Finally, the first G8 with VIM!!!

[hotshot2003]

The moment you've all been waiting for has arrived! I now have the first G8 with the Video-in-motion(VIM) override in the United States. Adrian from No Limit Electronics in Australia provided the part and the Aux in plugs. The item took approximately 10 days in shipping from Australia to Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Upon opening the package these are the parts that I found:

Package containing VIM programmer, A/V cables/plugs, and installation instructions.

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e220/hotshot2003/VIM%20G8%202008/DSC03401.jpg

Here is a picture of the VIM programmer:
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e220/hotshot2003/VIM%20G8%202008/DSC03403.jpg

A picture of the instructions that came with it:
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e220/hotshot2003/VIM%20G8%202008/DSC03407.jpg

The Aux in plugs:
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e220/hotshot2003/VIM%20G8%202008/DSC03404.jpg

And their instructions:
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e220/hotshot2003/VIM%20G8%202008/DSC03405.jpg

Installation was very simple. In order to access the harnesses on the side of the radio its easiest to begin by removing the glovebox. I will provide detailed removal instructions for this later on when time permits. After removing the glovebox you simply pull off the panel on the right side of the radio. You will now see the wire harnesses exposed on the blaupunkt head unit.

The topmost open harness is where the video plug goes in. The one provided by Adrian has a unique locking mechanism that promises to provide a secure connection for years to come. The audio connector goes in the bottom leftmost open slot. Now that your video cables are connected, test to insure that the video and audio are working properly with the vehicle in park.

Now for the VIM portion. Read the instructions carefully for this module before performing the update. You are instructed to turn the key to the ignition position, make sure the radio is on, if it isn't, turn it on. Now you are to plug the module in firmly. The module plugs into the GM databus terminal located just to the left of the steering column under the driverside dashboard. Once plugged in the LED on the module lights up and will begin to flash slowly. Your radio screen will go blank and then reboot. After the radio reboots the LED begins flashing quickly. You are to leave the module in for approximately one minute for all of this to take place. I personally left it in for one minute after the radio rebooted just to be safe. You can now remove the module.

The car will now allow the video to play while driving. View the post below for an example video I took in the parking lot at the shop. I will post another video later with higher speeds when I can get someone to ride with me and video things safely.

[hotshot2003]

Here is the video:

http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e220/hotshot2003/VIM%20G8%202008/th_MOV03411-1.jpg (http://s40.photobucket.com/albums/e220/hotshot2003/VIM%20G8%202008/?action=view&current=MOV03411-1.flv)

You'll have to excuse the video looping. It was the only source I had available and unfortunately had to film with the same camera. You will see me over 10mph in the parking lot with the video still playing.
http://i40.photobucket.com/albums/e220/hotshot2003/VIM%20G8%202008/th_MOV03412.jpg (http://s40.photobucket.com/albums/e220/hotshot2003/VIM%20G8%202008/?action=view&current=MOV03412.flv)
Let me know if you have any questions.

[Steve]

Good stuff.. now i'm waiting for this 'dede' guy's repsonse on the other board .. ya know, mr " it's impossible".... ROFL

[SJMCNUT]

How do i get one?

[WinstonWolf]

where do i send my money?

[Chewy]

If you don't mind me asking....


How mucho?

Would love to plug me iPhone into it whilst driving.:whocares:

[wreckwriter]

I bet he's gonna charge out the ass for this :( Can't really blame him I guess.

[hotshot2003]

You guys will have to contact Adrian about pricing. I worked something out with him to help quiet the skeptics and be the first to take the risk on my car. His pricing is very fair as far as I'm concerned though. It is well worth it if you want nav/ipod/bluetooth/internet etc that can be had with a car PC.

[wreckwriter]

If I were to have it I would use it for just a backup camera. I can tell by your reply that its more than I'm willing to spend. Lots will though I expect. Its a big breakthrough that has been long wanted.

[NoLimit]

Glad all went well! as I knew it would!! :)

We are trying to organise a distributor over there to handle these for us, as I have been flooded with emails and calls.

Will keep everyone informed with how we will proceed from here.

We do also have Autoswitching units with VIM built in for customers wanting reverse cam. It will autoswitch the factory screen to rear aux :)

Cheers,
Adrian

[wreckwriter]

We do also have Autoswitching units with VIM built in for customers wanting reverse cam. It will autoswitch the factory screen to rear aux :)

Cheers,
Adrian

Can you give us any idea as to pricing on this?

[NoLimit]

Can you give us any idea as to pricing on this?

Reverse with VIM are around $400AUD

[wreckwriter]

Reverse with VIM are around $400AUD

OK, thanks Adrian.

