Rear Mounted Back-up Camera

[JayCo59]

Has anyone added a back-up camera to the Aux 2 input for video while backing up. I know there's a 3 MPH limit to the Aux 2 video that limits the usefulness but for slow backing up it should be ok. I'm thinking of adding in this Boyo unit. My ultimate goal is to add in a remote camera and a DVD player for when I'm parked.

Here's a link to the Boyo Wireless camera and receiver, it looks Promising to me...
http://www.amazon.com/Boyo-VTX420-Li.../dp/B0013NVNHC

Any Thoughts?
Thx,
Jay

[BlueJacket]

I have a wired one, I wired it up to the reverse lights so that it only comes on when the car is in reverse then I just had to route the output wire to the head unit.

[TCorzett]

I have a wired one as well... I don't really know what the benefits of a wireless system would be, as running a wire from the trunk to the glovebox isn't very hard (and is $50 cheaper). I used the back-up camera for several weeks without activating the VIM (I have the JHP auto reverse switch) and it was OK... but 2.5mph is slow, even while backing-up.

-Todd...

[BlueJacket]

I have a wired one as well... I don't really know what the benefits of a wireless system would be, as running a wire from the trunk to the glovebox isn't very hard (and is $50 cheaper). I used the back-up camera for several weeks without activating the VIM (I have the JHP auto reverse switch) and it was OK... but 2.5mph is slow, even while backing-up.

-Todd...

Yeah its useless for backing up. I only use it to quickly check behind me before backing up.

[jnak]

I have a wired one, I wired it up to the reverse lights so that it only comes on when the car is in reverse then I just had to route the output wire to the head unit.

I did this too. Plus the VIM, so it works all the time.

[JayCo59]

I have a wired one as well... I don't really know what the benefits of a wireless system would be, as running a wire from the trunk to the glovebox isn't very hard (and is $50 cheaper). I used the back-up camera for several weeks without activating the VIM (I have the JHP auto reverse switch) and it was OK... but 2.5mph is slow, even while backing-up.

-Todd...

I have done some of my own tests to determine when the video cuts-out with speed (in reverse) and it does cut-out at a very slow speed. Basically anything faster then a (warmed-up) idle speed makes the video revert to the Blocked out display. That's a bit disappointing.

The point of the wireless was to allow for an easier installation by not having to run wires from the trunk to the front glove box.

Todd, can you give some detail on how easy it was to run the wire up from the trunk I'm sure everyone would appreciate the info.

Also one of the features of the wireless unit that I'm thinking about getting is that it has a second set of video\audio inputs that will be active when the remote camera is not powered (i.e. when you shift out of reverse). I would use this for my (future) DVD player mounted in the Glove compartment.

Thx,
Jay

[BigV8]

Yeah its useless for backing up. I only use it to quickly check behind me before backing up.

Do they sell an item that defeats the speed sensor?

[BlueJacket]

Do they sell an item that defeats the speed sensor?

Its call a VIM. Stupid JHP sells an over price unit that will. But if you hold out there should be a cheaper version coming.

[TCorzett]

The point of the wireless was to allow for an easier installation by not having to run wires from the trunk to the front glove box.

Todd, can you give some detail on how easy it was to run the wire up from the trunk I'm sure everyone would appreciate the info.

The most difficult part (and it's not hard) of running wires is getting power to the camera and the video signals out of the camera into the car (like through the trunk lid). Wired or wireless you are going to have this issue. There are several plastic plugs in the trunk lid over the license plate... just remove the plug and, if needed, enlarge one of the holes (use a rubber grommet to protect the wires).

Once inside the trunk just run the wire down the trunk hinge, behind the side-paneling in the trunk, through the tunnel (middle of the back seat), under the back seat, and up the side of the car (under the door sills). A single video cable is fairly easy just to slip under the trim pieces without removing anything. Removing the carpet side panels in the trunk is simple (just be gentile with the plastic pins). For the cable I just purchased a long stereo (Red/White) RCA cable from Radio Shack and split it into two cables (installing one of them).

Also one of the features of the wireless unit that I'm thinking about getting is that it has a second set of video\audio inputs that will be active when the remote camera is not powered (i.e. when you shift out of reverse). I would use this for my (future) DVD player mounted in the Glove compartment

Without the auto reversing switch (I have the JHP one, and I don't know of another solution that is plug-n-play) you will have to manually turn the radio to the AUX input to see the camera... then back to whatever audio source you are interested in.

One of the nice things with the JHP auto-reversing system w/PnP video+audio cables is that it allows for the integration of a DVD player (or any other video source) just like you describe. When you put the car in reverse the switch automatically switches the radio from whatever source it is on (radio, XM, etc.) to the back-up camera... then back to that source when you are out of reverse. You can also press the AUX button on the radio to switch to the 2nd source of audio/video (ie. DVD player). I have my iPod connected in this way.

Its call a VIM. Stupid JHP sells an over price unit that will. But if you hold out there should be a cheaper version coming.

There is also a group buy going on now for $40 off. The exchange rate doesn't help atm, but if you want to have the auto-reversing VIM now... it's the only game in town.

-Todd...

[BlueJacket]

There is also a group buy going on now for $40 off. The exchange rate doesn't help atm, but if you want to have the auto-reversing VIM now... it's the only game in town.

-Todd...

Exchange rate has very little to do with the cost of their over priced unit. They are the only ones in NA (for now) with them so they can change what ever they want. Once they get some competition their price will drop just like every other product they sell that someone else also sells. Their sells strategy is to price gouge if there is no competition and once there is competition they lower their prices and bash the person selling the same item.