Front camera bumper advice

[jwtj02]

My Amazon-special Android 13 touchscreen radio has turned out to be a good investment (hopefully I didn't just jinx myself), but there is pretty much zero product support. I would like to add a front camera as there is an input for both front and rear cameras (it came with a rear). I've seen lots of folks who have added aftermarket front cameras, but I am not sure what one's they've used. I am looking for a waterproof one that will connect to the composite input on the back of my headunit. I am not sure if it is a digital or analog input. I am posting a couple of pictures of the unit below, I think a lot of TJ owners have purchased these over the last couple of years - so hopefully there is some collective knowledge on this forum.
Any suggestions as to what I should be looking to purchase? And, where exactly to mount it? I've seen some mounted under the bumper lip, some in the grill, some on the bumper. I want to use it to help with wheel placement and for being able to see what is just over the blind crest.

and, the closest thing I have to a product manual...

 

[Chris]

I'd probably mount it on the bottom lip of the front bumper. As for which camera to use, take your pick of any Chinese one on Amazon as long as it has the right connector. I'd probably go with someone that has a wide lens option.

Here's one I see commonly used:
https://www.amazon.com/Rearview-Rev...sal-Reverse/dp/B0GGR1C18L/?tag=wranglerorg-20

Like I said, they're all mostly the same when it comes to this Chinesium stuff.

 

[macleanflood]

If you've got a stock bumper or a license plate in the middle just get one of the license plate mounted cameras. That'll make it easy.

The camera that came with my cheap rearview mirror...which I've since removed...overly complicated...is not available.

-Mac

 

[jwtj02]

If you've got a stock bumper or a license plate in the middle just get one of the license plate mounted cameras. That'll make it easy.

The camera that came with my cheap rearview mirror...which I've since removed...overly complicated...is not available.

-Mac

oh that is a good idea, I pulled a front plate off so the holes are there to mount a bracket - that is a good idea

 

[jwtj02]

I'd probably mount it on the bottom lip of the front bumper. As for which camera to use, take your pick of any Chinese one on Amazon as long as it has the right connector. I'd probably go with someone that has a wide lens option.

Here's one I see commonly used:
https://www.amazon.com/Rearview-Rev...sal-Reverse/dp/B0GGR1C18L/?tag=wranglerorg-20

Like I said, they're all mostly the same when it comes to this Chinesium stuff.

There is a reverse trigger for the rear camera, so I am guessing I'll need a manual power switch for the front?

 

[macleanflood]

There is a reverse trigger for the rear camera, so I am guessing I'll need a manual power switch for the front?

Or just turn it on using the radio interface. You should be able to manually switch between cameras and do a multi camera display.

-Mac

 

[GTTJ]

Any link to the radio?

 

[jwtj02]

Or just turn it on using the radio interface. You should be able to manually switch between cameras and do a multi camera display.

-

Or just turn it on using the radio interface. You should be able to manually switch between cameras and do a multi camera display.

-Mac

Well, the radio has pretty much zero documentation. I don't currently have an app or setting that I can see for turning on the front camera. The read camera automatically gets triggered when the reverse lights go on (there is a trigger wire for that). I was thinking the front would have to be triggered too? Otherwise, I am not sure how it works... ?

 

[Zorba]

I am not sure if it is a digital or analog input.

"Composite" is by definition analog. I'd expect it to connect via one of the yellow RCA connectors I see in your cheat sheet.

 

[jwtj02]

Any link to the radio?

Sorry, I didn't notice this one. Here it is: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D1VCRLPZ?tag=wranglerorg-20

 

[jwtj02]

"Composite" is by definition analog. I'd expect it to connect via one of the yellow RCA connectors I see in your cheat sheet.

OK, didn't realize all RCAs were analog. Thanks!

 

[Zorba]

OK, didn't realize all RCAs were analog. Thanks!

Well, they certainly "should be", I'm sure somewhere, sometime some idiot "engineer" used them for digital, power, or some other misuse.