| ron@se |
We've successfully wired the factory DVD player for the RES to the factory navigation screen via the backup camera WITHOUT the need for an RGB converter.
It's set up to be able to flip on the rear camera, even when not in reverse, and then switch to the DVD video. I will post some pics later on today :) |
|
|
| tnguyenmdc |
That's AWESOME. Definitely share some pictures, and please post details, if you don't mind.
Thanks. |
|
|
| AikiMDX |
| Woohoo! I'm looking forward to the pics! Details, I need details :2: |
|
|
| Number 6 |
| i want to buy one! |
|
|
| BDMDX |
Hi Ron, (The Man)
Great job!!!!! Please post some details and let me know the cost I will be at your door steps before you would even post the pictures. |
|
|
| Arzoo |
Ron, excellent work, can't wait to see the pics.
Any thoughts on this type of mod voiding the warranty on the NAV/RES? |
|
|
| canesfins |
Ron,
Does the DVD play simultaneously in the rear and in the Nav screen or is it either one or the other? |
|
|
| harmonr1 |
| Question out there. For '03, if you have the Navi w/o RES, but the camera is composite and not RGB, shouldn't you be able to make the mod w/o a RGB tuner box converter? Explain please.:confused: |
|
|
| mqsix |
| Awesome Ron, please enlighten us with all the details! |
|
|
| Happy_MDX |
| You have my full attention ! |
|
|
| djw |
| Gee, it sure is quiet... Hmmm. |
|
|
| $tanDaMan |
So what kind of pricing are we looking at now that we know we dont need some parts?
Also price it with an optional TV Tunner.
Thanks. |
|
|
| ron@se |
OK, this is for ANYONE who has the factory back up camera. We have found, that the camera is, in fact, sending a composite signal which is converted to RGB within the factory navigation system. You DO NOT need the factory RES for this to work.
We have basically split the factory backup camera video signal through a relay that has the output video from the factory dvd player going to it. We also located the trigger wire for the reverse switch that allows the screen to go into video mode, and wired it to a 12Volt source, diode isolated so the reverse lights don't come on, allowing us to turn the video mode ON, while the car is moving, or in park, or any other gear you are in. When you flip this switch, you see the backup camera, and by flipping a second switch, you flip between the camera and the dvd player.
Not much to show picture wise, but the 1st pic below is the backup camera ON, while the car is in park, and the 2 pics below it are of a video playing off factory DVD player which plays at the same time as the factory RES.
 |
|
|
| ron@se |
quote:
Originally posted by $tanDaMan
So what kind of pricing are we looking at now that we know we dont need some parts?
Also price it with an optional TV Tunner.
Thanks.
I really don't know....this would be an install that WILL require removing a few panels from the truck and splitting some wires. It also requires removing the factory DVD player and tapping the video signal. Under the passenger seat you will need to pick up a wire for video trigger, and also hook up 2 switches in a location of your choosing. All that's requires, parts wise, is a single 12Volt relay, 2 switches, and some wire. |
|
|
| BlueStreak |
Congrats, Ron! Nice job figuring this out.
Greg
03 SS/Quartz/Nav/Res |
|
|
| Happy_MDX |
| Can you post a wiring diagram, and some pic's of parts and locations they were used, Thanks |
|
|
| nhatman |
Yes yes yes. Please please please post some diagrams, a parts list, and procedures/instructions!
:2: |
|
|
| mdxxxx |
| :6: :6: ron@se does it again! Nice Job. |
|
|
| mqsix |
Your hard work should not go unrewarded. I will gladly pay you for a wiring diagram and instructions to do what you did. If I lived close enough, I'd drive to you and have you convert mine too. It will save me hours of unnecessary probing and digging to accomplish your work.
Please let me know if you are willing and how much.
Thanks, |
|
|
| canesfins |
Ron,
Do you know anyone in South Florida that could do this type of modification? |
|
|
| xlargebee |
Looks great!
Beautiful! :) |
|
|
| BklynMDX |
quote:
Originally posted by BDMDX
Hi Ron, (The Man)
Great job!!!!! Please post some details and let me know the cost I will be at your door steps before you would even post the pictures.
Great job Ron!
