Forward Facing Camera

[Ghostrunner]

I have that exact camera on my 2022 S550.

-I mounted it low and pretty hidden in the opening below the bumper and above the splitter.
-It is powered up when I start the car and is on all the time until I shut off the car. I pulled the on/off power in the power distribution fuse box under the hood. See attached image.

-Yes. It connects to an app on my phone via WiFi. So I have to disconnect my CarPlay WiFi (I have a wireless CarPlay WiFi adapter in my 550) to connect to the front camera. I use the camera when needed.
-It works fine, but…. The camera is almost too low where I have it mounted, but it does work. I’ve even recorded video driving on a mountain road, but it is best for seeing that which is immediately in front of and close to the car, like a curb or parking block.
-When I get my 2025 GT I don’t know if I’ll install one or not.

On a scale of 1-10, I give it a 4-5.

That’s good news. I really don’t see why it won’t work. I have on my jeep and it works fine.

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[DT-GT]

And this shows the camera mounted below the bumper. I’m on a trip so a little dirty.

 

[Ghostrunner]

Was at ford today and talked to the mechanic about this idea. Showed where to connect the trip wire in the fuse box. Said he has seen this done before. So waiting for camera to come will see how it works

 

[DT-GT]

Where did he tell you to connect for switched power?

BTW, I installed the camera there with really strong double sided tape, but also put a very small screw as I did not want it coming loose. About 44k miles and it remains firm. Will do an image capture from it tomorrow so that you can see what you think. It’s not that much money, but I’m pretty anal in positioning and running wires, etc. plus I’m an old man and it takes me two hours to do a 15?minute job….or so it seems!

 

[Ghostrunner]

He said to use one of those piggyback fuse on number 125 or 140. And where I plan on putting the camera is up high under the lip to be able to point down and forward

 

[roadpilot]

Not really think will be an inconvenience if only needed once in a while. Just open the app when pulling into a spot, use and close the app

I have these on my SXS.

You have to energize the camera. You have to connect to the SSID it's broadcasting with your device. If you are connected to Sync, it will disconnect from it. You have to start the app, then see the image. All that takes at least 10 seconds or more. When done, de-energizes the camera and reconnect to Sync with your phone.

Again, been using these on the SXS for years. Way too much hassle. There needs to be a camera that displays on the Sync screen just like my F150 360 degree system shows in order for it to be convenient.

I would not power these simply by using a key on power source and let it run all the time when the car is running. They burn out too easily especially when they start letting water in (they are not waterproof)

 

[DT-GT]

I was in a dark parking garage with my headlights on when I took these pictures.

 

[Lakersfreak]

any updates on this?

 

[Ghostrunner]

any updates on this?

Matter of fact just had played around with it just now. The camera does a very good job of showing infront of car and down close. But to connect is not as simple as I was hoping for. In order to use it you have to go into WiFi on phone and connect to camera. Then instantly connects and shows the camera view which is extremely clear and bright. Was hoping it worked a little simpler.

 

[DT-GT]

Yep, that’s the biggest drawback! Stupid Ford not including 360 Cameras and sensors is crazy!

Matter of fact just had played around with it just now. The camera does a very good job of showing infront of car and down close. But to connect is not as simple as I was hoping for. In order to use it you have to go into WiFi on phone and connect to camera. Then instantly connects and shows the camera view which is extremely clear and bright. Was hoping it worked a little simpler.

 

[Rocket Man]

Matter of fact just had played around with it just now. The camera does a very good job of showing infront of car and down close. But to connect is not as simple as I was hoping for. In order to use it you have to go into WiFi on phone and connect to camera. Then instantly connects and shows the camera view which is extremely clear and bright. Was hoping it worked a little simpler.

What has Roadpilot been trying to tell you for 2 weeks?

 

[Ghostrunner]

What has Roadpilot been trying to tell you for 2 weeks?

had to try it was only out $18

 

[roadpilot]

had to try it was only out $18

I tried to save you that $18!

Been using these cheapo cams on the SXSs for years. I put a rocker switch on the dash (or an open button on the Auxbeam). Turn it on ~10 seconds in advance, then just hit the cam app shortcut from the tablet when ready (Agama Car Launcher).

The tablet is set to auto-connect to the WiFi SSID that the camera broadcasts, so I don't have to connect manually each time - it is connected prior to starting the cam app . Not so with your phone that you've typically already connected to Sync with when you're driving - you have manually to disconnect from Sync and connect to the cam SSID each time.

Here's a pic of a split screen - trail map software on the left, backup cam on the right. You can, of course, run apps, including the cam app, full screen.

Agama launcher:

 

[BobInOmaha]

My solution? I back in.

Also reduces door dings on wifes passenger door.

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