller (lower price ) and will get a refund on this one!
It's possible there's a design fault, but more likely it's a badly soldered joint ("dry joint") inside, moving apart as components warm up.

I can carry on testing and installing, then when the new one arrives just swap the actual tuner box and set it up. Simples.

If that swap works OK I'll open up the faulty one (might do that sooner) and see if it's fixable - I have another possible use for it.
(Though I think the HDMI output is OK anyway)

[HPsauce]

Originally Posted by HPsauce

Just ordered another one from a different seller (lower price )

Supposedly coming from HK but tracking shows it starting in Mingle (Shenzen) just over in mainland China.
Nonetheless it's now in the UK so I should get it this week (or not, forgot Easter holidays!)! Not bad for ordering on Saturday!
Edit: Sitting at my local delivery office ready for delivery, which means Tuesday at best.

[HPsauce]

Originally Posted by HPsauce

Just ordered another one from a different seller (lower price ) and will get a refund on this one!

The plot thickens on eBay, though I won't expose too much detail here.

Lets just say there seems to be a very close link (via a UK address used for returns) between apparently independent eBay sellers and some questionable practices in the way returns are handled.
I have seen evidence that some people (not me) have returned faulty goods (following instructions from the seller but NOT totally using eBay processes) but were not refunded and also paid the return postage when they shouldn't have.
Furthermore those faulty items may be being sent out again if they appear cosmetically OK; I think that's how I got my first (faulty) one so quickly, it apparently came from the (shared?) returns warehouse not China! There are comments in the listing about the goods being in China but using alternative warehouses "for fast delivery".

I'm following eBay's processes carefully to protect myself, based on my own previous "learning experiences" and will certainly not be out of pocket at the end. The doubtful sellers on the other hand...

All now resolved satisfactorily. Lessons learned.

[HPsauce]

Originally Posted by HPsauce

when switching to reverse the TV/radio sound is maintained.

By default I listen to Radio 4 so I'll set Radio 4 on the DVB-T, then the reversing camera should come on automagically.

Tested, works perfectly. Start car; RNS remembers Video input and DVB-T is in Radio mode on Radio 4.
Select reverse to back out of driveway, camera switches in and radio sound continues. Better than I expected.

[HPsauce]

A major decision is required re something non-OEM that I can't hide.
The IR receiver "magic eye" for the TV remote; it's a thumbnail-sized dark dome with a black cable, but where to put it?

I'm not bothered about using the remote from anywhere in the cabin, as long as the driver can use it (when parked, obviously ) and maybe the front seat passenger as well?

Two places appear practical:
1. The bottom left of the instrument cluster, just to the right of the clock buttons. The cable (recoloured if necessary) can run vertically down the join in the trim then behind the drivers knee panel. An easy/temporary initial fit.
2. Incorporated into the "video in motion" switch to the right of the steering column in place of the non-functioning LEDs. A bit of work, effectively invisible, but only useable by the driver.