Forward camera for stereos with an AV input.

[AussieAnth]

I use to have a cheap Gator branded reversing camera (mirror clip on style), that had a forward camera too, mounted to the numberplate. Had to activate it via a cheap little push button switch. It crapped out after a while, but damn if that thing wasn't handy when parking, doing 3 point turns in tight spots, and watching ruts & rocks down low out on the tracks.

Front camera failed after a while, and I ripped out the whole system when I upgraded my factory stereo to a Kenwood unit with reverse camera. Some more expensive Kenwood head units (and other brands I assume) have a front camera specific input, but not mine. BUT, it does have an AV input, if you want to run a tv tuner, dvd player, etc into the display with audio if you want.

So to rig up a front camera again, displaying on the head unit, I first sourced a front oriented camera from ebay & mounted it under the numberplate. It has to be front specific, because the display is not mirrored like a reverse camera. If you use a reverse camera on the front, the left will be on the right, and vice versa. Here's an example. http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Vehicle-not-mirror-image-Car-Front-Side-View-Forward-HD-Parking-Camera-/261791908735?hash=item3cf403837f:g:TdgAAOSw1vlUvTWF

One thing I would advise is buying a camera without the parking space line overlay. Slightly annoying but might be helpful if you need to guage distance. I prefer it without.

They come with a 12v wire, and a video out wire (RCA connector). I ran the RCA into the cabin & into the AV1 input on my headunit, and obvioulsy connected power off the battery. The camera is powered 24/7 but uses bugger all power and shouldn't affect its longevity, but they're so cheap who cares. To pick up the feed I simply switch my stereo to AV1 input, and BOOM, theres your camera feed.

Even better, I mounted my numberplate on one of those adjustable number plate brackets, so I can easily adjust the camera angle as required. I can even push it back so I''m looking under the front of the vehicle at the wheels for perfect wheel placement on tracks.

So other than the Kenwood headunit, it cost me about $15 for the camera and $40 for the numberplate bracket. Good little mod that didn't take much time or cost a bomb.

[Ray57MQ]

Here's an example. http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Vehicle-not-mirror-image-Car-Front-Side-View-Forward-HD-Parking-Camera-/261791908735?hash=item3cf403837f:g:TdgAAOSw1vlUvTWF

Hi Mate, good tips for those new to these sort of setups, regarding the ebay camera you linked... did you buy this particular listing ? if so did you get slugged with import duty/customs ? just a general question as I'm looking at buying some other ebay cctv items from China soon. thanks,
cheers

[AussieAnth]

The camera I bought was from China, but was only for about $15 delivered, so even if they are targeting imported goods now my purchase would fly under the radar.

I've not bought anything expensive from China for a while, but I've never had to pay an import duty. I think it all depends on how much "Value" they list on the outer packaging.

[coughy]

mate what kenwood unit do you have???
im looking at a DAB+ radio
only ones i can find are kenwood / clarion / alpine with the 2din and gps so i can replace this mmcs piece of crap

[Ray57MQ]

The camera I bought was from China, but was only for about $15 delivered, so even if they are targeting imported goods now my purchase would fly under the radar.

I've not bought anything expensive from China for a while, but I've never had to pay an import duty. I think it all depends on how much "Value" they list on the outer packaging.

OK, thanks for the heads up. Cheers

[AussieAnth]

I have the DDX5015DAB. I really rate DAB and wouldn't be without it. Loads more stations available. Big quality improvement over FM radio. No point in regional areas though. Do upgrade your DAB antenna. The stick on the window ones that come with the stereo are useless.

I wouldn't bother with navigation. Smart phone will always be better. You can mirror your phone to newer stereos with Android auto and Apple car support.... Or what ever the new standards are called now.

[coughy]

oh cool that is one of the radios i was looking at
so you like it??
did you go for a rear view camera?? is it anygood i see that some of this model come with a camera
and did you get it wired in or do it your self??
as i have the xls challenger so i have a 6 speaker mmcs and a amp under the seat with swc and the mic in the roof would love to know how and where and what u did with all of these if you have them??

can u mirror with your phone just need the little dongle thingy as well???
and as for the radio dab areial what is best for you so far??? u mount one on the bullbar??

yes i like the dab as i have the app on my phone and stream it all day in my work van much much better than fm as you stated hence why im asking all of the questions i realy wont to upgrade just the wiring in the back of the mmcs is a shit fight with 3 plugs and a heap of wiring to mod if the plug and play ones dont work.....

[AussieAnth]

I really like the unit I have. Good having physical dial for volume. No steering wheel controls for me (GLX MN). I got the mid range Kenwood camera. Great quality. Mine only has mirroring via the dongle. Not worth it.

I bought a magnetic base 30cm aerial from ebay UK and is much better than the standard one.

My mate has a much more expensive unit with both front and rear camera inputs, the updated Android and Apple connectivity standards, Garmin nav but no DAB. Bigger screen too, linked into his steering wheel. 9xxx series I think. Great unit but I think DAB is awesome to have on board and nav a waste. He has the top range reverse camera and it has really nice hardware zoom controls in the cabin. Really wide angle.

I've upgraded my 4 speakers (Polk Audio and Hertz) put a compact underseat Kicker 8" 150w subwoofer behind the rear seat and a compact Kenwood class d amp behind the glovebox. Really coming alive now although now the amp is in my Kicker is a little overwhelmed by the speakers.

Good luck

[coughy]

cheers m8 yer i dont realy us the gps anyhow just a nother toy to have if needed
but like you say i always have my phone so i will get the dongle to mirror so yer im going to go the dab
cheers m8

[AussieAnth]

Check out the Android Auto and Apple Car models if you can afford it. Get a demo in a store. More usable than MirrorLink. Good luck.

[coughy]

ok cheers thanks for the heads up