Front Camera

Want to install a front camera. Should I go with Anytime back up camera or Car Solutions?

 

Do you want it to be on a switch or automatic? Basically the difference since they use the same camera.

 

Hi! I like the camera solutions' because it integrates with the steering controls but I am looking for durability/quality. Thanks

 

That is the company I went with. Between the automatic engagement, steering wheel controls, and with it not requiring a switch spot I found it to be perfect. Both companies make an equally nice and well made product, so I think your decision will end up being feature/use case determined rather than build quality.

 

Did you have any issues with it?

 

I installed yesterday and it has thus far been perfect. Install was pretty easy (probably a bit easier than anytime since you don’t have to run the switch, but that’s not hard either though). Did a 6 hour scenic drive today with lots of intentional usage of the camera and it’s great.

 

I went with the anytime kit and wired to separate switches and also wired the front to the right side of my Meso stealth shift knob for quick access when pulling up to something, no issues here except I went with the cheap camera first but them switched it to the Natika and all good.

 

What camera did you buy? Natika?

 

Yup. There might have been other/better ones but this one seems to have the best proven track record.

 

So if you don't turn the switch on the camera won't engage. I know the camera solutions will turn the camera on for 30 secs when you shift to drive.

 

Link pls and thanks

 

Correct with the anytime kit you have to turn it on

 

Which camera did you install?

 

Natika

 

I have the beat sonic front cam harness/module. It’s set to meso stealth shifter- right button. Setting to auto turn on is off, setting to cycle front rear is off. I only wanted the front on at the touch of my finger on the shift knob.

but I’m looking for another option now as I want those same options (no auto no cycle both cams) PLUS I don’t want to have to pull the dash apart to get it working again after unhooking the battery! If you do disconnect batt then you have to shuffle the a/v plugs- truck on insert rear, unplug insert front and set. But it’s a fn pain in the ass! So does the CarPlay have what I need?

 

Has anyone tried this

PARKVISION Backup/Front/Side Car Camera, 180 Horizontal Angle, Switchable View Modes, 12V for Cars, RVs, Pickups, Mini Truck

Parkvision camera from Amazon?
I wonder if it would be compatible with the Car solutions implementation?
I'm thinking that it would be nice to have a "default" view summon from the steering wheel and the using then black button to change into other views when I wanted to.

 

Hi All - I have gone back-n-forth with Car Solutions support for the past two months. Their front camera harness and controller messed up my 2020 Tacoma door handle lock touch sensor as well as my key fob lock. The front camera had to turn off before the touch sensor and key fob lock would work properly. I asked for a replacement unit, but they made me uninstall the unit, try loading new software and reinstalling it. I followed their instructions twice, but that didnt work. I got fed up and removed all the Car Solutions products and my door locks and key fob went back to working normal. Easy! Not using them again!

 

The Car Solutions unit has been in my wife's RAV 4 for 2.5 years with no issues, works every time.
I installed the new Car Solutions unit on my 2021 Off Road and it has been working great for past 9 months.
I have installed a Car Solutions unit in three other Toyota's also, all with no bad issues.
Just my experience with them.

 

Prior to my recent install of the car-solutions controller, I inquired to tech services about availability of a firmware update because I noticed they had gone to the trouble of enabling firmware updates. They replied by sending me a new binary file for application to the controller using computer via usb, which I did. they mentioned 1 person had an issue with touch-lock, I assume the .bin they provided was an intended solution. I installed with the updated .bin file written to controller and system is working flawlessly in my 21 ORAC. Only issue I have experienced is that if my Nakita front cam sits in direct sun too long picture will temporarily degrade or balck out (temp, presumably). Now I park with cam pointed away from sun or cover. Sorry to hear of your issues, would be frustrating AF.

 

Yes! While I can appreciate MaxT's "experience" this is a verified issue by Car Solutions... see below. The problem is the controller they sent me cant be updated (defect, I think). To make matters worse, it took two months of complaining about this problem for them to finally offer a refund or replacement, and now they want me to send the original device to Hong Kong! On my dime! Very poor customer service. Note, I rarely complain about commercial products... In this case, I dont want anyone else to go through this experience.