Connecting a rear view camera with your own hands to a radio, tablet and navigator. Learning to choose a parking assistant - a rear view camera Car rear view camera device

IN budget cars a standard rear view camera is rarely provided for basic configurations. Most often, automakers offer it as an expensive additional option. Many Russian car enthusiasts buy a separate rear view camera and install it themselves. To do this, you do not need to radically upgrade the car's electrical wiring. Connecting a rear view camera with your own hands requires basic electrical installation skills and experience in disassembling several interior and body elements. Installing a camera will improve the conditions for safe parking, monitoring the road in difficult traffic conditions

Selecting a rear view camera

Miniature rear view cameras should not be confused with optical sensors.

Installing the camera becomes the first installation step, regardless of the choice of projection device. When choosing a camera, there are several important points to consider:

Viewing angle. A viewing angle of 110 – 120 degrees is considered normal. Drivers who choose cameras with a wide viewing angle (up to 180 degrees) can better assess the road situation, but must take into account the panoramic effect, which distorts the actual size of the image.
Resolution and sensitivity. The standard resolution of 628 x 582 pixels suits most ordinary drivers; increasing the image quality for the rear packing video camera does not make sense. When choosing a color sensor (CCD or CMOS), you need to take into account that CCD transmits a higher quality image, balances colors, but is much more expensive. CMOS sensors perform worse in low light, but provide acceptable color quality in daylight.
Availability of infrared illumination. Additional illumination with sufficient light provides best quality color image. In low light, the infrared source allows you to see the road behind in black and white at a distance of up to five meters.
Video format. When choosing from the three formats that a camera can be equipped with (SECAM, NTSC, PAL), you need to consider what type of monitor the video image will be displayed on. The discrepancy between formats will make purchasing and installing a camera pointless.
Signal transmission method. The division of cameras into wired and wireless affects the cost and connectivity. Wired video cameras are universal, they can be connected to all types of monitors. Cameras equipped with transmitting and receiving modules can often transmit images only to the navigator.
Complete with cables. It is preferable that the camera be equipped with a three-wire video cable with an additional excitation wire; the power wire can be two-wire. The length of the cables also matters. The standard length (2-3 meters for a video cable, a meter for a power cable) may not be enough to connect the camera to your car model.
Case material. Experienced car enthusiasts choose cameras in a metal case, considering it more durable and durable than a plastic one.
Variability of installation location. There are cameras mounted in the frame license plate number, devices in a separate housing. A separate video camera requires a choice of several installation locations that are convenient for the driver.

The remaining standards of video cameras (presence of parking lines, power voltage, protection from dirt) are the same for most models.

Many car enthusiasts find rear view cameras equipped with a monitor mounted in the rear view mirror the most convenient.

It is difficult to deny the convenience of such a device. The monitor turns on when the reverse movement begins, allowing you to see the road situation in good resolution. The main disadvantage of such gadgets is the high price, which is unaffordable for many categories of car enthusiasts.

Less convenient is the rear view camera, equipped with a folding miniature display that can be placed on dashboard

The main disadvantage of such devices is that the view is cluttered, especially if the car already has a DVR, navigator, or a separate radar detector installed. Car enthusiasts find it more practical to use the display of one of the existing devices. Having purchased a rear view camera of any type (with or without a monitor), you need to install it in the rear of the car.

Practical operations for installing a video camera

We do not consider installing a camera for rear window car. With this installation, the camera glares and does not allow you to see nearby obstacles from behind. There is no need to be afraid of vandalism; a camera with torn wires is of no interest to buyers, but it is better to disguise it in the rear bumper or under the trunk lid.

If the camera is mounted in the license plate frame, you have no other installation options. When choosing a location, most experienced mechanics find it more convenient to install the camera above the license plate, at an angle to the road surface.

In any case, to install the camera you will need:

install the video camera in the intended location;
connect the camera power;
bring the video cable to the front of the car;
connect the video cable to the monitor to transmit the image.

