Reverse Camera

[frozze]

Thinking of fitting a reversing camera on my Jetta.. OEM handle camera..

Anyone done it before or flirted with the idea?

Wondering if it'll integrate well with the OPS..

Thoughts and opinions welcomed!

[Silvertfox]

Of course it's a personal thing, but having experienced both a reversing camera and sensors, I personally think the sensors are better at this point. The camera image is distorted and the resolution is quite low. The depth perception of the various shapes on the image is also a problem. Lighting can be an issue as well
When they combine the images with sensors I think you get the best possible outcome.

[frozze]

Is your camera stock from factory or after market install?

I have LEDs installed on my license plate and it's significantly brighter than the stock light bulbs, which I think can possibly help with the lighting issue..

Of course it's a personal thing, but having experienced both a reversing camera and sensors, I personally think the sensors are better at this point. The camera image is distorted and the resolution is quite low. The depth perception of the various shapes on the image is also a problem. Lighting can be an issue as well
When they combine the images with sensors I think you get the best possible outcome.

[ziggyboy]

Hi frozze long time no see...

I've got a reverse camera on my Jetta. The boot handle is identical to those used in the Passat, so I ordered a Passat OEM camera from eBay with the harness, had it attached to my RCD510. Your radio then needs to be coded.

I think the grainy camera resolution Silverfox is talking about is specific to the Golf camera. The Passat camera I'm using is crystal clear. I can take a photo or video for you in the next day or so. Again, we don't use the Golf (auto flipping badge) cameras, we use the Passat ones.

[frozze]

Hey Ziggy! Was hoping you'd chime in.. When did you get yours done?

Does it work well with the OPS? Did you install it yourself?

I'm thinking of picking one up from one of the forum sponsor:

http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/forums/f78/rns-510-navigations-available-aussie-dealer-www-jku-com-au-free-postage-74298.html

He recommended the VW Handle Camera and I'm guessing that's the one you got yeah?

Hi frozze long time no see...

I've got a reverse camera on my Jetta. The boot handle is identical to those used in the Passat, so I ordered a Passat OEM camera from eBay with the harness, had it attached to my RCD510. Your radio then needs to be coded.

I think the grainy camera resolution Silverfox is talking about is specific to the Golf camera. The Passat camera I'm using is crystal clear. I can take a photo or video for you in the next day or so. Again, we don't use the Golf (auto flipping badge) cameras, we use the Passat ones.

[ziggyboy]

I didn't do it myself. There are detailed instructions on how to do it yourself in the VWVortex Jetta VI forums and it seems straightforward... until the part where there's some coding needed. Having the mechanics do everything allows them to do end to end testing.. cuz if it doesn't work you don't know if it's your wiring or the coding. They spent a bit of time on my car as they haven't done Jetta+RCD510+Passat camera before... they've only done Golf+RNS510+Badge camera. The coding was apparently different too as it is the radio you need to code, not the ECU and they have never coded an RCD510 for a Passat camera before. In the end after much hair pulling they finally got it working. Turned out to be a problem with their coding.....

But yes, it is the "handle camera" that I bought on eBay. Looks identical to mine, but was a lot cheper on eBay. AFAIK it was around $200-$250 delivered but the seller ran out of stock after a few weeks and haven't seen him sell cameras since. Don't have OPS on mine (got the Poverty Pack ) so can't say how well it works with it, but I can't see why not. They're all OEM. It'll probably just be like how it would work in a Passat. Oh and btw, you won't get those moving guidelines in the camera on higher end VW's.

[ziggyboy]

Frozze, one last but VERY IMPORTANT detail is... can you post a photo of your RCD510? Not all RCD510's got the video input at the back. The Bosch one does.

See my old post here: VWVortex.com - Vw Jetta Backup Camera

VW has contracted various electronic makers to build them RCD510's. They've got subtle differences and only half of them have got the video input at the back. Last thing you'd want is spend $$$ and find out your radio doesn't have the input!

[frozze]

Yea I saw the guide but unfortunately, I'm not technically minded at all!

Who did you get to fix it up? Not VW dealers, I'm assuming?

I had a REALLY quick look on eBay but haven't found anything cheaper than the JKU. Turns out shipping is $50, so total for the camera is $500! Install is another $300-350!

I didn't do it myself. There are detailed instructions on how to do it yourself in the VWVortex Jetta VI forums and it seems straightforward... until the part where there's some coding needed. Having the mechanics do everything allows them to do end to end testing.. cuz if it doesn't work you don't know if it's your wiring or the coding. They spent a bit of time on my car as they haven't done Jetta+RCD510+Passat camera before... they've only done Golf+RNS510+Badge camera. The coding was apparently different too as it is the radio you need to code, not the ECU and they have never coded an RCD510 for a Passat camera before. In the end after much hair pulling they finally got it working. Turned out to be a problem with their coding.....

But yes, it is the "handle camera" that I bought on eBay. Looks identical to mine, but was a lot cheper on eBay. AFAIK it was around $200-$250 delivered but the seller ran out of stock after a few weeks and haven't seen him sell cameras since. Don't have OPS on mine (got the Poverty Pack ) so can't say how well it works with it, but I can't see why not. They're all OEM. It'll probably just be like how it would work in a Passat. Oh and btw, you won't get those moving guidelines in the camera on higher end VW's.

[frozze]

Oh thanks for the heads up.. Looks like mine is the Bosch model.. It's got the Media, Phone and Setup buttons on the right.

I'm assuming you have the Bosch one as well?

Frozze, one last but VERY IMPORTANT detail is... can you post a photo of your RCD510? Not all RCD510's got the video input at the back. The Bosch one does.

See my old post here: VWVortex.com - Vw Jetta Backup Camera

VW has contracted various electronic makers to build them RCD510's. They've got subtle differences and only half of them have got the video input at the back. Last thing you'd want is spend $$$ and find out your radio doesn't have the input!

[ziggyboy]

Yes I've got a Bosch model too. Make sure all 6 buttons are identical to that photo including the FM/AM/(diamond icon) on the left.

I had it done in Redfern (Sydney). Forgot the name of the place but they specialise in VAG cars. I think it was around $300 too. I personally wouldn't suggest them though. The boss was pretty reassuring they've done it before, only to be told by the auto-electrician that he's done it only for a Golf and a different radio and he wasn't 100% sure what the coding was for the RCD510.

I personally find them more useful than sensors. I drive my sister's car (not a VW) with sensors and find that having a camera actually shows you what's back there.

[frozze]

Thanks mate.. You've potentially saved me from a world of pain! I'll have a look at the RCD510 later to make sure all the buttons are indeed indentical.

I guess $300-350 is the standard rate for installation.. I heard it's a 3-4 hour job..

I have OPS in my car now but I can see how the camera benefit in a different situation.. I have my windows tinted and it can be a bit tricky at night sometimes.

Yes I've got a Bosch model too. Make sure all 6 buttons are identical to that photo including the FM/AM/(diamond icon) on the left.

I had it done in Redfern (Sydney). Forgot the name of the place but they specialise in VAG cars. I think it was around $300 too. I personally wouldn't suggest them though. The boss was pretty reassuring they've done it before, only to be told by the auto-electrician that he's done it only for a Golf and a different radio and he wasn't 100% sure what the coding was for the RCD510.

I personally find them more useful than sensors. I drive my sister's car (not a VW) with sensors and find that having a camera actually shows you what's back there.