The Need Of Front Camera: How To Connect Into Existing HU

[Nairrk]

A couple of days back, I was driving to one of my relative places where the road (almost 2kms) is very narrow and with electric poles almost leaned towards the road and I found it bit difficult to get my car without any scratch. Also the house is situated below road level as such, while coming back, I have to climb and then immediately turn left to avoid hitting on the other side of the road/compound. It was very risk with poor visibility on the nearest front and side of the car and had to lean out my head here and there to see the car sail through safely.

At that time, I thought of fitting a front camera which might save me from the tension as then I can view all the front and front sides of the car. As you all know, I already have a Blaupunkt system with reverse camera connected into it. I checked the user manual of the Blaupunkt system, but unable find anything about fitting a front camera into it. Even though, I wrote to Blaupukt customer support (I have a good contact who is very supportive all these days) asking the possibility of fixing a front camera and then connect same into the existing system.

He too confirmed that there was no direct feature of providing a front camera connection, However, there is some possibility, i.e. if the camera will have an option to select mirror mode and also have an RCA output, then we can input the camera into the AV IN option in the Radio. Whenever I need to see the front camera on my radio screen, then I need to select the AV IN icon on the main screen. Still, this has to be tested to see if it is working fine before the final fixing.

If all goes well as planned, then it will be fine. In the meantime, whilst doing some google search, found that a Dashcam can also come into help because Dashcam with 140/180deg visibility will give the clear shots at both sides (left/right front). With this, I could be able to see both these sides clearly, but not sure the area at the end of the bonnet/front grill where a front camera may give a more clear picture.

I think a Dashcam installation will be easy and may be less expensive compared to fixing a front camera.?

Any opinion/expert advises guys.

 

[Mr.Boss]

Dashcam cannot help much in this case as the view angle or position is almost same as driver's eye, And it will also have the hassle of taking the RCA out and connecting to HU.
Best solution is to use Front camera, coupled with a DPST switch to toggle between reverse camera input and front camera (2nd terminal in DPST is to trigger the signal to HU to switch to reverse cam mode)

 

[Nairrk]

And it will also have the hassle of taking the RCA out and connecting to HU.

Already have a dash cam connection from the cigarette lighter socket, but the dash cam is fitted on the IRVM which I want to remove as having trouble during night driving as no rear visibility because of the camera display on the mirror. So, if I need to fit another Dashcam on the windshield, I can use the existing connection.!

Best solution is to use Front camera, coupled with a DPST switch to toggle between reverse camera input and front camera

As explained in my 1st post, the Blaupunkt guy advises that the RCA output of the camera can be connected to the AV IN option in the Radio With this, if I want to use the front camera just select /click the AV IN icon. I am going to discuss more about this with their senior Manager (Kerala division) and will see what suggestions/recommendations he has to offer.

 

[Nairrk]

As said, I have discussed with Blaupunkt Kerala division Senior Manager (Mr. Anil Das). He in turn connected me to their authorised shop in my area. I spoke to them also and the technique will be same as I already explained in the post no. 1 .

The output RCA of the Camera will be connected to the input of AV IN. If I need the front camera to function, press the AV IN Icon in the Blaupunkt HU and then engage to 1st gear, we will get the front camera display. But one disadvantage is that when we press AV IN the radio function will be off. I think this is not a big problem for me.

They are quoting Rs.3500 including labor/installation charges for this camera - Blaupunkt brand.

See here the details and Official price

 

[Mr.Boss]

But one disadvantage is that when we press AV IN the radio function will be off. I think this is not a big problem for me.

This is one reason why I suggested alternate way of using the reverse cam input with a toggle swtich, Radio function won't be interrupted in that case.
Since you don't mind this minimal interruption, you can go for the simpler solution of AV IN input.

They are quoting Rs.3500 including labor/installation charges for this camera - Blaupunkt brand.

Cost is on the little higher side, but video quality with Blaupunkt camera is very decent or I can say far better than the non branded ones.

 

[Nairrk]

This is one reason why I suggested alternate way of using the reverse cam input with a toggle swtich, Radio function won't be interrupted in that case.
Since you don't mind this minimal interruption, you can go for the simpler solution of AV IN input.

Yes, some interruption of music can be tolerated. Also, this connection idea was given by Blaupunkt guys, hence I prefer to do the same technique .

Cost is on the little higher side, but video quality with Blaupunkt camera is very decent or I can say far better than the non branded ones

Thanks. Not worrying about the cost on the little higher side, but I wanted a good product.

 

[Nairrk]

Today, I have fitted the front parking camera (Blaupunkt) on my car. It took around 45 minutes (10 minutes we lost in a discussion where to fix the camera). The installation seems nice and the technician was knowledgeable in this trade. I have taken a video, but it's not come that good as I didn't want to stand close to him to take clear shots what he is doing because of Covid-19 precautions (covid head count keep raising day by day here).

Will check on the video later on and if worth sharing then will do it .

As discussed previously, the output RCA of the Camera is now connected to the input of AV IN of the Blaupunkt HU. So, just click AV IN icon and the front camera is on but Radio will not work. Put the reverse gear and the reverse parking camera will function.

Meantime, here with camera image (will take camera position photos tomorrow):

(Front parking Camera)​

(Reverse Parking Camera)​

Camera Price Rs.2700
Labour charges Rs.300

Will post other photos tomorrow.!

 

[Nairrk]

Herewith the picture of front parking camera fixed on the front grill under the number plate

The color of the camera and the frame matches with the grill as such the camera is not easily visible for those who standing in front of the car, unless you bent down and see very accurately..

 

[Mr.Boss]

Today, I have fitted the front parking camera (Blaupunkt) on my car.

Congrats

The installation seems nice and the technician was knowledgeable in this trade!

I beg to differ.
1) Wiring was not tagged properly
2) Camera was not aligned with the hexagonal grill patern.

No. 1 can still be corrected, I'm not sure about the No.2

Where was the power supply tapped from?
In case of reverse camera, power is sent to the camera circuit only when the reverse gear is engaged. But in this case, if there is no proper signal out from the HU for Aux AV input, I doubt the camera will be powered ON always and only the signal transmission happens when the AV is selected in HU.

 

[Nairrk]

Where was the power supply tapped from?
In case of reverse camera, power is sent to the camera circuit only when the reverse gear is engaged. But in this case, if there is no proper signal out from the HU for Aux AV input, I doubt the camera will be powered ON always and only the signal transmission happens when the AV is selected in HU.

Thanks your comments/opinion - appreciate it.

The positive was tapped from HU and the negative was connected to one of the headlight wires (he showed me something and I think this was what he told me). The front camera was ''ON'' for a long time since installation, until I switched off the AV IN icon, These guys are the only one Blaupunkt authorised accessory shop in this area

Anyway, I can take the car back to them if anything fails as Blaupunkt are the one who asked me to go to them for fixing the front camera.