To the electrical wizards: Is there any reason why I can't use a switch to power on the rev light cam at will? I'm installing a cam soon, and would like to be able to ALSO turn it on while NOT in reverse....occasionally. Basically, I'm preparing for winter driving

I'd like to do it without the rev lights coming on with the switch, just the camera, when switched. I'm thinking a diode in the rev wire,at the cam, with the switchable power line downstream? should work, right?

 

instead of using the reverse light wire as the switch just use a regular switch. Hook it up to just about any power source. Cig lighter if you only want to use it with the engine on, or the hot dc outlet.

Just my 2 cents

 

you're confused....I want it to function as normal, with the rev switch wire, BUT, want to be able to also turn it on at will, without being in reverse.

The switchable wire will be run seperate. But, I want to power the cam, without also lighting the b/u lights.........when using the switch

 

Use a two position switch -- I think they are called SPDT switches.

The first connector connects to your backup light feed.
The second connector (common) connects to the positive side of your Cam power.
The third connector connects to +12v (probably better if switched unless you want to run the camera when the vehicle is turned off).

Please note that the order of the connectors on the switch you purchase may vary, so follow the instructions.

If the switch is in Position 1, the camera is powered by the backup light feed.
If the switch is in Position 2, it is powered by the +12v lead.

--Sky

 

But then, the rev lights would be powered by the switch's 12v source, rather than the rev switch........no? I want the rev light wiring to function as normal.

 

Nope... the way those switches work is that neither of the 'outside' connectors ever see each other, so when the camera is connected to the +12v leg, the Back-up lights leg is completely disconnected (terminated in the switch) and vice versa.

What you are thinking of is a SPST switch that only has an On & Off position.

I tried to do ASCII Art to make a simple diagram, but for some reason extra spaces are stripped by the forum -- Mods, can you help me out here so I can draw a simple diagram?

--Sky

 

I have a diagram somewhere for reverse lights, no reason you couldn't just use the 12v hot for a reverse camera. Lemme look around.

 

Thanks guys, I'll print this out, and try it.

Don

 

Yep, this is the quickest way, works fine for aux back up lights.

 

A little off topic question...I take it this is an aftermarket back-up camera or from a Grand Cherokee MyGig because if it is an optional feature I want one.