Replacing the Double DIN Japanese Stereo

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#2504824 15-Jun-2020 10:41

Thought I'd reply with a few thoughts around this...

The 2007? onwards MPV was the last body variant of this model, and doesn't look to have been sold outside of Japan, so there's not much info on it. Most sites don't even acknowledge that it exists.

It's really good though, and ideal for longer journeys with the kids. The 2nd row chairs, especially if you have the captains version with the extending leg rests, are essentially front seats again, so very wide and comfortable.

The included ceiling monitor is a bit larger than the earlier models, but is still fed by only composite (yellow RCA) video signal, so the quality is acceptable but average. Watch for head units that only output an external video signal in DVD mode (WT AF?!) as whilst you can play a video file on the headunit, it won't output to the overhead monitor.

We are also going through a different line of thought here, in that I'm sick of driving with movies blasting in the car for the kids in the back. We would normally put them on and then take the headunit back to the homescreen so it's not playing/distracting the driver on the front head unit. Some movie files in surround sound require the front speakers to produce the centre audio track, so you can't fade those soundtracks to the rear speakers.

We're actually leaning towards a separate video/media player to feed the ceiling monitor and connect to this via 2x Bluetooth headphones. I just tried connecting to our android head unit this morning with Bluetooth headphones, and whilst they connected fine, no audio came out of them sadly. Lends more weight to a separate media player to be honest, as I don't think many car head units will be intended to feed their audio to wireless headphones.

The included body cameras are 6V, so a bit unusual. My headunit was installed by others before we got the car, and they didn't bother to integrate the existing body cameras. The rear camera points very downwards, so better for parking close to a wall, but not so good for seeing what's further back. It also has Japanese warning signs across the top that impact this issue even further. The resolution is almost crap, and frankly despite getting it working on an android replacement stereo, I'm considering replacing the whole camera with a different one.

The wing mirror camera is very cool, and is 6V as well. I wasn't able to get the existing camera switching unit going, so could have either the rear camera or the side camera going and I obviously chose the reversing camera for now. Unless you get an external box to do the switching, the best config I've seen is to feed this signal into a headunit that has a line in as well as a reversing camera input. When you are parking in a place that requires the side camera you go to the Aux in and show the camera, and this will be overridden by the reversing camera when you are in reverse.

I was very pssd off that I couldn't get the dash camera switch button to work with the Android head unit. The headunit was put in by others, so I can't be certain they haven't damaged the camera unit, but essentially the camera unit will be in most MPV cars with two cameras, and ideally should switch between the 2 or more 6V cameras. I've ended up still using it, but with just the one reversing camera output ever coming through.

The button doesn't switch the cameras on this unit, and that's annoyed me immensely. I've tested the button to confirm it's actually working etc, poured over the low res circuit diagrams above with google translate, searched the net and can't work out why it's not working. I think third party camera video source management might be a better idea here anyway to be honest.

Longer term I'll replace the head unit with a new one, replace the rear camera with a standard 12V camera with a better angle and now writing overlay, and feed the side camera with a 12V - 6V transformer I've already got from Aliexpress. I'll then remove/bypass the inbuilt camera switch unit altogether and probably feed in like above. Would prefer to avoid powering the cameras full time, but not sure what to do with the side mirror one, as no point just powering that only when in reverse.

The Android head unit that's in the car is an Aliexpress special and running some alternate firmware, so possibly that's impacting on the behaviour, but the lack of video file output to the top monitor really sucks. Not much is coming out of China now during the Coronavirus period and lack of shipping options. There's never enough info on those products anyway, so it's always a gamble as to whether a replacement would work or not. That said though, the Android units are very well progressed now, and it's hard to look at say a modern sony here with a resistive touchscreen for hundreds of dollars and compare it to what you can get from a china box nowadays with a decent touchscreen.

Steering wheel controls seem to integrate nicely. That was done by the previous installer, and when I did this on the last MPV style they were a nice basic resistive change when you pressed the buttons style, rather than being a comms bus protocol style, so I would think most modern head units should be able to work with these easily, without the need for an intermediate interface.

Anyhow, just a few ideas there...

