Four HD Cameras installed in Avalanche

**Dluvr22** · 10-16-2012, 01:34 PM

Ok
So this weekend I finally installed the 4th and final camera to complete the 4 camera install.
This was even a bit more challenging.
It took me a full 2 days to get this done. Most frustrating part was trying to get the video from the webcam to the computer. In short it turns out that there is video signal loss with long lengths of usb cable.
This now has me rethinking my side view cameras as well. It turns out that after putting the camera in the tailgate bezel, I tried testing before installing and it was a good thing I did.
It turns out that when I connected the camera directly it worked, but when connected using a USB extension I only got a black screen.
I spent a lot of time checking drivers, changing PIDs, switching USB buses and nothing worked.
Just when I was about to give up, I found out that there is such a thing as a USB signal booster.
A quick drive to my local computer store, I got one and sure enough it works.
Now I have a feeling this is not only related to cameras connected via USB so I thought I'd post my experience for anyone doing something with long lengths of USB cables and the device starts acting funny.

**Dluvr22** · 10-16-2012, 01:35 PM

Here is the rear of my truck before the install.

Close Up view of where I intend to put the camera.

**Dluvr22** · 10-16-2012, 01:36 PM

Tailgate with bezel removed.

Hole drilled into the bezel

Camera in the bezel which was then put back in the tailgate.

**Dluvr22** · 10-16-2012, 01:37 PM

Another hole drilled into the side of my tailgate
(This is definitely not for the faint of heart - imagine taking a drill to your vehicle. LOL. I still get shivers thinking of it.)

Luckily my local auto parts store has a rubber grommet for the Pontiac grand Prix engine head that fits right into the hole to close it up.

**Dluvr22** · 10-16-2012, 01:37 PM

My next important decision was where to mount the USB signal booster and how I would run the wire to keep it away from the elements.
The easier route would be to run itt under the car from the tailgate but I feared that over time this would cause an issue so I did the next best thing.

I first removed one of my tail lights to install the signal booster behind it

Tail light removed

USB Signal Booster

Signal Booster stuck with 3M automotive double sided tape in tail light recess in the truck

**Dluvr22** · 10-16-2012, 01:38 PM

While back there, I decided to start another project I've had in my mind for a while.
Just what I need, another project within a project.
Anyway this is not car computer related so I'll just post some images.
A detailed description will be put up somewhere else.

**Dluvr22** · 10-16-2012, 01:39 PM

Hopefully everyone here figured what it is but for those who have not - I added a 12V outlet and 2 120V outlets to the bed of my truck.
I plan on adding a 1000W power inverter to power the outlets in the near future but since I was already back there I did not want to come and take everything apart again so I just thought I'd kill 2 birds with one stone.
As of now the 12V outlet is getting power directly from my trailer hitch wiring with a switch in the bed to switch it off or on another remote switch will be installed in the cab somewhere for the power inverter. this wilk be used to run power tools when I am working in the truck or a work light if needed.

I am already having visions of tailgate parties next summer with some cold drinks in the cooler and possibly an electric grill if it is rated at less than 1000 watts.

**Dluvr22** · 10-16-2012, 01:40 PM

Pic running wires from tail light in the cab.
I decided to go this route so the wires are better protected from the elements.

**Dluvr22** · 10-16-2012, 01:41 PM

More pics of the completed camera assembly

You may have noticed that I have yet to put the chrome trim over the tailgate handle.
That is because at this time I am still undecided as to whether the chrome trim is even necessary.
With the theme I have on the truck I may as well paint it black which will cause the camera to blend in even more with the trim itself.