Front Camera Write up?

There are a lot of awesome threads in regards to the front camera mod (for spotting,parking etc) on this site . However I have yet to find an actual write up on this mod. I am a very visual person, and long as there are steps and pictures I can usually knock out any electrical task. I really hope one shows up because I've wanted to do this mod for a lonnnng time. Has anyone came across a write up yet? Or know anyone we can guilt trip into doing this ... Thanks guys!

 

I have a dash cam but really no installation other than sticking to the windshield and hiding the USB cable in the pillar moulding.
I carry a USB backup battery and move the connection from the cigar lighter adapter to the battery when parked. Then turn on the mic and it records video and audio while parked. Have recorded some interesting stuff that happens in the parking lots.

I have another cam that will go in the grill area and connect to the radio but that hasn't happened yet. Is that what you are interested in?

 

Yes I am talking about a front number camera that displays in the head unit with the flip of a switch

 

I've been working on wiring this in on mine, but I'm using the screen in the rear view mirror. So far I've only got the switch wired in and built a harness to splice into the factory backup cam circuit, still need to figure out wiring the camera itself into the harness and get the diode arranged so the reverse camera on doesn't trigger the front view relay.

The most helpful thing I could provide at the moment is the part numbers for the connector housings used in the circuit for trucks with the screen in the mirror (Toyota's database says it's from the 3rd brake light or something on a Sienna, but doesn't last it as being anywhere on a Tacoma), but I'd have to look through some old email to find that

 

Wonder if you can put some kind of proximity switch and the front camera comes on when you get a certain distance to an object.

 

It's on my list of things to do...I haven't searched lately, but there was one thread where someone posted the front and side camera for off roading. I wanted one on the front that can rotate so I can see the right side when parking and then rotate 90 so I can see coming out of a blind driveway with cross traffic. Wish I could be more help other than you are not alone and I got parts already and more parts to follow including a video switch so I can use the back up camera port to switch from front and back. Aftermarket head unit will have front and back inputs on higher end models.

 

It's not a "How To," but this might get you down the path with what appears to be a nice setup.

 

Thanks man!