Vdog5

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Wannabe Geek

#2505499 15-Jun-2020 22:22

From what I remember when looking into the factory camera switcher, the buttons on the steering wheel connected straight to the switcher and not the headunit directly and I suspect that is why you had no luck in getting the radio to switch. The other issue you may have faced is (even if cables fed directly via resisitve wire pairs) would be to program the radio to know what function to perform when the button is pressed. From most the radios I have seen they usually have volume, track, menu options etc but I don't think many would have a cam to vid switch option?

I've used this aftermarket switcher on many MPV's and Cx7's with the 2/3 factory camera variants.

https://www.crazysystems.co.nz/index.php?route=product/product&keyword=3%20camera%20sw&product_id=291

The unit is pretty easy to use and it sounds like you have already identified the different camera cables which makes it very easy. The unit has 3 camera inputs and one camera output. It also has a reverse trigger wire input (which turns the unit on automatically when in reverse) and also has a 12v output which only turns on when the unit is trigged. I connected the power output from this unit to the radios reverse trigger input (so the radio goes into camera mode when either of the below 3 functions is engaged)

The kit is engaged in 3 ways.

Automatically turns on when in Reverse and displays main camera via its output
When reverse is disengaged, it then displays the other camera inputs for a set amount of time (10 seconds)
Whilst driving, you can press the camera switcher button and this will turn on the second and third cameras

Jaxson

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#2505699 16-Jun-2020 12:16

The button in my case connected directly to the switching unit, it's shown in the diagrams above, so no issue on that front. Just doesn't switch.
It was not a wheel button in my case, but a dedicated button on the dash, so not something that can be mapped to the steering wheel config on a head unit.

See post here

That switcher looks good, thanks for the link.

Jaxson

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#2506564 17-Jun-2020 13:08

Vdog5:

I've used this aftermarket switcher on many MPV's and Cx7's with the 2/3 factory camera variants.

https://www.crazysystems.co.nz/index.php?route=product/product&keyword=3%20camera%20sw&product_id=291

The unit is pretty easy to use and it sounds like you have already identified the different camera cables which makes it very easy. The unit has 3 camera inputs and one camera output. It also has a reverse trigger wire input (which turns the unit on automatically when in reverse) and also has a 12v output which only turns on when the unit is trigged. I connected the power output from this unit to the radios reverse trigger input (so the radio goes into camera mode when either of the below 3 functions is engaged)

The kit is engaged in 3 ways.

Automatically turns on when in Reverse and displays main camera via its output
When reverse is disengaged, it then displays the other camera inputs for a set amount of time (10 seconds)
Whilst driving, you can press the camera switcher button and this will turn on the second and third cameras

Is this unit able to power a camera as well? I'd prefer to only turn on the side camera when it's actually needed.
Possibly the output of the camera switcher (fed to head unit reverse signal) could also power the side mirror camera?

Currently I turn the rear camera on only when the car is in reverse for example, and it starts up quickly enough to work fine. At all other times it's off.

Vdog5

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#2506987 17-Jun-2020 21:51

Yes it is. As you identified you can use the same output which I fed to the radio, but as you have 6v cameras you would just need to use a step down adapter to ensure the correct voltage gets fed into the cameras. Easy enough to split the output lead (1 to radio as 12v, 1 via step down to camera)

I've used it before to power both the side and the rear cameras along with feeding the radio trigger. Power source was stable enough to handle all 3 connections.

Jaxson

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#2610946 26-Nov-2020 09:22

Hi,

Just wanted to add another piece to this story for future readers.
Earlier in the year I purchased and installed one of the VD03 camera switcher units, and it's been installed for several months now with no issues.
Got my one from https://www.qualitycaraudio.co.nz/vd03-s-3-channel-camera-video-control-module-with-easy-payments-1550

Have included some photos of the concept below, but this used the cables coming from the side mirror camera directly, without the need for an intermediate box.
The factory cameras are 6V, so I used 12v as the reverse trigger/feed to head unit and to power the switching box itself, but a step down transformer to power the side camera itself.
In my case I was using the original factory box that handles the 6V feed to the rear camera, so just left that working as is.

This whole setup completed what I believe the components I had should have been able to do, but that factory switching dash button didn't switch anything.
(Joys of inheriting an install by others that chopped and changed things I guess.)

