Installing Roadmaster VR-3 wireless backup camera

I bought a Roadmaster VR-3 wireless backup camera at WalMart. I am all thumbs with tools usually and do not risk damaging my Ridgeline easily so trust me when I tell you that this was easy to install. I made my usual set of mistakes (including installing things backwards at least once). I will explain it the way I would have liked to have read about it so if there are others as mechanically inept as me, they will hopefully appreciate it.

For information on the power circuits and on taking apart the overhead console, you can refer to this thread http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10822

First I had to install the camera. First step was drilling a hole in the license plate for the wire and that was easy. There is a hole already behind the license plate that the wire can pass through easily. This runs right behind the bumper to the backup lights (I used the passenger side). Removing the passenger light is easy. You take off the 2 screw bolts that are normally concealed by the tailgate and then you can pull the whole assembly off. It comes out as a single piece. You can unplug the light assembly from the truck by unplugging a large plug that is revealed. Power can come from the 2 wires that run to the reverse light in the assembly. There are 2 wires running to that light. One is orange, the other is dark green. The dark green is the power and the orange is the ground. The splicers that are included did not work well because it is a large wire and the splice did not take but you can carefully cut the insulation from the wire (while it is all unplugged!) and connect the camera wires then use electrical tape. The wire from the camera to the tailight assembly ran behind the bumper then up to the light directly and I then used the included cable ties to take up the slack.

Mounting the camera on the license plate was easy, if you are not directionally challenged like me. There are spacers included that are designed to tilt the camera down. Pay attention when putting them on so you do not do I did and have them pointing the camera up the first time. D'oh. Anyway, simple matter to reverse. The included bolts fit the Ridgeline threads just fine.

I wanted the display hidden so I used the sunglass holder in the overhead console. A diagram of the overhead console is on the other thread I cited above but there are basically 4 screws/bolts. The first 2 are in the sumglasses compartment and easy to find. It took a lot of force to undo 2 of the 4 bolts so do not be overly concerned. After you undo the 2 bolts in the sunglasses area, the other 2 bolts are inside the map light area. You have to take the lenses off the maplights. Maybe I did it wrong but I used a small screwdriver (flat edge) and pried each lens off by putting the screwdriver at the pivot point for the lens then prying down gently but steadily. Each popped off. The bolts are next to the bulb inside. Once all the bolts are out, the assembly still has some clips sort of holding it in but it is not hard to pop it right out. There are 2 things plugged into my overhead console. One is the power for the lights/homelink system and the other is the wiring for the microphone. Both unplug easily. You will need to unplug it.

Now I drilled a hole in the sunglasses compartment big enough to let me push through the power cord for the monitor. There are other ways to do it but I wanted nothing to show and drilling a hole in the plastic where it cannot be seen fit what I wanted. I made the hole big enough and pushed the wire through so that the plug-in for the monitor was inside the compartment. I do not have a power rearview mirror so as another poster mentioned, I looked in the hole and found the power cable for the power mirror. It was on the driver's side of the hole and just sort of taped in. There were 3 wires. The black was negative and the yellow was the power I believe. There are 3 wires on the power supply for the monitor but the directions mention to leave the blue wire unconnected. The good thing about this power arrangement is that it is not on when the car is turned off so even if you leave the monitor on, it cannot kill your battery. More on that later. After connecting the power cord to the power supply for the mirror, I put the excess wire in the passenger side above the hole and replaced the console. It is easy to accidentally knock the maplights and stuff loose so be sure they are still snapped into the console assembly tight before trying to screw it in. You can look and see they are uneven if they are not in tight and you will know because some of the bolts will not go in (voice of experience). After you screw the bolts back in, you can plug in the monitor and you are set to go. To keep the monitor upright in the sunglasses holder, I used a little bit of the included velcro material to stick on the back of it and on the sunglasses holder so it stays nice and still. BTW, I now keep my sunglasses in the Not An Ashtray.

The pictures below show you how it worked and looks. The monitor does not come on automatically (though it is powered when the car is in Acc or On) but that is how I wanted it. Most of the time, I do not need it but when backing in tight parking areas and stuff, it is exactly what I wanted and enabled me to have a much easier time backing even today. I am sure there are many other methods (including the $1000+ option for a display on the Navi screen) but for $100, this cannot be beat. Thank you to all those who have posted about this because I never would have had the courage or knowledge to try this without you.

http://web.ftc-i.net/~wtgeddings/camera.jpg

http://web.ftc-i.net/~wtgeddings/overhead1.jpg

http://web.ftc-i.net/~wtgeddings/drillahole.jpg

http://web.ftc-i.net/~wtgeddings/finalview.jpg

Which aisle was this on? :confused: No luck finding this in local WalMart last week.:( Maybe soon.

I went in several Wal-Marts looking for it too and could not find it at first. It was on the website but I did not want to pay shipping. My son finally decided to just ask the person at the automotive counter and they went into the back and came out with it. So I do not know if they are on display anywhere but I recommend just asking in the automotive department at the desk (not a person who may wandering around because I have not found their advice to always be accurate). I intended to try it and use the cigarette lighter plug for a bit to be sure I wanted it and I was convinced to go ahead and install the more permanent power and keep the unit.

I found mine at PEP Boys for about $99 on sale. Used about the same mounting method, but put the monitor on top of the rear view mirror with 3M double stick tape.