I too am interested, any chance in a group rate if we get enough people involved? If not let us know what the cost will be. |
|
|
| nhatman |
ok, i am the only one just DYIN' for some more info, specifically, which wires are what on the nav computer unit?
i know what i need to do (in terms of wiring it up), i just need to know which wires are what!
pleeeeeeaaaase throw me a bone! :(
on a side note, i just ordered the helm service manual (i've always done this with every car i've owned and it's always paid for itself time and time again) and hopefully, it will have a wiring diagram of the input/output pins on the nav computer unit. |
|
|
| $tanDaMan |
Ok Ron, i gotcha,
how about just current install, what are the costs, and can you do it while i wait :) have to take a trip from NY. |
|
|
| nhatman |
i refuse to let this thread get lost in the shuffle. am i the only one who's been anxiously waiting for details on this DIY hookup? i'm interested (and even will to pay) for details on which wires to tap into.
ronr@se, please let me know how i can get the info i'm looking for from you. i know you've spent a lot of time and energy to get this configuration working, so i would be willing to compensate you for your hard work. please, just let me know.
thanks! |
|
|
| OP MDX |
http://www.streeteffectz.com/
Go to Ron's buz site maybe he has additional info there. There is a forum for mods at that site as well. Good luck and report back! |
|
|
| nhatman |
just got my helm service manual in the mail today. it shows where the rear-camera control unit is (right side of rear cargo area) and it also shows how to remove the panels in that area.
this is pretty much all i needed to know. there should be 4 wires from the camera (video and power) that i will tap into for the video portion of it. that part should be easy with once i identify the wires with my trusty multi-meter.
then i just need to find the reverse trigger line which should become hot when the car is in reverse (again, easy to find with my trusty multi-meter).
then hopefully, with only a relay, 2 switches, a diode, some wire, connectors, tape, ties, shrink sleeves, and some luck, i should be up and running soon.
i'll keep you posted.... |
|
|
| djw |
| Thanks in advance in anticipation of sharing the results. Ron must have been called to Iraq or something... or in the pokey for having a front seat tv.;) |
|
|
| ron@se |
LMAO, no, I'm not in Iraq...thank God! :)
Anyway, sorry I haven't provided more info, YET, just been busy with our EXTREMELY full schedule (have about 2 months of work in advance at this time), and haven't had two free minuted to put something together...we will, just stay tuned :) |
|
|
| canesfins |
| Ron, if you have any affiliates in South Florida to do the modification I would appreciate a recommendation. |
|
|
| nhatman |
just a quick update of what i've done so far. i've found the camera control unit and have identified the camera composite video wires. i have yet to find the reverse trigger wire but i believe that it is located on the nav computer unit and not on the reverse camera control unit.
anyway, on the 6 pin green connector going into the camera control unit, the grey wire is the video ground and the red/blue is the video positive. you have to remove the D pillar trim, right 3rd row seat, and the rear right lower cargo trim to get access to the camera control unit.
i'm thinking of of putting a tv tuner (a/v switcher) back there so i can have the camera as one input and a dvd player as another, then once i find the reverse trigger wire, i can just press a button to go into video mode, then use the tv tuner to switch from tv, rear camera, or dvd player.
i'll keep you guys posted.
also, if anyone is out there that can help me locate the reverse trigger wire, i would GREATLY appreciate the help. otherwise, i'm going to start probing the nav computer harnesses to see if i can locate it. (fyi, the reason i think it is located there is because when i completely disconnected the camera control unit, the system still went into video mode when i put it in reverse; i also probed the harnesses going into the camera control unit and none became hot when in reverse) |
|
|
| nhatman |
i should've done this before, but after reading through some posts here, i've found out which nav wire is the reverse trigger (on the 8 pin connector, it's c5, grn/blk).
anyway, this is what i've done so far. i've been able to do what ronr@se has done. i've tapped into the rear camera video wire and am able to switch from rear camera to whatever video input i want (using a spst relay).
and now that i know which wire on the nav unit is the reverse trigger (thanks to this site), i plan on using a relay to do the switching there also (instead of using a normal switch and a diode) so that the reverse lights don't go on.
so basically, i'll have 2 switches (which could technically become one, but i'd like to have the option of turning on the rear camera at any time); one switch to switch into video mode and the other to switch between camera and other video input.