The VD03 unit introduces it's own dash button, which allows you to display the rear camera at any stage by pressing it.
If you press and hold that same button, it will switch to the side camera.
When you are actually in reverse, you can't switch to the side camera, but it displays the side camera as soon as you exit reverse (mimics parallel parking requirements really - back then side).

Eventually the camera times out (and there are a small set of timer length options).

Thanks to @Danz69 and @Vdog5 for their input with this. The final setup for me retains steering wheel controls into Android head unit, plus all camera integrations.

Only thing missing is the chipset on the Android head unit only outputs RCA when playing physical DVDs and not video files on usb etc, so the ceiling overhead display screen isn't being used much.
Have purchased a usb powered basic retro games box with AV output, and plan to feed that with this instead. That's another story though.

Fred99

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#2617731 7-Dec-2020 18:49

I installed a JVC head unit to replace the factory Bose system in our ancient ('98) MX5. This was a nasty job, Bose used 0.5 ohm speakers because (tech reasons) in the day that was an easy way to get loud. They are rubbish. The head unit has a separate 2 x 50W amp mounted in a nasty position under the heater / AC controls. I could have left it there, but wanted it out. OEM door speakers have an 8 inch woofer and 4 ohm tweeter. I bought Sony 6 1/2 inch woofers, had to cut marine ply baffles, pulled the Bose speakers apart to re-use the frame as a mount, ripped the Bose tweeters out and managed to get the Sony ones to fit. The standard Mazda loom doesn't work, the Bose headunit has line level outputs to the amp, so I had to modify the fitting kit. Anyway - it sounds good - much better than the Bose system even before the fault-prone speakers started dying. Plenty loud too. better than I expected from smaller speakers.
Have to sort out the park brake switch sensor to get Android Auto working. I think I have to get the passenger seat out to get to the switch, unless I can splice in to the loom under the centre console.

While I really like the car, working on it is a PITA. I replaced the clutch last week - there's just no room to work. Similar with cam belt, straight-forward but hard to get to the stuff you need to get to. Because it's a convertible, there's a steel tube frame under the dashboard, bracing the body and supporting the windscreen etc. That really gets in the way of things.

AliExpress

Shop now on AliExpress (affiliate link).

phrozenpenguin

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#2617847 7-Dec-2020 22:44

You should be able to wire up a button or other system instead of the park brake - might be easier than your current option.

Jaxson

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#2617908 8-Dec-2020 08:57

phrozenpenguin:

You should be able to wire up a button or other system instead of the park brake - might be easier than your current option.

Yeah from memory park brakes simply ground that wire in the head unit, so you can just do the same and make it appear to be permanently in park.

Sometimes the head unit has a setting to override this also, on the software side.

Honestly can't recall ever actually connecting the park brake system to the park brake on any install I've ever done 😂

Nice write up, had some unique challenges with that car then it seems. Well done.

Fred99

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#2618015 8-Dec-2020 11:11

Jaxson:

phrozenpenguin:

You should be able to wire up a button or other system instead of the park brake - might be easier than your current option.

Yeah from memory park brakes simply ground that wire in the head unit, so you can just do the same and make it appear to be permanently in park.

Sometimes the head unit has a setting to override this also, on the software side.

Honestly can't recall ever actually connecting the park brake system to the park brake on any install I've ever done 😂

Nice write up, had some unique challenges with that car then it seems. Well done.

I earthed the wire and Android Auto is working fine. Seems with some head units there's more to it than just grounding. I guess perhaps the head unit senses voltage on the open brake switch, then ground when the handbrake is on. This issue seems to be reported with Sony units where grounding doesn't work. Apparently there are devices available on Amazon to bypass wiring it up to the switch. JVC/Kenwood - no problems. The USB 5V on the JVC head unit is 1.5 amp - so won't "fast charge". OTOH that's a step better than the USB port on the OEM Clarion head unit in my Isuzu, it charges "slowly" - so slowly that if using the phone (Pixel 3) it can't keep up.
Head unit I installed was JVC KW M745DBT. Seems pretty good. On sale at Repco at the moment ($200 off). I don't like the radio interface much. The volume control is two soft buttons on the left of the screen. You can use gestures on screen (swirl clockwise or anticlockwise to increase/decrease volume), but of course that doesn't work when Android Auto has control. No steering wheel controls on the old MX5. At least the screen where it's mounted is within finger distance on the gear knob. Screen is a bit hard to see with the soft top down, it's pretty glossy and doesn't seem to have an effective anti-reflective coating.

