Backup camera with multi views and homelink integration
06-22-2012, 05:22 PM
#1
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Backup camera with multi views and homelink integration
I have been lurking on this forum for a while. I finally decided to contribute with a video of a recent DIY mod I did on my 2010 C63.
I installed a Kenwood CMOS 300 backup camera, which has built in multi view functionality. Although I like the camera, I did not want to wire or mount the button it comes with. So I figured out how the button works (measured the resistance of the button), and replaced it with a wireless relay. This way I could program one of the homelink buttons to change the camera views. It allowed for a very clean installation with no wires or buttons.
Check out the youtube video I made!
If anyone has any questions, fire away!
I installed a Kenwood CMOS 300 backup camera, which has built in multi view functionality. Although I like the camera, I did not want to wire or mount the button it comes with. So I figured out how the button works (measured the resistance of the button), and replaced it with a wireless relay. This way I could program one of the homelink buttons to change the camera views. It allowed for a very clean installation with no wires or buttons.
Check out the youtube video I made!
If anyone has any questions, fire away!
06-22-2012, 09:52 PM
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my wife bananas! :D
i would like a group buy followed with a skype walk thru. This is very impressive! 
to OP, how much did it set you back for all components? and time required to install mod
to OP, how much did it set you back for all components? and time required to install mod
06-22-2012, 10:40 PM
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06 CTT-S
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06-23-2012, 01:46 AM
#10
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Thanks for the positive response!
Basically the CMOS 300 (now replaced by the CMOS 310) has a wired button which includes the view toggle button, as well as the guideline adjustment buttons. I measured the center button's resistance and found it to be 9k ohms. So I just bought a 10k ohm resistor which mimicked the button being pressed (other buttons had different resistance, which is how the controller knows what button is being pressed).
I hooked that up through this wireless receiver/relay. http://www.rfcontrolsystem.com/index...oducts_id=1125
You can use that small transmitter it comes with to program your homelink to the receiver. You can actually use this thing for anything you have wired in your car that requires a button to be pressed.
On the CMOS 300, it basically is a wide angle camera which then digitally alters the image to show the different views. I think the new BMW 3 series has a very similar technology. The side angle view is so awesome, you can really see if cars are driving by when pulling out of a space. I would say the ONLY drawback of the camera, is the fact that it is such a wide angle lens, so when on its widest angle view you can see some of the trunk and bumper. This drawback has more to do with the mounting location limitations in the W204.
Basically the CMOS 300 (now replaced by the CMOS 310) has a wired button which includes the view toggle button, as well as the guideline adjustment buttons. I measured the center button's resistance and found it to be 9k ohms. So I just bought a 10k ohm resistor which mimicked the button being pressed (other buttons had different resistance, which is how the controller knows what button is being pressed).
I hooked that up through this wireless receiver/relay. http://www.rfcontrolsystem.com/index...oducts_id=1125
You can use that small transmitter it comes with to program your homelink to the receiver. You can actually use this thing for anything you have wired in your car that requires a button to be pressed.
On the CMOS 300, it basically is a wide angle camera which then digitally alters the image to show the different views. I think the new BMW 3 series has a very similar technology. The side angle view is so awesome, you can really see if cars are driving by when pulling out of a space. I would say the ONLY drawback of the camera, is the fact that it is such a wide angle lens, so when on its widest angle view you can see some of the trunk and bumper. This drawback has more to do with the mounting location limitations in the W204.
06-23-2012, 02:17 AM
#12
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The installation itself is no more difficult than the other backup camera DIY articles posted in the past. The only difference is adding the wireless receiver. Just a bit more splicing of wires, and an additional $20 in parts.
06-23-2012, 02:09 PM
#14
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My background is in computer consulting, although I had a family member help in designing the setup.
If anyone is interested in doing this, I can walk them through it. Total cost is probably around $300, since the kenwood camera is a little pricier than other options.
If anyone is interested in doing this, I can walk them through it. Total cost is probably around $300, since the kenwood camera is a little pricier than other options.
06-23-2012, 09:17 PM
#17
that's pretty cool. would a regular joe be able to do this or would it be possible to get a step by step write up (at least where it varies from the other diy) so that i can print it out and take it to someone that can install it for me just to make sure they do it correctly?
also, do you use the same homelink button to cycle through the different views or do you have to assign each view to a different button?
also, do you use the same homelink button to cycle through the different views or do you have to assign each view to a different button?
10-14-2012, 02:27 PM
#18
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Honda Insight
My background is in computer consulting, although I had a family member help in designing the setup.
If anyone is interested in doing this, I can walk them through it. Total cost is probably around $300, since the kenwood camera is a little pricier than other options.
If anyone is interested in doing this, I can walk them through it. Total cost is probably around $300, since the kenwood camera is a little pricier than other options.
10-14-2012, 03:14 PM
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2012 C63 Sedan, P31, Magnetite Black
that's pretty cool. would a regular joe be able to do this or would it be possible to get a step by step write up (at least where it varies from the other diy) so that i can print it out and take it to someone that can install it for me just to make sure they do it correctly?
also, do you use the same homelink button to cycle through the different views or do you have to assign each view to a different button?
also, do you use the same homelink button to cycle through the different views or do you have to assign each view to a different button?
It is one button from what I read on posts in another forum. Basically every time you hit it it changes just like opening and closing your garage door.
I wish he would jump on here and explain how he wired the thing in more detail.
10-14-2012, 10:17 PM
#20
i almost got someone to install a backup camera. i even directed them to this link and they didn't think they could pull it off without directions. regardless, i found out i needed to buy a $500+ module or something to make it happen so i just put it on hold for now.
10-15-2012, 02:45 PM
#21
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Thread Starter
The project definitely does not cost $500.
You really need two basic components...
1. Kenwood CMOS 300 (or 310) Camera -
2. Wireless Relay - http://www.rfcontrolsystem.com/index...oducts_id=1125
If you can follow the directions on how to install the camera, then there is really not that much to the installation beyond that.
All you have to do is wire in the relay in place of the button which normally comes with the camera. You will have to add a 10kohm resistor to mimic the pressing of the center button, which is the button that changes the angles of the camera.
The wireless relay programs the same way as any other homelink device....
You really need two basic components...
1. Kenwood CMOS 300 (or 310) Camera -
2. Wireless Relay - http://www.rfcontrolsystem.com/index...oducts_id=1125
If you can follow the directions on how to install the camera, then there is really not that much to the installation beyond that.
All you have to do is wire in the relay in place of the button which normally comes with the camera. You will have to add a 10kohm resistor to mimic the pressing of the center button, which is the button that changes the angles of the camera.
The wireless relay programs the same way as any other homelink device....
10-15-2012, 05:58 PM
#23
i was told a $500 module is required to override some fiber optics thing or something though which allows it to show up on the screen if the car did not come preinstalled with a backup camera. is this not true?