Wgeddings....thanks for the great post and information.Think I'll jump on one of these right away(Walmart $98.83). By the way welcome to the ROC !!! :D

I found mine at PEP Boys for about $99 on sale. Used about the same mounting method, but put the monitor on top of the rear view mirror with 3M double stick tape.

I looked at doing that but I did not want wires showing and wanted something that would not look like an after thought. I saw some pictures where others had mounted the monitor (or back up sensors monitors) various places and just did not really feel like they did not stick out too much. By having it in the sunglasses case, it is not visible at all (especially to thieves) but is still easily accessible when I want to use it. Also, all wires are hidden.

By the way, one big problem that I had with the unit was that I got a lot of interference. There are warnings that cellphones, bluetooth, etc. can cause interference but mine was excessive I thought. I have a lot of electronic interference at my house from cordless phones, wireless routers, etc. so I even drove out into the country, turned off my cell phone and still got some interference but not nearly as much. I wrote to the manufacturer (e-mail through their website) hoping to find out how to boost the antenna, such as making sure the power cable was taut or something since I know some devices use the power cable as an antenna. A tech was very quick to write back and very polite but said there are no antenna to boost. He did suggest that I take a 2 ft. by 2 ft piece of alumninum foil and fold it up very tight then tape it to the back of the monitor. Since the back of the monitor is not visible, you cannot see that. The aluminum foil did help but I still get some interference. With the choice between dealing with the occassional fuzzy picture and having to go through the wiring process, once again it is no question and I will stick with what I have. If you have problems with reception, you might want to try the tinfoil. If you find a better method, please let me know! Also wanted to commend the company for their prompt responses.

nice write up:D

ordered mine yesterday at Walmart.com. $111.00 with tax and shipping($4.97). Will let you know how things work out.

Good luck with it Mike. Be sure to let me know if you get much interference and, if you do, try the tinfoil thing.

No luck finding this in local WalMart last week.:( Maybe soon.
Bought mine at local Wal-Mart yesterday.

Found it at TARGET for $99

Great install wgeddings, look really good.

how did the other installs go?

Just got mine this weekend and followed the installation from wgeddings (great work by the way). But I only get an image occasionally. The screen's just black most of the time and I can't figure out why, haven't got a response from Roadmaster yet either. When I power up the monitor, either (a) nothing shows at all or (b) static comes on then image comes on when I put it in reverse. So when no static shows up during power up, I get no image at all. The monitor's power light always comes on though. I get a nice clear picture when it does come on, but it comes on rarely. Anyone else having similar problems?

I need help!!! Got the vr3 backup camera at Wal-Mart $98 got it. Installed monitor using the power rear view mirror plug as described in orignal thread yellow hot wire and black ground worked with switch on but when i put the ridge in reverse the monitor goes off. Next I tried using the map light power supply with a tester I checked voltage every way I thought possible but the first time I tried when the map light went off so did the monitor. It works great with the map light on but I want it to work without having to turn on the map light to back up. It doesn't work well when its dark with the map light in your eyes. Has anyone got any ideals? I don't want to run any wires to the electrical panels below due to side curtian air bags.

Ridgeguy:confused:

Here's an alternative installation for the VR-3 wireless backup camera.

Installation on the rear license plate is straightforward (see picture below).

16472

The beveled washers supplied with the kit are used to provide the needed camera tilt. I had to find longer screws with the same metric threads as the existing Honda license plate screws. Recommend you take one of the screws into an auto parts store (Advance Auto...) to find a longer replacement. You will need about 1 1/2 inches length to get through the tilt washers.

Wiring to the tail light is also pretty straightforward with the supplied splicing connector. The hot lead for the backup lights is black with a green stripe (see picture below). I also grounded the other wire to the metal panel inside the tail-light fixture. Some tie-wraps can be used to tie the wires to the existing bundle. "fishing" the wire from below will require a length of straight wire.

16471

16470

To install the camera in the passenger compartment I modified the bracket supplied with the kit. I removed the threaded mounting point from the bottom of the bracket using a Dremel roto drill and then re-mounted it ot the back of the bracket. This allowed me to mount the velcro pad (supplied in the kit) to the inside of the windshield just above (and to the left) of the rearview mirror. The picture below shows the camera mounting location and image quality.

16469

I tapped into the reading lights to obtain 12V power for the camera. I chose to wire it into the switched reading light on the right side of the overhead panel just to have a positive power-on capability. It would be just as easy to wire it to an always-on (with ignition) 12V source inside the overhead console. The power wire fit easily through the forward part of the overhead panel and I left enough out to just reach the camera. The remainder of the wire is bundled up above the overhead console. If you need instructions on removing the overhead console, there are some good posts elsewhere on the forum. The H&A auto-dimming rearview mirror has the Honda instructions listed (PDF file) on the H&A website for removal of the overhead console.

Quite a camera for the money!!

Nice job, beemr.:)

I need help!!! Got the vr3 backup camera at Wal-Mart $98 got it. Installed monitor using the power rear view mirror plug as described in orignal thread yellow hot wire and black ground worked with switch on but when i put the ridge in reverse the monitor goes off. Next I tried using the map light power supply with a tester I checked voltage every way I thought possible but the first time I tried when the map light went off so did the monitor. It works great with the map light on but I want it to work without having to turn on the map light to back up. It doesn't work well when its dark with the map light in your eyes. Has anyone got any ideals? I don't want to run any wires to the electrical panels below due to side curtian air bags.:

Have you tried it with plugging the monitor into the power outlet (rather than straight wiring)? The first step I would think is to determine if everything except the power to the monitor is okay and the easiest way to do that is to try it using the attachment that plugs into the power outlet. If you can get a picture doing that (and remember, there is no picture unless you are in reverse). then you know that the problem is the wiring you are trying to do from the overhead. If you cannot get a picture, then the problem is elsewhere. Let me know what you have tried and if you got a picture using the power outlet.