Jaxson

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#2618048 8-Dec-2020 12:06

Fred99:

Pretty chilled

deadlyllama

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#2645337 1-Feb-2021 16:20

Did you ever work out the pinout on that green connector? My "new" 2005 MPV has a similar connector; someone replaced the factory stereo with a single DIN no-screen model, and I'd like to put a screen in.

Mine has green and (yellow?) wires as well as the video signal - will 6V across that activate the camera?

Danz69: hi the voltage is 5v to the switch

Green plug with video output to head unit (white wire signal positive)

deadlyllama

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#2648452 5-Feb-2021 21:38

deadlyllama:

Did you ever work out the pinout on that green connector? My "new" 2005 MPV has a similar connector; someone replaced the factory stereo with a single DIN no-screen model, and I'd like to put a screen in.

Mine has green and (yellow?) wires as well as the video signal - will 6V across that activate the camera?

Solving my own problem - and maybe someone else's in the future:

Video connector - Green is ground, yellow is 6V. White and black are video (white positive).

On the radio connector (diagram from jimbob79's post):

"Nav Reverse" goes to 12V when the car is in reverse. To power the camera - the camera uses 120-140mA so I might be able to get by with a 47 ohm resistor in series with the camera, to drop the voltage (dissipating 0.8W) or I can use a DC-DC converter.

Pins 15 and 16 appear to be connected to resistive controls on the steering wheel.

My rubbish android head unit reboots when you turn the engine on so I may end up with some extra circuitry to avoid this (MCU and relays?). And I'm planning to attach a front camera and a switcher and this may all get messy - my car skills are limited.

stoffel

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#2656397 14-Feb-2021 21:33

Thought I'd ask here rather than starting a new thread..

My mother has just bought an imported Nissan Note E-Power Hybrid. One of the cool features of the car is its 360 degree birds eye view that uses cameras on either side of the car to display a stitched-together image on the stereo making it easier to park the car in tight spaces.

However, the stereo is in Japanese and I'd like to replace it with an English one. Is it possible to keep the 360 display when doing so or will I be stuck with just a reverse camera view? If anyone knows of an installer in Auckland who could help with this I'd appreciate any leads.

Jaxson

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#2656425 15-Feb-2021 04:59

stoffel:

Thought I'd ask here rather than starting a new thread..

My mother has just bought an imported Nissan Note E-Power Hybrid. One of the cool features of the car is its 360 degree birds eye view that uses cameras on either side of the car to display a stitched-together image on the stereo making it easier to park the car in tight spaces.

However, the stereo is in Japanese and I'd like to replace it with an English one. Is it possible to keep the 360 display when doing so or will I be stuck with just a reverse camera view? If anyone knows of an installer in Auckland who could help with this I'd appreciate any leads.

You might be able to use it as a video feed into a new head unit, just depends what’s going on behind the scenes.

I would start a new thread though as this one is very MPV hardware specific.

EDIT:

Adding to this, I've noticed many of these systems all look the same, so I suspect it's just a generic box producing this image instead of a standard reversing cam.

Various car companies sell variations of this too, with things like 'panoramic rear view camera' etc where it's just using the spill parts of the side cameras to give a bit of wider view.

Concept wise it's pretty simple, the sort of warped lens corrections that gopro have been doing for years, especially with their 360 camera lines too.

So, hopefully there will be a box somewhere in the car that the 4x cameras all plug into and then this is fed to the head unit.

On a good day, this will be available to plug into a new unit and triggered to fire when you are in reverse.

Assuming the cameras are 12V, there's also another option that you could recreate this yourself afterwards, would be a pretty cool little project.

You could source something similar from Aliexpress for example:

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/4000294715957.html

https://www.aliexpress.com/item/32996244527.html

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