Backup Camera DIY
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by CGTSX07
alright so I need some help from the A/V gurus here. Does anyone have any clue as to why my camera would be going in and out? It will work for a few seconds and the video will be clear as day...and then it will go back to a black screen. It has also worked for a few minutes, and then it does the same thing....what do I need to fix/adjust? I finally have some time to devote to this project this weekend so all help is appreciated!
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 192
Likes: 0
Installed my Sanyo CCA-BC200 and loving every bit of it 
Details ont he camera HERE
I had some problems with the molex plug, the pins are difficult to affix correctly to the wires. Anyone having intermittant problems I'd be willing to bet its a bad connection in your plug.
Details ont he camera HERE
I had some problems with the molex plug, the pins are difficult to affix correctly to the wires. Anyone having intermittant problems I'd be willing to bet its a bad connection in your plug.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 155
Likes: 0
For anyone who searches and finds this thread, I just wanted to share my results with building this adaptor.
I got the connectors from a local electronics store that has several aisles of power supplies, capacitors,cables,audio equipment/connections, switches, etc etc. A whooping .90 for 2 connectors and the pins were included. I could have gotten a 6 connector one instead, since the outer pin of the 7 pin one we made is not used. But I trimmed off one connector and it worked out fine.
The store also had the RCA cable premade(again, .50 part) with the soldering all done. I just had to snip the male plug on the other end and wire up the center and outer leads to the plug. I made the jumper with some spare wire, that was easy.
I honestly wasn't expecting it to work, i didn't solder, didn't have the best tools for the job and used what I could. My adaptor looked pretty flimsy and crawling in the trunk and pushing it onto the back of the navi unit, I wasn't expecting it to work the first time. Well to my surprise it worked perfectly! I shifted into R and volia, blank screen.
My goal for this project is to display the output from a DTV tuner box on the navi. I don't want to go pulling up panels to tap power and don't want to solder/wire that, so I am going to get a 12V power socket that just goes to 2 wires that supply 12V. Plug it in and that will turn on the input. My next step is to pull the seat up and find the small green/silver wire and splice in the 12V wire from the power adaptor, so I can turn it on when I want to, and not only when the car is in reverse.
Major thanks to PhiSigBrotha for the pictures and writeups!!!
In the end, hope to have a DTV box shoved under the passenger seat/floor. Audio goes right to the AUX input in the armrest, and I got a silent small sized 75W inverter for power, since the DTV box only draws 10W. I have tested it(the green wire is still hot when you turn the car from being ON to ACC, then back to ON w/o starting, while in R) and the picture quality looks great, for such a low resolution 8bit LCD.
OTA TV in the car, yay!
I got the connectors from a local electronics store that has several aisles of power supplies, capacitors,cables,audio equipment/connections, switches, etc etc. A whooping .90 for 2 connectors and the pins were included. I could have gotten a 6 connector one instead, since the outer pin of the 7 pin one we made is not used. But I trimmed off one connector and it worked out fine.
The store also had the RCA cable premade(again, .50 part) with the soldering all done. I just had to snip the male plug on the other end and wire up the center and outer leads to the plug. I made the jumper with some spare wire, that was easy.
I honestly wasn't expecting it to work, i didn't solder, didn't have the best tools for the job and used what I could. My adaptor looked pretty flimsy and crawling in the trunk and pushing it onto the back of the navi unit, I wasn't expecting it to work the first time. Well to my surprise it worked perfectly! I shifted into R and volia, blank screen.
My goal for this project is to display the output from a DTV tuner box on the navi. I don't want to go pulling up panels to tap power and don't want to solder/wire that, so I am going to get a 12V power socket that just goes to 2 wires that supply 12V. Plug it in and that will turn on the input. My next step is to pull the seat up and find the small green/silver wire and splice in the 12V wire from the power adaptor, so I can turn it on when I want to, and not only when the car is in reverse.
Major thanks to PhiSigBrotha for the pictures and writeups!!!
In the end, hope to have a DTV box shoved under the passenger seat/floor. Audio goes right to the AUX input in the armrest, and I got a silent small sized 75W inverter for power, since the DTV box only draws 10W. I have tested it(the green wire is still hot when you turn the car from being ON to ACC, then back to ON w/o starting, while in R) and the picture quality looks great, for such a low resolution 8bit LCD.
OTA TV in the car, yay!
Summer is Coming
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,857
Likes: 647
From: Houston
In the end, hope to have a DTV box shoved under the passenger seat/floor. Audio goes right to the AUX input in the armrest, and I got a silent small sized 75W inverter for power, since the DTV box only draws 10W. I have tested it(the green wire is still hot when you turn the car from being ON to ACC, then back to ON w/o starting, while in R) and the picture quality looks great, for such a low resolution 8bit LCD.
