Power source location?
#1
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Car: '91 GTA, '92 T/A Convertible
Engine: GTA: 350 w/Vortec heads, T/A: 305
Transmission: Pro-built 700R4
Axle/Gears: GTA: 3.27, T/A: 2.73
Power source location?
I need to connect a power source to my back up camera. What is the best power source to tap into. My first thoughts would be to tap into the tail lights or license plate light, but those wouldn't be available to use unless my lights were on.
I'm thinking about possibly using the rear cargo light, but it isn't switched and I'm afraid I'd somehow drain my battery when the car is off. Although, the camera shouldn't be working when the car is off and/or the car isn't in reverse. Thoughts or assistance?
Eldon
I'm thinking about possibly using the rear cargo light, but it isn't switched and I'm afraid I'd somehow drain my battery when the car is off. Although, the camera shouldn't be working when the car is off and/or the car isn't in reverse. Thoughts or assistance?
Eldon
#3
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Car: '91 GTA, '92 T/A Convertible
Engine: GTA: 350 w/Vortec heads, T/A: 305
Transmission: Pro-built 700R4
Axle/Gears: GTA: 3.27, T/A: 2.73
Re: Power source location?
I was hoping to be able to tap into an existing power source already in the rear of the car so I wouldn't have to run a power cord all the way from the rear bumper to the front of the car if I can avoid it.
#4
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Re: Power source location?
There isn't anything back there that's switched 12v. It's not a big deal to run a wire. Wouldn't you have to run a wire for the camera to a display or is it somehow wireless?
Idk, compared to something like wiring a 4ch amplifier, routing a single 14ga wire seems pretty low impact.
Idk, compared to something like wiring a 4ch amplifier, routing a single 14ga wire seems pretty low impact.
#5
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Re: Power source location?
don't the white, back-up lights, in the tail lens' work even in the day time? i feel stupid because i honestly can't remember, lol. i'm pretty sure they do.
#6
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Car: Yes
Engine: Usually
Transmission: Sometimes
Axle/Gears: Behind me somewhere
Re: Power source location?
Yup, back-up lights work whenever the ign is on and the car is in reverse. The ideal source for the accessory in question.
#7
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Re: Power source location?
Yup, back-up lights work whenever the ign is on and the car is in reverse. The ideal source for the accessory in question.
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#8
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Car: '91 GTA, '92 T/A Convertible
Engine: GTA: 350 w/Vortec heads, T/A: 305
Transmission: Pro-built 700R4
Axle/Gears: GTA: 3.27, T/A: 2.73
Re: Power source location?
As far as just turning your head, I get it. But rear visibility in these convertibles is not the best. I didn't think there'd be much difference than my GTA, but the blind spots on a vert are a lot worse especially in parking lots when the car is parked at an angle. Makes backing out of a spot much more nerve wracking.
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Re: Power source location?
What is the wiring scheme for the camera? I would expect more than just a power and ground. Isn't there a sense wire for when the backup lights are on or off?
#11
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Car: Yes
Engine: Usually
Transmission: Sometimes
Axle/Gears: Behind me somewhere
Re: Power source location?
Generally the camera gets its power from the BUL circuit. All it needs besides that is ground, and of course the signal cable to the monitor, whatever form that takes. I've never seen a wireless aftermarket one but there might be such a thing, not something I pay much attention to.
#12
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Re: Power source location?
i have a buddy, (retired state trooper), that bought a brand new chevy trax. it has the built in back up camera that looks pretty high-tech. sorta looks like something you'd see on a fighter jet landing on an aircraft carrier. anyway, we both got a good laugh out of it. no matter how carefully you stay within the lines, the car parks crooked as a witches nose! maybe its a flaw on that vehicle? but we both agreed nothing beats backing up the "good-old-fashion" way of turning your head and paying attention.
#13
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Car: '91 GTA, '92 T/A Convertible
Engine: GTA: 350 w/Vortec heads, T/A: 305
Transmission: Pro-built 700R4
Axle/Gears: GTA: 3.27, T/A: 2.73
Re: Power source location?
Good one. Unfortunately, we in Ventura County (Southern California) are suffering through our two weeks of winter and are actually receiving rain (real rain, not sprinkling). No need to send help, we should be back to our usual sunny afternoons here shortly, and the top will go back down at that point.
#14
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Car: '91 GTA, '92 T/A Convertible
Engine: GTA: 350 w/Vortec heads, T/A: 305
Transmission: Pro-built 700R4
Axle/Gears: GTA: 3.27, T/A: 2.73
Re: Power source location?
Since we got a reprieve from the rain today, I quit being lazy and just ran the power wire to the fuse block and the camera works perfectly fine now. Long story short, I wasn't able to tap into the IGN spot on the fuse block so I piggybacked into the RADIO spot. Made sense to me since if the radio isn't working then I won't have the screen to display the back up camera.
Thanks for the suggestions people.
Last edited by blacksunshine'91; 01-14-2017 at 07:34 PM.
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Car: Yes
Engine: Usually
Transmission: Sometimes
Axle/Gears: Behind me somewhere
Re: Power source location?
Ventura County (Southern California) are suffering through our two weeks of winter and are actually receiving rain