skynet

This looks like something that might work.

http://www.tadibrothers.com/Catalog/...-Camera-System

Looks like it converts video signal to somethiing that the 997.2 (or other models) can accept.

Anyone tried it?

Minok

Very interesting. Provides two composite video inputs (which means the resolution of course is limited to composite - which is around 480i resolution. Likely good enough for the small PCM screen and application. Modulation/demodulation loss of the RGB->composite->RGB adds some signal noise and color issues, but nothing that should impact its use as a backup camera.

I'd love to see the installation manual.. from the way they describe it it must fit between the feed from the nav system to the PCM so that it overrides the PCM display signal from the NAV map to the back up camera when reverse is selected.

It would be worth a try once I've got time to test install and give it a go in the 30 day money-back space they give you (I still need to complete the Escort install I started last spring).

The plate frame camera mount.. thats the only big issue I have with it. I'd want a solution that didn't mount to the plate frame. Preferably one that integrates with the plate illumination so that a minimal mount of stuff obscures the plate frame. Ideally mounted IN the bumper cover like the backup ultrasonic sensors.

911searcher

Cool.
Looks great.

It's $719 for a 997.

Anyone try it ?

sidwin

more like $800 once u add the camera.... wow that's a lot for a backup camera but i guess to keep the stock look....

911searcher

What are options if you don't keep the stock look ?

My 997 doesn't have GPS nav.
I am thinking about putting in something that would:
- be a radio
- be a GPS navigation
- backup camera (optional).
- work with my Smartphone.

Any suggestions ?

sidwin

the aftermarket radios i like pioneer seems to be best bang for the buck. it's that module you need to be able to keep your bose that is outrageous... $600 for that thing alone plus the kit. The radio will seem cheap after paying for that thing. Most pioneer systems you can get for $350 nav is extra $250, camera is $50. So when it is all said and done you'll be easily $1300 in the install and that's if you do the work yourself.

I guess the flip side would be get dension, tooki and this stuff and you'll be right back $2500

Psymon

I recently purchased one of these for fun since they are so cheap. Besides from being extremely easy to install (I tapped the power from the wiring for the V1), it actually works really well:
- auto start / stop recording with switched power
- auto delete the oldest file
- auto switch to rear cam on the screen when in reverse (tap to the reverse light), but I have NOT wired this up yet).

What I don't like:
- the mirror quality is not great
- I still can't decide if having a separate suction mount dash cam or this mirror would look worse.

For parking purpose, you need to consider how wide the camera is and where to mount it. And of course this will defeat the purpose of the auto-dim mirror if your car already has the option.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_no...ash+cam+mirror

911searcher

What kit is that ?
And why is it needed ?

henkinc

I checked into this with an extremely knowledgeable installer. He did not mention to me the provider of the pieces and parts, but with labor and his best choice of camera (good color, lines for parking) it came to $1500. Plus I lose the car for a day - plus I suspect the field of view would be limited since the thing goes around the license plate. And we have the bumperettes on the sides of the plate.
The installer took pains to say they would be careful to thread the wires in a fashion that would not mar the appearance of the carpeting or other interior bits. Hence 4-5 hours labor. But the bits were $1300 so labor was a modest element.
You have to have the NAV screen. The unit would be activated through the AUX input in the sound system. Not clear to me if you would lose the MP3 function that AUX provides or whether it would just be overridden temporarily by the switch device when in reverse.

The dealer friend who referred me to this installer says you still have to turn around when backing up. My Acura has 4 cameras in the rear bumper and it offers a full panorama. So I am on the fence about this for the 997.

Anyone done this?
Charlie

kurtv

you can get a Garmin GPS with a 7" screen and backup camera. You can get a nice mount from Proclip. Good option if you don't have navigation.

alexaqui

I believe this is what I have installed on my 4S. I can double check as the dealer installed it for the previous owner ($1400.. ouch!). The quality of the image is super and much clearer than the factory backup camera image on my 2013 Cayenne. It does override the screen once the car is in reverse. The standard park sensors are still functional.

That being said, it appears to be causing some issues with my PCM unit. For example, the volume control will randomly unmute itself. This happens all the time. I noticed this before I purchased this car and the dealer tried to resolve it before the deal closed. They tried doing everything short of replacing the entire unit, which they said they could do under warranty once I owned the car. The workaround to this problem is to put the sound in "Aux" mode so nothing is playing once the volume unmutes itself. I never bothered to have them fix it since the workaround is fine for me.

Overall, I love having the camera despite some of the strange issues. I wouldn't pay $1400 though for it!

Minok

I've had gremlins like the audio unmuting itself on my car - and don't have a backup camera or any mods to the cars internal electronics - its all still factory. So your unmuting problem could well be unrelated to the camera system.

I'm puzzled whey its AUX tied in - I would think you just need the VIDEO in, unless the aux-in is what selects the video inputs (do cars in parts of the world that have video playback on the PCM have the option for AUX audio input?)

henkinc

So I called these guys at 866 966 5550 and they say:
1. The control unit is plugged into the radio system, so you have to pull out your radio to get back there. $570 for the control unit. I can readily pull out my 993 radio, but maybe not so easy for the 997.2 with touch screen. Guess there is a DIY for this removal? Best left to installers?
2. There is a small "factory style" camera which does not mount to the license plate if one desires this feature. Where the heck does this mount?? On the bumperette? It is 120 degree view device and costs $150. Expensive for a 120 degree cam. The salesman said the pix one of you guys showed is not the one they offer as "factory style" for the 997. He said it would be clear when you open the box it comes in where it goes...(hah!)
3. You can buy a 2.5 Mhz RF Tx/Rx wireless connection that obviates the need for stringing wire through the car. It "knows" when to activate by means of a connection to one of the rear backup lights. This is $30.
All this comes to $750 (list - maybe discounts??) plus the promise of minimal installation due to the RF feature. NOT BAD!

http://www.tadibrothers.com/Catalog/...-Camera-System


Anyone tried it?
Charlie

Minok

RF transmission is must a bad idea; avoid if possible. Run a wire... its not that hard and avoids the host of other problems you would have with an RF video transmission.

I'm curious though - why the hell don't they have the components and how it looks available on their website? How hard is it to provide some pictures of what is in the box and where it goes?

henkinc

I agree - can't be that hard, albeit they would have to do this for so many cars it would be a burden. TADI is by no means a Porsche-only supplier.
Anyway, this is why I teed this up - to see if we have real world experience among 997 owners.