The steps to install a video camera depend on your car model (sedan, hatchback, crossover) and installation location. To do this, you can use existing holes in the bumper, fifth door lid, or cut new installation spots. It may be necessary to dismantle the bumper and install it on inside body parts additional brackets for mounting the video camera (metal plates).

Most experts consider connecting the power wire to the left rear light to be the most convenient way to power a video camera. This may require disassembling the trunk sill and the left side of the trim. Disconnecting the block rear light, you need to use a multimeter (with the rear light on) to find the power supply contact.

For most video camera models, the three output wires are color coded. Red is used for the positive power wire, black is used for the negative wire. The yellow marking indicates the video cable. The red wire is connected to the contact of the flashlight, the black wire is connected to the car body. It would not be superfluous to provide the positive wire with an additional fuse (0.5 - 1A) in the circuit.

The most in a simple way The video cable will be installed on the left side of the cabin under the removed sill covers and floor trim. To secure the cable, you can use special tape or plastic clips. All installation operations end with the installation of the removed body and interior elements in their original places. It is necessary to finally secure the screws and clips of the casing only after testing the operation of the camera and making sure that it is working properly.

For novice car enthusiasts, the greatest difficulty is connecting a video cable to an accessible monitor. Most owners of budget versions of cars consider connecting a camera to the car radio display to be the most convenient way.

Connecting the camera to the radio (car radio display)

The video camera can only be connected to radio tape recorders with a liquid crystal display measuring at least 3 to 4 inches. Smaller monitors will not provide the desired image quality. The free connector of the video cable is connected to a special output of the head unit (to find it, refer to the instructions for the radio). If such an output is not provided, it is possible to connect to the output marked VIDEO IN. If the sockets and plugs do not match, you will need to purchase an adapter.

You can see in detail how to connect a rear view camera to the radio in the video:

After connecting the camera to the liquid crystal display of a high-quality car radio, a “picture” of decent quality is displayed.

The image clearly shows the “mirror” effect when the video camera is operating, which is easy to get used to after several days of using the parking sensors.

To get used to the scale, you can go out and look at the real distance between the cars, and estimate the gap remaining to the obstacle.

Connecting a video camera to a navigator and navigation devices

Connection rear camera without your own monitor for the navigator it is logical. Without cluttering the dashboard or center console with an extra screen, you use the already familiar installed device. Questions about how to connect a rear view camera to a navigator do not arise when purchasing a device for which such an option is planned.

The packaging of such navigators indicates the possibility of connecting a video camera, and the instructions specify the necessary user actions when connecting. The navigator kit may include adapters for connectors of popular video camera models.

If a rear view camera is already installed, the car enthusiast can only plug the plug from the video camera into the desired connector.

If you do not have a standard video camera connection, you will need to purchase additional cables, plugs, and a special adapter. Schematic diagram The power supply from the rear light and the electrical wiring to the projector remain unchanged.

An adapter from RCA to the input to the navigator (often called a “tulip” in everyday life) is needed only if there is no AVI input. For navigators equipped with such an input, a standard video cable connector is often suitable.

Connecting a rear view camera to a tablet and mobile electronic gadgets

Of all types of electronic wearable devices (laptops, smartphones), a tablet is most convenient for connecting a rear video camera. The monitor screen size and resolution quality are suitable for work. The flat body of the tablet allows you to choose several options for convenient installation.

Often, owners of cars with a primitive radio, without a navigator, have no choice but to connect a rear view camera to a tablet. To connect a wired video camera, you will need to purchase a TV tuner (looks like a flash drive) with a video input plug.

On the Internet it is easy to find designs for homemade tripods for tablets, which allow you to easily install and remove a mobile device on the dashboard or center console. For small tablets, you can install a special slot on the back of the sun visor.