Just got mine this weekend and followed the installation from wgeddings (great work by the way). But I only get an image occasionally. The screen's just black most of the time and I can't figure out why, haven't got a response from Roadmaster yet either. When I power up the monitor, either (a) nothing shows at all or (b) static comes on then image comes on when I put it in reverse. So when no static shows up during power up, I get no image at all. The monitor's power light always comes on though. I get a nice clear picture when it does come on, but it comes on rarely. Anyone else having similar problems?

I am not sure exactly what the problem is but you are aware that there would only be a picture when the RL is in reverse, right? Otherwise, you would have a blank screen, static or whatever and the power light would be on but the camera is not transmitting. Were you putting it in reverse and still not getting a picture sometimes?

Thanks Wgeddings!

Your post was very helpful and it made the installation easy. I pre-striped the wires to the reverse light to make the wire tap install easier and added thicker wires to the camera wires to hold better in the wire tap. I am getting intermittent interference so I will try your foil trick next.

RacerX

Thanks Wgeddings!

Your post was very helpful and it made the installation easy. I pre-striped the wires to the reverse light to make the wire tap install easier and added thicker wires to the camera wires to hold better in the wire tap. I am getting intermittent interference so I will try your foil trick next.

RacerX

Let me know if it helps or clears up!

I am not sure exactly what the problem is but you are aware that there would only be a picture when the RL is in reverse, right? Otherwise, you would have a blank screen, static or whatever and the power light would be on but the camera is not transmitting. Were you putting it in reverse and still not getting a picture sometimes?

It's in reverse and still no image. Well... no image most of the time. I'll randomly get the image maybe 1 out of 10 tries. Tried attaching the camera to a 9v battery and put it close to the monitor (the Roadmaster tech guy told me to try that) and same results. He then said my tailgate and frame might be too thick for the transmission, told him other Ridgeline users had no problems. So Roadmaster wants me to send it back and they'll send me a new unit. Now I gotta pay extra to ship this to them :(

It's in reverse and still no image. Well... no image most of the time. I'll randomly get the image maybe 1 out of 10 tries. Tried attaching the camera to a 9v battery and put it close to the monitor (the Roadmaster tech guy told me to try that) and same results. He then said my tailgate and frame might be too thick for the transmission, told him other Ridgeline users had no problems. So Roadmaster wants me to send it back and they'll send me a new unit. Now I gotta pay extra to ship this to them :(

I have noticed something. My VR3 has only 2 buttons on the monitor. I bought another one from Wal-Mart to see if maybe I just had a bad unit (due to the interference) and figured I could check by plugging in the other monitor to my power outlet. The other VR3 has more buttons on the front of the monitor!

Please check and let me know if your monitor looks like mine (2 buttons) or if it has more. If someone else has the 2 button, i wonder if those are an older model or something?

Here is a picture of mine.

http://web.ftc-i.net/~wtgeddings/finalview.jpg

...Please check and let me know if your monitor looks like mine (2 buttons) or if it has more...

wgeddings, mine looks exactly like the one in your picture, 2 buttons only.

Mine is the 4-button; from the top: daylight button; screen-flip button; power on/off; contrast button.

Never Mind...I returned to WM and bought the 4-button.

Mine is the 4-button; from the top: daylight button; screen-flip button; power on/off; contrast button.

Do you have interference problems?

It seems to make a big difference where I place the monitor - I haven't mounted it yet. The further back in the cabin it is the better picture I get. I am still trying to decide where it will permanently live. I am leaning towards the sunglasses holder just as you did, but haven't decided for sure.

Even when I place the monitor near the camera, I get some interference.

Did more testing last night. I'm not too technically savvy when it comes to 12v electrical diagrams... but it seemed that whenever I push the power jack really hard into the monitor it'll come on, if I just plug it in normally I get the power light but no screen. Weird. Anyway, sent it to Roadmaster this morning, hopefully they'll send me a 4-button replacement.

Just got off the phone with tech support. The 4 button model is an older version but may still be in some supply channels. She confirmed that it is preferred by some for its obvious better control. You can draw you own conclusions as to the reason for the change. As far as any benefit to the newer one? There wasn't any obvious answer. It would be interesting to test them side by side. My local CostCo has the two button ver for $89. She (tech support) who was very nice to talk with and helpful, (after waiting for 20 min on hold) suggested that I call around at Walmart and Pep Boys if I wanted to find a 4 button model. I think for the ~$10 cheaper average price at Costco and generous satisfaction guarantee, i'll just get the 2 button one at Costco.

If any Canadians are looking for this wireless backup camera setup, they have them at Canadian Tire. $149.99 Canadian.

I wanted to check to see if my monitor was bad or something and that was causing the lots of interference. As I mentioned earlier, I tried to get another one at Wal-Mart and ended up with the 4 button version so when it would not display, I assume it was because it was a different version. I just got another 2 button on and it would not display anything at all. Apparently the camera and monitor must have some kind code or frequency that they use and others do not. That would make sense I suppose so if you are trying to use your camera and someone else is near with one, you do not want to be looking at their picture.