sorry about all this long winded posts but i'm excited to know that i can play movie dvds through the nav screen without having to spend lots of money. i'm still on the fence about getting a tv tuner to do the switching for me and to be able to watch tv in the car. |
|
|
| Happy_MDX |
nhatman,
can you post some pic's...........I need just a little more infomation
before attempt this task, Thanks |
|
|
| nhatman |
i have some pictures that i can post. but not with me right now. will have to do it tomorrow.
in terms of removing the trims, if you have a helm service manual, it would help a lot. if not, i'll try to help you out as much as i can.
as for the wiring, let me know if you want a diagram; i can post one also if it'll help.
just so you know, i haven't hooked up the reverse wire yet but everything else is working fine. the hardest part is over. i just need another day off to finish the job.
just let me know if you have any specific questions; i would be happy to help you. |
|
|
| nhatman |
now that i've reread ronr@se's post, i'm starting to wonder if i could've tapped into the camera composite signal at the nav computer instead of all the way in the back at the camera control unit.
i think when i open up everything again, i'm going to see if i can trace the signal back to the nav computer.
just thinking out loud... |
|
|
| AikiMDX |
nhatman,
Thanks for your efforts so far! |
|
|
| nhatman |
here's a pic of the cargo area with the 3rd row right seat, the lower right cargo trim, the d-pillar trim, and the storage area trim removed.
the rear camera control unit is attached to the c-channel stiffener that runs across the back of the cargo area; the unit sits right behind the wheel well. |
|
|
| nhatman |
here is the 6-pin green harness that has the video feed from the rear camera (wires red/blue and grey, where grey is the video ground).
the grey shielded wire on the upper right is my dvd video cable; the ground is spliced into the harness' grey video ground, so that both video inputs share the same ground; i'm not sure if this method degrades the picture any, but i don't seem to notice. i could have let the dpdt relay switch BOTH video wires but i was lazy.
the relay switches between the rear camera and the dvd video. i could've used a spdt relay but i didn't have any around, only this dpdt one shown.
and i know, it's a pretty cruddy looking job, but it works... |
|
|
| nhatman |
here is the rear camera control unit with my relay under it; i used double-back foam tape to keep it in place.
in retrospect, i would've made the wires longer so that i could place the relay by the VTM control unit (it's the other box sitting right next to the wheel well); the reason for this is because there is an access panel in the trim that allows the VTM unit to be serviced without having to remove all of these trims. if i had been smarter, putting the relay there would've allowed me to have access to it in case i needed to change it if it ever burned out or broke. |
|
|
| nhatman |
i ran the dvd video and the relay power wire along the existing harness bundle towards the rear right passenger door and under the rear right door trim.
i spliced the relay ground into one of the many ground wires (upper left; you can see the red splice connector). |
|
|
| nhatman |
here's a good picture of the VTM control unit by the wheel well. there's an access panel in the trim that can be used to service the relay if i had been smart enough to put the relay there.
oh well. |
|
|
| nhatman |
so i basically have a video cable and a power wire coming from the back. the power cable activates the relay which switches the video input from rear camera to dvd (or whatever device i plan to hook up).
i plan to tap into the nav unit's reverse trigger wire soon and use a dpdt toggle switch to switch back and forth from normal mode and dvd mode. i also plan to put some panel-mounted rca plugs somewhere in the front so i can hook up other things like a vcr, play station, etc., or i may get a tv tuner instead.
i thought about adding another switch or using a diode so that i can activate the rear camera while driving but what when am i really going to ever use that option? but the option is there for those who want it.
so for the cost of a video cable, some electrical tape, some quick disconnect terminals, a relay, a switch, a few rca connectors, and some wire, you hook up an aux video to your nav screen. as for the audio, i haven't decided which way to go just yet.
i'll be to keep any interested in my progress and which direction i will be going. if you want a wiring diagram, i can post that too.
i hope this information helps someone. i've looked around everywhere to try to find this type of info but all i've found were bits and pieces, and usually results, but nothing that helped a lot (except, of course, if it weren't for this forum, i would've had to probe for the reverse trigger wire). i hope the pictures help explain things better. like i said before, having the helm service manual helps to remove all that trim.
good luck! |
|
|
| nhatman |
here's the wiring diagram.
with the toggle switch in shown position, everything will operate normally; flip the switch and the 12V supply will trigger the reverse video mode on the nav unit and at the same time switch the video from camera to dvd (or an other video input).
the way it is set up, the 12V reverse supply will be isolated when you switch into video mode -- that way, the reverse lights won't go on. |
|
|
| Happy_MDX |
really nice work.....keep the pic's coming
:29: |
|
|
| djw |
Not a genius here.
