DIY Network

Observation and Navigation Systems Add-ons that give you a foolproof sense of direction and "eyes in the back of your head"--a GPS system, baby cam and backup bumper camera. From "Weekend Mechanic" episode WKM-409

Bruce and guest Anthony Catapano install the baby cams that are part of the observation system.

In this project, Weekend Mechanic host Bruce Bonebrake adds some high-tech observation and navigation components to a Pontiac Aztek, with the help of Anthony Catapano, field technician from Audiovox.

The projects include a back seat "baby cam" as well as a remote camera that is installed in the rear bumper to prevent accidents and ease back-ups. Both obsrevation systems display the video in a new high-tech rear view mirror.

Bruce and Anthony also install a GPS navigation system that displays in the mirror as well.

advertisement

	The navigation system
	The back-seat "baby cam" makes it safer and easier to keep an eye on your most precious cargo.
	GPS navigation system, installed and mounted

Project Overview

Host Bruce Bonebrake and Audiovox field technician Anthony Catapano begin by installing a rearview mirror with built-in video display that will work for all the cameras installed as well as the GPS navigation system. Bruce and Tony then install a "baby cam" in the back seat and complete the wiring to the rearview mirror display. They then install a rear bumper camera to prevent accidents and ease back-ups. Finally, Bruce and Tony install a GPS navigation system that also displays in the new high-tech rearview mirror. Bruce test-drives the car--with a baby onboard--and demonstrates the operation of the rear-bumper and baby-cam cameras and rearview mirror display.

DIY Difficulty Rating for the Project: This job requires getting into the engine and disassembling some components to find the source of the problem. We gave it a difficulty rating of 2 on a 5-point intermediate-level scale. Allow yourself the entire weekend to install everything, conceal the wires and test the systems.

Important: Included here is a basic summary of the steps in this automotive procedure as shown in the episode. These steps are general guidelines that are applicable to most vehicles. With any particular vehicle, there may be procedures, specifications, settings, tolerances, components, etc. that are specific to that vehicle. There are also variations according to the type and brand of repair-kit or replacement parts you select. Always consult your vehicle's service manual when undertaking significant automotive repairs, and read and follow the manufacturer's directions and precautions that come with your kit or replacement parts.

Tools and materials:

In addition to standard auto-mechanic's tools (wrenches, ratchets, extenders, screwdrivers, nut-drivers, torque wrench, etc.), some of the tools required for this project include

Tools used in the installations included in this project.

cordless drill
soldering gun
solder
screwdrivers
wire stripper
wire cutter
electrical tape
wire ties
step drill bit
small pry bar
volt meter

Safety Alert: Always wear eye protection and ear protection, and follow proper safety precautions, when working with power tools. Also wear eye protection any time that you are working beneath a vehicle or around toxic or caustic fluids.

Safety Alert: As a standard safety precaution, always disconnect the vehicle's negative battery cable before you begin work on any electrical or mechanical components.

The a/v control module for the observation cams.

Installing The New Mirror

Steps:

• The old mirror comes off by loosening the torx screw and sliding the mirror off the factory mounting plate.

• The factory harness is simply tucked away into the headliner.

• The new mirror slides onto the factory mounting plate and the torx screw is tightened down to secure it.

• The wiring harness is connected to an extension cable and is tucked under the headliner to the a-pillar.

• Most A-pillar panels pop right off, and it's usually easier to take it off to run the cable than to tuck it under it.

• From there, the cable is fed down under the weather-strip seal.

• Weekend Mechanic Pro Tip: Before starting a wiring project, it's a good idea to install a memory saver to save the car's computer settings and codes. The cable plugs into any available lighter well, as we have in the rear compartment. Our memory saver is a 12-volt system and simply connects to any fresh battery. Hook up the positive cable first and then the negative cable.

• Weekend Mechanic Safety Tip: When hooking up a battery, connect the positive cable first and then the negative cable. This is to avoid an electrical arc.
  
  
  

  Page  1 | 2 | 3 | 4

  
  
  

  RELATED PROJECTS: Enhancing Safety with GPS Technology Truck Accessories: Stereo Upgrade with GPS Safe Driving: Eliminate the Clutter Reducing Driver Distraction: MP3 vs. CD Players GPS Systems PDAs and GPS Technology Surveillance Cameras

  
  

  ALSO IN THIS EPISODE:
  	Observation and Navigation Systems