Hey guys,

This is an incredibly noob question, and it's basic wiring - but I need confirmation.

Currently I have my backup camera power (positive and negative) hooked up to the positive and negative of the reverse light wire (driver side).

I would like my camera to be able to turn on by a switch which means I would wire the switch to a "constant on" source.

If I splice into the positive wire of the backup camera, it should work without turning on my reverse lights?
Or do I need to add a diode, and where would I add it?

Maybe I just need to do more researching - I'm sure this has been done a million times lol

Thanks!

 

You want your camera to turn on at a flick of a switch + automagically when you hit reverse?

 

Yes sir.

Real simple, right?

I feel embarrassed to even ask.
I've never used diodes before, but I understand how it works now.

I found this picture:
My setup would be the same, except ignore the "Head Unit Reverse detector lead" wire that's drawn (my monitor turns on/off automatically when it receives video signal )

Would you be able to confirm?

EDIT: Now that I know what a diode is good for, which is preventing flow from one direction, I should delete this embarrassing thread, as I KNOW it should work

 

Sounds just right then.


Terrible picture by the way.

 

Thanks polobunny.

I picked up the diodes, will be using IN4004. I'm not sure if it's the correct diode, but shock sensor installs use the same so I'm hoping no ill effects.

I'll probably be using two diodes to be safe, one to prevent current flowing to the reverse lights (when my switch is turned on), and one to prevent current flowing to my 12V constant source (to prevent any problems to electric system(?) when my reverse lights are on.

 

1N4004 is overkill concerning it's 1A 400V blocking. Even the 1N4001 would be fine (1A 50V)

Not that it matters, both are cheap. Forward voltage drop is 1.1V at 400V so probably ~600mV at lower. Shouldn't really bother but something to consider for next projects, some devices can be finicky if they don't get the proper voltage.

 

Great to know!

Everything works as expected

The switch turns on the camera whenever desired, without turning on the reverse lights, and the reverse camera turns on automatically whenever I reverse.

 

That was quick haha! Glad you got it working.