I was curious if any of the wiring diagrams in the manuals or via your manual traces indicated whether the taps factory RES video signal, the back-up camera video signal and the reverse switch @ the NAV could all be found in the front so that the switches/relays/controls could be co-located. I do not currently understand where the harness is running these things so that they can be brought together.
Thanks. |
|
|
| nhatman |
quote:
Originally posted by djw
Not a genius here.
I was curious if any of the wiring diagrams in the manuals or via your manual traces indicated whether the taps factory RES video signal, the back-up camera video signal and the reverse switch @ the NAV could all be found in the front so that the switches/relays/controls could be co-located. I do not currently understand where the harness is running these things so that they can be brought together.
Thanks.
as for the RES, i don't have it, so sorry, can't help you there.
the reverse trigger wire is located on the nav unit which is in the front of the car.
as for the back-up camera video feed, i should've checked to see if it was indeed the camera control unit or the nav comp unit that was doing the composite to rgb encoding (i guess i was just so excited to have found the correct wires and get this thing working, i didn't bother....sorry; perhaps someone else can check it). if it is the nav unit, that would be great because all the wiring can be done in the front without having to remove all the trims.
but if it is indeed the camera control unit (which i think it is), then you really have no choice but to splice in your video feed in the back where the unit is. of course, your other option is to spend money and buy a composite/rgb encoder. |
|
|
| nhatman |
quote:
Originally posted by Happy_MDX
really nice work.....keep the pic's coming
:29:
thanks! i'm trying to make it easy for whoever wants to do the same thing. i just want to make sure they have all the information that's needed so they don't have to do a lot of guessing and probing around like i did. |
|
|
| OP MDX |
| nhat, I want to thank you for all of your work. Your pixs helped me realize I've got a snowballs chance in hell to be able to do that type of work! However, your work will help when I show the diagrams and pixs to the local install shop. I used them in the past and they have done a dvd in a Navi install on a TL before. Thanks. |
|
|
| nhatman |
quote:
Originally posted by OP MDX
nhat, I want to thank you for all of your work. Your pixs helped me realize I've got a snowballs chance in hell to be able to do that type of work! However, your work will help when I show the diagrams and pixs to the local install shop. I used them in the past and they have done a dvd in a Navi install on a TL before. Thanks.
thanks op mdx; sorry to hear that you won't be doing it yourself. it's not as difficult as it looks. if you're somewhat handy and have some basic knowledge of circuits/electronics, it's not so bad. i'm no electronics genius by any stretch of the imagination but luckily i knew enough to get this project off and going.
if you're going to have a shop install it, you may want to use a DPDT relay instead and have it switch BOTH the video wires (instead of hooking up the common ground together like i did); i don't notice the difference in picture quality but it couldn't hurt. good luck! |
|
|
| ryan |
nhatman,
Thank you so much for your hard work and I am very impressed to say the least.
As soon as I get my new mdx, I will give it a try.
So far, how much did it cost you in term of materials? Do you think I should purchase that service manual, where did you purchase and how much did it cost you?
Ron, could you add any comments or feedback to nhatman's work?
Thanks again, nhatman. |
|
|
| azfansinnc |
nhatman,
Do you get any switching noise from running the video feed through a relay like you did? Are there any shielding issues?
I really appreciate the time you spent in documenting and sharing your experience.
I was looking at the Helm site. Do you need just the 2003 MDX Service Manual or do you also need the 2003 Nav supplement for our vehicles? Here is the link:
Helm MDX Service Manual
Thanks again. |
|
|
| ryan |
thank you for the link to HELM.
