Backup camera part #

This is the same port CoastalTech's been using for the DVD in, etc. The port is no secret, but how it works could be.

The trick is to get the cam to turn on while in reverse - is the logic already there, or is it wired somehow to the reverse lights?

Also I didn't catch whether the harness is already there in the trunk area or not...

Given that I built the EVb harness, the other shouldn't be too hard if we can get the connectors

 

Really? On mine, there's a blue 8 pin plug that was empty - or so I thought - I'll check on mine.

 

In mine the empty blue plug is the one on the far left (as in viewing the diagram). There are, indeed, wires coming from the indicated plug in the diagram...I bet the harness is there....

BTW, I see the little plug that comes out to install the camera, seems like it should be easy to get that inside panel off of the hatch for installing the camera...esp. if the harness is already there to plug it into.

Gotta find out how much it would cost to get one of those shipped over if we can't get them in the US. I may run by the Toyota Dealer tomorrow and see what they can do.

Danny, any chance ToyotaParts.com would be interested in getting these, or even PriusXM.com with a DVD of the install for a modest profit?

 

ToyotaPartsStore.com has been very receptive in my phone calls to them about finding certain parts and ordering them, then passing along a discount to PriusChat users. We're finalizing their Sponsorship agreement hopefully by the end of the week.

And I'm sure that Jon would be able to put together a nice installation video once he gets his hands on one to install.

 

Unless you've had a chance to see just exactly how good that camera looks at night I can see how it would be difficult to understand. But, to answer your question "normal backup lights are not enough" the answer is, in many cases, NO.

Dave's camera is in beautiful color in the day and bright light. At night it uses a circular array of very bright LEDs plus the camera automatically switches to a 'night vision' black and white that renders great detail even in very dim light. I've had to, on many occasions, back down narrow alleys or country roads or driveways at night, the dim reverse lights often make that pretty difficult. Sure, for backing out of the usual parking spot the regular lights are fine, but then so is turning your head and looking out the back window. If you're going to spend the $$ for a backup camera you may as well get one that will truely be useful when you most need it.

RE: the appearance issue...I do agree with you there. If forced to choose between great detail and night vision and sleek install, I'd probably opt for sleek install. But Dave's camera is sweet.

BTW, did anyone have the part number for that $212 camera alone--and I didn't really understand the post about it whether it was felt that it would work or not in the Prius.

 

I do have a feeling that these newer cams will be better for night time than prior models may have been. I was in my friend's MDX 2 weeks ago and saw his camera in action, and was amazed at how well it did at night using just the rear backup lights for lighting. Remember that the 04 has a totally different lighting system from the Classic and that it appears as if there is an OEM camera made for it.