Front view camera installation

Mambomn

Purchased a Kenwood DNX-890HD unit with a CMOS-310 back-up camera. Now, as the HU has two camera inputs, I'm considering adding a front facing camera to help me avoid front fender scrapes (Pyle PLCM39). Initially, I was considering using another CMOS-310 camera in the front to get the multi-view options, but discarded this idea after reading in the manual that the recommended installation height is 18" minimum as otherwise this feature will not work properly; as far as I can tell, the front camera on the 370Z would be no more than 14" due to the low clearance..

Does anyone know how easy/difficult the installation would be and how invasive the procedure is on the firewall/engine bay? Also, for those who have installed a front facing camera, how was the wiring run to the front, where was the camera mounted, and how was it attached (tape, screws)?
Of course, I'm planing on getting the install done by a local Kenwood dealer, but I'm debating whether it's worth it to get the front camera installed at the risk of the installer damaging something inside. Just looking at the 370Z's engine bay, it seems that it would be a rather complicated wire-run.

By the way, the Kenwood dealer quoted me $450.00 to get the following done (I will provide all the equipment and accessories for the install):

1) Install DNX-890HD and set-up Nav.
2) Install Sirius/XM adapter
3) Install CMOS-310 rear view camera
4) Install Pyle PLCM39 front facing camera (-$100 if decide not to do it).
5) Install AXXESS steering wheel adapter

Appreciate any input that anyone may have on this set-up and the price quoted to install. I really want to install the front facing camera, but I'm concerned that it might be a little too risky.

NissanFan

might be better off with the jdm front bumper proximity sensor if you're worried about scraping the front/front sides.

cameras are only good if you have a good reference point... or just a wide shot to get a general idea wat's in front of you ( or behind of you if it's a rear view cam).

__________________
All photoshopped. Oh wait, where's all my car picts?

winnre

I want a front facing camera. I have already worked out the wiring and power, now I am looking into switch options to see if I can not have to add anything third party. Getting through the firewall is one of the tasks but it's not like there are not already tons of wires going in and out.

bigaudiofanat

It's going to be tough as all reverse cameras the image is reversed. So placing it in front of the car the image will be switched.

__________________
Need help with car audio or electronics? Let me know!! Need Help Let Me Know
Direct email address reimermatt@gmail.com
Owner of: Dynamic Mobile Audio Follow me below
https://www.facebook.com/Dynamicmobileaudio/

winnre

There are plenty of cameras out there that do not reverse. Security cameras, bullet cameras, webcams even. The camera is not the hard part to choose.

Mambomn

Thanks to everyone for all their input.

Went to a local authorized Kenwood dealer yesterday and had all the equipment installed. For the rear camera, installed the Kenwood CMOS-310 and it works great and the installation looks OEM. For the front, after inspecting the car, the dealer told me that it was not a difficult install and that they would run the wires along the driver's side, through the existing wiring access in the firewall, and to the front. For this, they first used the Kenwood CMOS-210, but after it was installed, I noticed the reverse image and asked them to change it to the proper camera>>>they switched to the Audiovox ACA400, which has the normal image option. The Audiovox camera looks Ok, though it lacks the guidelines and clarity of the Kenwood model thus making it less convenient. With the DNX-890HD, I can control both cameras from the touch screen making it very easy to toggle between both cameras as well as control the multi-views from the CMOS-310.

If I had to do it over again, I would use the CMOS-310 in the front due to the multi-views function and the on-screen guidelines, which are more convenient for parking. The install was relatively quick (3 hours + 1 hour for the front camera redo), but the dealer still charged $580.00 for the labor including the Audiovox front camera ($100). However, considering that this is a well known Kenwood dealer, I was a little bit surprised that they installed the CMOS-210 in the front knowing the reverse image issue (I even mentioned it to them when they recommended this model, but they insisted that it was ok).

Unfortunately, after I returned home, I noticed a loud mechanical sound coming from the back of the HU . The sound is constant and appears whenever I turn the unit on until 5 seconds after I turn it off. I called Kenwood to see what the issue may be and they advised to take it back to the installer and check for lose wiring, interference, or improper grounding. My plan is to go back to the dealer today and see what is causing this noise; hopefully, it's an easy fix and does not involve the unit itself. Otherwise, I will have to get the unit exchanged from Crutchfield and have it installed once again If I have to install a replacement HU, does anyone know if the AXXESS wheel control adapter has to be reprogrammed again or would it be a simple play and plug since it was already programmed to the Kenwood receiver?

I will take some pics after I get back from the dealer showing the install and camera locations. Hopefully, all issues can be resolved without having to replace the unit or incur any additional labor costs. Besides the annoying noise, the unit is fast, sounds great, and all the features work well (cameras, Nav, BT, HD radio).

Mambomn

Just came back from the kenwood dealer and confirmed that it's a problem with the HU as the constant loud fan noise continues even once the unit is out of the car. I called Crutchfield and they will send me a new replacement unit to switch out this weekend. The Crutchfield tech told me that it should be an easy replacement as all that needs to be done is to connect the existing wires and switches to the new HU; he also mentioned that it should not be necessary to reprogram the AXXESS steering wheel adapter as it's already programmed to work with the Kenwood DNX-890HD model.

The journey continues, but hopefully I'll get it working problem free by this weekend.

tWeEzY

Set-up Nav? LOL. What would that entail besides deciding where to place the antenna. Same goes for XM adapter. Just an excuse to charge more $. Most of the labor for the install is not all that difficult, just tedious. Only difficulty i'd admit is knowing how and where to connect the wires and running the front view camera into the engine bay.

As far as the axxess it might not need to be reprogrammed if its the same stereo. If it does its fairly easy granted you have access to the module to view the light for reset/programing

__________________
2011 370z <sold>
08 350z enthusiast <sold>