Does the service manual has any information on RES? |
|
|
| nhatman |
ryan, i'm a big believer in having the service manuals; for me, they have saved me lots of money in the past. whenever something goes wrong or need servicing, i will first turn to the manuals to see if it's something i can do myself. 90% of the time i can and have saved A LOT of money; for the other 10%, when i take it to a shop to do it, i am walking in knowledgeable about what needs to be done and that also can help you save money.
but it's really all up to you and what kind of person you are, whether you like to do things yourself or not.
in terms of cost of materials for what i did, it is extremely minimal.
dpdt toggle switch - $5
dpdt or spst relay - $6
some terminal connectors- $5
some wire - $5
some shielded wire or video cable - $10
some rca connectors - $3
splices - $3
and some electrical tape and zip ties and you're in business. so i would say, for about $40 or so. some of the prices i have up are guesses but should be ball park.
azfansinnc, as for the helm manual, i only bought the service manual and it does have information in there for the RES but VERY limited information about navigation and back-up camera. the only thing the service manual helped me in was how to get to the camera control unit. no info on harness pin connections. which is why i wanted to post all the info because i know it's so hard to find.
i did think about getting the nav supplement manual but for now, the only thing i needed to know was the reverse trigger wire and thanks to this site, i know which one it is (but i have yet to confirm it myself). hopefully, by this weekend, i will have some time to finish things up and confirm all the info i gave.
there is some initial (but VERY brief) switching noise using the relay but after that, the video comes in nice and clear. as for shielding, i've tried to keep the video wires shielded as much as possible. i used shielded wire to run the video from the front of the car to the camera control unit; the only portion of the feed that is unshielded is when i splice it into the relay, but this section of wire is relatively short. i've also decided to keep the relay away from the camera unit and the VTM control unit (i.e., i didn't double-back tape it to the unit); i figured a few inches away would be good enough so that the smal EMF of the relay wouldn't affect anything. so far, so good.
quick update: i just bought a tv tuner and plan to hook that up this weekend. the main purpose of it was just to be able to watch tv, nothing else. the tv tuner will switch back and forth from dvd and tv and whatever else i plan to hook up.
another quick note, with the way i've set things up, the reverse camera will NOT come on and override the dvd player's signal (which is what i wanted); you would have to toggle the switch back to the "normal" operating mode for that. |
|
|
| ryan |
Very cool!
Thanks for your information and advices. I will purchase the manual.
What kind of TV tuner, where did you buy, and how much did it cost?
Do you plan to add antena? and how and where?
It would be real cool if you can sumarize the whole project and some final pics as well when you get a chance. Thank you very much for your awsome work.:29: |
|
|
| nhatman |
no problem, ryan. i'm just about to leave work right now so i'll have to fill you in on the rest later (regarding the tv tuner). i got it for about $100 on the net and i bought 2 sets of diversity antennas for $30. hopefully, the 4 diversity antennas will be good enough; if not, i will try to get an amplified version. i will be sure to post some more pictures when i get everything up and running.
in the meantime, i just found this awesome site on the net for buying a lifetime supply of terminal connectors, relays, switches, shielded cables, cable ties, etc.
it's www.allelectronics.com
you can get the shielded cable for the video feed from here (10' for $1.20!!): http://www.allelectronics.com/cgi-b.../S24&type=store
or you can just buy this (25' video cable for only $3!!) and cut off one of the rca plugs off: http://www.allelectronics.com/cgi-b...C-25&type=store
i just couldn't help myself and ended up buying a year supply worth of cable ties (which are pretty expensive in the stores, if you ask me); i bought 100 6" ties for only $4.00!! http://www.allelectronics.com/cgi-b...=133&type=store
damn. i wish i had found this site a long time ago. |
|
|
| AikiMDX |
nhatman,
Thanks for keeping us updated on your progress!
Andrew |
|
|
| jedi_gras |
Okay...so don't laugh, but can someone explain how the relays work?
From the posts, I'm just assuming that it's a box that allows you to switch from one signal to another by the use of a input voltage?
Is that right?
I wish this install were more plug and play, if someone could just make a relay with the 6pin female, male connectors and a composite RGB female connector, that would make this sooo much easier. I would buy that for 20 bucks and then I could just pop it on and not worry that I will damage the whole thing.
