Rear camera vs. car 12v

treetop777 · 04-02-2008, 08:36 PM

Can i hook-up this camera to the car's 12v ? Maybe to the M2-ATX better? It's 12v DC, 50mA max. http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.5891

Thanks for any response.

parksgm · 04-02-2008, 08:55 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by treetop777

Can i hook-up this camera to the car's 12v ? Maybe to the M2-ATX better? It's 12v DC, 50mA max. http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.5891

Thanks for any response.

Better to hook it to a regulated 12V power supply, like the M2, or any other regulated 12V source. The car's voltage varies quite a bit below 12V when cranking, and quite a bit above 12V when running. Depending on the tolerance of the device and the surges, the device could be damaged.

Of note, the comments below the linked description seem to indicate that the camera does not have a very wide field of view and might not be suitable for a back up camera. Food for thought.

Good luck.

NotYou · 04-02-2008, 08:58 PM

I just answered similar questions about powering a backup camera in another post -- search for it, don't have it handy.

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Yes, you can hook that camera up to either your 12v from the car, or the m2-atx. Actually, you have three options:

- Car 12v accessory - camera will be on when the car is on
- Car 12v backup light 12v - camera will be on when you switch to reverse
- m2-atx - camera will be on when you have the m2-atx on

*Technically*, the m2-atx will be the best 12v source, since it's regulated. However, backup cameras are designed to hook directly into the car electrical system, so unless you have a huge spike then its fine.

You will either need to cut off the red plug and hardware the 12 volt and ground wires to the camera, or buy a barrel plug that fits into the red plug on the camera.

Honestly, though... I would look for a different camera. THat is a CMOS camera, and you won't have the greatest image. Look for a CCD camera instead.

treetop777 · 04-02-2008, 09:14 PM

Understood. Thanks for the responses. Back to the drawing board..or maybe not..it's for my wife's car..she won't know the difference! LOL

parksgm · 04-02-2008, 09:28 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by NotYou

*Technically*, the m2-atx will be the best 12v source, since it's regulated. However, backup cameras are designed to hook directly into the car electrical system, so unless you have a huge spike then its fine.

You will either need to cut off the red plug and hardware the 12 volt and ground wires to the camera, or buy a barrel plug that fits into the red plug on the camera.

Honestly, though... I would look for a different camera. THat is a CMOS camera, and you won't have the greatest image. Look for a CCD camera instead.

Make sure the camera is designed as a backup camera, and the above is likely true. Also, you could hook it up to the M2 for power, and switch the power on with a relay connected to your reverse lights.

Regardless of whether or not it's your wife's car, CMOS cameras really don't provide the best image - think webcam. CCD are better, for sure. No sense in going to the trouble of installing a camera that doesn't have a wide enough field of view or sufficient image quality to be used for its intended purpose...plus, the body damage caused by backing into something because of a crappy image will be far greater than the cost of a decent camera.

treetop777 · 04-03-2008, 06:42 AM

Yep, will do. CCD it will be. Thanks again.

FusionFanatic · 04-03-2008, 07:44 PM

although a regulated 12v source would be best, it will probably work fine if you wire it directly to the car's 12v supply. most backup cameras are designed to be powered directly off the reverse light wires.

I have my backup camera wired to my amp/carputer power line (unregulated 12v). I have been using it like that for about a year with no problems...

good luck