Backup cameras

5981 Views 27 Replies 12 Participants Last post by Knievil, Apr 14, 2019

Treetopflyer

Discussion Starter · Feb 21, 2019

I’m sure it’s been discussed here and there. But has anyone installed a Bluetooth back up camera? Lots for sale but require the standard 12V connection. On my Abarth, access to power through the trunk was super easy and accessible.
For those that have wired them in to their 4c, where’d you access the 12v power and ground from the trunk or rear area and how’d you remove the trunk itself?
I wondered if it could be wired into the reear lights power source somehow or if there’s a better way.
Very interested in your experiences.
Tom

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RKBerta

· #2 · Feb 21, 2019

I have a Garmin GPS small model that has the option of receiving an image from their optional BC 30 wireless camera. The camera is easily mounted unobtrusively at the center of the grill portion right below the solid part of the bumper. It gets power from one of the backup lights which is easy to connect to. All wiring can be hidden in the shelf of the bumper under the car. Cars panels don't have to be removed either. When you shift into reverse it automatically comes on. The backup lights also provide more than enough light for lighting the rear view at night time too. I like that this provides an excellent GPS navigator, backup camera, and even wireless connection via USB to my Android phone. I just leave the phone in my pocket and when in the car it auto connects via USB. When a call comes in it runs through the Garmin including voice control. The mike and speaker of the Garmin are used rather than the phone. You have to make sure that your model of Garmin supports the wireless camera....these come in various sizes and models.

The one I have is the smallest size....DriveSmart 50 LMT 5". That LMT designation indicates it is the version that works with the camera. There are NO wires that run into the cabin....it transmits from the camera to the GPS via a small receiver block that is part of the power cable for the Garmin that comes with the camera. Very tidy setup and has worked flawlessly for me for about 3 years.

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Treetopflyer

Discussion Starter · #3 · Feb 21, 2019

RKBerta said:
I have a Garmin GPS small model that has the option of receiving an image from their optional BC 30 wireless camera. The camera is easily mounted unobtrusively at the center of the grill portion right below the solid part of the bumper. It gets power from one of the backup lights which is easy to connect to. All wiring can be hidden in the shelf of the bumper under the car. Cars panels don't have to be removed either. When you shift into reverse it automatically comes on. The backup lights also provide more than enough light for lighting the rear view at night time too. I like that this provides an excellent GPS navigator, backup camera, and even wireless connection via USB to my Android phone. I just leave the phone in my pocket and when in the car it auto connects via USB. When a call comes in it runs through the Garmin including voice control. The mike and speaker of the Garmin are used rather than the phone. You have to make sure that your model of Garmin supports the wireless camera....these come in various sizes and models.

The one I have is the smallest size....DriveSmart 50 LMT 5". That LMT designation indicates it is the version that works with the camera. There are NO wires that run into the cabin....it transmits from the camera to the GPS via a small receiver block that is part of the power cable for the Garmin that comes with the camera. Very tidy setup and has worked flawlessly for me for about 3 years.

thanks. I’ll have a look into that

Reactions: 1

4Canada

· #4 · Feb 21, 2019

Moved to Electronics section.

Suggest a search of "camera" in thread titles - there are a number of really good suggestions.

I have this one:
https://www.4c-forums.com/13-electronics/59680-look-rearview-camera.html

Seems to work OK, but not a lot of miles on it.

Canadian Tire carries it and occasionally it comes on sale. Amazon is another option.

There are a lot of other great options presented on the forum, depending on what you want, how much you wish to spend, and what kind of install you are prepared to make.
I really liked the 360' camera idea, but that thread died before the OP posted back about it.

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Treetopflyer

Discussion Starter · #5 · Feb 21, 2019

4Canada said:
Moved to Electronics section.

Suggest a search of "camera" in thread titles - there are a number of really good suggestions.

I have this one:
https://www.4c-forums.com/13-electronics/59680-look-rearview-camera.html

Seems to work OK, but not a lot of miles on it.

Canadian Tire carries it and occasionally it comes on sale. Amazon is another option.