OTA TV in the car, yay!
I just sent a note to Wendy to see if she still sells those cameras. I've put this mod off for too long.
Summer is Coming
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 2,857
Likes: 647
From: Houston
Did you see this? http://www.qualitymobilevideo.com/TVTATSC.aspx
I just sent a note to Wendy to see if she still sells those cameras. I've put this mod off for too long.
I just sent a note to Wendy to see if she still sells those cameras. I've put this mod off for too long.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 75
Likes: 4
From: So. Calif.
This is what I posted in the 'other' tsx forum - these parts worked for me:
In case anyone is interested in not having to modify the 8 pin connector to a 7 pin connector, I tracked down the 7 circuit connector parts:
Molex .100 K.K. Connectors:
MFG PN: 22-01-2071 (7 CRT TERM HOUSING) -- you need 1 of these
MFG PN: 08-50-0113 (CRIMP TERM REEL) -- you need at least 4+ (read below)
I went to Mouser Electronics (www.mouser.com) and ordered them. The mouser.com part numbers are:
538-22-01-2071 for the housing
538-08-50-0113 for the crimp terminals
I would suggest that you order some extra crimp terminals unless you're real good at that sort of stuff. The terminals come connected together in a strip and all you need to do is snip them apart and trim up them a bit, and then crimp or solder the wires to them, and then insert into the connector housing. Not a huge effort and trimming the plastic housing from 8 to 7 isn't needed then.
In case anyone is interested in not having to modify the 8 pin connector to a 7 pin connector, I tracked down the 7 circuit connector parts:
Molex .100 K.K. Connectors:
MFG PN: 22-01-2071 (7 CRT TERM HOUSING) -- you need 1 of these
MFG PN: 08-50-0113 (CRIMP TERM REEL) -- you need at least 4+ (read below)
I went to Mouser Electronics (www.mouser.com) and ordered them. The mouser.com part numbers are:
538-22-01-2071 for the housing
538-08-50-0113 for the crimp terminals
I would suggest that you order some extra crimp terminals unless you're real good at that sort of stuff. The terminals come connected together in a strip and all you need to do is snip them apart and trim up them a bit, and then crimp or solder the wires to them, and then insert into the connector housing. Not a huge effort and trimming the plastic housing from 8 to 7 isn't needed then.
Last edited by llwtsx; Sep 30, 2010 at 06:13 PM.
10th Gear
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
I see a lot of talk in here about Wendy's camera's for backup, but still can't seem to find any hard info about where to buy them. There are plenty of backup camera's on ebay, and I just want to know if there are any to avoid. What about one like this one. Is this a "too good to be true type situation? What should I be looking for in a camera purchase? Forgive me if this question has been answered before, but I searched and can't seem to find any information.
1st Gear
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Navi nag screen and DIY backup camera
I installed a backup cam in 06 TL using TVandNav2Go, which works fine. The only problem is when I don't hit OK on the navi nag screen, the display goes blank when the car is in reverse. I checked the navi maintenance (menu+map/guide+cancel) and there is no apparent way to configure it so the video stays on when the tranny is in reverse. The timing of it sucks - it takes too long for the 'OK', then blanks out too soon after the 'OK', which seems to be just when I am backing up. Any solution other than hacking the navi? Any help will be much appreciated.
3rd Gear
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
any help new member
Im new here so dont know if im doing this right but here it goes.I recently got a 06 tsx,and im a diy kinda of guy i been welding for over 15 yrsand machining,if i want something i build it myself and rarley find myself not being able to figure something out,but i was trying to display dvd on the navi screen made the wiring harness for back up camera but can not figure out what it is im doing wrong itll turn on in reverse i tried to complete the circuit to 12 volt but no wano.Keep coming up with nothing.Any help with someone who done this using the wiring harness off this site?
4th Gear
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: Oak Creek, WI
Great Post
I ordered the Molex connector from Fry's and an Esky camera off of Ebay for about $15. This was one of the easiest mods that I have ever done and it went flawlessly. Thank you for all of your help and if anybody is looking to add a backup camera to an 08 TSX with Nav, this is is!!
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 200
Likes: 21
From: DFW, TX
I got the molex plugs in the mail today, $6.99 for 8 of them shipped out of China... I would have preferred to just get one, form somewhere in the States (I forgot all about the mod by the time they arrived and had a hard time finding the thread again).
Search .100" connector crimp housing and pcb header 8pos.10set $6.99 (Thanks for the picture, I would have never found them without one!)