I don't think im THAT dumb when it comes to electronics, but I've never really dealt with video signals and encoding/decoding them at the hardware level...just resistors, diodes, transistors, and ICs....(built an autonomous robot in school)...
That being said, I will pickup my new MDX on friday and I want to rip right into it and start modifying the AV system to allow for AUX video and sound... as well as isolating the reverse trigger and wiring it to a switch....
Did we decide what the easiest way to do this install is? Splice into composite in back, and do the rest of the work up front at the HU?
Any who.... how did people splice into the audio? Are there AUX in's for our OEM HU? Or did people use FM Modulators? I would rather have a wire running directly into it, so if AUX in's dont exist I would want to get a aftermarket unit.... |
|
|
| nhatman |
jedi_gras, you've basically got it right about how relays work.
i'll try to answer some of your questions.
the reason i tapped into the video signal in the rear is because i believe the composite (ntsc) signal from the rear view camera is being decoded/encoded into rgb signal in the rear camera control unit in the back.
some people have been able to do a "plug and play" solution using a separate ntsc-rgb decoder. they basically tap into the rgb signal that comes out of the nav computer into the nav screen. i see this as having 2 major advantages:
1) no huge panels and trims to remove making the process quite painless
2) you don't have to isolate the reverse trigger switch (since you are tapping into the nav screen's rgb video input, you can easily switch the signals from nav comp to whatever signal you want without having to deal with the reverse wire), which brings me to a something that i've just recently discovered that i think may be a MAJOR disadvantage to doing it the way i've done it. when you "fake" the reverse, the nav comp seems to go into a "standby" mode or stops receiving gps signals. basically, if you've been watching a movie or tv while you are moving, if you were to switch back to nav mode, it will take the nav system a few minutes to determine your position again. the BIG disadvantage i see here is that you can't be watching tv/movie and still being using the nav system to navigate (via the voice directions).
of course, the major disadvantage of using the ntsc-rgb decoder is the cost (and in some circumstances, availability). basically, if you don't want to spend lots of money and you don't mind not being able to use the nav, tapping into the rear camera is the way to go.
as for whether you want to cut wires or not, there's another way around that. you could always buy matching male/female harness connectors that can act as the "splice" or "tap". basically some wires with a male connector on one end and a female connector on the other. then you use this to plug in between the car's harness and the unit, then you can splice or tap which ever wires you want on YOUR section of wires so no original wires will be cut or splices. not sure if i'm making any sense.
anyway, here's an update of what i've done so far:
1) installed a tv tuner
2) installed dpdt toggle switch inside the "not an ashtray" coin holder thingy (easy access to and well hidden so there's no visible mod made to the car)
3) routed the wires under the passenger seat, along the center console, and up behind the "not an ashtray" thingy
4) routed the remote sensor underneath the "not an ashtray" thingy
5) temporarily placing the diversity antennas in the back for now but haven't had time to route the antenna wires or experiment on which positions are best for reception. i also ordered a powered (amplified) diversity antenna to see if that will make things better.
i will have some pictures later.
oh yeah, one more thing, i've been trying to do some research and see if i can get a hold of a cheap ntsc (composite) to rgb video converter. so far, i've been in contact with a guy who can get me the converter (just the PCB) for $90 which is more than i want to pay. i am also looking into the blaupunkt ivsc5501 which will run about $150; the only problem would be finding the right pin/wire that does the video switching.
i should just be happy with what i've got but the fact that i can't be watching tv and still using the nav system bothers me. also, whatever solution i come up with, i plan on making it a cleaner one (i.e. buy harness connectors and make jumpers from them so i don't have to cut/splice factory wires so it would be more of a plug-and-play type solution).
sorry for the super long post. |
|
|
| Arzoo |
quote:
Originally posted by nhatman
sorry for the super long post.
Don't be sorry, the more info the better! :D :D :D
I'm sure a bunch of us are sitting here on the sidelines waiting for the ultimate solution. Thanks for all your hard work! |
|
|
| jedi_gras |
Thanks for the info!!!
If people decide to do anything related to this project, please dont forget to take pictures or document what you discovered.
