Rearview Camera Power
 

What is consensus on rear view camera power? Is there an advantage to having it always powered? Is there even an ignition or accessory tap in the back of the car?

It seems tapping to the reverse light power is by far the most common approach. I thought it might be interesting to have the ability to switch it on while not in reverse, though. The FSM for a year with a factory rear view camera shows camera power while ignition is on and "At rear view camera image is displayed" which I think means the car is in reverse. This would align with powering from reverse light method of powering.

What are your thoughts?
Thanks!

I just do whatever is convenient. Some cameras carry power and video through the one wire, and it's easier to wire those via the headunit to be always on (but still have the reverse light auto-trigger).

Otherwise, through the light.

I cant understand the reason to have it on when not in reverse...

The Z with Navi has a reverse signal on the connector that goes to the factory head unit. According to the wiring diagram in the FSM, the source for this signal is from a 10A fuse that is gated by the reverse switch on the transmission. So that means that it can also power the camera. My thought was to use that extra wire that is part of so many rear view camera wiring kits to deliver the power from the reverse signal to the camera in the back of the car so I don't have to splice anything. I would also use the reverse signal to trigger the aftermarket head unit into rear view camera mode. This allows the camera to only be on when in reverse.


Yeah, the only thing I thought of that might be useful is the ability to display it while driving, but maybe that's a dumb idea that would never be used. My current plan is outlined above. Maybe if I really want the camera on while driving, I can add a switch that power OR's the reverse signal with ACC to trigger rear view mode on the head unit and power the camera.

Is it a pure reversing camera or rear camera for integrating with a dash camera so you can record whilst driving? Those normally tap into the reverse light to switch the dash cam screen to reverse camera mode, but otherwise they record all the time


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk