Enabling backup camera on NTG 2.5 E350
10-31-2014, 10:38 PM
#51
Yea it's possible but not with a lot of money and time involved. NTG2.5 has AGW built in, NTG1 doesn't. Entire car has to be rewired. Not worth it.
What I did is this: I asked my buddy who works for Harman/Becker to send me a brand new board with FAKRA connector. Then I bought a digital/analog TV Tuner (OEM of course). Connected TV tuner to COMAND and connected camera to Aux1 of TV tuner. Because NTG1 was never intended to work with a backup camera, one has to press manually the Video button on COMAND to see the picture.
What I did is this: I asked my buddy who works for Harman/Becker to send me a brand new board with FAKRA connector. Then I bought a digital/analog TV Tuner (OEM of course). Connected TV tuner to COMAND and connected camera to Aux1 of TV tuner. Because NTG1 was never intended to work with a backup camera, one has to press manually the Video button on COMAND to see the picture.
Got it. What about this scenario: what if I find an owner who parts out his 2009 E350, purchase the comand radio unit and swap it with mine. Would that work? What about the fiber optics, gps, Bluetooth and all other ports? Would it be a perfect match for all other connections or by gaining a Fakra port I would be losing some other connections/features?
Thanks.
Thanks.
11-01-2014, 10:52 PM
#52
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Mercedes-Benz E350, 2007
How much did you pay for the board with FAKRA and for the digital/analog TV Tuner?
Yea it's possible but not with a lot of money and time involved. NTG2.5 has AGW built in, NTG1 doesn't. Entire car has to be rewired. Not worth it.
What I did is this: I asked my buddy who works for Harman/Becker to send me a brand new board with FAKRA connector. Then I bought a digital/analog TV Tuner (OEM of course). Connected TV tuner to COMAND and connected camera to Aux1 of TV tuner. Because NTG1 was never intended to work with a backup camera, one has to press manually the Video button on COMAND to see the picture.
What I did is this: I asked my buddy who works for Harman/Becker to send me a brand new board with FAKRA connector. Then I bought a digital/analog TV Tuner (OEM of course). Connected TV tuner to COMAND and connected camera to Aux1 of TV tuner. Because NTG1 was never intended to work with a backup camera, one has to press manually the Video button on COMAND to see the picture.
11-01-2014, 11:33 PM
#53
11-01-2014, 11:44 PM
#54
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Mercedes-Benz E350, 2007
Are you kiddin' me??? $4500???
My question is: why would I need a tv tuner??? Once I'd have a FAKRA port I will buy a small cable (fakra to video female) connect the camera's video male to it that should do it, of course, followed by the proper programming via StarDiagnosis... What do you think?
My question is: why would I need a tv tuner??? Once I'd have a FAKRA port I will buy a small cable (fakra to video female) connect the camera's video male to it that should do it, of course, followed by the proper programming via StarDiagnosis... What do you think?
11-02-2014, 12:00 AM
#55
I never said you need one. I said that's what I did. But if you pay attention to my website and my signature you will see that I do a lot of retrofitting and I wanted to have a TV tuner. And because te tuner has 2 aux ports I commected my camera to it. That's all.
And no I'm not kidding about the price of one. Of course there are cheap aftermarket ones but I'm not buying and retrofitting aftermarket solutions. Not in my cars, not in customer cars.
And no I'm not kidding about the price of one. Of course there are cheap aftermarket ones but I'm not buying and retrofitting aftermarket solutions. Not in my cars, not in customer cars.
Are you kiddin' me??? $4500???
My question is: why would I need a tv tuner??? Once I'd have a FAKRA port I will buy a small cable (fakra to video female) connect the camera's video male to it that should do it, of course, followed by the proper programming via StarDiagnosis... What do you think?
My question is: why would I need a tv tuner??? Once I'd have a FAKRA port I will buy a small cable (fakra to video female) connect the camera's video male to it that should do it, of course, followed by the proper programming via StarDiagnosis... What do you think?
11-02-2014, 12:11 AM
#56
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Mercedes-Benz E350, 2007
Awesome! Can you help me getting a FAKRA board? Maybe your friend would have an extra one?
I never said you need one. I said that's what I did. But if you pay attention to my website and my signature you will see that I do a lot of retrofitting and I wanted to have a TV tuner. And because te tuner has 2 aux ports I commected my camera to it. That's all.
And no I'm not kidding about the price of one. Of course there are cheap aftermarket ones but I'm not buying and retrofitting aftermarket solutions. Not in my cars, not in customer cars.
And no I'm not kidding about the price of one. Of course there are cheap aftermarket ones but I'm not buying and retrofitting aftermarket solutions. Not in my cars, not in customer cars.
