backup camera

I would try to talk to your local dealership and see what they have to offer. Since it is a dealer, their price can be very very expensive. I think there is a Prius Forum sponsor here that do sell aftermarket backup camera.

 

I installed a backup camera on my 05 with NAV.


I used two things...

- The integration module - the "Ultimate Camera Lockpick" module from Coastal Electronic - CAMERA LOCKPICK
- The camera itself - from ebay - CCD LICENSE PLATE IR WIDE ANGLE REAR VIEW BACKUP CAMERA - eBay (item 260354455914 end time Dec-25-09 14:01:23 PST)

The module install was pretty easy actually. I've done installation of car stereos in my past, so I wasn't green to the process. The lockpick module comes with detailed instructions on how to install it...literally "plug and play", once the dash is removed. The most "disturbing" thing was how quickly I had the dash of the Prius completely removed...all of it in about 15 minutes!

The camera took the longest time to install due to the routing of the cable from the back of the car to the front. The install is, if I may say so, quite nice. Everything hidden and the only thing you notice is the camera. One bad thing I realized after installing the camera is that it is difficult (not impossible) to open the rear hatch. The camera leaves very little clearance to access the hatch pad/handle. Like I said, it's harder not impossible to open.

The lockpick module, when placed into reverse, will automatically switch the nav/mfd screen to the external video input, which is currently connected to the camera, which is tapped into reverse tail light for power.

As a side note, the lockpick module allows the external video connection to be viewed at any time. The lockpick module also has stereo inputs to be used with the video input. So, I plan to use the lockpick av input connected to a manual AV switcher located in the center console and hook the camera and my ipod touch to it. Most of the time, the AV switch will be on the camera input. however, i can use my ipod to watch/listen to content on the nav screen. nonetheless, i don't have to use a cassette adapter for my ipod anymore!

hope this help.

 

Hi Mando,
did you manage to install the switch? What kind of switch did you use? I plan to do something similar, see here: http://priuschat.com/forums/gen-ii-prius-audio-electronics/72938-alarm-video-mods.html
Thanks!

 

the switch is the easiest part of the install and the cheapest!

here is the one I got...with the ghetto turn knob...but it works!

4 Group AV Audio Video S-VIDEO Selector Switch & Cable - eBay (item 230401508932 end time Dec-18-09 19:29:44 PST)

Hope this helps.

also, I added the Coastal EV module as well. THAT was easy Still trying to figure out when to engage it though.

 

Has anyone heard of Emerald Integrations? I was just chatting on their livechat with alex and they informed me that it would only cost $194 for the backup camera kit and that a best buy could install it for cheap. I want want to make sure someone on here has heard of these guys or has experience with them before I place the order.

 

Note for anyone searching this topic:

Type A is the hi-res MFD used on 2006-2009 Gen 2 with backup camera or bluetooth. Type B is the low-res version used on 2004-2005 and 2006-2009 base models and does not have standard video input for a camera, but you may be able to use lockpick1. If you have a Type A, you may be able to add the backup camera