Thread: Mini 2 channel video selector

I know of a solution for you but it may be a bit over kill. I have one but only used it once as I need to add a multi port serial to my system.
I have 5 cameras and two monitors and video capture that I use with it.

It is a 16x2 matrix switch unit. Serial controlled. 16 input to 2 output, with 2 additional bridged to the output. Farly cheep for a matrix video switch.

http://www.controlanything.com/Relay/Device/ASELPRO

Yeah quite a bit more than I need. I could actually order a new lcd with the proper dual inputs for 49 + shipping so....

is this just composite video? also, are you ok with manually switching it?

if so, all you need is some soldering skills, and a spdt switch. connect all the negatives together, solder the positive lead from the screen to the common terminal of the switch, and solder the positive of each input cable to one of the other switch leads.

Originally Posted by soundman98

is this just composite video? also, are you ok with manually switching it?

if so, all you need is some soldering skills, and a spdt switch. connect all the negatives together, solder the positive lead from the screen to the common terminal of the switch, and solder the positive of each input cable to one of the other switch leads.

Yep just composite rca cables. I don't mind manually switching, but it would be awesome if it auto switch when the reverse lights came on. Im sure that is possible, but I don't know how.

I also cant solder, but I will ask a few friends who work in the semi conductor industry if they can help.

So not to sound like a complete electrical noob, but I took apart one of my old rca video cables. Inside the outside sheathing was a bunch of bare wires and in the middle of that was yet another wire in sheathing. So I assume the bare wires are all considered one and the wires inside the inside sheathing is another. So which is positive and which is negative? And something like this should be fine? http://www.amazon.com/SPDT-Miniature.../dp/B001TLSQR8

In a composite cable, the signal is carried by the wire in the center. The wires around the outside are ground but also function as a shield to reduce interference.

The switch you linked to will work. Put one signal on one pole, the other signal on the other pole, and the signal to your monitor on the center pole.

You can also use an SPDT relay and connect the + and - of the relay to your backup lights. Put the signal you normally want to view on the NC (normally closed) pole and the backup signal on the NO (normally open) pole and the signal to the monitor on the center pole.

Normally, you will see the main signal. When your back up lights go on, the relay will switch automatically to the rear view camera. When they go off, it will switch back.

i am going to look for it, but there was a thread in the last month or 2 where a guy with a honda-something did exactly that with the reverse wire, he went into a lot of detail on how to connect everything..

edit:
http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/macc...era-input.html

edit 2:

ok, it's the thread i was thinking of, but a entirely different concept. he is not only switching screens, but also tricking the factory nav unit into displaying the video input from a different source.

all you need to copy is the video switch for a simple concept, and follow bugbytes advise on the relay for a automated switch.

also-- in the linked thread, it appears that he used a dpdt switch, so he could switch both the positive and negative leads-- it is not needed, but won't hurt anything to do.


ok, so i am thinking this out a little more-- being that you want it automated, why not make the switch control the relay?

you can still use a dpst switch, though one switch input would be the reverse lights, and the other would be constant 12v. connect that to the relays coil, and connect the relay like i detailed above, and voila-- you can now choose to automatically switch it, or manually switch everything..