[nealinnevada]

Just thinking out loud here...please bear with me. So today I had to hook my Frontier to my coach tow bars to test fit a stone guard I built. When by myself it is always a pain in the butt to get the truck close enough to hook up, but not inside the radius of the tow bar. It sometimes requires me to move the truck a few times. Thinking about the problem, I thought about those wired/wireless backup cameras that you see for sale everywhere. I'm wondering about installing one in the front grill of the Frontier, so I can see the tow bar without getting out. Now here is the question: Does anyone know of a way to connect a backup camera to the Nissan video screen system so I could just look at the video output on the truck and see the front camera? I would guess an A/B switch would be necessary and maybe some kind of harness adapter? Any help from you folks who play around on the video/audio side would be most appreciated!

 

[Bill_c]

.. Now here is the question: Does anyone know of a way to connect a backup camera to the Nissan video screen system so I could just look at the video output on the truck and see the front camera? ...

I will quickly say I don’t know the answer to your question. However, neither it seems does anyone else who is reading the forum at the moment so I offer this for the sake of discussion.

If this were my problem the answer would be to have a separate monitor – that is, a dashcam with camera being remote from the monitor/control unit. This particular camera is not wireless but does come with an 18’ cord. I have this set up with the camera on the rear window of a camper shell and the monitor in the pocket ahead of the gearshift. Works great and I understand there is a waterproof version of the camera.

The big problem for your single purpose is it is an expensive solution, but if you are considering a dashcam at all this format would be ideal.

https://streetguardian.info/sgzc12rc-remote-lens-camera.html

 

[nealinnevada]

Thanks for the input Boll, I appreciate it. That system is too expensive for just a dedicated front hitch camera. I found a cheap unit which is wireless to a small screen. I guess I will try that, but I would prefer to send the image to the existing audio/video screen in the stock radio...but appears to be not possible or very expensive.

 

[geekmyride]

Actually, it is not nearly as complicated as you might think...

There are two wires of interest going into the factory radio/display.

The first would be the reverse wire that switches the camera display on. I don't know if it is pulled to ground or 12v to operate, but a quick check of the service manual will tell. I would use a toggle switch and a couple diodes to activate the display when needed. The diodes keep you from activating the backup lights or brake controller when you turn it on.

The second would be the reverse camera video input. This could be put on a switch to select between your backup camera and a camera on the front (or any other video input such as a dvd player or ipod)...

It really is a pretty easy install if you don't mind cutting a couple wires and doing a little soldering.

I am not near the service manual, but could throw a simple schematic up here if interested.

 

[nealinnevada]

Actually, it is not nearly as complicated as you might think...

There are two wires of interest going into the factory radio/display.

The first would be the reverse wire that switches the camera display on. I don't know if it is pulled to ground or 12v to operate, but a quick check of the service manual will tell. I would use a toggle switch and a couple diodes to activate the display when needed. The diodes keep you from activating the backup lights or brake controller when you turn it on.

The second would be the reverse camera video input. This could be put on a switch to select between your backup camera and a camera on the front (or any other video input such as a dvd player or ipod)...

It really is a pretty easy install if you don't mind cutting a couple wires and doing a little soldering.

I am not near the service manual, but could throw a simple schematic up here if interested.

This is what I wanted to hear!! I looked in the service manual and I believe I have the connector in question located, M45, Terminal 35 (CAM Video) and 36 (Video GND).

If you can give me a bit of direction on this mod, I would be most grateful.

 

[geekmyride]

The Camera Video (Pin 35-Black) is the wire you want to switch between front and back camera video.

The Camera On (Pin 34 - Green/Yellow) provides power to the backup camera when needed...

I don't see the reverse wire anywhere on the connector. The color code on the Pro-4X has the reverse wire as Sky Blue. I am going to guess it is just not noted on the drawing or is on another connector.

Now that you have identified which system you have, I will throw together a quick schematic this evening and post it...

 

[nealinnevada]

The Camera Video (Pin 35-Black) is the wire you want to switch between front and back camera video.

The Camera On (Pin 34 - Green/Yellow) provides power to the backup camera when needed...

I don't see the reverse wire anywhere on the connector. The color code on the Pro-4X has the reverse wire as Sky Blue. I am going to guess it is just not noted on the drawing or is on another connector.

Now that you have identified which system you have, I will throw together a quick schematic this evening and post it...

Les, I ASSUME that is my system...I know about ASSUME too! I'll see if I can identify with certainty that it is the system noted in the service manual. I am going by the features of the system (Bluetooth/USB/back-up camera/SAT radio, NO GPS) to make my assumption. Does anyone know if that is the system used in an SV Crewcab with premium package?

 

[mtyler11]

I know I'm late to the party, but yes, that will work for you . As Geek said you just have to rig up a switch to 1) send full time 12V to pin 50 2) switch to toggle between front & rear cam for pins 35&36.

you can reference GMC's work here http://www.clubfrontier.org/forums/f24/added-backup-camera-factory-radio-14-sv-186050/

OR if you're unhappy with the stock radio just get a unit that will do 2 cam inputs... I've ordered up a new HU that will do a cam both front & rear #nomuss-nofuss...