VW replica badge style reverse camera

[DkN]

Now available (currently through special order) is the exciting replica reverse camera option below:



This unit works exactly the same as the OEM unit i.e. the camera pokes out when reverse gear is selected, and retracts when you select another gear. It also includes the necessary relay switch so all you need to do is connect it to a 12v power source, the easiest being the rear wiper. There is one wire which allows the wiper to return to park position even when power is removed, this would do fine for the permanent 12V supply for the camera unit, there is a discussion of this in this thread:

http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/forums/f97/after-market-reversing-camera-32109-2.html

Note that this unit is a replica designed to be fitted to aftermarket units so it uses RCA for the camera signal - therefore it does NOT fit RCD or RNS 510. Maybe there is a converter out there that can convert the signal back to what the OEM units use, which I believe is RGB with a 12-pin (or was it 26-pin? something ridiculous for a camera input) cable, but you would have to look and make sure.

There is a good guide for installing the OEM RVC here:

OEM backup camera installation on mk6 VW Golf

With the replica camera there are no extra niggles with wiring looms as for the OEM! see below:



1. Grommet / plug for drain hose
2. drain hose
3. boot release switch
4. red wire - connect to permanent 12V
5. blue wire - connect to positive on reverse light
6. RCA input cable for camera signal
7. reverse camera hidden under badge!

Besides the removal & installation of the VW emblem, the installation of this camera is identical to any other aftermarket reverse camera, which is to say, a bit easier than OEM.

Specs for the camera:



This is a fair bit better than the array of reverse cam cheapies available on eBay. The camera is also shockproof and waterproof.

The unit comes with a one year warranty, the technician assures me that it is high quality and while I don't know how it compares with OEM, I have to say that if they wanted to cut corners, they can do a lot cheaper for a China manufactured product.

The price for these units will be $290 shipped Australia wide.

[whiskywallah]

Any news on what needs to be done for license plate camera on Tiguan to connect to the ANS?
I can do the cabling back to the unit.
Is there a dedicated camera input? I forgot to jot down all the cables!
Do I need to do some VCDS coding then?
i did not have reverse cam or OPS before.

There seem to be lots of cameras on eBay for less than $30.
I'd rather buy from a trusted source so how much are yours?

[DkN]

I have to double check if the Tiguan can run the tailgate handle type camera, which replaces the tailgate handle on Sportwagons and some Touaregs - this camera will actually sit pretty much in the centre of the car due to the placing of the handle. Better yet you could probably tell me directly, do you have a handle under your badge in the hatch door like this?

How to install OEM backup camera on mk5 mk6 VW Golf or VW Jetta Sportwagen TDI JSW

If so then you're in luck. Otherwise, the licence plate light type camera is $35.

edit: a quick Google suggests that you probably don't have that handle since your boot looks like the Golf...

For the licence plate type camera, you would need to tap the reverse light wire for a relay and connect the 12V power to an ACC supply, the wiper one or a cigarette lighter in the boot would probably be easiest. Otherwise, if you don't mind playing with fuses, you can wire it along with the video input cable up to the fusebox and tap your power from there.

I think the tailgate handle type camera includes a relay, I have to confirm details on wiring. Essentially this is an OEM replica too, it is how the OEM RVC option works for the Sportwagons and normally cost ~$250 which is rather silly.

There is indeed a dedicated RCA input for the camera signal, it is labelled "CAM IN" and the cable is green.

No coding is required, the camera simply sends the image signal to the ANS, and the ANS overlays the image with the reverse path, which it reads via steering wheel info in the CANBUS. I don't know why VW didn't do this to begin with, why they wanted to hard-code reverse path capabilities and have "dumb" and interactive cameras is beyond me...

[whiskywallah]

Here's a picture of my tailgate:





So which camera would you supply?
And what is the relay for and do you supply it?

Thanks

[DkN]

Well that just proves self-interpretation from quick Googling is unreliable.

I do have the tailgate camera that replaces that handle in your picture, like this:



I will confirm if it fits the Tiguan and whether a relay is included.

The relay needs to be connected to the reverse light wire at any point in the car, whether at the bulb connector, near the fuse or somewhere along the middle. It will tell the power to be fed to the camera only when the reverse light comes on which of course is when you are in reverse gear.

The ANS detects both when the cam input has signal and when the car is in reverse, with the latter being more of a fail-safe. Basically, if power is fed to the camera, which is connected to the cam input, ANS will switch to the reverse camera screen. This is why you need a relay, but even if you didn't, for something like a reverse camera you wouldn't want to really feed it permanent power since that will probably dramatically shorten its lifespan.

I do not have any relays available if they do not come with the camera, but you should be able to buy one from any lighting or electrical store, or maybe Bunnings.

[DkN]

Camera information updated! Unit is now available by special order.

whiskywallah, I have also confirmed the handle type camera fits Tiguan and includes a relay, so all that is left is wiring

[TommyP]

Any idea on the night time performance of the badge camera? I have a cheap ebay $50 camera that replaces the one of the license plate lights and it is pretty much useless at night.

[TommyP]

Any idea on the night time performance of the badge camera? a couple of example photos would great.

[DkN]

Do you know if your eBay camera is CMOS or CCD? CCD is much better at night time, but if it's next to no light then no camera can perform well unless it has night vision. My tech tells me these cameras have a pretty good CCD sensor and should be fine in low light situations. I will see if I can get some pics.

[master phi]

has anyone tried this yet? does it work?