11-02-2014, 03:53 PM
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Mercedes-Benz E350, 2007
11-03-2014, 05:03 PM
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Mercedes-Benz E350, 2007
11-17-2014, 05:53 PM
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Mercedes-Benz E350, 2007
What would be the option to get the same results like you for 2007 E350 w/ Nav?
Thanks.
Thanks.
Folks,
My car is 2009 E350 w/ NAV
I have spent well over a week scanning various sites on options to enable the backup camera on my car.
Here are the parts that I have ordered
Fakra (90 degree elbow) to female RCA cable (from Midcity)
CCD-200 Camera from ebay
RCA extension cable - http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...ductId=2102944
Wire tap-in connectors - http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...uctId=2104093#
I know that the Fakra cable connects into aux video-in Green Fakra on the backside of the unit. What I am looking for is a way to enable this on my unit so that the backup camera comes on automatically when i shift to reverse.
I have tried the following
Engineering Menu - Hangup + 6 + *
This menu has no option to enable the backup camera
Dealer Menu - Hangup + 7 + 9
This menu too does not have any options for the backup camera
Can any one familiar with enabling this, tell me on how this could be enabled ? Would my dealer enable this for me ? How much do they usually charge ?
Is there an end-user way to do it via a hidden menu ? I am not interested in VIM, so that option is out (also considering how much it costs). I see the new C class folks can get this to work, I was wondering if anyone has been able to do this on a stock factory NTG 2.5 unit ?
Below is the picture of how the unit looks
My car is 2009 E350 w/ NAV
I have spent well over a week scanning various sites on options to enable the backup camera on my car.
Here are the parts that I have ordered
Fakra (90 degree elbow) to female RCA cable (from Midcity)
CCD-200 Camera from ebay
RCA extension cable - http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...ductId=2102944
Wire tap-in connectors - http://www.radioshack.com/product/in...uctId=2104093#
I know that the Fakra cable connects into aux video-in Green Fakra on the backside of the unit. What I am looking for is a way to enable this on my unit so that the backup camera comes on automatically when i shift to reverse.
I have tried the following
Engineering Menu - Hangup + 6 + *
This menu has no option to enable the backup camera
Dealer Menu - Hangup + 7 + 9
This menu too does not have any options for the backup camera
Can any one familiar with enabling this, tell me on how this could be enabled ? Would my dealer enable this for me ? How much do they usually charge ?
Is there an end-user way to do it via a hidden menu ? I am not interested in VIM, so that option is out (also considering how much it costs). I see the new C class folks can get this to work, I was wondering if anyone has been able to do this on a stock factory NTG 2.5 unit ?
Below is the picture of how the unit looks
11-17-2014, 06:15 PM
#61
05-25-2015, 02:42 AM
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96 Mercedes E320, 09 E350 C65 Sport
Thanks for the info - I would like to do the same thing (backup camera) to my car which is the same - 09 E350 with a ntg 2.5 console. I've been looking for specifics but this thread is as close as I have found to my situation.
Questions:
1. If I can get on a "Star PC", I can turn on the feature, correct?
2. Is there any other way to enable the camera? I know the hangup+6+* engineering menu but that goes nowhere of interest (I think).
3. I have no use for the VIM module but does it do "something" to the COMAND logic?
4. Did you drill the hole out for the camera? Were there "punch outs" or did you just measure the area for fit/location and drill?
I was also thinking that if I could go in through a video in (maybe in the glove box - I have a 3.5mm but havent tried it to see if its 4 pole) it would enable me to test a setup. But I don't have an Aux video In setting that I have found...
I am in Houston if anybody around knows anything...or anybody.
Thank you.
Questions:
1. If I can get on a "Star PC", I can turn on the feature, correct?
2. Is there any other way to enable the camera? I know the hangup+6+* engineering menu but that goes nowhere of interest (I think).
3. I have no use for the VIM module but does it do "something" to the COMAND logic?
4. Did you drill the hole out for the camera? Were there "punch outs" or did you just measure the area for fit/location and drill?
I was also thinking that if I could go in through a video in (maybe in the glove box - I have a 3.5mm but havent tried it to see if its 4 pole) it would enable me to test a setup. But I don't have an Aux video In setting that I have found...
I am in Houston if anybody around knows anything...or anybody.
Thank you.
Last edited by HWL; 05-25-2015 at 02:45 AM.
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heedman1 (10-12-2018)
06-06-2015, 06:48 PM
#64
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96 Mercedes E320, 09 E350 C65 Sport
factory cable on a 2009 E350 pre-install
@Mackhack;
IF MB had installed a "pre-wire" for the rear camera and therefore the cable was already in the trunk, do you know the typical location (path) and/or color of that video cable?
I guess I am asking if it is anywhere near the battery or fuse box?