There are a lot of other great options presented on the forum, depending on what you want, how much you wish to spend, and what kind of install you are prepared to make.
I really liked the 360' camera idea, but that thread died before the OP posted back about it.

thanks for moving to a more appropriate category.
I find the search function leaves a bit to be desired. I try to search but end up giving up since it either yields too little or too much (often unrelated) info. Maybe it’s just me though.
I ended up buying a Bluetooth camera that uses my iPhone. But it needs to be wired into 12v. I’m a bit nervous to operate on this car. Much more than I was on my Abarth. That car seemed very tamper friendly. The 4c not as much.
Anyone who can offer tidbits of good info on wiring into 12v and removing the rear trunk tub (if required) would be much appreciated.
Thanks!

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RKBerta

· #6 · Mar 1, 2019

Treetopflyer said:
thanks for moving to a more appropriate category.
I find the search function leaves a bit to be desired. I try to search but end up giving up since it either yields too little or too much (often unrelated) info. Maybe it’s just me though.
I ended up buying a Bluetooth camera that uses my iPhone. But it needs to be wired into 12v. I’m a bit nervous to operate on this car. Much more than I was on my Abarth. That car seemed very tamper friendly. The 4c not as much.
Anyone who can offer tidbits of good info on wiring into 12v and removing the rear trunk tub (if required) would be much appreciated.
Thanks!

You can get 12 volt power directly from one of the two backup lights. Since they only come on in reverse they are ideal. Both light supply positive and negative connection right at the wires into the light. You don't have to remove the trunk, etc. Ideally if you remove the rear wheel and tire it gives a bit more room to work but you will need a way to get the car off the ground a few inches. I have a Ranger Quick Jack which raises all corners of the car and acts as jack stands too so very handy and safe. Since there is a bit of a shelf in the bumper under the car, there is space to stash any wiring, etc. out of sight. Worked great for powering my Garmin backup camera.

Reactions: 1

Treetopflyer

Discussion Starter · #7 · Mar 1, 2019

RKBerta said:
Treetopflyer said:

thanks for moving to a more appropriate category.
I find the search function leaves a bit to be desired. I try to search but end up giving up since it either yields too little or too much (often unrelated) info. Maybe it’s just me though.
I ended up buying a Bluetooth camera that uses my iPhone. But it needs to be wired into 12v. I’m a bit nervous to operate on this car. Much more than I was on my Abarth. That car seemed very tamper friendly. The 4c not as much.
Anyone who can offer tidbits of good info on wiring into 12v and removing the rear trunk tub (if required) would be much appreciated.
Thanks!

Click to expand...

You can get 12 volt power directly from one of the two backup lights. Since they only come on in reverse they are ideal. Both light supply positive and negative connection right at the wires into the light. You don't have to remove the trunk, etc. Ideally if you remove the rear wheel and tire it gives a bit more room to work but you will need a way to get the car off the ground a few inches. I have a Ranger Quick Jack which raises all corners of the car and acts as jack stands too so very handy and safe. Since there is a bit of a shelf in the bumper under the car, there is space to stash any wiring, etc. out of sight. Worked great for powering my Garmin backup camera.

that’s great. That exactly what I’ll do.
Maybe I could tap power and ground from the rear red lights so the power would be on as long as the lights were turned on?
If not the backup light is a perfect alternative.

crimbo

· #8 · Mar 2, 2019

I bought on ebay a license plate light with camera for a Fiat Punto. They are $24.

It fits where our license plate light goes (you retain the light). Then drill a small hole in the trunk and connect the camera to a small wifi transmitter also available on ebay for about $35. Wire the power for the transmitter and camera to the license plate light. When I need the camera I turn on the lights, find on the wifi signal on my Iphone and see the screen on the downloaded app. Works great and easy to install.

Treetopflyer

Discussion Starter · #9 · Mar 2, 2019

crimbo said:
I bought on ebay a license plate light with camera for a Fiat Punto. They are $24.

