REVERSE CAMERA INSTALL

[ATE]

Sorry if this topic already discussed, simply I cannot find it here the reason starting new topic. ok...]

I installed a reverse camera yesterday, and obviousely the power source being the tail light terminal.

I wanted to have an additional switch to the camera so it can be on while not reversing.

Problem is, when I switch on while not reversing, supplies power to the rev- tail lights and dash reverse indicator.

Is there any other circuit/ device to overcome this problem?

thanx.

Edited August 15, 2010 by ATE

[TheBroker]

Hi,

I'm also waiting for anyone to reply to this interesting circuit/redesign. How did you manage to put a switch, etc? Can you show me your electrical circuit diagram how you manage to do it?

I think to do what you requested, the camera needs 2 sources of power: 1 from the rev tail and the other one should be direct to the main source (battery?). A circuit must not allow 2 sources to be activated or switch ON at the same time else it will overload the camera.

Can someone have their input also, please!

[TheBroker]

I finally sourced the needed parts and install the re-design circuit of the camera on my Kluger.

When the car is in reverse mode, the camera activates as normal. Then when not in reverse I installed a switch near the steering wheel that can enable the reverse camera to activate even though the car is not in reverse mode, so cool! I checked it and it worked!! I can see the rear while driving!

[ATE]

I finally sourced the needed parts and install the re-design circuit of the camera on my Kluger.

When the car is in reverse mode, the camera activates as normal. Then when not in reverse I installed a switch near the steering wheel that can enable the reverse camera to activate even though the car is not in reverse mode, so cool! I checked it and it worked!! I can see the rear while driving!

This is what exactly I've done and currently using.

Did you check the reverse tail light while on the switch near steering wheel?

Its perfectly ok as long as We don't on the switch while reversing ( might overload the camera with moe Voltage??)

[DJKOR]

Its perfectly ok as long as We don't on the switch while reversing ( might overload the camera with moe Voltage??)

Impossible for that scenario to happen. The camera will always receive +12v (or there abouts... ie. +13.8v) regardless of whether this is coming from the reverse lights alone, the bypass switch, or both at the same time.

Only issue that can happen with the above circuit with respect to running +12v to the camera when you aren't in reverse is the potential to illuminate the reverse lights as well. If you don't have a diode between the camera power and the reverse lights, then power can then be applied to the reverse lights when you activate the camera (when not in reverse) making the person behind you think you are in reverse.

Edit: LOL. My bad. I made that reply without reading all the other posts in the thread. I see that the problem I have stated here is the reason for the tread. In that case, give me a minute to draw something up for you.

Edit 2: From what you describe, and from knowing how people wire things up, I would be guessing that you have wired yours up something like the following:

If that is the case (or you have wired it up differently), you should try to wire it up like the following. This will work just like planned where putting the car into reverse will activate the reverse camera and the reverse lights, and flicking the override switch will activate the reverse camera but not the reverse lights. They type of diode you use does not have to be rated for much. Just you typical 1N4004 1A diodes ($0.50 for 4) will do the trick.

One thing to note is that if you want your head unit to also switch to reverse camera mode automatically when the override switch is activated (instead of selecting reverse camera manually through the head unit), then the trigger wire for the reverse camera has to be connected to the right side (as per the diagram) of that diode.

Background information for those that are wondering what the diode does when put there. The diode allows current to flow in one direction only. This is best indicated by conventional current flow (+ve to -ve) in which the arrow of the diode symbol points. Without the diode, when you flick the switch to activate your reverse camera, power also flows through to the reverse light which in turn causes it to illuminate, and also flow back to the reverse light indicator on the dash, causing that to illuminate as well.

By putting the diode in where I have indicated, you are preventing this power from your override switch from flowing back to the reverse light (because in that case the diode is pointing in the opposite direction to conventional current flow) and therefore the reverse light will not illuminate.

[ATE]

Its perfectly ok as long as We don't on the switch while reversing ( might overload the camera with moe Voltage??)

Impossible for that scenario to happen. The camera will always receive +12v (or there abouts... ie. +13.8v) regardless of whether this is coming from the reverse lights alone, the bypass switch, or both at the same time.

Only issue that can happen with the above circuit with respect to running +12v to the camera when you aren't in reverse is the potential to illuminate the reverse lights as well. If you don't have a diode between the camera power and the reverse lights, then power can then be applied to the reverse lights when you activate the camera (when not in reverse) making the person behind you think you are in reverse.

Edit: LOL. My bad. I made that reply without reading all the other posts in the thread. I see that the problem I have stated here is the reason for the tread. In that case, give me a minute to draw something up for you.

Edit 2: From what you describe, and from knowing how people wire things up, I would be guessing that you have wired yours up something like the following:

If that is the case (or you have wired it up differently), you should try to wire it up like the following. This will work just like planned where putting the car into reverse will activate the reverse camera and the reverse lights, and flicking the override switch will activate the reverse camera but not the reverse lights. They type of diode you use does not have to be rated for much. Just you typical 1N4004 1A diodes ($0.50 for 4) will do the trick.

One thing to note is that if you want your head unit to also switch to reverse camera mode automatically when the override switch is activated (instead of selecting reverse camera manually through the head unit), then the trigger wire for the reverse camera has to be connected to the right side (as per the diagram) of that diode.

Background information for those that are wondering what the diode does when put there. The diode allows current to flow in one direction only. This is best indicated by conventional current flow (+ve to -ve) in which the arrow of the diode symbol points. Without the diode, when you flick the switch to activate your reverse camera, power also flows through to the reverse light which in turn causes it to illuminate, and also flow back to the reverse light indicator on the dash, causing that to illuminate as well.

By putting the diode in where I have indicated, you are preventing this power from your override switch from flowing back to the reverse light (because in that case the diode is pointing in the opposite direction to conventional current flow) and therefore the reverse light will not illuminate.

Thanx a lot.

This is what exactly I am after. Will try this ASAP.