I'm hoping to be able to replace the stock head unit with a better unit..prob one with 5v pre-amps...wire them to subs in the back and use the 4x50W to drive the rest of the system...(I havent really looked at the car yet, but I may want to put 8 or 10" subs under the middle row of seats w/ custom enclosure.)
I would also like to utilize the 2nd DIN size slot, to put a computer in my car...I'm quite the techie, so I want to put a custom PC/104 type system into my car...it can act as my MP3 player, Web device, War Driving interface...or whatever else I dream up. Hopefully I can code a nice linux front end and use the nav screen we already have. I'll have to see if I can connect directly via RGB or if I have to get a NTSC Composite signal and have it decoded...
And since, I just started work full time, I'm really bored.....so maybe I'll mess around with MDF boards and stuff, to create my own face plate... How hard can it be? :)
anywayz, that's my dream... lets see what i actually do. :2: |
|
|
| dleasman |
First Question: You mentioned in an earlier post that the composite signal from the rear camera was converted to RGB inside the NAV unit. So, I assume that the composite signal travels in a coax cable all the way from the rear to the front. Is this a correct assumption?
Second Question: Where did you tap this video cable for the switching from the backup camera to the dvd, in the back, by the control unit for the camera? Or in the front by the NAV unit?
Third Question: No one has given any details on where to Y the output from the DVD drive in the dash (on RES model) to go to both the original screen AND the NAV (as described in the previous question). Where and how did you tap (or Y) the output from the factory dvd player?
Last Question: If the assumption in the first question is correct, then ALL of the modifications could be isolated to the center console. Is this what you did?
Please elaborate... Most of the information has been covered in this thread, but myself and others need you to fill out the missing pieces of the puzzle.
Thanks,
-dana |
|
|
| nhatman |
dleasman, if you have the helms service manual, it has the pinout information on the dvd player so you can "Y" the video output from.
i have the helms manual but not on me. let me know if you want me to look it up for you.
i don't have the RES option so i hook up a portable dvd player. |
|
|
| dleasman |
Yes, any information you can offer will be appreciated.
Let me know anything you can find out about the pin out for the RES's dvd drive, and/or the console in the roof. Hopefully, I can split right out of the dvd drive in the dash, right below the NAV.
According to ron@se's post, the composite to RGB conversion is in the NAV unit, so this would indicate that the composite signal is carried all the way to the front by coax. Did you find anything out on this? You mentioned that it may not be necessary to put the video switching back by the rear camera's controller.
-dana |
|
|
| nhatman |
i will check out the service manual and get you the info on the RES dvd pinouts.
as for finding out if the ntsc composite video signal is sent into the nav comp or not, i still haven't found out. i've been asking people with the electrical troubleshooting manuals because i've heard it has a lot of harness and possibly pinout info.
i haven't had time to work on my car for awhile. i've bought an amplified tv antenna and plan to install it sometime soon. the tv tuner is in and my switch has also been installed. i just haven't had time to complete this project. next time i do, i will open up the loom tubing on the harness that goes from the rear camera unit into the nav unit and if there is a coax cable in there, then we'll definitely have out answer.
and if anybody wants to do this themselves, PLEASE feel free to do so and let us know!
thanks! |
|
|
| nhatman |
thanks to norcalchuck who supplied me with a page from his electrical troubleshooting manual, it looks like the camera control unit does the ntsc (composite) to rgb conversion. it clearly shows the wires from the camera control unit to the nav comp, labeled:
TV R SIG2
TV G SIG2
TV B SIG2
C SYNC
looks like the only way to take advantage of the "built-in" ntsc to rgb conversion, you'll have to tap into the rear camera's coax line.
bummer. sorry to be the bearer of bad news. |
|
|
| dleasman |
OK, so if the only output from the RES dvd drive is RGB, then how did ron@se do it without an RGB converter?
I suspect that the dvd player has a composite line some place.
-dana |
|
|
| dleasman |
| Can ron@se and/or nhatman please respond with more/better info about the RES dvd and how you get that piece hooked in at the rear camera's controller? |
|
|
| nhatman |
quote:
Originally posted by dleasman
OK, so if the only output from the RES dvd drive is RGB, then how did ron@se do it without an RGB converter?
I suspect that the dvd player has a composite line some place.
