Installing a rear view system is not just a matter of comfort, but a critical safety element when maneuvering in confined spaces. Modern drivers can no longer imagine their car without it. rear-facingThis allows you to avoid collisions with obstacles hidden in the blind spots of mirrors. Proper installation of equipment ensures a clear picture even in poor lighting and rain.
The installation process requires a careful approach to the electric circuit of the car and accuracy when laying cable tracks. Errors in the connection phase can lead to unstable operation of the multimedia system or, in the worst case, to a short circuit. In this article, we will discuss in detail all stages of work, from the selection of the installation site to the final setting of the image on the head unit.
Selection of equipment and preparation of tools
Before starting work, you need to determine the type of device. Standard. camera 120-170 degrees are suitable for most passenger cars, whereas minibuses may require panoramic models. It is important to check for IR lights if you often park in the dark without outside lighting.
The image quality depends on the resolution of the matrix and the type of connection. Analog systems use an RCA ("tulip") connector, while digital AHD cameras transmit a high-resolution signal via a coaxial cable. Older tape recorders may require a separate monitor or video input.
For installation, you will need a standard set of tools that includes a drill, a metal drill, a set of screwdrivers and passages. Pay special attention to insulating materials: thermal shrinkage, insulation and corrugated are necessary to protect the compounds.
When buying a camera, pay attention to the video signal standard (PAL or NTSC). Incompatibility between camera and tape standards will result in black and white images or no images.
- 🔧 Drill and drill for making holes in the body.
- 🔌 A set of tools for removing the skin of the cabin and trunk.
- 📏 Roulette and marker for accurate marking of anchorages.
- 🔋 Multimeter to check the voltage in the onboard network.
Definition of installation site and dismantling
The most common place for installation is the area above the license plate. This provides an optimal viewing angle and minimizes the blind spots just behind the bumper. However, in some car models, such as Toyota or FordThe regular seat can be provided in the trunk opening handle or in the lamplight of the room.
If there is no regular space, the camera is cut into the bumper or drilled a hole in the decorative lining. When drilling, use a step-type drill to avoid chipping paint and deforming the metal. Before starting work, be sure to remove the negative terminal from the battery in order to avoid short circuit.
Dismantling the interior lining of the trunk and rear racks is a mandatory stage for hidden wire laying. Carefully click plastic clips, using special filmmakers, so as not to damage the elements of the interior. Place the removed panels on a soft surface.
Nuances of installation in the room frame
There are cameras built directly into the frame of the state license plate. This is ideal for those who do not want to drill the body. However, such models often have a higher price and may differ in size from the standard frame.
When selecting a mounting point, make sure that the lens will not be blocked by body elements when opening the luggage door (if the camera is installed on it). Also make sure that water does not leak into the lens when washing the car under high pressure.
Connection scheme and wire-pinning
The most important step is the electrical connection. The standard camera has three main wires: red (power +12V), black (mass / ground) and yellow (video signal). Power is usually taken from a reversing light so that the device is activated automatically when the gear is turned on.
To connect the wires, use the soldering method with subsequent thermal shrinkage insulation. Screws, even high-quality, oxidize over time and can cause signal loss. All connections outside the cabin must be sealed.
| Color of wire | Function | Where to plug in |
|---|---|---|
| Red. | Nutrition (+) | Plus a reversing light. |
| Black. | Mass (-) | Car body or minus lamp |
| Yellow | Video signal | Camera In Entrance on a tape recorder |
| Pink/Blue | Management | Parking entrance of the head unit |
Special attention is required by the control wire (often pink or blue), which comes complete with the video cable. It must be connected to the appropriate wire of the tape recorder (usually marked as Parking, Brake or Back). It is this signal that tells the head unit to switch to camera mode.
The main rule of electrics is never to connect the camera directly to the battery without a relay or fuse. Power should come only from the reverse circuit or through the control relay.
Laying cable from the trunk to the cabin
Laying a video cable is the most time-consuming process that requires patience. The cable must be maintained along the regular wiring harnesses, fixing it with plastic screeds every 15-20 centimeters. This will prevent rattling and rubbing the insulation against the body.
When passing through metal partitions between the trunk and the cabin (usually in the rear arches or under the seats), use rubber seals-addressers. If there are no regular holes, carefully drill the passage and be sure to treat the edges with anticor.