For tablets with the Android operating system, the video camera model must be adapted to the operating system; the tablet must be equipped with a USB port. In some cases, you will need to install additional software.

Conclusion

A properly installed and connected rear view camera will provide a better view compared to the view from the side mirrors and interior mirror, remove “dead” spots, and show stumps, parking posts, and holes in the asphalt.

Installing a parking or rear view camera improves parking and driving safety without requiring much effort. in reverse. If you do not have the skills to work with a car yourself, connect electronic devices, to install the camera you need to contact experienced specialists.

The modern market offers buy universal rear view cameras two types: CMOS and CCD. They differ in the technology of manufacturing the matrix, which forms a digital image. Each type of camera has its own strengths and weaknesses, so making the final choice is not always easy. Let's learn about the features of each type.

Features of CMOS cameras

Cameras with CMOS matrices are characterized by low power consumption, and in addition, cells can be read randomly, but this feature is not possible with a CCD matrix. This allows you to get rid of the smearing or “smearing” effect, when bright point objects lead to the formation of vertical columns of light. In addition, in CMOS cameras, a significant portion of the electronics is located on the cell itself, which increases the ability to control both the image and the sensor itself.

However, cameras with CMOS sensors have a number of weaknesses. One of them is the small dimensions of the photosensitive element in relation to overall size pixel. In addition, due to the location of the electronics on a significant part of the pixel, the area of the photosensitive elements is reduced. This leads to a decrease in these characteristics.

Also, the pixel undergoes electronic processing, as a result of which the amount of noise appearing in the picture increases. Another weak side Cameras with CMOS matrices have a “rolling shutter” effect, which is associated with the short duration of scanning the matrix. It occurs when the object or operator moves at high speed, which can lead to horizontal stripes appearing on the image, distortion of the object, etc.

Distinctive features of CCD cameras

Universal rear view cameras CCD, which is more expensive than CMOS devices, allows for higher quality images. Shooting creates less noise, and it’s easier to dissipate it. Also, matrices of this type are known for their excellent efficiency. Their fill factor is almost 100%, with only 5% of photons not registered by the matrix. It is noteworthy that in the human eye this figure is only 1%.

If we talk about the disadvantages of CCD matrices, the processes occurring in them are different high complexity. The camera uses various additional devices, which increases the energy consumption and cost of the device. In addition, products with a CCD matrix are more capricious to use.

The rear view cameras presented in our store have detailed description characteristics, so you can easily purchase the most suitable device. And if necessary, store employees will help you make the right choice.

Installing a rear view camera will save your money, time and nerves. In a metropolis with its eternal traffic jams and lack of parking spaces, this option is simply necessary. And the information obtained with the help of this equipment will help prevent damage to the car and unpleasant situations with a collision with a person or animal.

Photos of our works

Cost of installing a rear view camera

Video camera in the regular place of license plate lighting from 2500 rub.

In a regular place with a connection via a microcircuit from 3000 rub.

The video camera is not in the normal place from 3000 rub.

Not in a regular place with a connection via a chip from 4000 rub.

INSTALLING A REVERSE VIEW CAMERA: OPTIONS

Most often, car enthusiasts order installation of the device on the outside of the car (in a lamp, hole in the trunk, license plate frame, etc.). Another common method is to mount the camera inside the car behind the rear window. Our specialists will tell you about the pros and cons of each method. Detailed telephone consultation is provided free of charge.

Device selection criteria

Installing a rear view camera is our job. It depends on you what kind of device we will install. Let me give you a few recommendations:

A good rear view camera should be resistant to contamination, that is, its “internals” should be isolated from the environment.
Choose a model with a CCD sensor, as it produces high-quality images at any time of the day.
The image from the street should be transmitted to the screen in a mirror image. Otherwise, you will have difficulty using the device.
The rear view camera with markings allows you to park with an accuracy of 15 cm.
The ideal camera viewing angle is 170 degrees, a good one is at least 150.