[WinstonWolf]

FYI $400 AUD is like $270 us dollars.

[p71]

does the auto backup thing perclude using it as another audio/video input... perhaps using some sort of KVM type device... just brain stroming here.

[jnak]

does the auto backup thing perclude using it as another audio/video input... perhaps using some sort of KVM type device... just brain stroming here.

You can rig it up to select between two inputs when you put it in reverse. Mine will switch to the rearview camera automatically when I put it in reverse, then back to the input I put in the centre console when I take it out of reverse. I do have to press the "AUX" button first though.

[hotshot2003]

I'm going to be running everything in the car from the AUX in the rear of the radio controlled by PC. I never listen to radio so that will be the only thing I will have to switch sources for. However, for back up camera input, you can use a microcontroller to auto switch between the pc video signal and the camera signal when it receives a high level input from the reverse wire in the car. It would trigger to swap the video upon shifting into reverse and should be pretty simple to fab up.

[norm8332]

I'm going to be running everything in the car from the AUX in the rear of the radio controlled by PC. I never listen to radio so that will be the only thing I will have to switch sources for. However, for back up camera input, you can use a microcontroller to auto switch between the pc video signal and the camera signal when it receives a high level input from the reverse wire in the car. It would trigger to swap the video upon shifting into reverse and should be pretty simple to fab up.

Or you could simply use a micro switch at the shifter or linkage.

[Steve]

ehmm or you'd just check for it on the gmlan?
Adrian has an auto-switch unit already too

[norm8332]

:lalala:


I like to build complicated micro controllers when a $5 micro switch would suffice.

Naaww.. I think I'll buy the one Adrian has.

[R.Penguin]

So, lemmee see if I got this right. I get up to about 65 on the freeway, set cruise control, and then me & my girl can hop in the back & make an in-motion porno flick?

I like it! :p

[hotshot2003]

Adrians switch brings you from any source to the aux input source when shifting to reverse. What I want is two video feeds on the Aux in and switch between those when the car is in reverse. There is no need to tie into GMLAN or anything else. Its a simple wire to the reverse light that can be tapped and used to trigger the switch or microchip. Not difficult, I just need to find a chip that will not induce video noise, otherwise some simple relays could do the job.

[p71]

had not thought of that but it should be easy as hell to do... you do indeed just need a relay... actually if you run two...one to turn the second one on, and the other to activate the circuit that should insulat you from any electical noise.

[s281 S/C to G8]

Using this VIM, is it possible to hook up a fairly inexpensive GPS unit to use the radio screen for navigation purposes? If so, how ? What unit is needed? Or is this very indepth/expensive, where it would be cheaper just to mount the thing to my windshield ? Thanks

Excuse my ignorance when it comes to electronics.

[jnak]

Using this VIM, is it possible to hook up a fairly inexpensive GPS unit to use the radio screen for navigation purposes? If so, how ? What unit is needed? Or is this very indepth/expensive, where it would be cheaper just to mount the thing to my windshield ? Thanks

Excuse my ignorance when it comes to electronics.

As long as your GPS unit outputs the video, you can do it. Mine doesn't have a video out so it's mounted to my windshield.

I'm not sure what models have a video out, but I'm sure you can find one.

[s281 S/C to G8]

Thanks for your answer jnak.

Not to jack the thread but is this similar to this VIM, if so isn't this a cheaper alternative ?

http://www.coastaletech.com/universal_video.htm

Also at the bottom of the page looks like a back up camera ready to install.

If this isn't like this VIM or won't work with the 2008 model year +... disregard what I found.

[jnak]

That's not VIM. I actually put my stuff together to do just what that box does. When I put the car in reverse it switches to the rear view camera, any other time the video input is an RCA plug I mounted in the centre console.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j305/jnak00/G8/Camera/th_MOV04565.jpg (http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j305/jnak00/G8/Camera/?action=view&current=MOV04565.flv)

The video will cut out when your vehicle goes approx. 3 mph. Which comes up pretty fast, even in reverse. The VIM allows the video to play no matter what speed you're going.

[s281 S/C to G8]

Got it, I understand better now.

[G8-SSV]

It’s not the same, you only switching your input and your radio always on R-AUX IN, and “THE auto switch” from No Limit will switch from anything (radio, CD …) to R-AUX and back


That's not VIM. I actually put my stuff together to do just what that box does. When I put the car in reverse it switches to the rear view camera, any other time the video input is an RCA plug I mounted in the centre console.

http://i83.photobucket.com/albums/j305/jnak00/G8/Camera/th_MOV04565.jpg (http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j305/jnak00/G8/Camera/?action=view&current=MOV04565.flv)

The video will cut out when your vehicle goes approx. 3 mph. Which comes up pretty fast, even in reverse. The VIM allows the video to play no matter what speed you're going.