Thanks
IF MB had installed a "pre-wire" for the rear camera and therefore the cable was already in the trunk, do you know the typical location (path) and/or color of that video cable?
I guess I am asking if it is anywhere near the battery or fuse box?
Thanks
06-07-2015, 02:24 AM
#65
Do you have a prewired car per your data card? Are you asking because you want to do the retrofit or just out of curiosity?
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heedman1 (10-12-2018)
10-19-2016, 05:23 AM
#69
Super Member
I'm glad I found this thread!
So with a 2009 command unit that has NAVI the 2nd page indicating the parts needed will work and enable a backup camera? If so that's awesome!
Actually a couple questions:
How does the control box link in the thread differ from: Mid City Engineering control boxes?
It looks like on their site you would need BOTH the VIM, and the backup camera box, which is $500+...
I take it people have gone both routes but which is the most reliable/ easiest to use or do they both do the same thing? Why does Mid City need two boxes when the ebay link only has one that does both?
-Nigel
So with a 2009 command unit that has NAVI the 2nd page indicating the parts needed will work and enable a backup camera? If so that's awesome!
Actually a couple questions:
How does the control box link in the thread differ from: Mid City Engineering control boxes?
It looks like on their site you would need BOTH the VIM, and the backup camera box, which is $500+...
I take it people have gone both routes but which is the most reliable/ easiest to use or do they both do the same thing? Why does Mid City need two boxes when the ebay link only has one that does both?
-Nigel
Last edited by NewShockerGuy; 10-19-2016 at 09:52 AM.
10-21-2016, 03:15 AM
#70
Super Member
Shame there isn't that much activity on here... lol
Anyways, I found the following:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/TV-FREE-REVE...IAAOSwqrtWn-ET
That does VIM and has the camera cable.
I'm trying to decide which camera to get though.
This one is super tiny so that is very good as the hole would be much smaller really, only for the post.
http://www.qualitymobilevideo.com/top-ss-421mb.html
These two are larger and would require a much larger hole.. not sure though.
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_249CUL0...-03.html?tp=83
http://www.qualitymobilevideo.com/re.../list/id/4779/
Actually might pick up the Rydeen RYD ZH07150B
https://www.amazon.com/Rydeen-RYD-ZH..._cd_al_qh_dp_t
Or:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...A1IHXV0MXX639U
Their one product has great reviews with Toyota owners. Still a small camera.
I've added crimestopper's backup cams to my STi and my truck with zero issues so this shouldn't be a problem either. With any of the three cameras above it should be very discrete and look almost oem. My other cameras are license plate mounts but you can't see any wires because of how I installed them.
I'll post an update once everything is finalized way too many options at the moment.
-Nigel
Anyways, I found the following:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/TV-FREE-REVE...IAAOSwqrtWn-ET
That does VIM and has the camera cable.
I'm trying to decide which camera to get though.
This one is super tiny so that is very good as the hole would be much smaller really, only for the post.
http://www.qualitymobilevideo.com/top-ss-421mb.html
These two are larger and would require a much larger hole.. not sure though.
http://www.crutchfield.com/p_249CUL0...-03.html?tp=83
http://www.qualitymobilevideo.com/re.../list/id/4779/
Actually might pick up the Rydeen RYD ZH07150B
https://www.amazon.com/Rydeen-RYD-ZH..._cd_al_qh_dp_t
Or:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...A1IHXV0MXX639U
Their one product has great reviews with Toyota owners. Still a small camera.
I've added crimestopper's backup cams to my STi and my truck with zero issues so this shouldn't be a problem either. With any of the three cameras above it should be very discrete and look almost oem. My other cameras are license plate mounts but you can't see any wires because of how I installed them.
I'll post an update once everything is finalized way too many options at the moment.
-Nigel
Last edited by NewShockerGuy; 10-21-2016 at 05:04 AM.
10-28-2016, 12:25 AM
#71
Super Member
Welp got the control unit to do the coding for the backup camera an the VIM.
I won't get the car until Monday/Tuesday so it's funny that this thing came all the way from Portugal in one day! Truly fast shipping!
I get the camera tomorrow now according to USPS. I'll play around with it at the house just to see how the quality is but won't be able to install this until next week or the following weekend.
So far so good!
EDIT:
Camera came in. It's small! Love it. Will post pictures of size later.
-Nigel
I won't get the car until Monday/Tuesday so it's funny that this thing came all the way from Portugal in one day! Truly fast shipping!
I get the camera tomorrow now according to USPS. I'll play around with it at the house just to see how the quality is but won't be able to install this until next week or the following weekend.
So far so good!
EDIT:
Camera came in. It's small! Love it. Will post pictures of size later.
-Nigel
Last edited by NewShockerGuy; 10-28-2016 at 10:52 PM.
