Android rear view mirror with reverse camera/GPS/DVR
 

I've wanted a reverse camera for a while and I figured that if I was going to add a screen, it may as well be an Android device so that I can have GPS (and other bells and whistles).

I despise the larger screen dual din stereos some install in these cars. No offense, but they are too large and obtrusive for such a small car, in my opinion. 5" is big enough. ;)

The unit I purchased costs around $67.
Specs:
A33 quad core 1.2 GHz (visually confirmed)
512mb RAM
8gb ROM
Android 4.4.2 (KitKat)
5" 800 x 480 capacitive touch screen
Front (1920 x 1080 HD) and rear (720x480) camera, dual DVR cycle recording
G-sensor
Motion detection
GPS
WiFi
Built in FM transmitter (and onboard speaker)
Micro SD/TF card slot
32 x 9 x 1 cm

https://m.ebay.com/itm/Quad-Core-5-39-39-Android-4-0-Car-Rearview-Mirror-GPS-1080P-DVR-Wifi-Backup-Camera-/112430034825?txnId=1851887837001

http://i875.photobucket.com/albums/a...55CE4A7FA9.jpg

I'm really impressed with this unit. The screen could be a bit brighter, but it's not bad at all. The included GPS program is in Chinese characters, so I deleted it and have been using a version of Offline Maps Navigation that is compatible with this version of android (available on my Google Drive here: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1d7g2onUlHtdBPeBMSeQHmDXDxvJLm-bo) and love it. I originally tried an older version of Google Maps, but it ran so slowly that it was unusable.

The settings included with the UI left a lot to be desired, so I added an app that works as a shortcut to the standard Android settings (no way to access without it). The settings app is also on my google drive: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1o9khYn86j2-80qrXnURvLJ3J5vXSqQ-U .

I recommend a compatible version of Firefox browser since the Google browser included with it is very rudimentary (https://drive.google.com/open?id=1RJ_hfR8yrr_q90lmDdmXBzUNbnl_cCqH).

I didn't want an off brand Chinese lithium battery in my car, so I removed it. It's only function was timekeeping, anyway, and the clock updates via wifi and/or GPS, so the battery is pointless.

I also really didn't want to strap this thing to my rear view mirror (seemed clunky and ugly), so I made a mount with my 3D printer (ABS) and overlayed the flat portion with CF vinyl wrap for a finished uniform look (and painted the screws and bolts black). STL file here: https://drive.google.com/open?id=10GwdRqAGtSS02g5mqArDqciCRJl1yXf9 .

For reference, the stock mirror weighs 227 grams (0.5 pounds). This mirror weighs 361 grams (0.8 pounds) with the battery and 338 (0.75 pounds) without the battery.
It is bigger than the stock mirror, but does not obstruct my view at all and I don't even notice the size difference when driving.

Overall, I love it. There were a few small cons, but they were easily remedied. :)

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UI:
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The front and rear cameras display picture in picture during normal driving. Simply tap the smaller video to switch them around.
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Rear camera was pointed at the floor in this one... :D

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads02...1536562426.jpg

Some rear camera install pictures here...

There is a rubber grommet in the rear trunk that the license plate light wires pass through. It is between the left tail light and spoiler mechanism. I stuck a coat hanger through it and it popped out right above the left bumperette bracket.
Taped the rear view camera wire to it and pulled it through.

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads02...1536562709.jpg

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I need to clean behind these things! :D
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Run the wires up the left side of the trunk, then over the liner bracket. It comes out under the clamshell, right next to the top of the rear shock.

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From there, under the foam drip tray, through the roll bar, and tucked into the left side door trim. Up the A pillar, across the top of the windshield, and out the back of the latch/dome light assembly (same with the GPS antenna and power supply which is tapped at fuse E1)

Reserved...

Great looking install ! Can you still see out of the mirror when camera images are being broadcast ? It looks like maybe the right half of the mirror is still a mirror . Also can this be used as a " hands free " device with an Android phone ?

How did you pop your rear view mirror off the ball, is there a trick to getting it on/off?

i looked hard at this at one point, but didn't like the shoddy way they attached to the oem mirror - your soln is excellent. i was looking at it to run a track lap timer ...

This looks great Charles! Very tempted to try this out

Thanks ;)
Yes, with the screen on, 60%-70% of the mirror is still mirror and you can see out of it just fine. With the screen off, it's all mirror. I have mine set to shut the screen off after 2 minutes.

This particular unit does not have Bluetooth, which wasn't a problem for me. There are others that do, but you must watch the specs. To run smooth, you want to see the A33 4 core processor and at least 512mb RAM, 8gb ROM.

No trick to it. Just pull and wiggle.

I did take the mirror mount post off the windshield first, though. I didn't want to crack the glass or pull the mount tab off. It came off and went back on easily.