Inside the cabin, the cable is hidden under the flooring, along the sills or under the ceiling, if the tape recorder is installed in the ceiling monitor. Avoid areas where the cable may be affected by passengers' feet or seat adjustment mechanisms.
The length of a standard cable is often 5-6 meters, which is enough for sedans and hatchbacks. For SUVs and vans, a video extension may be needed, as the analog signal can fade at long distances, creating ripples on the screen.
Connection to the head unit
To access the connectors of the tape recorder, it is necessary to dismantle it from the landing place. Depending on the model of the car, it may be necessary to remove the decorative frames or the entire center console. Be careful with the plumes of the climate control buttons and the alarms.
On the back of the tape recorder, find a connector marked CAM IN, VIDEO IN or REAR. This is where the yellow tulip is connected. If a digital interface (AHD) is used, the connection can be made via a special adapter or directly to the ISO connector, depending on the manufacturer.
After the physical connection of all wires, check the reliability of the contacts. Don’t put the entire console together at once – do the initial test first. Connect the battery, turn on ignition and reversing transmission. The image should appear automatically.
☑️ Final inspection before assembly
If the tape recorder can’t see the camera, check the settings in the device menu. In some models Android-Magnetol or standard systems must activate the "Rear Camera" function or select the signal type (NTSC/PAL/AHD) manually in the factory settings section.
Setting and calibrating of the image
Modern systems allow you to customize parking lines that help you navigate when you move backwards. Lines can be static (drawn on the camera matrix) or dynamic, changing the trajectory depending on the steering wheel.
Activation of dynamic lines requires connecting an additional wire to the speed sensor or CAN bus of the car. Static lines are more easily adjusted: it is enough to set the camera horizontally and adjust the angle of inclination so that the lower limit of the frame is at the bumper level.
If the image is inverted or mirrored, this is corrected in the camera settings (switch on the case) or in the tape recorder menu. The Mirror or Flip function allows you to adapt the image to a specific location of the device.
⚠️ Attention: Do not leave the camera permanently on as a DVR when moving forward unless it is designed to do so. Constant operation in bright sunlight can lead to overheating of the matrix and the appearance of "broken" pixels.
Removal and interference
One of the common problems is ripples or flickering of the image. This is often caused by tips from the generator or poor mass contact. In such cases, it helps to install a filter-capacitor in the power supply chain of the chamber or additional cleaning of the contact "minus" to the metal of the body.
If the camera only works on a cold engine and shuts down when warmed up, the problem may be overheating the camera itself or unstable voltage onboard network. Check the multimeter voltage with the engine running: it should not exceed 14.5 volts.
The black and white image indicates the incompatibility of color standards (PAL vs. NTSC). It is solved by switching the standard in the settings of the tape recorder or replacing the camera with a compatible model.
The problem of night photography
If at night the camera "blinds" from the light of the headlights behind standing cars, check the work of IR illumination. In some cheap models, the light sensor is taped or faulty, and the camera does not switch to night mode.
To protect against moisture, all external connections, including the entry point of the wire into the chamber body, are recommended to be treated with silicone sealant. Water trapped inside the lens causes fogging and corrosion of contacts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do I need to put a separate safety lock for the camera?
Yes, it is a mandatory safety requirement. The chamber should be connected through a fuse of 0.5-1 A, installed as close as possible to the point of supply collection. This will protect the wiring in case of a short circuit inside the device.
Can I connect the camera to a regular screen without RCA input?
If there is no video input on the screen, you will need a special adapter-tuner that converts the video signal into a format that is understandable to the screen, or replacing the head unit with a model with support for cameras. Directly connecting to the AUX input will not give you an image, only sound (if you’re lucky).
Why does the camera show a delayed image?
Lag is characteristic of cheap wireless models or low-resolution digital cameras. In wired analog systems, the delay should be minimal. If the lag is strong, check the quality of the cable shielding and the absence of strong electromagnetic interference sources near.
How to extend the life of the camera in winter?
The main enemy of electronics in winter is temperature changes and condensation. Use cameras with a waterproof class not lower than IP67. Before washing in the cold, let the camera cool if it worked, and do not pour hot water directly onto the lens.