Can anyone confirm that the monitor that did not come with their camera still shows a picture of their camera?

Can anyone confirm that the monitor that did not come with their camera still shows a picture of their camera?

Not confirmed, but Roadmaster did make me send in everything instead of just replacing my bad monitor. Should have asked them why, but it would seem like camera and monitor only work in the set they come in and not when matched with other sets.

What is the sideview like out the back? My concern is that mounting the camera to the license plate would create "dead" areas near the outside edges of the bumper due to the recessed license plate area.

My plan is to mount the camera underneath the tailgate protector on top. It looks like the top part removes easily and if you look on the left side of the tailgate, it appears there are areas to run the wire down the tailgate to the hinge and into the left side tail light. I think this is how Honda runs the wires for their camera.

I also plan to mount the screen to the rear window (non-slidding part) and run the wire behind the seats under the floormat (protect the wire from rubbing) and into the 12V power supply in the rear center console. I have seen instructions on tapping into this power supply and it seems pretty straight forward.

What do you think? I will post pictures when I do it.

But really my main question is the mounting of the camera. Do you have full view of the sides with the camera mounted to the plate?

My plan is to mount the camera underneath the tailgate protector on top. It looks like the top part removes easily and if you look on the left side of the tailgate, it appears there are areas to run the wire down the tailgate to the hinge and into the left side tail light. I think this is how Honda runs the wires for their camera.

nevadagarth, I think there's a thread here with the camera mounted in the similar location you're thinking of. Here it is, I found it....
http://www.ridgelineownersclub.com/forums/showthread.php?t=9639&highlight=roadmaster
multy01 mounted it on the black plastic part at the top of the tailgate, he angled it to his hitch though.

Nevadagarth - I thought about mounting the camera where you are talking about and read the thread that gnoix is referring to but I had some trouble taking the top of the tailgate off and just decided I would be okay with the license plate. It has worked fine and I do not regret it. There are blind spots on the outer edges but it all depends on your main concern. My main concern was backing into other cars or posts or whatnot when I am trying to back up close to something. This solves my problem. Best advice is to get one, temporarily mount it on the license plate and see if it meets your needs.

Thank you for the link.

I am disappointed with the limited field of view. Costco carries the Roadmaster camera I am considering and I don't recall which one it actually is. If it is a VR-3 with that kind of sight angle I will pass. I seem to recall the examples of the Costco camera gave me an impression that the field of view was much wider.

My concern is kids. I have two little ones and 10 kids under the age of 7 live and play in our cul-de-sac, so I really want to see what is behind me. I also want to know where my rear end is when backing up. I have already put a couple of scratches in the rear bumper from backing into sage brush when going off road.

If I get it, I may try to mount it inside the tailgate cover so only a little bit of the camera is visible. I will have to tinker around with it if I get it.

I am going to go and look at Costco's again sometime today.

Bear in mind that any camera is going to have a cone of view and thus have limited view as you get very near it. Mounting the camera on the top of the tailgate may give you good lookdown and since it is a few feet above the bumper may be enough to give you the angle necessary to see both ends of the bumper but you will not be able to see very far back. Again, a lot depends on your needs.

If Costco is the same as Sam's and Wal-mart, they have a very liberal return policy. Buy it and try it. You can hook it up without any permanent changes to your truck or the camera wires to get an idea of how it will look. If you like it, install it. If you do not, take it back.

Good points.

I am pretty sure their's was a wide angle lens which will be an improvement, but I will check.

I may just get the audio warning as I originally wanted. That way I can be looking where ever I need to and be able to hear when something is behind me.

With the audio warning, bear in mind that most stop (turn to a solid tone) pretty far away (further away than I want to be when I want to stop). That is why I stuck with the camera since $100 is a much cheaper and more accurate way to solve the problem in my opinion.

I just pulled the VR-3 off my '06 Ridgeline. It was interfering with the TPMS. The indicators would come on and stay on (usually the driver's side). The monitor would also periodically activate for a flash. Not worth the trouble to figure out how to cut the interference so I pulled it. Perhaps my son can use it on his RAV-4.:(

I just pulled the VR-3 off my '06 Ridgeline. It was interfering with the TPMS. The indicators would come on and stay on (usually the driver's side). The monitor would also periodically activate for a flash. Not worth the trouble to figure out how to cut the interference so I pulled it. Perhaps my son can use it on his RAV-4.:(

What is TPMS?

Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Hmm, wonder how the VR-3 could be messing with that? I do not notice anything with mine but, then again, I did not even know what a TPMS was. :)

I installed my camera last week, monitor in the sunglasses holder. No issues so far, perfect image on the monitor. I wish the camera had a wider angled lens.

I installed my camera last week, monitor in the sunglasses holder. No issues so far, perfect image on the monitor. I wish the camera had a wider angled lens.

Was it the 2 button model or the 4 button model monitor?

I'm glad you folks are having success. The instructions do indicate possible interference with Bluetooth and WiFi. My guess is it's hit or miss. Mass produced items in this price range are not noted for their careful tuning. I may open up the camera to see if there is any way to trim the transmitter.

I'm glad you folks are having success. The instructions do indicate possible interference with Bluetooth and WiFi. My guess is it's hit or miss. Mass produced items in this price range are not noted for their careful tuning. I may open up the camera to see if there is any way to trim the transmitter.

