Disable Automatic Sideview Cameras?

afrank1971 · 08-02-2008, 03:48 AM

Anybody ever figure out, or has anybody tried, to disable the automatic switch to the sideview camera when the turn signal is activated? I run with the split screen with the main view on the rear camera and the two insets from the sideviews. This is all I need, I can see the sides using the mirros of course, but also find the small insets helpful. Best part about this is that the rearview lets me see when I've cleared traffic and can merge over. Trouble is, when I turn on my signal, it all goes away, I'm left starring down the side of the coach and can't tell for sure when I've cleared the traffic. So, don't want to get rid of the sideviews, just don't want them to be controlled by the turn signal. If anyone has any tricks, let me know.
Thanks,
Alan

afrank1971 · 08-02-2008, 03:48 AM

Anybody ever figure out, or has anybody tried, to disable the automatic switch to the sideview camera when the turn signal is activated? I run with the split screen with the main view on the rear camera and the two insets from the sideviews. This is all I need, I can see the sides using the mirros of course, but also find the small insets helpful. Best part about this is that the rearview lets me see when I've cleared traffic and can merge over. Trouble is, when I turn on my signal, it all goes away, I'm left starring down the side of the coach and can't tell for sure when I've cleared the traffic. So, don't want to get rid of the sideviews, just don't want them to be controlled by the turn signal. If anyone has any tricks, let me know.
Thanks,
Alan

Lug_Nut · 08-02-2008, 03:57 AM

Alan, While I'm sure it can be done, there may be a better answer, albeit at a price. Add an additional LCD screen so the rear view is uninterupted. I had this done by Newmar as part of the build and many others, like Rebelsbeach, added this option after. It really is not that expensive to do.

Peter

afrank1971 · 08-02-2008, 04:05 AM

That isn't such a bad idea. Just pick up an LCD to mount on the dash, and then I assume a Y can be purchased to split the rear camera feed and send it to two screens?

Jim_L · 08-02-2008, 06:43 AM

I was able to put a switch on each side view cameras allowing me to turn on or off when desired. I found that when towing, I wanted to use the rear view only.

Your camera manual should indicate which wires activate the side cameras. Those wires are going to the turn signal switch and activate the side camera. If you install the switches between the monitor and the turn signal, it disables/enables the activation when the turn signal is used. My coach had two blanks in the switch panel under the radio. I purchased two switches from Newmar, installed the switch for each side camera and the switch will then press into the original hole. Very little labor and approximately $25.

afrank1971 · 08-02-2008, 08:09 AM

Nice, thanks Jim, I'll have to dig out my manual and look into that. I'm pretty sure I have some empty switch slots as well. One question though, putting this switch in disables the automatic take over of the monitor only, or disable the sideview altogether?
Thanks,
Alan

Jim_L · 08-02-2008, 08:44 AM

Alan:
Not sure I understand your question but can assure you that when the switch is on, the specific side camera is just like the factory and when off, the specific camera does not show up on the monitor when the turn signal is used. I believe that all other functions work as designed. All the switch does is disables the turn signal activation. Hopefully that addresses your question.

afrank1971 · 08-02-2008, 10:42 AM

I think that answers my question, I'll have to hook it up and check it out. Thanks!

Dav5942 · 08-02-2008, 12:21 PM

Also would like to disable them when the turn signal is on-have thougt about it for a while but I guess its time to go thru the schematics for the system and/or give the vender a call.

A second display(already have too many displays) or a on/off switch would not be a vaible option IMHO.

Just checked the manual, on the newer models you can disable the side camera to turn signal triggers(thru software) on mine you cannot. Will try tomorrow to unplug the turnsignal triggers.

RVDude · 08-04-2008, 06:29 AM

The second video display Newmar uses is made by "Voyager." It has an AV1 and an AV2 input. I added a y in the video cable to feed AV2 directly from the bup camera. Hence, In AV1 mode I get the standard auto switching and in AV2 mode I get only bup. Best of both worlds.

If you also wire in the AVIC video display, you will get significant video degradation and the bup cam will often go into sleep mode (at nighttime low signal levels) thus blanking the display entirely. So it seems 2 video taps is all she can handle w/o a video amp.

Nathan Focht · 08-04-2008, 09:45 AM

The camera system is very simple. You have 4 video input cables and 4 power input wires. The wire "listens" for power and when detected it gives that camera the priority display. There is also a setting to decide which is more important (default is reverse).

To disable this feature or make it a switch like above is easy. Look at the back and diconnect the associated feed wire for the input. Or, put a switch to break the feed on command. This should be a simple task if you can see the harness coming out of the monitor. On my Allstar it is directly above the gas pedal and marked on each wire.

Jim_L · 08-04-2008, 11:15 AM

Nathan is correct. I put the switches on the 2 power inputs for each of the side cameras breaking the power when the turn signal is used. These were the two wires coming from the turn signals to the camera. They were found just above the accelerator pedal and were easily wired to the two switches. Cut the wire, add a little extension wire to reach the switch pannel and attach them to the switch. The switches allow turning on the side camera immediately if needed merely by flipping the switch on.

Dav5942 · 08-04-2008, 11:25 AM

Not quite that simple if you do not want to use a switch.

It appears the turn signal override is activated by the trigger leads, however the owners manual trigger lead colors do not match the colors we have. Am working with ASA(Voyager) to determine the correct leads which we should be able to disable and still have side cameras(but not coming on when turning).

The newer models having a software switch to make the turn signal override optional(turning it off). The software is in the menu under advanced-triggers.