I found a device that interfaces with the nav on my 05 RL. It is made by Soundgate model # VIDHOND2 ($257.00) from beachaudio.com. I also selected a small camera that frames my license plate(BestBuy $130.00). I am getting it installed by BustBuy on Monday 10/16/06. I Talked to the tech guy and he said it is basically a "pass thru" type of device that allows full function of the Nav while allowing you to have a rear view camera.

 

Please let us know how it turns out. I have an Escalade touch screen nav radio in a Chevy pick up, and did the same thing with a reverse cam. I actually had to open the radio and change a ribbon cable. I would be interested in the same if you have good results.

thanx
rich

 

I will post a reply ASAP !

 

Please do, this is an interesting mod. How much does it cost to have the install done at Best Buy. More to the point, do they know what they are doing?

 

Bob, what do you think about the TVandNav2GO + eBay camera people on the TL forum are using?

I still maintain this is nothing but a video switcher (basically a relay) mounted in a box with 2 inputs (Nav unit and backup camera) and one output (to the monitor screen). When the backup light comes on, it sends a current to the relay, which switches from the Nav output to the backup camera output. Then when the car is put back in Drive, it switches back to the Nav output.

If I had some kind of electronics connection, I truly believe I could put one of these boxes together for under 50 bucks. Add another 50 for the camera itself and we could have backup cameras for $100. I can't believe it has to cost $300-500 for this!
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MIKE_TX,

if you can put one together for $100, I will buy one.....

 

Me, too!!!

Seriously, aren't there some electronics guys on the board here? The whole unit would be housed in the trunk under the side cover, so it wouldn't have to be pretty, and we could outfit every AZ member with one for cost, then go on the internet with 'em and make a fortune! LOL!

I see:
- a hotwire spliced to the backup light to signal the switcher,
- a jumper cable to go from the Nav player to the switcher,
- the original Nav cable plugged into the output from the switcher,
- an inexpensive backup camera unit,
- a box to house the switcher, with 2 inputs and 1 output
- a ground wire.

It doesn't appear the cameras need any amplifiers to display an image. The inputs and outputs are probably RGB's, so that's not hard to source. The switcher is also probably an off-the-shelf item from an audio-video supplier.

This can't be too hard. What am I missing?
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Had the unit in stalled at Best Buy, it cost $38.00 to install and it works just like
advertised. They had to adjust the screen brigtness ect but it works.

P.S. It also has a input for Ipods.

 

Possible to post some pictures? Also, does it work like the OEM ... that is, does it come on when you put the car in reverse, then go off when you shift back to drive or park?

Also, since it cost only 38 bucks to install, it obviously was all done back in the trunk (?) How long did it take them to do it?

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Yes, it works just like my 03 MDX did; put it in rev and the screen shows what's behind you. I think it to them less than a hour. I am going back on Saturday to have them adjust the brigtness.

 

Wow! The guys who have done it on their TL's with TVandNav2GO seem to take 4 or 5 hours to do it themselves. I like the sound of this, especially its ease of installation. Undoubtedly, the license frame camera mounting shortens the job a lot.
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Just a quick note to let you guys know that my soundgate unit malfuctioned. Basically it did not allow me to use the audio button and my memory function for calendar was not working. The Tech guy at Best Buy said I should contact Soundgate for a solution. He disconected the unit and plugged the original unit in and everything worked fine. I hope this did not cause you any problems. I will report back when I get a new unit or solution. The camera did work however.

 

I called soundgate today and was told SG knows that a problem exists in the cabling of the device. They are working on it and should have a solution in a month or so! Sorry for any problems you might have had.

 

So you're saying that a video switcher for a backup camera casued your audio and calendar functions to not work right?

I guess I had no idea there was any interaction between these things, other than that they share access to the monitor.

Weird.
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