Been wanting to install a two camera system, one for backing up, one for front-end curb avoidance. After much research, decided on the Auto-Vox W7Pro Wireless product. Seemed to be the best balance of cost, performance, ease of installation and use.

Powering the backup camera via press-on splice connection to one of the reverse lights (previously converted to LED). It will activate when the car is put in Reverse, turning on the display monitor.

Plan to mount the front camera low in the grill if possible, otherwise on the spoiler or behind/below the front license plate. For power, is there an optimal nearby relay or terminal under the hood that energizes only when the car is running?

Suggestions welcome.

 

How much current does the camera draw?

 

Standard 12v for each camera and the single monitor .

 

I think you'd want to power that from an in-cabin switch so that you can turn it on when you're parking.
If you'd prefer to have it run full-time, I'd pick up the +12 volts for the cooling fan relay.

Where are you going to mount the screen?

 

I meant how many amps at 12 volts? It should say on the literature somewhere.

 

Can't see mto find amp draw on the product, in its literature or online, emailed the company to find out.

 

Once I find out what amps the camera draws I'll decide whether to keep constant power to the front camera, or activate via switch. What switch, I don't know yet. Also means I'll have to run a wire into the cabin, which I wanted to avoid doing.

As far as monitor location, it fits right between the ashtrays in front of the radio, a bit of velcro on the bottom and it should be plenty secure. Still gives me access to the radio power button, which is all I need (everything is preset with a bluetooth FM transmitter controlled by my phone on a separate mount).

Alternatively, using the supplied mount, I can attach to the front wood panel of the dash between the center vents and the right hand side airbag.

 

Worth finding out, as if low current (eg half an amp or less) then it can be wired off the coil input, with a switch, for example. If higher draw, then a dedicated relay triggered off the coil with a dedicated switch would be better.
You could always power it from the marker lights, and just switch them on when you need the camera, to avoid extra wiring into the cabin.

 

Excellent idea powering the front camera from the side marker lights, can wire that up easily enough.

The cameras are pretty tiny, no LEDs, etc., can't imagine they draw close to half an amp.

Thanks!

 

Update: front and rear cameras installed and working great.

The rear camera installation was quick and straight forward. Removed the license plate and pulled the RH inner trunk lid lining away, revealing a clear path to the RH light cluster. Inserted the bare camera wires (power and ground) into the appropriate Reverse light socket slots, reinserting the plug secured them in place.

The camera is mounted to flat plate with a hinge, tucks in securely behind the license plate when reattached.

Shifting into Reverse energizes the rear camera, which then displays on the monitor.

The front camera installation was a little more involved. I fished the camera wire through the front grill and into the LH headlight area in the wing. Working through the removed wheel arch panel, pulled the plug for the headlight mounted parking light. Due to tight space constraints and the short parking light harness wires, ran wire extension wires from the parking light plug to the camera wires. Twisted the wires and shrink tubed, The extensions are held securely in place with the plug reinserted.

Located the front camera in the center/middle of the grill, behind the license plate. Secured it in place with cable ties.

Turning on the parking lights energizes the front camera, which then displays on the monitor.

Extra camera wire length was neatly tied up and hidden inside nearby panels.

Last thing to do is hardwire the monitor to a suitable switched power supply. Don't need it powered on until I am ready to backup or park.


Backup camera mounted next to trunk latch


Front camera just visible in grill


Front camera in grill


Front camera in grill

 

Great stuff! Would love to see some pics of the screen mount and the images when in action!

Cheers

Paul

 

She's in the shop right now getting ready for summer fun, but will post photos once back.

 

Update with photos:

For monitor power, I originally hardwired using an Add-a-Fuse/fuse tap in the passenger side fuse panel. Since that won't let me disconnect and take the monitor with me if desired, I ended up installing an extra 12v cigar lighter/auxiliary power outlet secured to a grounded bolt in the same area. Now I can use the camera kit's stock 12v male plug for monitor power, allowing easy removal as well.

Took a few tries to get the sticky pad of the monitor mount arm to stay stuck to the dash. But after cleaning all contact surfaces and applying steady pressure for a moment or two, its been solid for days now.

Running the front camera from the parking light works well, but there is one issue. When driving at night with my lights on, the front camera is on as well, giving me a constant view of the front underside of my car! Need to find a way to switch the front camera (or the monitor) off. Maybe route power through one of the existing cabin switches?


Wiring for monitor power, turns on with 1st click of ignition switch

Monitor mount

Monitor off

Rear/backup camera, comes on in Reverse gear

Front camera