Installing a rear view camera in our company takes no more than 2 hours. At the same time, the equipment you choose will last for many years, and if you have any doubts, seek help from professionals.

A rear view camera helps the driver when parking the car. It is very important to choose a model that meets all the requirements for these devices. The article will help you understand the existing types of devices, their characteristics, and the right choice.

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Technical parameters of the rear view camera

The rear view camera is designed to transmit video images from behind the car to a monitor inside the cabin. It connects to a standard monitor, video navigator or an additional screen installed. Such parking devices are present in almost all modern cars. With IR illumination and changing viewing angles, they help the driver assess the situation behind the car and park correctly, even in complete darkness.

When choosing a parking camera kit for a car, it is important to know the main characteristics of these devices and take into account the following factors:

The image must be mirrored, otherwise it will be inconvenient to use the device.
The viewing angle of the device should exceed 110 degrees, but it is better if it is 150 or 170 degrees.
Resistant to environmental influences. This parameter determines how capable the device is to operate under adverse conditions: snow, rain, dust. Determines its temperature range and protection class of the device.
The clarity and quality of the image depends on the resolution. Inexpensive kits have a resolution of 720x576 or 582x500. More expensive models are HD and Full HD.
An important parameter for parking video cameras is markings; it makes it possible to park with an accuracy of 10-15 cm; The rear view camera with dynamic markings is especially convenient.
Additional illumination is very important in order to obtain a high-quality image, especially in the dark; IR illumination increases visibility at night.

An important parameter of a video device is its matrix.

One of the following technologies is used in its production:

complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS, English CMOS);
devices having surface-charge coupling (CCD, English CCD).

Matrices made using CMOS technology do not work well in low light, transmitting images with worst quality. Despite this, matrices of this type have two advantages: progressive scanning - both high-quality and low-quality signal lines are sequentially transmitted to the monitor; they are cheaper than PSZ matrices.

Devices with surface charge coupling transmit a higher-quality image to the monitor in low light, but require more energy and are inferior to cheap analogues in operating speed (video author - Volodamdes).

Kinds

There is a wide variety of parking cameras on the automotive market.

They can be divided into the following three types according to location:

universal, which are mounted in specially designated places;
devices that are built into the license plate frame and are sold complete with them;
standard cameras that come from the factory and are developed individually for each car.

Universal cameras have many advantages over their standard counterparts. They have a simple design, so by purchasing a kit, the universal device can easily be installed anywhere in the car. The shape of the universal video camera resembles a butterfly. The main advantage of these devices is their low price. Universal video cameras are sealed, thanks to modern materials, they are resistant to scratches and moisture.

There are universal devices that are mounted in rear bumper auto. They are equipped with IR illumination, which provides visibility in the dark.

The disadvantage of these universal models:

to install them you need to drill the car bumper;
insufficiently protected from mechanical damage;
There is no way to adjust the viewing angle up to 170 degrees.

The simplest option is a rear view camera built into the license plate. It comes included and does not require installation; the driver does not need to think about installation. In addition, the driver can adjust the viewing angle in relation to the horizon of the video camera built into the license plate.

An important advantage built-in devices is the ability to install on a car of any make and model.

The device transmits a clear picture. Its design is sealed and weatherproof. Can be used at temperatures from -30 to +50 degrees. To improve visibility at night, IR illumination is installed. The disadvantage is that it is easy to access and anyone can damage or remove the device.

A standard rear view camera is the best option. It is installed in places provided by the manufacturer. Typically, the standard installation location is the trunk opening handle and the IR license plate light. IR illumination improves visibility at night.

Advantages of standard video cameras:

are developed for specific car models;
equipped with IR illumination;
During installation, the optimal viewing angle and height are set.

A convenient option for viewing the space behind the car is the rear view mirror, to which the video camera is attached with a tripod. A mirror option is available that has a built-in rear view camera and a video recorder for a car with a monitor. The car can be equipped with a retractable rear view camera with IR illumination.

