Routing cable for backup camera

[fastpakr]

I fully understand that the radio is receiving power on the reverse sense wire, not supplying it.

You're applying power to the wire using your switch so that the radio believes it's in reverse and switches over to the camera. When you do so - what else is physically on the same circuit as that wire? Without a diode in place to block current going the other direction, you'd almost have to be sending it the other direction towards the range sensor as well as the reverse lights. If you have a wiring diagram handy (I don't at the moment), this might make a lot more sense to all of this.

For what it's worth, I'm not just trying to be argumentative here. I've got a camera on my '99 that I'll be wiring up whenever the truck is finished and was hoping to do the same thing with a bypass switch, but every time I looked at the issue I noticed the reverse light concern and didn't have a solution other than a diode. That's why I'm questioning this.

 

[Dirtman]

Ahhh i get where you are confused now. In my case im not using an additional switch, my camera is simply designed to run constantly and turn the the display on when in reverse. I can also turn the display on manually but im using the menu on the camera not a toggle switch.

I think eric is using a double throw switch. One side lets it get power from reverse, flip the switch and it diconnects the reverse wire and connects power from 12 volt constant. The 2 poles don't connect to each other so power is only ever going one direction.

 

[fastpakr]

Thanks for clarifying your install - that definitely sheds some light.

Yes - a double pole switch would probably work well. Not sure why I didn't consider that possibility. If Eric confirms, I'll definitely look into that option.

 

[captainhero]

Finally had some time to look into this...
I cant find the grommet for the clutch master cylinder ; i dont feel comfortable playing with the grommet where the main wiring harness goes through the firewall, so I think i'll either use the grommet for the shifter cable or drill a hole on the transmission tunnel under the plastic tray. Still undecided.
Also, i found out i have 2 connectors at the back of the radio ... my adapter only has one, what is the other one for (not talking about the antenna obviously, but a second square clip multipin connector) ? i have a fairly basic radio as far as i know, no CD changer
Thanks

 

[Dirtman]

What radio is it?

 

[Curious Hound]

I'm not using any kind of external switch. Mine operates the way Dirtman described. The camera is always on. The radio's internal circuitry decides to show the camera view on the screen or some other graphic display. It automatically goes to camera view when the reverse sensing wire of the radio sees the 12 volts coming FROM the transmission reverse switch (backup light circuit) or when I push a button on the radio itself to switch the display source. There is no way for power to come from the radio or camera to make the reverse lights come on. Unfortunately, I am busy with a divorce and buying a house/moving and don't have time to create and upload diagrams at this time.

As for the connectors on the back of your radio, well, there are many different configurations out there. Knowing the model of the radio would help. But you should be able to get wiring info on the internet, perhaps from the manufacturer's website.

 

[captainhero]

What radio is it?

I'm talking about the stock radio, it's the single CD+MP3 on a 2007 ranger. It is connected with 2 connectors at the back, the harness i bought (Scosche FD16B) to connect my new head unit (ATOTO SA102) only fits one of these 2.

 

[captainhero]

I am busy with a divorce and buying a house/moving and don't have time to create and upload diagrams at this time.

Sorry to hear that !

 

[Ranger850]

I'm talking about the stock radio, it's the single CD+MP3 on a 2007 ranger. It is connected with 2 connectors at the back, the harness i bought (Scosche FD16B) to connect my new head unit (ATOTO SA102) only fits one of these 2.

Ford used the same stereos in a lot of different vehicles. Some models had volume and other functions in the steering wheel. IDK for sure, but maybe the other receptacles are for those applications.
or maybe the new harness ties both receptacles together, making the other one obsolete.
or maybe you got the wrong part.

 

[captainhero]

Oh the second connector is just the aux input. Just pulled the bezel and I can see where it goes.

 

[Curious Hound]

G

Oh the second connector is just the aux input. Just pulled the bezel and I can see where it goes.

Great.

 

[Curious Hound]

Sorry to hear that !

Thanks. It'll be ok. I was just trying to let you know I'm not trying to be lazy or noncooperative with wiring diagrams. I normally would help with that. I've been an
electrician since 1982. Started learning that stuff from my dad as a kid in the 70's. It's what I do and I like to help.

 

[fastpakr]

I'm not using any kind of external switch. Mine operates the way Dirtman described. The camera is always on. The radio's internal circuitry decides to show the camera view on the screen or some other graphic display. It automatically goes to camera view when the reverse sensing wire of the radio sees the 12 volts coming FROM the transmission reverse switch (backup light circuit) or when I push a button on the radio itself to switch the display source. There is no way for power to come from the radio or camera to make the reverse lights come on. Unfortunately, I am busy with a divorce and buying a house/moving and don't have time to create and upload diagrams at this time.

As for the connectors on the back of your radio, well, there are many different configurations out there. Knowing the model of the radio would help. But you should be able to get wiring info on the internet, perhaps from the manufacturer's website.

Thanks, that makes a lot more sense. From your previous post I thought you had added an external switch to send 12v into the reverse sensing wire on the radio to force it to switch to the camera feed on command. That's why I thought you'd be back feeding into the light circuit. If you're just doing it from the radio's own controls you'd obviously be fine.

 

[Curious Hound]

 

[captainhero]

Hi here's an update on my progress. I successfully tested the wiring last night! I routed the video cable and ignition power through the grommet of the shifter cable then going down towards the parking brake cable then inside the frame rail by the fuel filter.
As suggested above I ran a power cable which I spliced from the red (ignition) cable from the radio harness to get constant power to the camera when the truck is on. Drilled a hole behind the rear light and used that as ground with a self tapping screw and a ring crimp connector. Made a pigtail slice on the rear light cable to the signal cable.
All seems to work! Now I need to finish tidying up the cables under the truck with more zip tires and fish them behind the dash.
Thanks everyone for the help super useful as usual!