[shaunfin24]

Where can i get one of these VIM?

[r33pwrd]

so will the radio work when the reverse camera is active?

[jnak]

The radio will work, but it will only play the audio you have hooked up the rear aux input. So you can't listen to a CD or FM or XM while the reverse camera is on the screen.

[r33pwrd]

I guess what im wondering is if I want to hook up an external DVD player to it can I want a movie and still listen to the radio? Or the DVD? (have the option to listen to either why dvd is playing. Thanks and where do I buy??

[jnak]

If you hook up a video source, the only way to watch it is to be on Rear aux. The only audio you will hear is whatever you have hooked up to the rear aux input. You can still listen to the radio but not while watching video.

You can buy the vim module at JHP.

[r33pwrd]

If you hook up a video source, the only way to watch it is to be on Rear aux. The only audio you will hear is whatever you have hooked up to the rear aux input. You can still listen to the radio but not while watching video.

You can buy the vim module at JHP.

OK thanks so it one or the other...

[HSV GTS]

Heres some pics of the JHP VIM and AUX-in cables.
You can also get the VIM with auto-reverse to hook up a back -up camera..

not sure if its OK to post this link ?
http://www.jhp.com.au/g8partsdirect/VideoInMotion.htm

http://www.jhp.com.au/g8partsdirect/InteriorAccessories/G8VIM_AUXIN-h.jpg

[EcoBrick Bob]

So, lemmee see if I got this right. I get up to about 65 on the freeway, set cruise control, and then me & my girl can hop in the back & make an in-motion porno flick?

I like it! :p

Penguin...
I thought you were too old for that kinda action.....

Dreams.......

[whitehotgt]

All this talk is great but..........Where can I get one!!!!!!!

[SLA]

All this talk is great but..........Where can I get one!!!!!!!
From JHP using the link 2 posts above yours

[elbison]

Can anyone provide more detail than the JHP link?

Specifically, where are people putting the camera? Any pics out there?

And, is the link saying:

"$310 for VIM, plus $380 for camera auto-switch mechanism, plus $70 for a cable that will allow you to run both an external source AND a backup camera"

= $760 total?

Also, has anyone found a good, cheap "headless GPS/NAV" to plug into the VIM?

Lastly, if I wanted to run three sources (DVD, headless GPS/NAV and backup camera) is that possible? Would it be the $70 cable plus ANOTHER cable? I hate assuming stuff.

[jnak]

Can anyone provide more detail than the JHP link?

Specifically, where are people putting the camera? Any pics out there?

And, is the link saying:

"$310 for VIM, plus $380 for camera auto-switch mechanism, plus $70 for a cable that will allow you to run both an external source AND a backup camera"

= $760 total?

Also, has anyone found a good, cheap "headless GPS/NAV" to plug into the VIM?

Lastly, if I wanted to run three sources (DVD, headless GPS/NAV and backup camera) is that possible? Would it be the $70 cable plus ANOTHER cable? I hate assuming stuff.

I bought my rear view camera off ebay. It's a license plate camera so it just sits above the plate. Here's a link:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/LICENSE-MOUNT-COLOR-REAR-VIEW-BACKUP-CCD-CAMERA-CAMERAS_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ72Q3a1234Q7c66 Q3a2Q7c65Q3a12Q7c39Q3a1Q7c240Q3a1318Q7c301Q3a0Q7c2 93Q3a1Q7c294Q3a50QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZ item270306551133QQitemZ270306551133QQptZMotorsQ5fR VQ5fTrailerQ5fCamperQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

I don't think the price is $760 total, it should be $310 for just VIM, $380 for VIM with an auto switch, and $70 extra for cables (so $450, tops). But JHP would be the place to ask that question.

It is possible to run three sources. You would have to put in a switch to select between them. You can use a relay to trigger between the camera and another source so that happens automatically, but the select between a DVD player and a GPS would have to be manual.

[GXPaycheck]

I bought my rear view camera off ebay. It's a license plate camera so it just sits above the plate. Here's a link:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/LICENSE-MOUNT-COLOR-REAR-VIEW-BACKUP-CCD-CAMERA-CAMERAS_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ72Q3a1234Q7c66 Q3a2Q7c65Q3a12Q7c39Q3a1Q7c240Q3a1318Q7c301Q3a0Q7c2 93Q3a1Q7c294Q3a50QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZ item270306551133QQitemZ270306551133QQptZMotorsQ5fR VQ5fTrailerQ5fCamperQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

I don't think the price is $760 total, it should be $310 for just VIM, $380 for VIM with an auto switch, and $70 extra for cables (so $450, tops). But JHP would be the place to ask that question.