It fits where our license plate light goes (you retain the light). Then drill a small hole in the trunk and connect the camera to a small wifi transmitter also available on ebay for about $35. Wire the power for the transmitter and camera to the license plate light. When I need the camera I turn on the lights, find on the wifi signal on my Iphone and see the screen on the downloaded app. Works great and easy to install.

good info.
Do you happen to have the links by chance?

crimbo

· #10 · Mar 2, 2019

Try these. I literally just searched ebay for "backup camera license plate light fiat punto" and "wifi transmitter"

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Car-Revers...h=item337b996bdd:g:b8oAAOSwWLBaPhz3:rk:1:pf:0

https://www.ebay.com/itm/903W-Car-B...zsGZ4PKdlkjBMXFY95drHuL5HdWjt3zhKsr1Ejs0/5A==

Reactions: 1

Treetopflyer

Discussion Starter · #11 · Mar 2, 2019

crimbo said:
Try these. I literally just searched ebay for "backup camera license plate light fiat punto" and "wifi transmitter"

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Car-Revers...inlineimg]/images/smilies/tongue.gif[/IMG]f:0

https://www.ebay.com/itm/903W-Car-B...zsGZ4PKdlkjBMXFY95drHuL5HdWjt3zhKsr1Ejs0/5A==

thanks very much!

Alfacanada

· #12 · Mar 3, 2019

Why not just use a Bluetooth backup camera that needs no power hookup. I have the look it backup camera now for 2 years no issue. Also installed one in front so I could see curbs. Image comes to my iPhone.

milo

· #13 · Mar 3, 2019

Alfacanada said:
Why not just use a Bluetooth backup camera that needs no power hookup. I have the look it backup camera now for 2 years no issue. Also installed one in front so I could see curbs. Image comes to my iPhone.

Which one are U using and do U have a link?

4Canada

· #14 · Mar 3, 2019

milo said:
Which one are U using and do U have a link?

He uses the Look-it one. So do I.

https://www.amazon.com/Look-Safety-Backup-Camera-Installation/dp/B077F296TG

So far, so good. Not sure how long the battery will last, and I don’t see how to change it. There must be a way.

Reactions: 1

Treetopflyer

Discussion Starter · #15 · Mar 4, 2019

Anyone know if I can tap into the rear red light power for my camera? That way it can operate whenever the lights are on.
Here’s the harness:

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3

4Canada

· #16 · Mar 4, 2019

Treetopflyer said:
Anyone know if I can tap into the rear red light power for my camera? That way it can operate whenever the lights are on.
Here’s the harness:

I'd be wary of a code, but somebody else would have to confirm if it is do-able.

Systems which are sensitive enough to know there's an LED bulb installed, will probably get confused by a camera/transmitter.

But I do not know this for sure. Worst case, you find out there's a problem and have to reverse the install.

Treetopflyer

Discussion Starter · #17 · Mar 4, 2019

4Canada said:
Treetopflyer said:

Anyone know if I can tap into the rear red light power for my camera? That way it can operate whenever the lights are on.
Here’s the harness:

Click to expand...

I'd be wary of a code, but somebody else would have to confirm if it is do-able.

Systems which are sensitive enough to know there's an LED bulb installed, will probably get confused by a camera/transmitter.

But I do not know this for sure. Worst case, you find out there's a problem and have to reverse the install.

ok thanks. One thing I’m learning about the 4c is it’s not as easy to work on than my 124 spider was. That was a piece of cake. This one is tough.

smc4C

· #18 · Mar 4, 2019

Treetopflyer said:
Anyone know if I can tap into the rear red light power for my camera? That way it can operate whenever the lights are on.
Here’s the harness:

Why not just tap into the reverse light harness, that way it turns on when you select reverse? :huh:

Treetopflyer

Discussion Starter · #19 · Mar 5, 2019

smc4C said:
Treetopflyer said:

Anyone know if I can tap into the rear red light power for my camera? That way it can operate whenever the lights are on.
Here’s the harness:

Click to expand...

Why not just tap into the reverse light harness, that way it turns on when you select reverse? /images/smilies/huh.gif

i could do that sure, but it would be a better option for me (if I have to put the effort in anyway) to have the camera to be able to be powered at any time, not just in reverse.it takes a few moments to set up. Power the camera, find the wifi signal, open the app then look behind me. That would probably be better done before putting the car in reverse.

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crimbo

· #20 · Mar 5, 2019

The license plate light is not an LED. It is an old fashion incandescent light. Easy to get to and can be powered by turning on the light switch. Then as you say, find the wifi signal and open the app prior to backing up.

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