Installing GPS/Sound/Backup cam. Have questions.

[ChiefG]

I am installing a JVC KW-NT1510HDT system with backup cam and Sirius XM. I have questions that I can't find existing answers to in the forum. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

I removed the stock radio. I mounted the JVC universal backup camera and I'm running the wires. I've connected the GPS system via the wiring harness and tested the unit. Also installed the brackets and mount kit. So far so good.

My goal is to get it in as stealthy as possible with no new holes.

1. Will the little SiriusXM antenna fit under the existing stock antenna base? I don't want to take the time to drop the headliner and remove the base if someone already knows it won't fit.

2. There's a lead for the speedometer signal. Where can I tap into that?

3. Where's the best place to tap into the reverse/backup light circuit in the dash or console?

4. Where's the best place to tap into the parking brake indicator light circuit?

If I find any of these answers on my own, I'll post the info here and I'll document the process.

to the posters who have done DIY threads and how to posts.

TIA

[ChiefG]

1. SiriusXM antenna won't work with stock antenna mount. There is no hollow space. I think I'm putting it on rear window centered near trunk lid and run wire under the trunk lid weatherstrip. FYI the nut holding stock antenna on is 22mm.

[ChiefG]

No responses yet, so I'm finding out some things on my own and I'll share what I'm finding.

Here's a post that lead me to a document with a picture of the "option connector" where I think I can pick up power and ground. Click the pic in the link to blow up the option connector pic. http://ae64.com/Rear-camera-16p-operation.htm

Crutchfield sends a kit and wiring harness with systems you purchase from them. Included are spacers to fill the openings that would be left when installing the aftermarket unit. You have to cut those spacers/fillers to go around the mounting brackets. I have a well-equipped shop and used stationary scroll saw to modify the spacer brackets.

Here are some pics showing the modified plastic spacers, the test of the backup cam - using the video input because I haven't connected the back-up trigger yet - and the whole mess of wires which will be dressed up later.

[ChiefG]

Here's another tidbit. The instructions for the JVC backup camera I'm using directs you to connect the power lead to an accessory fused circuit. When you connect the JVC wiring harness to the supplied harness, you connect the accessory fused circuit via the red wire. So I just added the backup camera power lead to the connector I made the radio connection with.



Not sure why JVC wants the camera powered through the accessory circuit. That means it's powered all the time when the vehicle is running or the key is in the accessory position. So I'm going to use this to allow backup camera access through the AV input. I bought a RCA splitter, female to two males, and connected the cam output to that, then connected the males to AV in and Cam in. Then I can go to the system's AV input and see what's behind me without putting the car in reverse. Believe it or not, I had an occasion where this might have come in handy.

[ChiefG]

The instructions call for installing the GPS antenna on the dash. There's no need for that. I tested the GPS just dangling inside the dash behind the system. It worked fine.

The dash is just plastic, so I think it's safe to mount the GPS antenna under the dash. I placed it slightly toward the passenger side as far forward as I could reach. Then I bundled the wire and tied with a wire tie.

[ChiefG]

Originally Posted by ChiefG

1. Will the little SiriusXM antenna fit under the existing stock antenna base?

2. There's a lead for the speedometer signal. Where can I tap into that?

3. Where's the best place to tap into the reverse/backup light circuit in the dash or console?

4. Where's the best place to tap into the parking brake indicator light circuit?

I hope somebody is getting something out of this thread. I'm into my 4th day of probably the longest audio/GPS system install ever.

Questions:
1. The sirius XM antenna will not fit under the stock antenna base. I mounted it on the trunk, ran the wire under the trunk lid, through the rubber conduit to the body (use silicone lube!), and up the driver's side with my back-up cam cable. Pictures below. I found a grommet that just fit the hole I ran the wire through on the trunk lid, and I have a trunk liner coming so nobody will see the gorilla tape.

2. Still don't know where to tap into the speed sensor circuit. No big deal, I don't think I'll get lost in a tunnel when the GPS signal fails - but if anyone can advise where to make the connection, I'd sincerely appreciate it.

3. See this post for my solution to making the back-up light circuit connection. http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showp...65&postcount=9

4. After removing parts of the console to access the parking brake, I decided to just ground the parking brake lead from the head unit so the system will think that the parking brake is always on. Problem solved

Tomorrow I'm going to button the whole thing up and enjoy the new system. Now I need to do something about improving the sound quality - maybe upgrading speakers and adding a sub!

[ChiefG]

Well, it's finished and working great. No new holes and I didn't cause any damage. I got the proper cable to connect the unit to the factory USB too.

Most all of my questions were answered by spending hours searching and browsing. Now I know a lot more about the vehicle and can answer a few myself.

The only remaining issue is where to connect the speed sensor? If anyone can enlighten me, I'd sincerely appreciate it.