Auto activate backup camera

SWC · 11-30-2004, 10:37 PM

I am looking for a way to interface a backup camera so that when the car is in reverse it will automatically go to the backup cam screen. I know how to wire it into the car (pretty easy actually) just need to hook it into the backup lamp wire. But what is an easy and fairly inexpensive way (I.E. No phidgets since a solution would be like $100+ probably) to have the computer determine when the circuit is turned on so that it can activate the backup cam.

kiltjim · 11-30-2004, 10:45 PM

The software that I am trying to develop for this board here. will do it.

Otherwise, without the board, it would take a very little script, or FrodoPlayer to do it. And the trigger would be wired into the serial port.

Dracos · 11-30-2004, 10:48 PM

well, a relay i guess. ummm, a relay with software?

eg, 12v from rear illumination (reverse lamp) turns on relay, closes a switch, turning the camera on.

software determines when camera is turned on, and cuts to cam view when it is on

that is easy, you just gotta get someone to wrie the software

on that note, you could have a kinda double circuit. what I said above, except the relay is a SPDT relay, closing a switch turning the cam on, and shorting 2 pins on the comp/LPTI port. the shorting of the 2 pins would launch your rearview app, or would act at a 'hotkeyy press' for whatever you want. speak to weekendowel, i know he can do software like that.

0l33l · 11-30-2004, 10:53 PM

Well, you could ask the person who wrote the software for when doors are open to add a sensor to the serial port that detects if two pins are shorted (when you have the backup light).

SWC · 11-30-2004, 10:57 PM

Depending on how expensive the serial option is that might be worth a shot, writing the software isn't a problem. I decided to take a look at phidgets for just the voltage sensor its $17US. Not too bad the USB interface is the expensive part but may not be too hateful if I decide to hook it up to my AC and control that as well. It would bring the cost to $68 plus the cost of the servos for the AC. so total cost of controlling AC and rear cam would be about $122.

Dracos · 11-30-2004, 10:59 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by 0l33l

Well, you could ask the person who wrote the software for when doors are open to add a sensor to the serial port that detects if two pins are shorted (when you have the backup light).

lol! I already told him to do that

0l33l · 11-30-2004, 11:34 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Dracos

lol! I already told him to do that

You said LPT port, I said Serial

Dracos · 11-30-2004, 11:36 PM

psh - effectively the same method (although what i meant was about asking owel

)

0l33l · 11-30-2004, 11:43 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Dracos

psh - effectively the same method (although what i meant was about asking owel

)

Dracos · 12-01-2004, 12:14 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by 0l33l

now thats just spamming lol

SWC · 12-01-2004, 12:26 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by Dracos

now thats just spamming lol

He's gotta get that post count up somehow.

But I think I am gonna go with the phidgets system. I know I didnt initially but after seeing its only $17 more than my A/C controller its pretty much a no brainer.

Thanks guys.

msb5150 · 12-01-2004, 12:46 AM

Hardware all the way...
http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/general-hardware-discussion/23462-auto-reverse-camera.html
Specifically http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/show...84&postcount=2
I know there is a more indepth explanation of how to mod the thing, but I really didn't feel like reading through all 7 search results for cheesebox...
Good luck.

Cris · 12-01-2004, 10:27 AM

How about this... http://www.cartft.com/carpc/catalog/il/395

SWC · 12-01-2004, 04:27 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by Cris

How about this... http://www.cartft.com/carpc/catalog/il/395

Nice solution but no good with computers no interface. also even if that is used it only switches RCA video so it couldnt switch the LCD from VGA to RCA.

DeltaFX · 12-05-2004, 02:09 PM

May be a velleman K8055 kit could help. It can sens volts.... And because a cam usually can see infrared, you could wire a huge IRspot to make sure there's nothing behind the car.