I am working on installing both forward and rear looking cameras on my truck, connected to a seperate screen from my head unit. The screen will be molded on the dash...but i have a wiring question?? Does anyone know how to run the forward camera constantly on the screen while the truck is powered, but then have the video switch to the rear camera when the truck is put in reverse?? I basically need the rear RCA to override the front RCA when it recieves power (likely from the taillight wires)...Any ideas???

 

I'd imagine someone makes such a thing, but I wouldn't know where to start looking. What type of connection do you need for it? RCA jacks? Coaxial? RJ6?

-Joe

 

There are about four ways, but all of them involve relays. You could also get a video switch, or just get a monitor that has two video inputs. On my truck the front camera is only on when I touch a switch, the back camera is on in reverse so it doesn't matter.

If you put a relay connected to the reverse lights, you could route the power wire from the front camer to the relay. Power to the front camera would be dependent on the reverse lights being off.

In other words, run the power to a relay that was switched off when the power is turned on to the rear camera.

http://www.crutchfield.com/S-t7lRyOs...ech/kb326.html

is a great source for how to use a common relay in many fashions.
Chris

 

I had thought about that, but the ability to run the camera that way depends on how it's powered. You would also want a specific type of relay that is dual-pole, double-throw. Those are a little tough to come by, but I know for sure that www.waytekwire.com carries them. That way, the reverse lights trigger the relay to power the back one, but with no power on it, the relay will leave the front one powered. That could work, assuming the cameras are powered and that the signal can easily be spliced together.

Crutchfield is probably the place I would call first. If anyone sells something for it, they do!

-joe

 

Thanks for the responses....the wires a RCAs...so i would need to somehow splice those together too...and as long as one camera is on and the other isnt...the signals will not interfere??

 

ok i just read through the crutchfield thing and i think i got this figured out, in theory anyways...the relay thing should be no problem...the only other thing is to to splice the RCA...but i think an RCA Y-adapter would be adequate here???...i wont be able to work on it for a few weeks, but i will post up when im either done, or having more problems...Thanks again and glad i asked!

 

Radioshack makes piggyback RCA's for just your problems

 

A 1 dollar video Y cable allows you to run to video feeds into one monitor. If they are both on you will either get one of the signals or a jumbled signal. No damage will result. In other words, it should work fine if you only power one at a time.

Chris

 

right thats what im figuring...does radio shack have the 5 pronged relays?? like i said i cannot work on this for a few weeks....so...if i need to order something, i wanna do it now...i also need to make the housing for the screen

 

Everybody has the 'five prong' relay. It's a standard Bosch (design, not brand) relay. They are very sturdy, last a long time. Most cars have between three and twelve of them. I get them at Pick a Parts, cause you can grab new ones for a buck apiece.

OK, most people just put them it their pockets like fuses. That's why they charge just to get in...

Or you can buy them at autoparts stores. A thirty amp, which is way overkill for your needs, sells for about 7-8 bucks. A 40 amp goes about a buck higher. They sell packs of them on ebay, and get more for the shipping.
If you were nearby I would give you some.

Last trip to Pick a Part I got twenty of them for five bucks. These are all like new, mostly Ford brand, although the Nissan ones are more common.

If you get them cheap, get a spare. They are very handy in mods.
A burned out one is rare.
Chris

 

ok great...thanks chris and everybody....I appreciate the help!!