-dana
i think you misunderstood me. the RES dvd is NOT rgb. what i was trying to say was that it looks like the composite to rgb conversion is done by the rear camera control unit and not the nav computer.
so, if you want to have your RES dvd player pump out video to your nav screen, then the only missing piece of the puzzle is what i was suppose to get to you (and i admittedly have forgotten because this weekend was crazy for me); i am writing it down right now -- "get res dvd video pinout info". once you have that info, just follow the information on this thread and you are on your way. |
|
|
| dleasman |
I will be awaiting that info...
To recap...
Two switches in the front
1) NAV/Video (switch to relay interrupting black/green wire, and supplying it's own 12V)
2) DVD/Rear Camers (switch to relay back by rear camera's control unti, to switch from camera's composite video to composite video from dvd drive in dash)
Assumption: Video from factory RES dvd drive in dash to screen in roof is composite. (true?)
Waiting on the following info:
- Pin out for dvd drive
- Path of composite coax (if it exists) from factory RES dvd drive to screen in roof.
Bonus question: Where is everyone putting their switches? Pictures?
thanks,
-dana |
|
|
| nhatman |
random thoughts and comments:
1) you don't need 2 switches if you prefer; the only reason to have 2 switches is if you wanted to be able to see the rear camera view at any time. i personally have no need for that so i set it up using only one dpdt toggle switch (see earlier post on this board for my wiring diagram)
2) i'm almost certain that the res lcd screen accepts composite (ntsc) signals since 99% of all car entertainment lcd screens out there are and since the res dvd player outputs composite signals.
3) as for the routing of the coax from the res dvd to the res lcd screen, i will also check the service manual to see if it has this info (i'm pretty sure it does). do you plan to tap the res dvd signal somewhere along the coax or at the res dvd itself?
4) bonus answer is in the next few posts.... |
|
|
| nhatman |
this is the "not an ashtray" ashtray and accesory power supply located on the front center console under the radio.
after much debate, i found the perfect spot for my toggle switch; it's the shiny thing in the middle of where the ashtray would slide into. i picked this spot because i wanted something that was hidden, out of the way, near a power source (which is the "cig lighter"), and could be removed in the future without any noticeable damage (holes, etc.) to the interior trim.
so basically, when installed, i would slide open the ashtray and reach in and the switch would be located on the "roof" or top of the ashtray opening. |
|
|
| nhatman |
ok, let's try this again since the server just crapped out on me...
here's another picture of the switch from the other side. there's plenty of room for this switch since there's a nice cavity between the top of the ashtray and the bottom of the radio.
i basically just drilled a hole in the area shown. for those with the cig lighter accessory, the lamp for the ashtray would be right next to the switch. |
|
|
| nhatman |
here's where i tapped into for the acc power. it's the harness for the "lighter" in the front.
(boy, the dust in my car shows up well in this picture!) |
|
|
| nhatman |
| this is the back of the nav computer where i bypassed the reverse trigger wire. |
|
|
| dleasman |
Still need one piece of information here...
How to tap the composite output of the dvd player drive in the RES so that I can sent it through the rear camera's rgb encoder in the rear.
Can someone tell me which pins/wires are the composite output of the dvd drive in the dash? (Tour/NAV/RES model only!)
-dana |
|
|
| djede |
Does anyone know how to hook up an aftermarket visor monitor to the factory DVD unit.
03 Tour/NAv/RES Black |
|
|
| nota4re |
dleasman,
I had the same question as you. Fortunately, my Helm manuals arrived today. The composite video signal from the dvd can be located at the 26-pin connector on the dvd. The video (+) is the blue wire at pin location 9. The video (-) is the red wire at pin location 22. Yes, I am sure the red wire is the video (-). Shielding is supplied via the brown/black wire at pin 23.
I hope this helps.
I am going to try to hook up the front display with an rgb converter to avoid the nav-standby symptom evidently activated by the reverse sense (+) signal. |
|
|
| djede |
Thanks for the information it will really help.
By the way what is a RBG convertor and where can I get one..
Thanks |
|
|
| djede |
Ron ,
I have an 03 tour/nav/res and would like to play the factory dvd via the navi screen. What can I do. Do you sell the relays and instructions as indicated above.
Any suggestions? |
|
|
|