10-28-2016, 01:53 AM
#72
Welp got the control unit to do the coding for the backup camera an the VIM.
I won't get the car until Monday/Tuesday so it's funny that this thing came all the way from Portugal in one day! Truly fast shipping!
I get the camera tomorrow now according to USPS. I'll play around with it at the house just to see how the quality is but won't be able to install this until next week or the following weekend.
So far so good!
-Nigel
I won't get the car until Monday/Tuesday so it's funny that this thing came all the way from Portugal in one day! Truly fast shipping!
I get the camera tomorrow now according to USPS. I'll play around with it at the house just to see how the quality is but won't be able to install this until next week or the following weekend.
So far so good!
-Nigel
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heedman1 (10-12-2018)
11-03-2016, 10:39 AM
#73
Super Member
Welp I'm glad I tested this right now because I'm a little pissed.
It's not working.
Plug the harness in and get the "device unavailable".. on top of that the blue connector points UP so it's impossible for me to plug in the green video connector...
I emailed the seller so I'll update with what is going on when he gets back to me.
What a PITA... I thought this would be P&P and it very well might but at the moment not so much.
-Nigel
It's not working.
Plug the harness in and get the "device unavailable".. on top of that the blue connector points UP so it's impossible for me to plug in the green video connector...
I emailed the seller so I'll update with what is going on when he gets back to me.
What a PITA... I thought this would be P&P and it very well might but at the moment not so much.
-Nigel
11-03-2016, 08:35 PM
#74
Super Member
Now for the update! It ALL works!!
I had to email Jorge many times and he helped me get through everything. Amazing customer service, he would get back to me within 20 minutes of me sending an email.
What needs to be done. On the stock connector for the comand is that little white connector with a bunch of wires, and the fiber optical connector needs to be removed from the stock click lock connector and moved "clicked in" to the new piggy back click connector.
Then it all plugs into the back of the headunit as such.
As seen from the picture above the blue GPS connector gets in the way. As a temp solution I removed the blue connector and attached the antenna connector directly onto the back of the headunit so instead of it point straight UP blocking the video connector it now rotates to the right/left. I am going to figure out a way to fully secure and connect it but for the time being as testing is concerned this is functional. I would think they make a right angle or a different housing so that it doesn't point straight up?
See pictures below of backup camera. First picture shows new menu of reverse backup unchecked, 2nd pic shows with the check, then the rest are of me holding the camera and phone and power supply so sorry for the crappiness of them...lol I will get better pictures via the weekend when I actually have time to run the cables and wires and do it proper.
-Nigel
I had to email Jorge many times and he helped me get through everything. Amazing customer service, he would get back to me within 20 minutes of me sending an email.
What needs to be done. On the stock connector for the comand is that little white connector with a bunch of wires, and the fiber optical connector needs to be removed from the stock click lock connector and moved "clicked in" to the new piggy back click connector.
Then it all plugs into the back of the headunit as such.
As seen from the picture above the blue GPS connector gets in the way. As a temp solution I removed the blue connector and attached the antenna connector directly onto the back of the headunit so instead of it point straight UP blocking the video connector it now rotates to the right/left. I am going to figure out a way to fully secure and connect it but for the time being as testing is concerned this is functional. I would think they make a right angle or a different housing so that it doesn't point straight up?
See pictures below of backup camera. First picture shows new menu of reverse backup unchecked, 2nd pic shows with the check, then the rest are of me holding the camera and phone and power supply so sorry for the crappiness of them...lol I will get better pictures via the weekend when I actually have time to run the cables and wires and do it proper.
-Nigel
11-03-2016, 08:39 PM
#75
Super Member
Next is Video in Motion (VIM). I had trouble getting this to work only because the directions state that you hold the hangup button for 3 seconds and it will activate. Problem is it's actually 5-6 seconds. So I wasn't holding it long enough. Directions state to be in navigation mode but I found that you could be in video mode with it in drive and hold the button down and it will then cancel it out so you can watch the movie.
When you shut off the car it reverts back to normal non VIM. But you can switch back and forth.
See pictures below of it in drive (albeit not technically moving, since I'm on the lift) but the car just knows to fade the video portion out. But with it activated no problem watching it in DRIVE. :-)
Definitely a very cool thing!
Again ****ty pictures but will get better once it's all said and done.
Thanks,
-Nigel
When you shut off the car it reverts back to normal non VIM. But you can switch back and forth.
See pictures below of it in drive (albeit not technically moving, since I'm on the lift) but the car just knows to fade the video portion out. But with it activated no problem watching it in DRIVE. :-)
Definitely a very cool thing!
Again ****ty pictures but will get better once it's all said and done.
Thanks,
-Nigel
