njgilligan

Even though it's completely unnecessary on a car this small, I've installed a rear view camera on my clk. I tapped into the reverse light wire in the trunk for 12V when the car is in reverse, but I'd prefer to power it from an accessory wire back there so it would be on whenever the car is on. Does anyone know if there's an accessory power wire somewhere in the trunk I can tap into? If so what color?

da_guitarist

One of the cd changer wires. if you search the forum, there is a diagram. Possibly an antenna wire also?

njgilligan

Thanks, I like the cd changer idea; the wiring is on that side, and I can't use the changer with the new head unit anyway.

njgilligan

For some reason, the cd changer wire wasn't getting power. I guess the system senses that it's not plugged in, and cuts power to it. I ran a wire over to the amp, and tapped into the aux power there, and now I can watch the camera whenever the key's in the ignition.

I'm using a wireless video transmitter now, but I'll probably run a wire at some point to eliminate interference with the blue-tooth. Does anybody know a good route to run a wire to the trunk from the dash? I was thinking of running it under the door sill if I can figure out how to get it off without breaking it.

thatsmered

Does any one know where the reverse signal wire is in the dash for the back up camera?

Cartronics

The door sills simply lift up... a good pull and they are up. That is the best way to run the wire.

There is no 'reverse wire' near the dash. The reverse signal runs on the CAN-BUS as a data signal.

000-668

I like the idea of the rear view camera to be on while the car is running. Does the camera len's coverage wild enough to help checking out the blind spots on both back side of the vehicle?

What brand, cost and difficulty is it to DIY install?

njgilligan

The camera I bought was cheap (~$20), and doesn't have great clarity, so it's best for use in close proximity (backing up to a bumper, etc.). I do usually leave it angled up to see what's behind me, but the angle doesn't seem to be wide enough to handle much of the blind spots. I'd recommend mounting the camera above the rear windshield for that purpose. I've seen people with the diffuser over the rear winshield hide it under there. I would recomend a higher quality camera for that purpose.

The install was very easy, since I used a wireless transmitter (still haven't run the wire to the head unit). Well under an hour for me.

Cartronics

We have reviewed cameras many times elsewhere, and we carry the three best ones we could find. Our OEM MiniCAM is the same camera sensor used by Mercedes, Audi, Lambo, Porsche and several other makers. It is 170 degree, EXTREME low light abilities.

thatsmered

@ cartronics, preciate it

SF2LA

@njgilligan did you ever run a hard-wired one? how does it trigger?