Backup Camera on 2012 WRX Navigation Unit

[Luminary]

For those that have 2012 Navigation, which is a new unit compared to the previous model, has anyone tried to get a backup camera added?

I read that for non-US models, you actually do get the back up camera on the Impreza. I believe it's the same unit used in the Legacy and Forrester, so it should be possible?

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[SVXdc]

Is your OEM HU the second picture in this post?

If so, can you post pictures of the back (with everything unplugged) and the manufacturer's label (on the top or bottom)?

The Legacy/Outback HUs are different. Some may be "close cousins" to some of the Impreza/Forester HUs, but they are definitely different models, with different plastics.

[Luminary]

I can't take a picture of it yet because I don't have the car yet. Ordered, but hasn't arrived. I was hoping someone might have tried already, but maybe the MY 2012 hasn't been played around with too much yet...judging by the crickets in the thread.

[JRCrutc]

I have the MY2012 nav unit in my WRX hatch, and it looks like the second image on the post provided by "SVXdc". I haven't taken it out of the dash yet, but the model code in the upper left corner is FW602US. I did some checking in all of the system settings and couldn't find any reference to the use of a backup camera, but I did find that the HU keeps track of when the car is in reverse, so there is hope

[SVXdc]

See this thread:

2012 STI Stereo Build with OEM NAV H/U

I'm fairly sure it has a camera input. Don't know whether Subaru will offer an OEM camera for Imprezas in North America. But it should be fairly easy to add an aftermarket camera, just like on the 2008-2011 OEM Kenwood Navi HUs (except different plug on the 2012 nav).

[zra]

After doing a bit of research, I just received and quickly tested (with some clip leads and the head unit hanging out of the dash) a Rydeen MINy camera using SVXdc's 16 pin harness with the stock 6 volt wire out of the Fujitsu FW602US nav unit in my '12 WRX.

I confirmed with tech support at Rydeen that the camera has an operating range from 3.5 to 15 volts. I suspect other cameras both from Rydeen or other MFGs will work the same way, but I recommend checking with their tech support first.

In my brief test, it works perfectly.

The nice thing about this setup is, the camera doesn't need to be constant powered and there is no splicing into other wires necessary. It also seems that the head unit turns the camera on correctly at boot up. I tried starting the car while in neutral and then shifted into reverse and the camera came right on. Subsequent shifts back and forth worked perfectly too. The MINy has switchable guide lines.

I will do the complete install soon and re-confirm that it still works properly. I will also include some pictures.

The camera I got is the MINy, 1st one, top left of the page
http://www.rydeenmobile.com/Backup%2...upCameras.html

I ordered from one of their authorized distributors for warranty etc., they were within $1US of the cheapest shipped price on eBay when I checked.

The harness and plug came from here.
http://ae64.com/Rear-camera-16-pin.htm

Make sure you tell Dave, you want the stock power out option if you are going to try this.

[CarsPs2V]

Is it really necessary for a car of such size to come stock with a backup camera.

[calisubie]

ZRA, have you completed the install yet? Wondering how you ran the wires(what route through the car) to the camera and how you are mounting the camera?

[zra]

Please see new post with pics here

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/show...7#post39006427

[zra]

this post is blank

[SVXdc]

I'd recommend moving your post into a new thread, so your pictures are in the first post there. Then replace your post here with a link to that thread.

Question: Why did you have to extend the camera's power wire? Rydeen's installation guide says their long harness has a second tap for the power at the end near the HU. That wire is electrically the same as the one near the camera.

Their intention was so you could connect to your reverse lights near the camera (to power the camera whenever you shift into reverse), and also provide that signal to your HU or display monitor. But in fact you can use the lead near the HU to send power to the camera. In that case, you must insulate the power lead near the camera.

[zra]

Dave, I called Rydeen tech support and asked about the little pigtail that stuck out of the RCA connector, it was marked something like camera positive cathode. They said that it was a trigger and not camera power. The wire which was marked camera + was about 10' shorter than the RCA cable so I made them the same length.

I guess I should have tested that

[SVXdc]

I e-mailed them, asking if the two power leads were electrically the same, and was told this:

Positive power lead
Yes. They are both the same. We only use the Anode output (power lead at the monitor end) for a double din radio (reverse wire)

There's nothing "magic" inside the long cable. It's the same wire/signal at both ends. Their label "backing power supply anode output" is unnecessarily confusing.

[zra]

Dave, I wish we'd spoken a little earlier.

I saw that, but when I asked the tech he said it wasn't for camera power, oh well, that's what I get for not testing thoroughly. It wasn't that hard to extend the power cable, but I would have preferred if I didn't have to. It would have made the install cleaner and easier. I just used a piece of AWG20 and electrical taped it to the video line every 6 inches or so. Not worth it to redo/undo it now.

If you examine the Rydeen camera harness, there is a plastic junction that joins the fat cable to the camera on one end and to the 3 cables (power, ground, coax video) on the other. So I naturally assumed that the coax was video only, as you pointed out the confusingly named Anode power it the only clue and no help.

Hope this saves someone a little bit of time. I'll add this to my other post.