Anytime Camera Mod. Another Variation. Front and Rear view camera.

[TheForce]

[EDIT] 06/06/23

I just wanted to start this thread to maybe get some ideas on how to pull this off and maybe get some help.

My goal is to have a 2 camera setup for rear and front view anytime with a push button switch. I will be using the IPA (Intelligent Park Assist) button for the video switching.

I have the IPA button now and here is what I want it to do.

It is a momentary switch...
1. Push - Rear camera
2. Push - Front camera
3. Push - Off normal operation

Pinouts are

1. NA
2. Switch LED Voltage
3. Switch +
4. Rheostat Ground
5. Rheostat Voltage
6. Switch -
7. Switch LED Ground
8. NA


If I could find a switcher to do what I want I would just hack it but I'm unable to find one. I have forgotten most of my high school electronics classes and I would like some help designing the circuits for this project.

I would also need some good suggestions on a wide angel camera like the one thats already on the Prius but not have the reverse image. Maybe there is a way to bypass the reverse encoder on the OEM camera?

I would also need some info on how to route the wiring through the firewall and into the dash.

[unruhly]

A simple Flip-flop circuit would do the trick. Add to that a couple of drivers and relays and your set. But then you'd have to worry about a regulated/filtered 5 volts which means another IC ckt along with a dropping resistor to drop from 12 volts. Why not just use a DPDT switch On-Off-On? (Front Cam - Off - Rear Cam).

As for the camera, check for the license plate frame version that Coastal tech offers. http://www.coastaletech.com/rear_view_camera.htm

[TheForce]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(unruhly @ Jun 12 2006, 09:04 PM) [snapback]270255[/snapback]</div>

A simple Flip-flop circuit would do the trick. Add to that a couple of drivers and relays and your set. But then you'd have to worry about a regulated/filtered 5 volts which means another IC ckt along with a dropping resistor to drop from 12 volts. Why not just use a DPDT switch On-Off-On? (Front Cam - Off - Rear Cam).

As for the camera, check for the license plate frame version that Coastal tech offers. http://www.coastaletech.com/rear_view_camera.htm
[/b]

Well the DPDT would defeat the purpose of the IPA switch. I'm looking for a clean install that looks OEM. Filling that third hole next to the EV button with the IPA switch is what i'm trying to do. I'm willing to build any circuit as long as its simple and does not involve a PIC controller. From what i'm finding the PIC is the way to go but I dont want to learn something completly new right now. It does look like fun but I dont really have the time. I'm willing to have the PIC as an option if someone would help with the programming.

The Coastal tech camera is a little too pricy for me. I could build one cheaper but something like a license plate camera might work. I will keep it in mind. Thanks.

[Cheap!]

The Coastal tech camera is a little too pricy for me. I could build one cheaper but something like a license plate camera might work. I will keep it in mind. Thanks.


I plan to do this same mod sometime this year. However, I plan to use a thermal camera for the front to see through fog and the night. I have been looking for a thermal camera that would fit the bill and there are several out there, even one that can switch from a normal camera, to a IR, and to thermal that would fit in the grill or under the bumper. Let us know how your mod works out. The thermal would light up animals in the road or even cars on the side of the road, and you could tell if the car was just driven.

[Dr Why]

[quote]
The Coastal tech camera is a little too pricy for me. I could build one cheaper but something like a license plate camera might work.

^^^^^^^^
A recent newspaper ad from Pep Boys: a camera attached to a plastic(?) bar with two holes,
(looks like it'll mount above the license plate) AND a LCD monitor for $99.

So how do you keep the bugs off the front camera lens?

Night vision is a good idea, do you need an IR spotlight to 'see' past the headlights,
(or do they put out IR too) ?

[Cheap!]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Cheap! @ Jun 12 2006, 10:26 PM) [snapback]270342[/snapback]</div>

The Coastal tech camera is a little too pricy for me. I could build one cheaper but something like a license plate camera might work. I will keep it in mind. Thanks.
I plan to do this same mod sometime this year. However, I plan to use a thermal camera for the front to see through fog and the night. I have been looking for a thermal camera that would fit the bill and there are several out there, even one that can switch from a normal camera, to a IR, and to thermal that would fit in the grill or under the bumper. Let us know how your mod works out. The thermal would light up animals in the road or even cars on the side of the road, and you could tell if the car was just driven.
[/b]

I think if I go the IR route, I may just mod my fog lamps with 50watt IR bulbs. But I dont think that will cut through fog as well as thermal imaging. Also the thermal camera would have to update it imaging quick enough to be useful. I'm still looking into it.

[TheForce]

The thermal IR camera sounds interesting. I'll have to keep that in mind when searching for a camera. As for bugs I really don't care. When a bug hits it or if rain keep me from viewing it, its just normal driving until I can clean it. Same way with the rear camera now.

[Dr Why]

[quote]
A simple Flip-flop circuit would do the trick. Add to that a couple of drivers and relays and your set. But then you'd have to worry about a regulated/filtered 5 volts which means another IC ckt along with a dropping resistor to drop from 12 volts. Why not just use a DPDT switch On-Off-On? (Front Cam - Off - Rear Cam).

^^^^
Use CMOS and you don't have to regulate +5V,
see Maxim-ic.com for chips that can switch video signals with low loss

I'm thinking of trying a CCD camera centered under the rear spoiler, just to try
a less wide angle lens, or some other focal lengths.

in front- mayby on top of the dash behind the windshield & wipers?
I don't know if the glass will affect the IR sensitivity & spectrum.

[GasGuzzler87]

no offense but a front camera sounds kinda like a waste of time. If you have trouble parking, turn on your headlights and use the reflection, or just back in(hahaha).

[ScottY]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(GasGuzzler87 @ Jun 19 2006, 06:32 PM) [snapback]273616[/snapback]</div>

no offense but a front camera sounds kinda like a waste of time. If you have trouble parking, turn on your headlights and use the reflection, or just back in(hahaha).
[/b]

Please read thru the whole thread before replying. They are talking about adding IR/thermal camera to the front so they can see better at night and thru fog. NOT for parking.