Other things you would need for this on eBay (I didn't buy them there because I already have them laying around):
170°CMOS Anti Fog Waterproof Car Rear View Reverse Camera Kit Backup Camera $6.27
Car RCA DC Audio Video AV Extension Cable for Car Backup Cam for $5.99
So if you have a NAV, but no backup camera it looks like you can add one for just under $20 and a Saturday of tinkering.
I'm installing on a 3rd Gen TL, so hopefully it will work I'll post an update if it does...
Search .100" connector crimp housing and pcb header 8pos.10set $6.99 (Thanks for the picture, I would have never found them without one!)
Other things you would need for this on eBay (I didn't buy them there because I already have them laying around):
170°CMOS Anti Fog Waterproof Car Rear View Reverse Camera Kit Backup Camera $6.27
Car RCA DC Audio Video AV Extension Cable for Car Backup Cam for $5.99
So if you have a NAV, but no backup camera it looks like you can add one for just under $20 and a Saturday of tinkering.
I'm installing on a 3rd Gen TL, so hopefully it will work I'll post an update if it does...
9th Gear
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
Racer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 446
Likes: 34
Ok. I have all parts needed. Quick question: how does the plug go in? Is the trimmed side to the right or left of the jack when looking at the rear of the unit? Also, can you post a pic of how you did the power connections? You just tap in to the reverse lights and then ground the other cable right?? Thanks for the write up and the help.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 446
Likes: 34
Are you planning on using the AUX input in the center console? Or the one on the back of the headunit? And are you going to run the video wire underneath your car?
On a 2006 RL, there is an AUX input on the back of the headunit? If so, is it difficult to access? Do I have to pull the radio out completely? On my TL, I just had to pull the side panels off and insert the cable into the jack in back of radio. Does anyone have pics of this AUX input and what kind of input is it? USB, minijack, RCA, etc....thanks fellas....
On a 2006 RL, there is an AUX input on the back of the headunit? If so, is it difficult to access? Do I have to pull the radio out completely? On my TL, I just had to pull the side panels off and insert the cable into the jack in back of radio. Does anyone have pics of this AUX input and what kind of input is it? USB, minijack, RCA, etc....thanks fellas....
Racer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 446
Likes: 34
on a 2008 RL. How does one get the camera cables INTO the car without drilling a hole? I thought about going thru the reverse lights but the housings are hard to get to and the cable for my cam is kinda thick and may not even fit thru the small opening. Help.
8th Gear
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 8
Likes: 2
From: Los Angeles
Works On 2nd Gen Acura RL
So I know I am late to the party but I have an 06 RL, it didn't come with the backup camera, but as with the TL this method is the same. I didn't take pictures (I know I suck), but this worked just fine. Thanks OP.
8th Gear
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 8
Likes: 2
From: Los Angeles
Okay so no.
I used a Dremel to make the hole where the lisense plate light goes just a bit bigger, like a little notch in the lower right side of the hole so the cord would sit in it and the light would still snap back in. I put a small piece of tape on the notch, and wrapped the cord where it would sit with tape to help prevent it from getting damaged by the metal and the light pressing on it.
Of course as I was cleaning up I thought "I should have taken photos of all this" but que sara sara, I suck.
I used a Dremel to make the hole where the lisense plate light goes just a bit bigger, like a little notch in the lower right side of the hole so the cord would sit in it and the light would still snap back in. I put a small piece of tape on the notch, and wrapped the cord where it would sit with tape to help prevent it from getting damaged by the metal and the light pressing on it.
Of course as I was cleaning up I thought "I should have taken photos of all this" but que sara sara, I suck.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 446
Likes: 34
Okay so no.
I used a Dremel to make the hole where the lisense plate light goes just a bit bigger, like a little notch in the lower right side of the hole so the cord would sit in it and the light would still snap back in. I put a small piece of tape on the notch, and wrapped the cord where it would sit with tape to help prevent it from getting damaged by the metal and the light pressing on it.
Of course as I was cleaning up I thought "I should have taken photos of all this" but que sara sara, I suck.
I used a Dremel to make the hole where the lisense plate light goes just a bit bigger, like a little notch in the lower right side of the hole so the cord would sit in it and the light would still snap back in. I put a small piece of tape on the notch, and wrapped the cord where it would sit with tape to help prevent it from getting damaged by the metal and the light pressing on it.
Of course as I was cleaning up I thought "I should have taken photos of all this" but que sara sara, I suck.
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2020
Posts: 70
Likes: 17
From: Cumming GA
i did this on my girl's car but used the following camera from amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
camera was super easy to install.....NO DRILLING HOLES REQUIRED....
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
camera was super easy to install.....NO DRILLING HOLES REQUIRED....
