Factory Touch Screen Navigation w/ Rear Entertianmen - finally modified.

[Jesse]

Thanks to all the users here in the forums and Jason at JPCustoms (a huge help). I have finally made all my modifications to my factory touch screen navigation with factory rear seat entertainment.

I am sure there are many other users that will be interested in what I did and how I did it.

Here is what I started with.
Factory Navigation with touch screen.
Factory Rear Seat entertainment that used FM modulation to get the audio to the main system.

Here is what I added and how it works.
1. Backup camera – automatically comes on the screen when the car is in reverse.
2. Two video inputs to the front screen – one is for rear camera the other is from either the dvd or the aux3 input on the rear entertainment system
3. Added audio input that says “RSE” (rear seat entertainment) on the factory navigation screen. The touch screen has the option to mute the front or the rear speakers.
4. Added a switch that can switch from the factory screens to the rear camera or rear video at any time.
5. Added Ipod control that displays song title and artist information on the touch screen. The steering wheel controls work and each of the presets on the factory touch screen represent each playlist on the Ipod. Audio is hard wired into the factory system. (I finally decided this was a much better option then adding a 6 disc cd changer)
6. Added bluetooth hands free system. The system auto-mutes for incoming calls and plays the phone call over the factory system – just like On-star would.

I did all this while maintaining all of my factory looks and functions!

List of parts….
http://www.hitchcam.com/hitchcam.htm - I bought just the hitch camera without the screens. The picture is awesome – it is automatically reversed on the screen. There is a quick disconnect incase you need to tow something. Includes a lock so it can’t be stolen. It was the best solution for me because my spare tire is installed on the outside. Bought this from JP Customs.

Pac-Audio VCI-GM2 - http://www.jpcustoms.com/store/customer/product.php?pro...16688&cat=771&page=1 – Bought this from JP Customs. This added two video inputs to the factory navigation screen and auto switches to the rear camera any time the truck is in reverse.

USA-Spec Aux Interface – this added one audio input (when I hit the CD button on my head unit) – the screen shows “RSE” http://www.usaspec.com/smart.htm

Metro Axxess Ipod Interface – GMIP-01. Added Ipod control and hookup to the system. Steering wheel controls work and screen displays song title and artist information. http://www.jpcustoms.com/store/customer/product.php?pro...16985&cat=733&page=1 . There are other units on the market but this was the only one I found that could display the song and artist information. Allows for 199 songs in each play list (others only allow 99).

Soundgate GMCELL – hands free adapter – harness for adding hands free phone system. http://www.soundgate.com/index.php?request=product.deta...yid=24&productid= 362

Soundgate GMACC – RAP ignition provider. This allows for my hands free device to keep getting power so long as the main system keeps getting power. (for when you turn off the car but the radio stays on).

Parrot Bluetooth hands free system - http://www.parrot.biz/products/index.php?id=ck3100. This is the only added on product that you can see (besides the camera). Basically allows me to make hands free phone calls so long as my cell phone is anywhere in the truck. Conversation is played over the sound system. Sound is automatically muted whenever the phone is in use.

I did most of the installation myself and had a local tech at an Al and Ed’s Autosound help me with some of the installation with the switches for the video and sound.

I will post some pictures of the hitchcam, the new screens on the nav, and other assorted stuff in the next few days.

[captainmike]

Jesse,
very nice set up. I wanted to try to do something similar. I want to add the back up camera, I want to watch rear DVD on front touch screen and rather than connect the ipod i wanted to connect audio from my IPAQ ( MP3 player) via 3.5mm plug.
I was trying to figure out if the RSE also gives you video from the rear DVD. IE on the head unit you swith the cd changer and both DVD and sound play on touchscreen. Or does it come from the second video input from the VCI-GM2?
Another question, you say that you have 3 video inputs on the 3 way switch in the console. Is that some other component? or is that switch connected between rear dvd, camera, and aux3 video? Where did aux3 video come from?

[Jesse]

Rear Camera

[Jesse]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by rocketw19:
jesse i like the way your back up camera looks! how do you like the view you get from the hitch? can you see enough or would placing it higher work better? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I considered 3 locations.

1. Up on top the H2Cam - this would replace the center light up on top. I decided against this because my spare tire would block the most important part of the view - what is right behind me.

2. A Frame cam - that would go on my license plate. I did not go with this because the light that shines down on the plate at night would interfere with the view. I considered on that went on the lower part of the plate - but I did not find any good quality cameras and I did not know how it would be theft proof. It is easy to remove that whole license plate bracket.

3. Hitch Cam - I went with this option because - it looks great. The quality of the camera is awesome. The camera can easily be removed. The draw back is that at this lower perspective it is hard to judge the distance of stuff - but at least you can see if anything is there. Also I guess when it comes to hook up a trailer - I will have to pull it out. I don't have a boat and it has been years since I had to tow anything. So for me the hitch cam was the best solution

[Jesse]

Rear Camera on screen

[MotorsportsAuthority aka Dragon]

well....... where's the pictures?

[Jesse]

Ipod On screen - notice it shows Album, Artist and Song Title!

[Jesse]

The screen shots may look grainy or like is some distortion coming through. This is just that it is very difficult to take a picture of the screen without getting that affect. I can assure you that all the screens are crystal clear. The dvd on the screen looks amazing.

