Surround View Cameras (or adding multiple cameras)

Recently added front,rear,left and right turn cameras to my 08 dcsb - clip below shows how it works
https://youtu.be/qNS6Ejr_aC4

Basically, the left and right cams are activated by turn signals, front cam activated by camera switch, reverse cam activated when shifting into reverse.
This is all going to my aftermarket Pioneer AVHX5800BHS head unit. This headunit has 2 RCA component in channels, but I only used 1 of them as the video switch module does all the work.

Please note, I am not a car or electrical expert... I know there are better ways to do the wiring (will explain later) so while I prob won't change anything on mine, if anyone knows better ways/places to tap wires then by all means share.
also i take no responsibility if you mess it up

Parts:
'intelligent' 6 video switch module and harness $250
http://www.brandmotion.com/360-vision/blind-spot/6-way-video-switcher-9002-6118.html
installation pdf online has detailed how to install etc
Both Blind spot cameras and drill bit kit $37

$40 Pair Car Auto 20mm Hole Drilling Side View Camera Side Mirror Mount Reverse Mirrored Image with No Parking Assistance Lines Cam Safe Turning No Blind Spot for Car Monitor Stereo RCA - Pack of 2

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AAARUKM/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
plus a bunch of component cables and of course lots of wires (i used 18awg) and connectors or taps
Front & Rear cameras($20-$40 each on Amazon or ebay)
RCA wires, male/female RCA adapters, and a lot of wire (i used 18awg)

approx $400 all in w supplies.

 

How it works:
Most headunits and backup cams work and connect via:
1) RCA component video cable from reverse cam for video feed
2) Trigger RCA video display 12v wire (usually connected to a reverse 12v wire so reverse cam comes on display when you shift into reverse etc)

The video switch module essentially connects to your headunit's 1) video display trigger wire and 2) RCA component cable in described above.
If you already have a reverse camera, you will need to disconnect those 2 wires from the headunit and connect them to the reverse trigger wire and RCA IN on the switch module.
You then connect the trigger wire and rca cable per camera to the appropriate wire in the provided harness.
This video switch module has labels on trigger and rca wires for front/rear/left/right/aux/trailer cameras. The module automatically converts left and right turn signal pulses into a steady 12v so you don't get a blinking camera displaying on your headunit. The module also allows you to choose a few settings like [turn off cam after 12 seconds (great for turn signals if waiting at a light), some priority logic (e.g. if turn signal is on and you shift to reverse, reverse cam takes priority etc etc plus a few more]

 

wiring requirements per camera involves 4 wires
cam power + ground
cam 12v trigger wire to activate display
cam RCA video signal cable
it is a challenge to hide this many wires so try keep things tidy

if you want to activate a camera via switch as i did for front cam, you'll want to use a relay. My front cam switch is connected to a relay that activates both display trigger wire and camera power
my left n right cams are ignition on
rear cam only on when in reverse

the left/right cams i got on Amazon are great and come with a perfectly sized drill bit. worked great on the taco black plastic side mirror housing.
the Heated mirror thread on TW has all the info on how to fish wires from side mirror to cabin
other camera hookups are much less annoying to wire and there are how to wire backup cam threads showing step by steps

for my 4 cams i tapped:
- reverse wire
- left n right turn wire (i tapped at the bulb connection at headlight. have a plow so i already have a mess of wires so don't care. if you want clean then im sure u can tap the turn signal switch

Thats all for now. should be enough for anyone determined enough to do this. any questions feel free to ask ill try be useful.
No pics cos i have an infant n busybusy... holding him asleep as i type. he keeps waking up wen i put him down wtf
bahh

 

for simpler setups (eg offroad clearance mount cam low or on frame) where you do NOT want turn signal blind spot cameras, but want switch activated view under front n rear of truck
try this (i have 1 or 2 of these i can sell cheap never used or connected discount vs Amazon) $25 on amazon + cost of any cameras (cheap 20-40)

$26 Intelligent Car Video Switcher 3-way Input 1-way Output for the Car Camera

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B155G5M/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1
much much simpler module switch and cheap.

Note when buying cameras...
most come as mirror image w gridlines for reverse cams... some allow u to disable gridlines n mirror imaging. make sure you buy the correct type of camera... for front facing you do not want a mirror image cam etc

 

Nice setup man! I like it!

 

X2 af

 

@boogie3478
@gabbo2112
@airwhen
@NABeast

 

thank you sirs

 

Awesome setup. Any closer pics on the cams in the mirror?

 

Wow that's an awesome idea.

 

Been researching this for a while, excellent job!

 

Where is the reverse 12v wire located?
Is it under the dash or did you wire to reverse light?

Reason I ask: installed a camera but have to manually switch it. Want it to come on when in reverse.

 

I tapped a red wire you access on driver side kick panel
Post14 on http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/audio-video/19553-2009-nav-install-hook-up-back-up-camera.html

 

This is killer and a fair amount cheaper than the solutions I was looking at. I have a similar Pioneer head unit. How does this all integrate when you're using CarPlay or Android Auto? I use that as my GPS a lot.

 

I use Android auto on phone and all audio thru Bluetooth. My phone display does not show up on my pioneer unit.
If you have a pioneer unit that shows carplay or Android auto on the head unit screen, it should act just as if you triggered the reverse backup cam. As in backup cam trigger overrides anything on screen. So it should show a camera when triggered on screen whether backup or left,right turn cameras etc. It returns back to the previous screen when not activating a camera. So if you have gps on head unit then once done w triggering/displaying a camera it should revert back to your GPS screen.

 

Car play works great...well except for the navigation portion; at least for me. I noticed today when using the navigation the display was backwards. The arrow for me was facing down so everything around me was reversed. Probably my settings but I have not figured how to reverse or point North yet.

 

Thank you for the link. Now I need to find the grey connector with 12 wires. Have not noticed a grey connector but at least I am in the vicinity. I was looking behind the glove box...a little off base so to speak!

 

This is an awesome idea! Subed

 

Nicely done! I have a

$54 Toughsty™ 4Ch Mini Color Video Quad Splitter Multiplexer Processor Switcher for CCTV Security Camera

4 channel Quad that I plan to wire to my Pioneer headunit but I hadn't thought about triggering them. Was going to use the remote that came with the quad to switch between 4 up , 2 up and 1 up displays.