Will this camera connect to the G4.....

jdmagoo1 · 08-05-2007, 06:47 AM

Hi all,

Just wondering, will the G4 connect to the factory fitted camera on a Jeep Grand Cherokee?
I understand the G4 has a yellow video out RCA plug, but going by the attached wiring diagram can I connect it to the Jeep factory camera? If so, where does the Camera Return, Camera Shield and Camera Signal connect to with relation to the RCA connector?

Many thanks

James

dLockers · 08-05-2007, 12:55 PM

probably not, just get a standard USB one

JasonMK · 08-05-2007, 06:36 PM

But if he already has a factory camera installed why wouldn't he want to use it. I don't know the answer for jdmagoo1, but I'm sure there is a way to get it to work. I just don't know how. With a helpful diagram like that I am sure that someone might know the answer. Not that I am suggesting a double post, but some of the more technical subforums (not G4 exclusive) would be more likely to grab the attention of the right person.

bir · 08-06-2007, 12:31 AM

Easiest way to test this is splice an RCA cable and try the connections. Don't need a G4, can use any monitor that supports RCA input. If the video comes on then you are good to go. From the diagram it looks like the "cam shield" does not actually make it to the camera. Any clue what it is for? Is there a mechanical window that "shields" the camera when not in use?

My guess would be that the "signal" cable goes to the pin and the "return" goes to the ring.

And a note on the "usb" one... the G4 uses hardware switching for the reverse camera, so if you want the standard wiring (reverse gear turns on reverse camera mode) that is done via a standard RCA camera connection. Streetdeck supports a USB camera, but that is software controlled, not hardware.

Hope that helps

jdmagoo1 · 08-06-2007, 07:11 AM

I too have absolutely no idea what the Cam shield is for.
There isn’t a mechanical shield or cover over the camera that I can see; however, could it connect to the Jeep computer via the Can Bus? If so, then I’m a little bit reluctant to tap into the wires via splicing a Video RCA into the circuit. I fear of shorting the computer out.

devers6 · 08-07-2007, 04:29 PM

I have a G4 and have connected a cheap license plate camera to it. You would want make a cable with an RCA plug on it, connect Camera Signal to the center pin and Camera Return to the ring. Leave Camera Shield unconnected - it is probably a braided wire or foil surrounding the other two wires and grounded to reduce noise input. There is a wire in the G4 harness that you would connect to the Backup Lamp Feed to turn the camera on and off when you shift in and out of Reverse.

Marassa · 10-06-2007, 01:22 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by jdmagoo1

I understand the G4 has a yellow video out RCA plug...

Careful, you don't connect a camera to the video out plug, but to the camera in plug!
As for whether this will work at all, I think the easiest way to find out is to try it.

jdmagoo1 · 10-06-2007, 02:34 AM

Problem is i do not yet own the factory part; i want to keep the Jeep as stock as possible and was thinking of purchasing the part, then connecting it up to the G4. But I want to be sure it works beforehand.

auto_dave · 10-06-2007, 02:43 AM

Hi Mr Magoo. do you have a link to the Jeep OE camera? I may be able to suggest an alternative.

FusionFanatic · 10-06-2007, 09:37 AM

Quote: Originally Posted by jdmagoo1

Problem is i do not yet own the factory part; i want to keep the Jeep as stock as possible and was thinking of purchasing the part, then connecting it up to the G4. But I want to be sure it works beforehand.

where does the OEM jeep camera mount? couldn't you mount any camera in that location? I doubt anybody would notice the difference between an OEM camera or an aftermarket camera (most people wouldn't care either

)

since the backup camera function of the G4 is via hardware (you can use it with or without the computer booted up) I assume that it uses a standard RCA-in and it simply switches the screen from VGA-in to RCA-when in reverse. if you don't already have the jeep camera then I wouldn't bother with it. just buy a standard RCA-out camera, that way you can simply plug it in (no splicing).

marci · 10-07-2007, 05:57 PM

by the way: what is that for an input format that G4 use for his rear camera input? NTSC or PAL?
I see some options in the infill G4 BIOS, but i´m not shure if they only for the TV-Out Port?
(and when i changed in the BIOS the parameters to PAL-G (Germany) my TV tells me always that the incoming Signal is NTSC..

Marassa · 10-07-2007, 11:54 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by marci

what is that for an input format that G4 use for his rear camera input? NTSC or PAL?

NTSC.

marci · 10-10-2007, 05:17 AM

uhh, not really suitable for european Users like me ;-) (with PAL cameras, and additional PAL TFT´s ;-)