[Jesse]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by JetEyeNite:
Jesse,
I meant to ask how did you connect the wires for the camera to the LCD screen. It looks like you connected the camera power from your trailer connector but how did you manage to add the switch to turn it on?
What about the video output from the camera to the LCD? Did you have to drill anything? Where is the entry point from the camera video cable to the inside?
thanks in advance... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>


Running the video cable was easy. If you look at your rear tail light - the wires that power it come from the outside. There is a rubber grommet that can you can easily cut into to feed the video wire through. I just cut the grommet – ran the wire then used silicone around it to insure it still had a tight seal. From the tail-light area there is a small hole that leads to the inside of the cargo cabin. This is behind all the plastic. I then just ran the wire all along the side and hide it under the door jams (or whatever you want to call them). They easily pull up and you can feed the wire through. I brought the wire all the way up to the front and rand it up behind the glove compartment around to the center console. It was very easy- whole job of running the wires took no more than 20 minutes. Took me this long because I did not have a knife sharp enough to cut through the grommet.

As for the video switch – the PAC-Audio unit has one lead that is connected to the reverse line in your truck. Whenever the truck is in reverse the camera comes on. This is the Video2 input on the PAC piece. For the Video1 – they include a switch. Any time you turn the switch on whatever is coming into Video1 will be displayed on the screen. Since I had 3 sources – I wired all 3 sources into one 3 way switch (Camera, DVD, AUX3 on my rear entertainment system). I then used the PAC-Audio switch (using a nicer looking one switch) to turn on or off the source for the screen.

I hope I am not confusing you – but here is how it works.
1. When in reverse the rear camera always comes on.
2. While in use – I can switch the NAV screen from factory to video in with one switch.
3. With another switch I can flip from 3 different video sources.

[Jesse]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by JetEyeNite:
Jesse,
Could you please tell me how you wired the video from the camera to the LCD?
thanks </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

I used the PAC-Audio VCI-GM2. It is an adapter that adds video to the navigation screen. You will have to take apart the actual head unit and install some ribbon cables that they provide you. The instructions are very clear and the install is very easy. I bought my adapter from http://www.jpcustoms.com. If you buy one make sure you talk to Jason - he was a HUGE help for me. He can also help you locate the reverse wire you will need if you actually install the camera.

[JetEyeNite]

Jesse..
Now, that makes sense. Thanks for your reply.

[Jesse]

DVD Movie playing to the screen - no more FM Modulation either - just push the CD button on the head unit and it goes to the dvd audio.

[md_sailor]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Jesse:
Ipod Hookup - Notice the IPOD even shows the Axxess Logo - so you know it is hooked up! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Am I correct that this is inside your Center Console? If yes...Very Nice! Where did you get the unit the DVD player and Switches are mounted in? Thanks for Sharing

[RiverRacerX]

Sweet!
So you can see your Navigation map, but have your audio play what is being watched on the screens in the back.

Sounds easy to switch over too in case the PoPo pulls up behind you.

[Sportsdude]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Jesse:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Sportsdude:
Jesse, nicely done! I checked the link you had provided for the GM Pac. The photo of the unit illustrates only one video input. Is the other input on the opposite end of the unit? I'm also in the market for a camera but not sure which would be best for H2 with rear tire carrier. The H2CAM that mounts in the middle of the rear marker light is the one I'm steering toward at present. What's your thoughts on this unit? Thank you, Chris </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

All of the latest Pac-Audio VCI-GM2 should have 2 inputs. One for a camera and the other for any other video source.

I almost went with the H2CAM but decided against it for these reasons.
1. I have my spare tire on the rear - and it would block the view.
2. I like the look of all the lights - so I did not want to lose any.
3. I don't think that camera looks that "hidden" to me. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
Thanks Jesse!

[Sportsdude]

Jesse, nicely done! I checked the link you had provided for the GM Pac. The photo of the unit illustrates only one video input. Is the other input on the opposite end of the unit? I'm also in the market for a camera but not sure which would be best for H2 with rear tire carrier. The H2CAM that mounts in the middle of the rear marker light is the one I'm steering toward at present. What's your thoughts on this unit? Thank you, Chris

[Klaus]

I take it that's the new video iPod. I was wondering if it was compatible with the adapter.

[Jesse]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by RiverRacerX:
What are the two buttons inside your console?
Can you play the DVD in the back and still listen to an alternate source up front?
Do you have a switch to turn on the rear camera at any time? (Is it one os the switches I asked about?)

Thanks!
That is a clean looking install. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

The switch with a light allows me to turn on the front screen. Basically switching it away from the factory screens turning it into a video screen. The 2nd switch is a 3 way switch - one position is for rear camera (the default position), the 2nd position is for DVD input (also switches to the audio on the dvd), and the 3rd position is for my AUX3 input on my rear system. This will be for xbox hookup of whatever I want to put on the AUX3 input. This switch also switches to the audio on AUX3

Even though the audio is being switched - it does not necessarily mean it is being played over the factory system. To get the audio to come through – I need to push the “CD” button on my factory system to get to the Rear Seat Entertainment sound.

This means that I can listen to any input – XM, FM, AM, Ipod and change to see what is being played on the dvd or xbox without changing the audio. If I want to hear what is being played on there I change the input to CD.

This is the part that of the install job that I needed help with. I found a great installer at an Al&Ed’s Autosound shop here in southern California. They are the ones that helped me get the relays and switches all figured out.

[SoonerBoarder]

Nice. Here's a little trick with that iPod adapter. Say you want to listen to one album or one artist (genre, etc) andyou don't have them in a playlist. You can't, right? What you do is unplug the ipod and navigate to whatever you want to play, just like you were listening to the ipod with headphones. Let the song start playing for a few seconds and then plug it in. It will stop for a second or two and then start playing through the stereo. From there, you can use the steering wheel controls, etc and everything is cool. Pushing an on screen button will choose a playlist.

[JetEyeNite]

Jesse,
I meant to ask how did you connect the wires for the camera to the LCD screen. It looks like you connected the camera power from your trailer connector but how did you manage to add the switch to turn it on?
What about the video output from the camera to the LCD? Did you have to drill anything? Where is the entry point from the camera video cable to the inside?
thanks in advance...