It is possible to run three sources. You would have to put in a switch to select between them. You can use a relay to trigger between the camera and
another source so that happens automatically, but the select between a DVD player and a GPS would have to be manual.

That's the one I got. Keep it dry and it works good. Already had to take mine apart. The original manufacturer says he isn't authorized. Also, his cam to cable connection isn't RCA plug. You would have to do some splicing if you changed cameras.

[jboogie]

OK, Im a little confused.. I understand that the cables allow the video to play while the car is in motion but what is the video source/player? Does the factory HU play movie DVD's?

BTW: Does anyone know what ohm the spkrs and hu are? Im thinking about replacing the factory spkrs with something a lot better.

[-Ray-]

OK, Im a little confused.. I understand that the cables allow the video to play while the car is in motion but what is the video source/player? Does the factory HU play movie DVD's?

BTW: Does anyone know what ohm the spkrs and hu are? Im thinking about replacing the factory spkrs with something a lot better.

Back up camera, other video source.

[jboogie]

Back up camera, other video source.

Umm, not for the backup... For DVD movies..

[SLA]

Umm, not for the backup... For DVD movies..

It gives you a cable that allows you to connect a a/v source i.e. ipod, dvd player ect... Pretty much anything that can be connected with rca's that outputs video. The VIM module allows the video to be played while the car is moving.

[dllb]

Did anyone contact coastaletech to see if the new Cadillac units would work in the G8?

There's also a couple of other companies that do just Ipod interfaces on GMlan. Wonder if any of those will work? They are pretty cheap, like $120.

[MABG8er]

Anyone ever cross reference the XM boxes to see what other model cars this G8's XM box is used in? If other cars share it, anything aux input for the other car should work for the G8...

[dllb]

I sent them the model number etc for the xm i took out (when I put in the sirius). We will see what happens!

They have some pretty cool stuff! Like you can enable thier version of VIM by hitting the mute button 4 times and stuff.


Anyone ever cross reference the XM boxes to see what other model cars this G8's XM box is used in? If other cars share it, anything aux input for the other car should work for the G8...

[spider1701]

ok, new to this thread, and i have a few questions.

1. Where exactly are the rear aux hookups located. And are they just audio or do they include video as well.

2. is the factory head unit and screen capable of playing video while the car is parked right now? (assuming an appropriate video source, Zune, ipod etc that would attach to rca jacks?)

3. If not, what screen, headunit are you replacing them with?

[68rustang]

1) looking at the HU on the right side. audio and video
2) Yes
3) Can't

[G8GT]

Anybody have a working link to purchase this item?

[G8GT]

Anybody have a working link to purchase this item?

NVM, I guess the website was temporarily down the other day.

[ChicagoG8GT]

Ok im confused....lol..... I hooked up my daughters Ipod Video thingy into my front Aux input on the front of the unit and all I heard was audio from a music video I was playing on the ipod. ??? I dont see any rca's on the unit??? Help the retarded plz

[jnak]

Front Aux is audio only. You need to use the rear aux input. Do a search for "rear aux".

[ro9beam2002]

let me get this straight, if i buy the adapter from jhp, i hook up a external dvd player, will the sound come through the car speakers ?

[blackoutgt]

Well.....you have to buy that, yes... but if you want to have a music video play WHILE DRIVING , then you need a VIM (Video in motion) kit. Which is well, kinda expensive. What that does is re-writes the car computer to allow you to play video while driving. Along with that you need to get the audio/video plugs. which to install that you need to pull apart most of the right side dash. not bad, but it is work to do. I'm not sure how much time/money you want to put into it.

[blackoutgt]

let me get this straight, if i buy the adapter from jhp, i hook up a external dvd player, will the sound come through the car speakers ?

yes...434.00 total.
http://jhp.com.au/g8partsdirect/VideoInMotion.htm

[jonjones88]

Man, almost $500 for VIM and a backup camera option. Is there any competing products?

[Punisher]

So...just wondering....can you use this VIM on multiple vehicles...or does it not work after the first install...

[Krauser98]

So...just wondering....can you use this VIM on multiple vehicles...or does it not work after the first install...

Anyone?

[Wag 42]

Sad to say it only works on one vehicle...

[hazer396]

anyone find a cheaper solution to this yet? lol

[roman1978]

I am talking to a guy in Australia hopefully he can help me out with this

[SLA]

anyone find a cheaper solution to this yet? lol

http://forum.grrrr8.net/showthread.php?t=23893