- Joined
- 7 November 2012
- Messages
- 99
It's official. I've successfully installed a backup camera transmitted to the iPhone over wifi, with a floating console mounting solution and Grom streaming bluetooth audio + hands-free integrated into the stock stereo controls. If you want a backup camera traditionally you'll need to modify your console with a double DIN in-dash player. Mmmm Procar CF double-DIN console is perfect but I dare you to see how much it costs. Cut, sand, bondo the stock console could work but it would probably look ghetto if I did it. Get a nice in-dash unit and now the Bose HU is gone...have to upgrade the speakers, enclosures, amps...now I'm entering an SPL contest or something? But wait, I actually enjoy the stock stereo and don't want to hack the console in the first place. If I could find a way to integrate the iPhone into the dash I would harness the power of GPS, music, and calls. Here is my solution:
The iPhone is magnetically mounted and hovers over the console. It can be pivoted and swiveled in any orientation you desire. Select your music or accept a call with the OEM stereo controls.
Launch an app and the rear view camera springs into action. The camera has rear view, bird's eye view, and split screen all controlled by a 5 way switch mounted in the ashtray.
Close up of configurable guidance lines and LED lighting assistance.
The integrated backup LEDs are extremely bright.
Flipped to vertical
What holds it on?
When you are done simply remove the mount and stow it in the armrest. You are left with a 100% stock dash, no wires.
Pictures and details of the install:
The cassette slot was a perfect place to start. It sits right in the center of the console and wasn't being used. I found a magnetic swiveling mount that could be modified and adapted to a cassette tape.
Honey, the dinner table is set! Making the cassette mount
The finished modular mount. The magnet is very strong and has held up to hard canyon carving runs. There is an ultra slim magnetic square that is in the iPhone case that ensures a tight bond
For the wifi setup I was able to find a unique wifi transmitter that would work. This is not one of those "wireless" video systems that transmits a video signal to your HU. It is a device that creates a secure wifi network that your phone connects to, and tunnels into the video feed by launching an app. After initial setup this happens automatically when you get in the car just like when you walk into your home and your phone connects to the network. Bench testing the device.
But the camera supplied with the transmitter wouldn't do. I wanted a specific backup camera so it had to be a custom job. I had no idea if it would work, but I gave it a shot. The camera had to be slim and not eye catching, and I found just what I was looking for. Whoa, I didn't even know they made cameras with these features!
Even though the system is wifi I still had to run wires because the camera has its own control switch to toggle the options. I mounted the switch hidden in the ashtray, with no holes drilled or no permanent modifications.
Running the cables was fun. Said no one, ever.
Splicing the camera into the wifi unit. Note that usually cameras are wired to power, but this wifi device supplies the power to the camera and was made for a proprietary camera/harness. So things are a bit different and required some thinking.
Hooking up the Grom with Bluetooth streaming audio and handsfree. The microphone is mounted where the seat belt comes out of the pillar and is almost invisible.
Launch RFK Wifi from the home screen and video displays instantly.
All wires tucked, no holes drilled. Streaming music, voice guided GPS, hands free calls, rear view camera with removable magnetic dash mount. Done.
The iPhone is magnetically mounted and hovers over the console. It can be pivoted and swiveled in any orientation you desire. Select your music or accept a call with the OEM stereo controls.
Launch an app and the rear view camera springs into action. The camera has rear view, bird's eye view, and split screen all controlled by a 5 way switch mounted in the ashtray.
Close up of configurable guidance lines and LED lighting assistance.
The integrated backup LEDs are extremely bright.
Flipped to vertical
What holds it on?
When you are done simply remove the mount and stow it in the armrest. You are left with a 100% stock dash, no wires.
Pictures and details of the install:
The cassette slot was a perfect place to start. It sits right in the center of the console and wasn't being used. I found a magnetic swiveling mount that could be modified and adapted to a cassette tape.
Honey, the dinner table is set! Making the cassette mount
The finished modular mount. The magnet is very strong and has held up to hard canyon carving runs. There is an ultra slim magnetic square that is in the iPhone case that ensures a tight bond
For the wifi setup I was able to find a unique wifi transmitter that would work. This is not one of those "wireless" video systems that transmits a video signal to your HU. It is a device that creates a secure wifi network that your phone connects to, and tunnels into the video feed by launching an app. After initial setup this happens automatically when you get in the car just like when you walk into your home and your phone connects to the network. Bench testing the device.
But the camera supplied with the transmitter wouldn't do. I wanted a specific backup camera so it had to be a custom job. I had no idea if it would work, but I gave it a shot. The camera had to be slim and not eye catching, and I found just what I was looking for. Whoa, I didn't even know they made cameras with these features!
Even though the system is wifi I still had to run wires because the camera has its own control switch to toggle the options. I mounted the switch hidden in the ashtray, with no holes drilled or no permanent modifications.
Running the cables was fun. Said no one, ever.
Splicing the camera into the wifi unit. Note that usually cameras are wired to power, but this wifi device supplies the power to the camera and was made for a proprietary camera/harness. So things are a bit different and required some thinking.
Hooking up the Grom with Bluetooth streaming audio and handsfree. The microphone is mounted where the seat belt comes out of the pillar and is almost invisible.
Launch RFK Wifi from the home screen and video displays instantly.
All wires tucked, no holes drilled. Streaming music, voice guided GPS, hands free calls, rear view camera with removable magnetic dash mount. Done.
