6v. back up camera. Can it be done?

[Kube]

Looking ahead, I will want to install some sort of back up camera on one of my pre-war Fords. Six volt / positive ground.

Have any of you guys done this? If so, how?
Thanks!

 

[tetanus]

Maybe you could use a m12 milwaukee battery. you can buy a plug(socket adaptor) and just have a isolated 12v system.

 

[34fordy]

The cameras are very reasonable. I bought one for about $30 for a ------ pickup that had the wiring in the tailgate. I would think the screen would be the expensive part.

 

[hueyhoolihan]

a source ( https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/86790-04010-backup-camera-6-volt.851904/ ) shows that toyota may have used a 6v backup camera in some instances. but seeing as they are a modern device compared to an old ford, the chances that the solid state elements in them would work in a positively grounded circuit would be poor i think. however, reversing polarity for the camera only could, maybe, solve that problem.

 

[hotcoupe]

I installed an electronic device in my 6 volt positive ground '37 pickup that changes to 12 volt negative ground. I use it to charge my phone. I don't remember what the max amp draw is, but I doubt a camera much.
Tom

 

[tubman]

I have one in my '51. It's just a cheapo unit from Amazon (I think it cost $39.95). I actually installed it to test a 6 to 12 volt power converter we were developing at the time, but I am so used to having it, I can't see removing it. The hardest part was running the wiring and optical cable from the trunk to the dashboard. I see they now have "Bluetooth" units at reasonable prices that eliminate the optical cable.

All you need is a 6 to 12 volt booster to power the camera and screen (another inexpensive item from Amazon). I don't have backup lights on my car, but bought a backup light switch that mounts on the shift linkage to feed power to the system when in reverse. These days, you don't have to worry about polarity because everything like this comes in a plastic case with two wires and are completely insulated, so you can just connect the wires properly and go. Also, there is usually no good place to mount a screen that is of enough size to be useful, so you're on your own.

I have found that the amperage draw on any modern accessory is very low. I also have a cassette player (with a motor and all) that draws .37 amp. The camera and screen is less than that. (I have a prototype power converter on my car with a detailed LCD display that tells me what's going on.)

 

[marko39]

My 39 sure could use one, can’t see crap out the back glass.

 

[slowforty]

hot coupe has the right information. I used the same device on my 40 to run the phone charger and cd player. It works well. Not hard to install. This worked before i put a connecting rod through the oil pan. (Anyone want a nice 40 deluxe tudor sedan with a fresh transmission and 7 good connecting rods)

 

[35fordtn]

Absolutely I had one on my 36 Sedan Delivery and currently have one on my 69 Fastback Mustang. you can buy a wireless system and a 6 to 12V step up converter All in all under $80. Get one that the camera is rechargeable and the screen is then the only part you have to power. I used the factory 1936 Dash lamp switch as the "trigger" or on/off switch for the screen.

Quite literally took less than 30 minutes to install.

Nowadays they make them where the camera is magnetic


I have been thinking on getting this one and epoxy on two rare earth magnetics to the back so I can move it from my side by side to my work truck, etc etc with ease, and it is a solar rechargable camera


https://www.auto-vox.com/products/s...aGu06lkd53gOJQ-DJQz5K5JW8CfLLZi0aAvBIEALw_wcB

 

[corvette8n]

Here’s a converter for 6v to 12v, should be able to run the whole system.

 

[tubman]

When I was at my shop today, I took a couple pictures of my setup. Mine is "semi-permanent" in that it is permanently installed, but I didn't drill any new holes and used Velcro to attach a few things. The screen I have is large enough to be useful for me, any larger will have mounting problems and looked out of place. The second picture is the camera (mounted on the license plate), the third picture is the unit functioning (you can see the images of the storage units across the parking lot from me) and the fourth is the NOS backup light switch I added so it only turns on in reverse.

One area of caution I will add about power converters. Get one with circuitry to "clean up" the power. Generators can still throw out some nasty spikes.

 

[fortyonerag]

Just musing…..if the camera system uses a USB supply its voltage is 5V so maybe a simple drop from vehicle -6V to -5V is possible.

In terms of polarity, if the units are plastic cased they are double insulated. Keeping everything isolated, would it not be possible to connect the vehicle -6V to the camera system earth and the vehicle earth to the camera system +5V supply, again maintaining isolation?

Alternatively, I’m just having a seniors moment and disregard the above

 

[petehoovie]

Here’s a converter for 6v to 12v, should be able to run the whole system.

 

[TJ]

kube, you just hit a goldmine of good information from the barners.

 

[Kube]

Guys, I am watching your responses carefully and am very much appreciative to all that have chimed in to date. This stuff baffles me so it takes me longer than (obviously) most of you to become comfortable with the advice in my little brain.