For those without a 3D printer, you can buy swivel mounts for it, but they ship from China. I may get one as I seriously over engineered mine. :D

https://m.ebay.com/itm/3-Car-Cam-Rearview-Mirror-Bracket-Holder-Mounting-For-VW-Audi-Volkswagen-Skoda/253586960685?

http://i875.photobucket.com/albums/a...4CD4AAF0C9.jpg


Thanks Martin :)

cool. to work as lap timer it would need ability to connect to a wired external gps/accelerometer (onboard gps typically doesn't have a sample rate adequate for track use).

would also have to confirm software works with the various cameras and with external storage (w limited memory, presume you would have to use sd card for most video storage?).

does it have enough oomph to run say a wifi obd device?

My mirror fell off the ball (I think Safelite didn't get it back on fully after a new windshield, as it would touch the light when I moved it in the glare reduction position) and when I tried to pop it back on, it cracked my windshield, arrgg :)

I really like this, I have a broadway mirror now, but this looks like a fun project!

well, looked at harry's website and it'll support BT gps, which avoids the additional cabling, and it also supports external storage so an SD card will work. presume it'll work with the main camera, but not sure about reverse camera, etc.

issue appears to be that HLT would like 2 gb of ram. apparently it'll work with 1 gb, but that is the minimum. did some searching and nothing with 2 gb available and not much w 1 gb. anyone with any experience running HLT with just 1 gb or ram - work ok or no? ps, sorry if any hijack ...

The most I could find was 512mb...

I decided it was too big and obstructed my view. :D

Getting the buttons laid out:

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads02...1574074109.jpg

^^^ Interesting you are an adventurist I'll give you that :D . But it made me think is there a way to get a " screen " to fit in one of the center console openings ? As an example in mine the top slot is the worthless cup holder . A slim screen would look " right " in its proportions to the rest of the console . And the top slot in my opinion is a perfect spot for eye viewing . Hmmm may have to look into this further .

so, tech has caught-up and they now have 16 gb versions of these things. perhaps time to revisit my track timer project - android mirror, swivel mount, BT gps/accel mounted someplace inconspicuous, harry's lap timer, perhaps get the rear camera working as a driver cam instead (mount on a ram mount of some sort?).

and perhaps a wifi obd scanner as well?

You can get single din units with a screen, but I have not found one with Android OS that would also accommodate GPS, front/rear camera and DVR, or app downloading.
They’re all just screens. And tiny screens, at that.

The unit I’m working on will occupy the batwing and lower slot only, leaving the top slot open for the storage cubby.

You never cease to amaze me Charles! :cheers:

:cheers:




This is going to be a long print :eek:


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I’m printing it in pieces (slices) to lessen the chances of warping.
The face is almost done. ;)

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Faceplate is done. Fits well ;)

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Nice work ......... when is the group buy ? :D

Print is done.

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads02/0491574193246.jpg

In case anyone is wondering why the screen is on an angle instead of parallel with the face, it’s because if the screen is flat against the face, it perfectly reflects the rear window right into my eyes.

At this angle (7.5 degrees), it reflects what is at about abdomen level. ;)

Pieces are glued.
Dry fit to screen:

http://986forum.com/forums/uploads02/11574292716.jpg

A very crude photoshop :D

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Wow, very impressive.

double post...

Thanks guys ;)

When I get it done, I’ll put all the .stl files up. The faceplate piece should be useful for anyone wanting to add gauges, etc.

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Well, I killed it :D

I was playing with the bootloader and a custom recovery when things went south.
I made a backup, but seem to have misplaced it.

Now I’ve got to track down a copy of the firmware. ;)

Sounds like you're all settled in in WA!

I may be driving up to Sequim spring next year. Coffee will be on me.

Best wishes on finding the file! Everything looks great!

awesome sauce!:cheers:

I am still waiting for a (nice) IOS/Android birds eye view solution. Available as analog cable versions already, but no Wifi solution yet. Must be Patient. :D
http://986forum.com/forums/uploads02...1574876523.jpg

Somewhat :)

We’ve had some hiccups, but things are quieting down and I’ve had some play time :D

I’m throwing in the towel on this project as I’ve had no luck tracking down the firmware.
I did get my hands on another mirror and made a full backup to work with, but have to learn how to do it over ADB as I can’t even get it to boot into recovery. I’ll play with and learn from my mistakes. ;)

In the meantime...

I just ordered a 2 din android head unit and some fun peripherals for it (usb dash cam, OBD2 dongle, Apple CarPlay adapter, etc) from Shenzhen for under $50 total :p

They should be here in a month or two. :D


I love my stereo setup and I’m sure the sound on these units is crap, so I plan to keep my current HU and install the Android unit in the lower console. I’ll then 3D print some type of thin storage slot that will fit under it (big enough for a phone, where the batwing would be normally, maybe even an actual dock).
The unit I purchased is very plain on the front (with no volume knob), so it shouldn’t look too out of place with the current stereo.

I have one of those el-cheapo android units in my F-150. It works pretty well, but not having a volume knob sucks and is a PITA. Also, the built in mic for handsfree sucks
YMMV

I kind of figured, but I rarely make phone calls and this one supports external microphones, so I may do that if I feel I need it.

No volume knob is a definite plus for me. It’s why I ordered this one over others. ;)

Hey Particle any updates on this project to share ?