If you do open it up, be sure to report back what you find.

Was it the 2 button model or the 4 button model monitor?
I have the 2 buttons (On/Off and image rotation).

wgeddings how did you get the Navigation system, sunroof, and heated seats in an RTX?

wgeddings how did you get the Navigation system, sunroof, and heated seats in an RTX?

Not sure. Maybe I put down the wrong package. As far as I know, the Navi is only available on one package and there are none with a Navi that also do not have a sunroof (I prefer not to have the sunroof since it uses up some headroom I would rather have).

Not sure. Maybe I put down the wrong package. As far as I know, the Navi is only available on one package and there are none with a Navi that also do not have a sunroof (I prefer not to have the sunroof since it uses up some headroom I would rather have).
For some reason I thought these were only available on RTLs... I guess something changed in 07.

For some reason I thought these were only available on RTLs... I guess something changed in 07.
Things didn't change that much. Navi, sunroof, heated seats, six disc CD changer and XM didn't come in the RTX. It sounds to me that wgeddings has an RTL, not the RTX, unless all those options were aftermarket add ons.

Then the most likely thing is that I put down the wrong model. Accordingly, I have adjusted my signature. The items listed were not after markets so if they are only offered on an RTL, I must have an RTL.

Then the most likely thing is that I put down the wrong model. Accordingly, I have adjusted my signature. The items listed were not after markets so if they are only offered on an RTL, I must have an RTL.
I hope you were'nt offended by my post. It wasn't meant that way.

The only option on the 2007 RTL is the navigation system. They come standard with leather interior, sunroof, heated seats, etc. The RT, RTX, and RTS all have cloth interior and don't offer the SR, navi, or heated seats.

I'm glad you folks are having success. The instructions do indicate possible interference with Bluetooth and WiFi. My guess is it's hit or miss. Mass produced items in this price range are not noted for their careful tuning. I may open up the camera to see if there is any way to trim the transmitter.

Installed my VR3 on Wednesday evening. Very easy install - 30 minutes tops - I took the route of hooking camera up via the 4-pin (top 2 pins) trailer wiring harness. The monitor is velcroed to the dash with the power cord just plugged into one of the power outlets (I may wire it into the sunglass holder eventually). Decent enough picture on the monitor with some picture "jumping". With this setup, the camera and monitor can be on all the time (marker lights or head lights must be on).

I drove 350+ miles on Thursday. I have a Balckberry with Bluetooth earpiece. I noticed that the monitor would go completely black when I talked on the earpiece - definitely interference. But when the call was finished the picture on the monitor would return to normal.

Just wanted to thank all of the posters for their suggestions - it definitely made my install much easier.

rw

Great to hear recordwizard. Nice to know more about the extent of interference too.

RRider, I was not offended at all, sorry if it sounded otherwise. Just don't tell my wife that I made a typo (NOT a mistake) since she believes I am infallible. Or at least I like to pretend she does!:D

If I remember correctly bluetooth operates on 2.4Ghz? VR3 probably operates on the same free 2.4 Ghz frequency which makes it prone to interference from anything including microwaves, cordless phones, and obviously WiFi.

wgeddings you probably got a really good deal on your RTL if you thought thats an RTX :) or was it the dealer's mistake? In that case I'd take it back and demand an RTX :D

I bought this a couple of weeks ago as a low cost alternative to a audible system. I would have to say overall I'm pretty happy with it.

Still haven't decided on monitor mounting location yet. I was thinking about in between the Aux power outlets up front but may go higher after seeing this thread.

Has anyone else got to use the undocumented feature of tapping into wirelesss security cams as you drive by them yet? There are 3 places on my way to work that my monitor picks up. Kind of funny and scary all at the same time.

Hi,

Just passing on that Santa Clara, CA Costco has about 6 cases that are mixed between the 2 and 4 button models. I purchased a 4 button one. Not certain thats the best option considering that the 2 button one is actually the supposedly the newer model. Just have to wonder if any other improvemnts were made along with the design that went to the 2 button version. (or did the supplier in China just go to another source?) Dont think i'll have time to install it until our company Christmas shutdown, but think I'm going to make a holder or something integrated with the power adapt/plug. The monitor seems plently light that it could be attached to the plug itself maybe even using the supplied holder somehow. Certainly it has to look nice, but it shouldnt be to hard to do something. That way, you could just unplug the whole thing and throw it the center console if you wanted to remove or hide it for any reason. Not sure if ill wire it so that everything is on all the time. Seems like having it on all the time might fix the problem (if any) of start up time after selecting reverse. I also wonder if having both the camera and monitor powered up all the time will prevent picking up other drive by video signals- and then do the 2 or 4 button models act differetly, one have better selectivity, or resistance to interferance?
by the way, my wife says I shouldnt obsess, oh well?

Here's an alternative installation for the VR-3 wireless backup camera.

Installation on the rear license plate is straightforward (see picture below).

16472

The beveled washers supplied with the kit are used to provide the needed camera tilt. I had to find longer screws with the same metric threads as the existing Honda license plate screws. Recommend you take one of the screws into an auto parts store (Advance Auto...) to find a longer replacement. You will need about 1 1/2 inches length to get through the tilt washers.

Wiring to the tail light is also pretty straightforward with the supplied splicing connector. The hot lead for the backup lights is black with a green stripe (see picture below). I also grounded the other wire to the metal panel inside the tail-light fixture. Some tie-wraps can be used to tie the wires to the existing bundle. "fishing" the wire from below will require a length of straight wire.

