Reverse Camera Fitting - Page 3

snapdragon · #21 22nd March 2015, 10:44 AM

But if you don't buy the PDC control unit - then if you select reverse won't the parking PDC graphics cover up your camera picture going in via AUX-in.

I have a genuine Audi RVC camera in the house, but don't really wan't to spend even more money on a new boot microswitch handle and number plate light strip + getting it painted. So might try dremelling a square aperture for it in the existing handle.

Wist I'd never started this retrofit - turning out to be too expensive.

tc4332 · #22 22nd March 2015, 11:28 AM

Oh God, nothing is easy.
I'll put it all back in and try putting it in reverse.
I'll let you know on this thread, I was having a chill day

tc4332 · #23 22nd March 2015, 06:25 PM

Tried it and it worked OK.
So I have now fitted it and working via Aux 2 on the analogue TV Tuner.
Only one set of lines, the ones from the camera.

I had to dremel the boot lid handle/number plate light fixing. Started with the handle still attached, and filed the camera/number plate light plastic box to make it fit. Managed to get it in but on looking closer spotted that with a bit more hacking it would go in just that little bit better.
Took the handle off the car and went on the bench with it and dremeled away at the back. Took a bit longer, and a little bit more filing on the camera box but it went in like made for the job.
The resultant picture is a degree or two off centre and SWMBO is complaining that it is confusing, but she said that years ago when I forced her to reverse using mirrors instead of twisting round and peering through the back window.
I like it, and we have a good colour picture. It works for me but I'm used to 12 metre long buses without cameras. To be honest the very slight misalignment is not worth the hassle of stripping it all down again.

mcs · #24 25th March 2015, 02:39 AM

I am going to try a graphic interface between the screen and the screen control unit. Someone locally makes a unit fairly cheaply (100 pounds or so) that will do it and cut the MMI feed when the car is reversing.

I have just needed a camera. What exact one did you get that replaces a license plate lamp?

Mike

snapdragon · #25 25th March 2015, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcs

I am going to try a graphic interface between the screen and the screen control unit. Someone locally makes a unit fairly cheaply (100 pounds or so) that will do it and cut the MMI feed when the car is reversing.

I have just needed a camera. What exact one did you get that replaces a license plate lamp?

Mike

I may be wrong but please double check the unit is LVDS as I have read on other sites.....
The MMI Control head take an LVDS video in - not composite.
The RVC unit outputs LVDS .
The TV unit outputs LVDS but the AUX in are composite.

tc4332 · #26 25th March 2015, 06:32 PM

The underlined words in the following text are links. Left click on them and your browser should open up another page.

I used this camera:-

CAMERA

I also bought from the same supplier:-

Tx/Rx Pair

When ordering the camera remember to select the PAL version. The NTSC one would work but you would have to change the MMI setting on the Aux channel you use. This camera worked out of the box without any faults.

I used the Tx/Rx to save running a video cable from the boot lid to the main body. There is also the possibility that I will purchase a CAR VIDEO INTERFACE or an X-CarLinK in the future to automate switching the MMI to reverse camera view on engaging the "Going Backwards Gear".

Any problems just ask.

tc4332 · #27 25th March 2015, 06:43 PM

The LVDS that some people are talking about is when you are connecting direct to the MMI.
Because I have connected via the now otherwise redundant analogue TV Tuner the camera output can be just composite using a yellow plug/socket that is already fitted. Just plug and play.

tc4332 · #28 7th April 2015, 07:55 PM

Right Chaps,
I managed to buy the X-Carlink, the seller knocked £50 off for me 'cos I phoned him and had a nice chat. The manufacturer has done some updates, both hardware and software. It now does all sorts of video to the MMI screen and can pass audio to the sound system. I only want it for automating the reverse camera operation. The supplier said that it might now work with my Chinese PAL camera, and yes it did.

Now fully fitted and working really well.

Camera and transmitter/receiver pair as above.
Camera and transmitter in the boot lid, both powered from reverse light supply. The LEDs in the camera body powered by number plate light supply.
X-Carlink powered by a permanent supply and by an ignition switched supply. It also needs a reverse supply, this I took from the reverse light supply by tapping into the loom in the left boot space and running the wire through the car to behind the glove box where the X-Carlink is located. The receiver for the camera transmitter is also located there and is supplied by the reverse supply.
SWMBO has not inspected it yet, but she will give it a good pass mark, really good colour picture, no interference and it switches on automatically. Whatever sound is playing carries on, only the video is replaced by the rear view.
Engaging the backing up gear just does it all for me.

Final cost just over £200.