According to the installation method, the video camera can be mortise or case-mounted.

Connection

Video camera image rear view can be transmitted to a specially installed monitor, a standard car screen and to car navigator. To connect the device to any type of monitor, you need a video output that supports a PAL or NTSC TV signal. It is important that the devices are compatible. The instructions include a connection diagram.

Transferring an image to the screen can be done in two ways:

A video cable is stretched through the entire interior of the car to the screen, which is installed on the dashboard. This installation method reliably transmits a signal that is protected from radio interference. The disadvantage of this installation is the need to dismantle the car interior trim.
With the wireless method, signal transmission is carried out by radio waves. The system is easy to install, but has many disadvantages: short transmission range (no more than 15 meters), a large amount of electromagnetic interference, etc.

Installation by car service specialists is expensive. It is more profitable in terms of finances and time to buy a kit and install it yourself, using the connection diagram.

Conclusion

The choice of video cameras is large, it is better to select a standard device, but problems may arise with the size and shape, since each car model has its own standard camera. If you have problems finding a standard device, you can purchase a universal one that will fit the parameters.

A rear view camera with dynamic markings will be useful for drivers who have to constantly park their car in unfamiliar places. Thanks to the video image received on the monitor, the driver will be able to see all the obstacles in the parking lot. He won’t have to turn his head like in the old days to assess the situation behind the car. For the dark, the cars are equipped with IR illumination.

The rear view camera can be used as an addition to the car, making up a set of video devices with which you can record your journey. Information from cameras can be used to identify those at fault in an accident.

Video “Overview of parking cameras”

This video provides an overview of wired and wireless parking cameras, and also demonstrates the process of connecting devices (the author of the video is Observer Krasnodar).

Car manufacturers are constantly improving the performance of their products. Equipment is becoming more reliable, more functional and more economical to maintain. Along with this, special developments appear that improve the ergonomics of use. vehicle. In this regard, rear view cameras with parking lines deserve attention, which not only facilitate the driver’s tasks, but also increase the overall level of safety. Such equipment will be useful not only for beginners who have just passed their license, but also for experienced drivers who, due to certain external factors, may be forced to turn to an electronic assistant for help.

What is the function of parking lines?

Traditional models of the first generation of rear-view cameras did not have this option, broadcasting a “pure” video stream through the display in standard mode. Modern versions are capable of applying graphic contours to the transmitted image. Depending on the specific design, this may be a pair of contours or an extensive grid over the entire area. In both cases, the task is the same - to help the driver navigate the target space and calculate the distance to the nearest objects. Also, some rear view cameras with dynamic parking lines provide the ability to synchronize with navigators, which expands the functionality of both devices.

Main characteristics of devices

In the operation of such equipment, optics are extremely important. Experts recommend giving preference to cameras with HCCD matrices, which are distinguished by high-quality “pictures” and small sizes. The more detailed the image, the larger the screen on which it is displayed should be. Models with resolutions of 510 x 492 and 720 x 480 are considered standard. But there is no point in purchasing a display that is too massive, since large equipment on the dashboard interferes with natural visibility. In addition, rear view cameras with parking lines can have different coverage angles. It varies on average from 120 to 170 degrees. On the one hand, increased visibility is a plus, since the car owner controls a larger area. But almost always such models are inferior to analogues with a smaller angle in terms of image quality - detail and clarity suffer, which is especially evident in the evening and at night.

Types of equipment

The segment distinguishes between universal, standard and mortise camera models. They do not always have obvious operational differences, but in the structural design the difference is quite noticeable. As for universal models, they are technical specifications are designed for installation in almost any car - on the bumper, body parts, license plate equipment, etc. However, when choosing such a device, you will have to accept that the camera will be visible to everyone around you. In turn, standard rear view cameras with parking lines are initially focused on integration in a specific car. For them, the manufacturer provides a special place in the license plate area. But after installation, the camera will be barely noticeable. Mortise devices combine the advantages of universal and standard devices. On the one hand, they are securely hidden in the body structure, and on the other hand, they are suitable for a wide range of cars. But to install a camera of this type, installation work will be required.