16471

16470

To install the camera in the passenger compartment I modified the bracket supplied with the kit. I removed the threaded mounting point from the bottom of the bracket using a Dremel roto drill and then re-mounted it ot the back of the bracket. This allowed me to mount the velcro pad (supplied in the kit) to the inside of the windshield just above (and to the left) of the rearview mirror. The picture below shows the camera mounting location and image quality.

16469

I tapped into the reading lights to obtain 12V power for the camera. I chose to wire it into the switched reading light on the right side of the overhead panel just to have a positive power-on capability. It would be just as easy to wire it to an always-on (with ignition) 12V source inside the overhead console. The power wire fit easily through the forward part of the overhead panel and I left enough out to just reach the camera. The remainder of the wire is bundled up above the overhead console. If you need instructions on removing the overhead console, there are some good posts elsewhere on the forum. The H&A auto-dimming rearview mirror has the Honda instructions listed (PDF file) on the H&A website for removal of the overhead console.

Quite a camera for the money!!
what was used to refasten the base to the back of the bracket?

After reading several posts about this camera I decided to try it. First I purchased it at pep boys for $119. I later saw it at Costco for $89. I bought that one and returned the more expensive one (both were identical). After following the many posts about the install I tried it myself and found it quite easy. I mounted the monitor in the sunglass holder to conseal all the wires. I'm very pleased with the whole install and want to thank everyone for there input.

IBI4FUN:

"what was used to refasten the base to the back of the bracket?"

I tried 5 minute Epoxy to glue the threaded base back on to the rear of the bracket - that didn't work, so I used a plastic glue - it worked fine.

Hope that helps...

Just another mounting option. I'm sure mounting in the sun glass holder provides better viewing, but I find that mounting above the 12v recpt still provides good viewing and its easily removed and stored in the console. The clip with a clamp on one end and ball on the other is from a bicycle head lamp that I used to use. I was going to get a piece of hard wood or something for the ball end, but over the weekend needed to rebuild a Delta faucet and realized the ball valve was a perfect fit and quite strong. I just had to cut the post a little, drill it deeper and tap it. The monitor is attached to an aluminum plate with velcro. The camera fit well just to one side and above the receiver on my Curt hitch. I did remove the cover for the 12v recept. I could have turned the clamp on its side, but I decided that for the best viewing position and having it as flush to the dash as possible required that I remove the cover. In the end I hardly look down there unless the camera is installed. I removed the pin by pressing it out with paper clip and needle nose. The pin is made of very thin rolled metal so it crushes very easily if you grab it with pliers.

schwejo - what is the LED display at bottom of the photo?

Looks like the Flux-Capacitor so he can tell when he hits 88 MPH

Yes its deffinitely the user interface for the flux capacitor leap over tall buildings option. I think Speed Racer was one of the first to use one of these. You can get yours here: http://www.awellmarket.com/PIWireless.html

I wish I could recconmend it without reservation.... but. Now It all works very well, the design and materials are good, the "kit" and items for assy are very good, but assembly of the physical components was poor. For $159, I was expecting better. The 6 LEDs were soldered in so crooked that the display looked like it needed braces. I used it that way for for about a month before taking it apart and resoldering them. (the leads were too short to just bend in position like I was hoping). Had it not been mail order I would have returned it then and there. Should have followed up with Awell, but never did. The main control box is water tight, but two of the center contacts of the BNC connectors were crushed. They still made electrical contact, but who knows how reliably. I was able to straighten them out with a probe, but for a person who used to work in the wire and cabling industry, that doesnt sit well.

The main control box comes with a big patch of velcro which I attached to a cross member behind the left bed side near the back and then doubly secured it with a large tie wrap around the whole thing. To get to it all i had to do was remove top bed rail, and the bolts that attach the bed side and there is enough flex in the side panel to work. The sensor cables are pretty long and I hardly used 5 feet, so there is also a pretty big bundle of wires tied up behind the bed side as well.

The sensors are mounted to a peice of aluminum channel that I attached using the expansion pins that that hold the bottom of the bumper cover on. I origionally hoped that I could mount the sensors directly to that piece but I just got too many false alarms. The truck sensors are supposed to have a narrower vertical view, and they do, but I still couldnt make it work. I even experimeted with trying to cover part of the sensor, etc. Got some improvement, but never enough to live with. Ended up having to extend the sensors out from under the bumper an additional inch or so and bending the sensor up some. I used a peice of floor threshhold molding and a strip of hard rubber to give it a little support and keep the screws from going into the bumper cover. Works like a champ now. Was hoping to have the sensors a little more hidden, but oh well. During certain times of the year I do a lot of parallel parking doing kid delivery for school sports and the camera and this thing makes it a whole lot easier to fit in places I might not otherwise attempt. Its very accurate, just have to remember its in meters. Atleast if you forget, you error on leaving more room than you think!

I know this is an old tread but I wanted to pass along my thanks to wgeddings for his first post. It made installation a snap. Two things that I did a little different was when I found the power connector taped under the headliner, rather then splicing in, I just soldered the leads (making them stiff), covered the ends in shrink tubbing, then plugged them into the existing female connector. Even though they were a tight connection, I still taped the wires to the connector. I then ran the plugged end out the headliner and used some of the double sided tape supplied to mount the monitor between the headliner and the rear view mirror. Seems to work as advertised. I would prefer a camera with a wider field of vision, but you can't complain about the extra margin of safety for a $79 investment.

