Always On Backup Camera

[walker.627]

I am trying to rig my Prius with additional cameras (for enhanced blind spot protection) which will be displayed on the factory installed LCD screen. I recently installed the coastaletech.com lockpick3 so I have a compositive video cable available for which I can plug in any composite video source. I was looking into options for different cameras and mounting on the interior of the back of the car, but then I wondered, why can't I use the factory-installed backup camera? Is there a way I can get the feed from that backup camera into a composite video cable that can be plugged into the coastaletech.com lockpick3 compositive video adapter? Or, is there some other "hack" that allows you to drive with the factory-installed backup camera always on, even without use of lockpick3? I thought I remember seeing a post on this topic, but now I can't find it even with multiple searches and reading. If anyone has a link to that post, please send it. Getting the feed into a compositite video cable would be better, because ultimately I am trying to get the LCD to have a 4 way split between 4 video feeds (using some type of video splitting device), e.g. the backup cam, a left blindspot cam, a right blindspot cam, and a forward viewing cam.

[Malarkey]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Richmond Prius @ Jul 22 2007, 03:27 PM) [snapback]483226[/snapback]</div>

I am trying to rig my Prius with additional cameras (for enhanced blind spot protection) which will be displayed on the factory installed LCD screen. I recently installed the coastaletech.com lockpick3 so I have a compositive video cable available for which I can plug in any composite video source. I was looking into options for different cameras and mounting on the interior of the back of the car, but then I wondered, why can't I use the factory-installed backup camera? Is there a way I can get the feed from that backup camera into a composite video cable that can be plugged into the coastaletech.com lockpick3 compositive video adapter? Or, is there some other "hack" that allows you to drive with the factory-installed backup camera always on, even without use of lockpick3? I thought I remember seeing a post on this topic, but now I can't find it even with multiple searches and reading. If anyone has a link to that post, please send it. Getting the feed into a compositite video cable would be better, because ultimately I am trying to get the LCD to have a 4 way split between 4 video feeds (using some type of video splitting device), e.g. the backup cam, a left blindspot cam, a right blindspot cam, and a forward viewing cam.
[/b]

Darell has two ways of doing this on his site that might be helpful: Link to article on EVNut.com

[walker.627]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Malarkey @ Jul 22 2007, 03:31 PM) [snapback]483227[/snapback]</div>

Darell has two ways of doing this on his site that might be helpful: Link to article on EVNut.com
[/b]

Thanks, that was exactly the page I was looking for.

I don't want to cut any wires as Darell instructs because of concerns over warranty issues and concern that I might damage existing functionality... So, I'd like to try Darell's approach except for do it using a set of female/male connectors and doing all my modifications between the two of them instead of cutting factory installed wires. This is the way lockpick3 was designed (I think). You plug a male connector into the back of the LCD screen, then there is a female connector into which you plug the factory-installed male plug that previously went into the LCD. The question is, where can I get the right size plugs, e.g. see attached picture from Darell's web site. Is this something I can get at Radio Shack?

[240sxer]

I'd imagine they'd be a dealer item as they are a proprietary connector I'm sure. I also don't think the 2006+ digital screen is even possible to interface with an external device. That stuff is for 04-05 unless something has changed (i have an 06 also)...

[aaf709]

Actually I've heard that the '06 is easier to hookup than the '04-'05 in terms of a video connection. I know that someone hooked their DVD player to it and I believe the same was done with a forward camera.

[RhythmDoctor]

Has anyone who made this always on mod found it to be useful for changing lanes? My wife test drove a Prius the other day and was not crazy about the view out the back. The backup camera remedies this when backing up, but she was also concerned about changing lanes. It seems this modification could help with that if the fisheye distortions don't render it useless.

[TheForce]

It does not really help for changing lanes. Best thing to do is to adjust the mirrors correctly.
How To Adjust Your Side-View Mirrors

[darelldd]

[quote=walker.627;458534where can I get the right size plugs, e.g. see attached picture from Darell's web site. Is this something I can get at Radio Shack?[/quote]
That's definitely going to be a Toyota-specific item. No way you're going to find that as a generic item at ANY store.

Originally Posted by RhythmDoctor

Has anyone who made this always on mod found it to be useful for changing lanes?

Absolutely not. It is only good for a few feet behind you. If there's a car within the camera's range, then you have other problems! It is a novelty to turn on when you are driving, but it doesn't help with any view to the rear. The exeption is when you are towing a trailer. I LOVE being able to see all my gear clearly on the vid screen That's priceless.

Originally Posted by TheForce

It does not really help for changing lanes. Best thing to do is to adjust the mirrors correctly.
How To Adjust Your Side-View Mirrors

I second this emotion. Adjust the mirrors properly - take about a week to get used to it, and you'll never look back (ha!).

[priusfreak]

Trying to revive a post
I came found a great piece made by

LaneFX® Blind Spot Mirror Technology - Automatically Moves Your Power Mirrors to Eliminate Your Blind Spot

which will tilt the mirrors down in reverse and also outward with the turn signals. They will even give you $5.00 for every fisheye mirror you return to them.

[bogeybob513]

I installed little, round 360' movable mirrors on both side mirrors. $2.99 at Walgreens. Once adjusted properly, they cover the blind spot. I considered getting the wireless type that also included directional signals, but the installation looked too complex, especially with the 12V battery being in the rear.