Features of wireless systems

The classic method of transmitting a signal between on-board automotive electronics components involves using the local power grid. This may be standard fittings, but it is most often connected to central power supply lines. To save motorists from painstaking cable installation, manufacturers began to develop wireless rear view cameras with parking lines with a monitor to which a radio signal is transmitted. To organize the infrastructure of this connection, the installation of transmitter and receiver modules is required. That is, the video signal will be sent wirelessly from the camera to the main unit of the parking system. The concept is convenient to install and operate, but it has two drawbacks - instability of broadcasting in conditions of strong interference and a limited coverage area (10-15 m).

Installation operations and equipment connection

The installation method will depend on the type of camera. There are two fundamentally different options: surface-mounted and mortise. In the first case, using the supplied adhesive clamps, the device is simply applied to the target surface, after which auxiliary external holders can be used. It is advisable to use the mortise type of installation if the rear view camera connection is wired. Creating a hole in this situation fulfills the task of installing the device and will provide access to the on-board network. The camera itself is fixed in a special seal and clamped into the prepared socket.

Next comes the stage of connecting the system components. As already mentioned, wireless models do not require traditional connections via cables. But even in this case, RCA output connectors can be used. In the standard rear view camera connection scheme, the main panel is connected to the battery and the audio and video outputs are connected. Again, depending on the functionality of the model, it can also be connected to third-party devices, including a navigator, TV tuner, etc.

Model AVIS AVS311CPR

According to reviews, this is one of the most reliable and durable systems, which is not surprising, since the design is based on a metal body. The camera itself also assumes the use of protected installation locations - for example, in the license plate frame. During operation, it will be possible to change the angle of the lens depending on the area of interest. Although this feature may not be required, since the viewing angle is already 170 degrees. Like other rear view cameras with parking lines from the AVIS family, this version allows you to broadcast both direct and mirror images. Signal reception is carried out by a display with a resolution of 510 x 492.

Model Blackview VPF 2.1

This model is also built into the supporting structure of the license plate. During operation, the lens is protected from dirt and mechanical influences. Features of the device include the presence of two sensors, which are located on the sides of the camera. They allow you to record the distance to surrounding objects. However, the detection distance is small and is only 20-30 cm. Like the best rear view cameras with parking lines, this version is equipped with a beeper. This functional component provides the possibility of a sound warning if the system scanning the distance has detected a critical approach. Also, the advantages of the solution from Blackview include a solid 720 x 480 format screen and a wide range of operating temperatures.

Model AutoExpert VC-216

This model is mainly preferred by car owners who want a simple and low-cost means to facilitate the parking process. The device is easily mounted using two lugs. Then all that remains is to point the camera at an advantageous area and connect it to the central panel. Despite the budget class, this version provides a wide viewing angle of 170 degrees and produces a detailed image. Also in terms of design, rear view cameras with parking lines from AutoExpert are rarely criticized by users. Element base and assembly of devices are performed at a high quality level.

How to choose the best option?

If it is possible to integrate a standard model, then it would not be a bad idea to prefer this option as the most suitable for installation. Mortise devices, with all their advantages, imply a violation of the structure, and this is best avoided. As for universal rear view cameras with parking lines, this choice should be made if the device is assigned an auxiliary function. For example, if a set with sensors acts as the main assistant in the parking process.

Wireless communication causes mixed opinions among many users, but they all boil down to the fact that in order to ensure signal reliability, it is worth initially considering a wired connection scheme. In terms of key performance indicators, it is advisable to focus on your own needs, taking into account the operating conditions of the machine and the level of driving skills of the user.