I have to say that I remain satisfied with the camera and everything else. Even though I paid $99, lol. I get a lot of interferance that makes the picture fuzzy but the company keeps telling me it must be something about my vehicle and most of the time, it is a good clear picture. Compared to the factory installed option of almost $1500, I am fine with a bit of static every now and then. I do not use it all the time but when I have needed to use it (especially parallel parking), it is a life-saver!

FYI, Costco is selling this camera set for $80. BTW wgeddings, putting that monitor inside the sunglasses box is also my first choice, however, I notice that it's really hot inside there (whenever I take my sunglasses out from that box when the temp outside is around 90F, I cant put in on right away because the frame is burning hot! It's metal frame anyway), I'm wondering if the monitor may get damaged because of the heat? Does the suer manual say anything about the operating temperature?

I have not noticed heat up there. I do not remember anything in the user manual about heat but I would assume that heat does not do it good. I will have to start checking how hot it feels up there but really never noticed anything before.

(whenever I take my sunglasses out from that box when the temp outside is around 90F, I cant put in on right away because the frame is burning hot! It's metal frame anyway),


Ditto... Very warm... Could not imagine if I had a Black RL.

I live in SC where we are basically a sweltering swamp. Even in our heat, I have not noticed that compartment getting overly hot. It is pretty warm but so is the rest of the car when I first get in. I have not noticed any change in performance of the camera though. It is something to keep an eye on.

wgeddings,

Thanks to your initial post I decided to install the VR-3 in my Ridge. Also because my wife thinks 5 or 6 inches to the right or left when backing up to the trailer is "good enough". :( "You can just push the trailer over...", she says. Well, yeah! :confused: As long as she remembers to put the wheel back under when I have it lined up! Thank goodness for touchup pens... :o anyway... I digress. I installed the camera in the standard location on the top license plate mounts. I also just velcro'd the display to the back of the shade and plug in the power cord. When not in use I throw the whole thing in the middle console. One thing I've noticed is that I don't see the top of the OEM hitch ball... Just guess I'll keep it straight up the middle when hooking up the trailer... :p

Hello everybody. I'm getting ready to purchase a VR-3 to install but I would like to get an definitive install guide for this. Thanks

Very easy. I bought these connectors at Advance Auto that are the quick connect type like the one provided, but they have a connector that can be plugged and unplugged. You literally pull the tail light assembly off, locate the reverse light wires, and tap into them. Then plug your monitor into the cigarette lighter adapter and presto you have an image.

I did it in 15 minutes!

Jon

I digress. I installed the camera in the standard location on the top license plate mounts...One thing I've noticed is that I don't see the top of the OEM hitch ball... Just guess I'll keep it straight up the middle when hooking up the trailer... :p

All you have to get is one of those retractable magnet wands for picking up dropped tool parts and stick it to the top of the hitch ball.

I actually wedged a piece of soft plastic tubing in there to get more angle, and this allows me to just see the top of the ball, which is perfect for what I wanted, but I still get a good view behind the truck. I also am attaching pics of the little connectors that I use.

Neat idea! Never thought of using a bit of plastic tubing like that.

Thanks to all for the ideas for installing the wireless camera and display unit. I installed the display in the sunglasses holder. It works great and is convenient to use as well as out of sight when not needed.
Regards.
CD

I do not have a power rearview mirror so as another poster mentioned, I looked in the hole and found the power cable for the power mirror. It was on the driver's side of the hole and just sort of taped in. There were 3 wires. The black was negative and the yellow was the power I believe. There are 3 wires on the power supply for the monitor but the directions mention to leave the blue wire unconnected.

Thank you wgeddings and others who shared their backup camera install experiences!

My hubby installed the camera so that it is powered from the trailer hitch harness (4-pin connector). The monitor is in the sunglass holder, using the information in this post. We have an 2007 RTL w/o Navi and so, he also used the power meant for the optional auto-dimming day/night compass power rearview mirror. The only difference in our case was we have black, yellow and green (not blue) colored wires. After testing all three with multimeter, he connected the monitor's 2 wires to the yellow and black. The green, we observed, was for power while vehicle is in reverse.

Again, thanks to everyone who shared about their camera installations!

I just found what looks to be the same camera at my local costco for $69.
I havent installed it yet, but will soon. I just backed over a tractor tire that was lying in my Mother-in-laws side yard. luckily it was low enough to only hit the hitch and not mess up my bumper paint.

I bought my camera at Walmart about a year ago and then last fall I installed a viper remote start/security system and the viper interferred with the backup monitor so I had to move it down away from the viper antenna. Then, the backup monitor just quit working. So, now I am looking at getting a better wired system.

I bought my camera at Walmart about a year ago and then last fall I installed a viper remote start/security system and the viper interferred with the backup monitor so I had to move it down away from the viper antenna. Then, the backup monitor just quit working. So, now I am looking at getting a better wired system.

