Reversing camera

[starider]

Have taken little interest in the reversing camera as it's very difficult to see on the screen in the dash.The image is very dark and I've only ever seen a clear image once when the area I was reversing into was in very bright sun light. The multi media unit is the usual Japanese one which only a Japanese speaker can read. Does anyone know if the brightness of the screen can be adjusted' if so how? or any useful comments. Thanks.

[Rojie]

8 hours ago, starider said:

Have taken little interest in the reversing camera as it's very difficult to see on the screen in the dash.The image is very dark and I've only ever seen a clear image once when the area I was reversing into was in very bright sun light. The multi media unit is the usual Japanese one which only a Japanese speaker can read. Does anyone know if the brightness of the screen can be adjusted' if so how? or any useful comments. Thanks.

 

Hi Starider,

 

If you have the HDD unit. Yes it can, if my memory serves me.

 

I assume you have already cleaned the lens !

 

I will need to research the correct button sequence to navigate you to the correct screen.

You could also try eightseater,blogspot.com, in the meantime, which is a really good resource for that HDD unit.

Do you have the original (Japanese)  manuals ? Perhaps I can get you a page number.

 

I'll try later today.

 

 

[starider]

Yes, all cleaned, first job I did. Tony.

[Rojie]

Hi Starider,

 

I finally got around to trying to find the brightness control.

 

The Hit and Miss Method, I'm afraid.

Belt and Braces too.

Hopefully, members will take this seriously, even if it doesn't work.

 

So, engine on and running.

Play a DVD, and the screen should display your DVD !

Leave DVD playing.

Ensure footbrake is on. Ensure right foot on main brakes. Engage first gear.

The Peek and Sneak Front cameras should be on.

Engage reverse, the rear camera should display on the screen.

 

Now press the second from left button beneath the screen.

(Next to the furthest left button, the screen flip up button).

 

You should see a large circular legend on screen.

What does it mean ? No idea !

But beneath it should be two sliders.

 

The left is brightness, and the right is contrast.

 

Then as you gently change gear, hopefully without setting off down the street, you can set the best compromise brightness !

 

Hopefully this will work for you.

 

Unfortunately, it doesn't make a huge difference.

 

I was going to make a Plasticard hood to fit over the screen; but I never did.

 

Please let me know how you get on.

 

 

 

 

[starider]

Hi Rojie,

Managed to accidentally play a DVD once,, but hadn't a clue how I managed it, so have never been able to repeat! When I have half a day to spare I'll have another go!

Thanks for all your trouble, will let you know if and when.

[Rojie]

19 hours ago, starider said:

Hi Rojie,

Managed to accidentally play a DVD once,, but hadn't a clue how I managed it, so have never been able to repeat! When I have half a day to spare I'll have another go!

Thanks for all your trouble, will let you know if and when.

 

Do you have a DVD ?

If so, it's easy !

Let me know when you are ready to try.

 

ps.

You don't have to have a DVD, it just gives you another source of video to judge brightness with.

Switching between first and reverse should be enough.

Make sure your front cameras are switched on, steering wheel switch will do it.

 

[starider]

Hi Rojie,

Must admit,I'm not sure if ours has front cameras?? If there are' where is the switch?? Is that the button switch on the steering column with a wire from it which disappears into wiper arm void?

[Rojie]

13 hours ago, starider said:

Hi Rojie,

Must admit, I'm not sure if ours has front cameras?? If there are' where is the switch?? Is that the button switch on the steering column with a wire from it which disappears into wiper arm void?

 

If you have front (sideways looking) cameras there will be a small unit at the top of the grill; about the size of a thimble.

 

It will have three lenses, two sideways looking, and one that looks at your front bumper !

There will be no evident wiring as they are fully integrated into the electrical system.

 

The switch on the steering wheel (at about 4 o'clock) has a symbol similar to two headlights, except the beams face sideways, not straight ahead.

If enabled, they work automatically. However, the front cameras don't work above crawl speed anyway.

 

I find them very useful. I expect you would in your part of the world.

Fantastic for 'Peep and Creep' exits from farms and obscured view exits.

 

Good Luck.

 

 

[starider]

Hi, it doesn't appear that our Alphard has front cameras,the only front parking aid is a special mirror on the front N/S wing which has small integral mirrors to give views of the kerb and wheel which are so small, so being useless. I think I will have to put up with a pretty useless rear camera. Perhaps a rear LED floodlight??

Edited November 18, 2022 by starider
words missed.

[Rojie]

11 hours ago, starider said:

Hi, it doesn't appear that our Alphard has front cameras,the only front parking aid is a special mirror on the front N/S wing which has small integral mirrors to give views of the kerb and wheel which are so small, so being useless. I think I will have to put up with a pretty useless rear camera. Perhaps a rear LED floodlight??

 

Did you check for the 'thimble' and the steering wheel switch ?

I'll get a snapshot of mine for you.