Lemme know when you find a wired system twincam. I too would like an alternative to the VR-3 unit for our travel trailer. :cool:

I bought my camera off ebay, $77, savings about $20+ form store prices that I have read. I try ed to install and it didn't work. Call the support number, still could get it to work.
So they send me a new one, but with swivel function camera. Now I am glad it didn't work but wait! :eek: They sent 2" vs 3.5" screen, so I am expecting another unit to come and return wrong size back. I call to get my tracking number and they say it has not gone out and we don't know why? What? :eek: Please call back tomorrow shipping is gone for the day? Call back we are testing it? cool? don't what to have to send back again, so it goes out the next day. I receive a few days later and it is only the monitor? With no return shipping label? I call support and they say use everything else from the first shipment, keep the smaller one, no need to return? Bonus:D
I installed both monitors and they both work at the same time. I installed the smaller one in the sunglass holder, wired into map lights. No need to cut sunglass case/holder. I installed the larger screen on the vent clamp for now. Drivers side, right vent. I am using the power outlet for power. I can plug in the back and allow my son to hold when he drives with me so he can help watch in the back seat. I am sure he will enjoy dad's toy.

Great thread, thanks for sharing

I bought my camera off ebay, $77, savings about $20+ form store prices that I have read. I try ed to install and it didn't work. Call the support number, still could get it to work.
So they send me a new one, but with swivel function camera. Now I am glad it didn't work but wait! :eek: They sent 2" vs 3.5" screen, so I am expecting another unit to come and return wrong size back. I call to get my tracking number and they say it has not gone out and we don't know why? What? :eek: Please call back tomorrow shipping is gone for the day? Call back we are testing it? cool? don't what to have to send back again, so it goes out the next day. I receive a few days later and it is only the monitor? With no return shipping label? I call support and they say use everything else from the first shipment, keep the smaller one, no need to return? Bonus:D
I installed both monitors and they both work at the same time. I installed the smaller one in the sunglass holder, wired into map lights. No need to cut sunglass case/holder. I installed the larger screen on the vent clamp for now. Drivers side, right vent. I am using the power outlet for power. I can plug in the back and allow my son to hold when he drives with me so he can help watch in the back seat. I am sure he will enjoy dad's toy.

Great thread, thanks for sharing

If you have a twin screen display, then why not install one on each side of the dash, just inside of the side mirrors? Put the larger one on the driver's side and smaller one over on the passenger side. So, that way either mirror you look in you also get a view of the back.

If you have a twin screen display, then why not install one on each side of the dash, just inside of the side mirrors? Put the larger one on the driver's side and smaller one over on the passenger side. So, that way either mirror you look in you also get a view of the back.

Not a bad idea. I guess I was trying to keep the dash as clean as possible. I thought one hidden and other exposed. Smaller one is seal real good in the sunglass holder? I will play around with this idea. Thanks:)

I got the one today at Costco for $69. Thanks to this thread I will be saving much time and agervation installing the thing. Thanks one heck of a lot

OK. I admit it. I should have read this thread BEFORE I actually purchased 6 months ago. I actually got the VR3 idea from another thread but it didn't mention the possibility of installing the monitor in sunglass case. WOW!! Great and out of the way. Since I have the RTS, I had a shop connect the monitor in between both 12 V lighter plugs. Unfortunately, they had to drill in between the fake button. :mad: Looks great, b/c hole is not visible, but if the VR3 ever breaks, then I'll have a hole to remember them by. By the way, the warranty is only 30 day. It is an inconvenience having to turn it off after I get off of reverse to avoid intermittent snowy screens during a drive. Inside the sunglass case would've taken care of that one.:(

I installed the same camera a while back in my RL. A very inexpensive alternative to the OEM camera, especially considering I do not have NAV.

Mine is installed exactly like yours, on the vent. Judging from your photos, our cameras are functioning exactly the same. Mine has a slight upward curvature to the picture at the bottom. Nothing seemed to help alleviate that problem. Just wondering if anyone had a solution? Is it electrical interference or camera angle?

Thanks, Brad:D

I just purchased and installed the 3.5" VR3. Got it online at ebay for $100 with free shipping.

I also mounted it on the driver's right vent, but I mounted it right-side up, unlike SRQRIDGE. I found the power cord less in the way of the radio and climate controls that way.

I used rubber cone washers behind the license plate so the camera's power cord would not rub against my metal license plate and the bumper.

After I soldered a heavier gauge wire onto the camera's power wires, I found that the connectors they supplied worked fine for taping into the back up light wires.

Thanks to all who helped me make this job easy!

Here is how I mounted mine. The mirror is an Oddysey part that fits the Ridgeline.

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m69/HondaRidgeline/Misc/0405081132a.jpg

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m69/HondaRidgeline/Misc/0405081132.jpg

http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m69/HondaRidgeline/Misc/0405081133.jpg

I got mine at Rite Aid over the weekend on sale for $49.99!!:D
...and thanks to wgeddings original posting I followed his installation to the letter with no problems.
Thanks again.

Awesome Ridgee06! Glad it helped and I cannot believe they had those cameras for only $49.99. Talk about a great deal!! I wish I had gotten a few at that price to put one on all my vehicles.

Awesome Ridgee06! Glad it helped and I cannot believe they had those cameras for only $49.99. Talk about a great deal!! I wish I had gotten a few at that price to put one on all my vehicles.

I tried to see if I can find any ads on Rite Aid's website. I guess you have to go down to the store for the Specials... I should have gotten another one for the wife's car - maybe two or three :) but thought I'll save the money for my future RL accessories instead :)

While I was going through the installation, I kind of like it when car builders do the same thing over and over again "robotically". When you mentioned the power wire for the mirror and how it was taped in on the driver side - sure enough there it was tucked in and taped - sweet. I mean it couldn’t have been more "straight forward".