OK electrical engineers, can I acquire and install, the "360 degree" camera system in a Uconnect 4 system?

[FIRE UP]

Hey gang,
Forgive me if this has been discussed before and if so, maybe someone can directly to the thread or threads where it's talked about. We have a '21 Ram 1500 Laramie Crew Cab 4x4 Ecodiesel and it's equipped with the Uconnect 4 radio system. It also has the rear camera and of course, all the front and rear proximity sensors. Both the CEO and myself would sure like the 360 degree camera system. We've got a friend who's got a late model Ford Bronco Sasquatch and he's got that 360 degree camera system and it's really cool for parking and positioning and all that. The rear camera is great for backing up and setting up to hook up to our boat trailer and all that. But being able to see the front section and yes, the sides too would really be great.

So, my question: Can I simply acquire whatever it takes, camera(s), wiring harness's and whatever? Second question: Is the truck "pre-wired" for this kind of scenario? That is, if, HUGE IF, I can acquire all the components, is the wiring already in place for this equipment to simply be installed? I'm also assuming that since sooooo much of this is seriously digital and electronic, the present Uconnect 4 system will have to be flashed to accept the new additions in cameras and wiring, correct? Or is all this just a pipe dream?

I appreciate any help here you electrical gurus.
Scott

 

[FIRE UP]

Wow,
52 views to date and no one can answer whether or not the 360 degree camera option can be retrofitted to a '21 Laramie that has the U-connect 4 system. I doubt the dealer would know.
Scott

 

[RamDiver]

There are a few interesting posts about adding aftermarket front & rear cameras in the search below but nothing about enabling an OE 360° camera view, that I found.

I'll check AlfaOBD on my PC later, using a stupid phone ATM.

https://www.ramforum.com/search/3250259/?q=360+degree+camera&o=relevance

Up to 74 views this morning.

I would guess that adding an OE 360° camera system might be a huge PITA and costly while there are likely many simpler & cheaper aftermarket solutions from Amazon & elsewhere.

If you scan threads identified in the search link, I did see a few aftermarket solutions for pseudo 360° solutions.

Amazon.com

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[markabby]

i'm going to take a wild guess here...the 12.4 uconnect seems to be limited for adding anything to it, unfortunately. Thats why many buy the dongle thing. So, with that, i'm going to say you can't install an OEM type 360 camera. Even adding a front view camera gets expensive and somewhat involved.

An after market might work, but you would probably need a separate monitor. Another solution, if you have the $$$ would be either change the 12.4 to a 12.5, or, maybe those Tesla screens might give the option of adding cameras.

They don't make it easy or cheap to do. Having side view cameras like some models would be nice, but.....it seems like they put handcuffs on us with the 12.4

 

[Dredger]

A starting point.
Link will not work. Here's a pic of the URL

 

[diymirage]

An after market might work, but you would probably need a separate monitor.

Shooting from the hip here, I'm gonna say adding an aftermarket camera to a head unit set up to show video input should not be an issue

The head unit doesn't know what is is displaying, does it ?

It simply gets a signal that tells it 'change display to feed from port #12'

I would be willing to bet if we find a aftermarket surround camera setup we could pretty easily pipe it into the stock head unit, as long as the final signal goes in the same spot where the OEM back up camera goes


Ima do some more pondering on this, but I don't see why it wouldn't work (not saying it would be worth the hassle, mind you)


Edit: here is one that uses an HDMI output

If you can find a converter cable from HDMI to whatever the input on the stock head unit is, I bet your golden

https://www.tadibrothers.com/products/360-degree-pickup-truck-camera-system-in-3d?srsltid=AfmBOoqCqd_-Dc0RrVM0iZ-vp4R3TzgU7htZ6esuoUijfKMCsrx_5FoYhCM

 

[markabby]

you might be right. i found this:

Yes, it is possible to add a surround view camera system to a vehicle with a Uconnect 12.4 system, though it's not a simple plug-and-play process. It may require aftermarket components and professional installation, including programming the system to recognize the new cameras.

Elaboration:

• Compatibility:
  While it's not guaranteed that any aftermarket surround view camera system will work with a Uconnect 12.4, it's generally feasible to integrate one.
• Components:
  Adding a surround view system typically involves installing multiple cameras (front, rear, side mirrors) and an interface module to connect them to the Uconnect system.
• Installation:
  Professional installation is recommended due to the complexity of wiring the cameras and potentially modifying the vehicle's wiring harness.
• Programming:
  After installation, the Uconnect system may need to be programmed to recognize the new cameras and display the surround view on the touchscreen.
• Cost:
  Adding a surround view camera system can be expensive, as it involves purchasing aftermarket components and paying for professional installation and programming.
• 
  
• amazon does sell them, but, i'm not sure of the compatibility with U12.4

also:

Surround View Camera System.

Diagram of OEM Surround View Camera System. Contains Module forward facing camera. [surround view for Surround View Camera System. Fits 1500.

www.factorychryslerparts.com

 

[RamDiver]

A starting point.
Link will not work. Here's a pic of the URL

This link contains a very detailed listing of components, amazon links, assembly directions and AlfaOBD tweaks for adding 360° cameras onto a Uconnect 4 or 5.

The cost, as per the builder 2.5 years ago, "It was about $1200 using used items. About $2200 new". I believe there are aftermarket solutions that aren't as great for a small fraction of that cost.

This is the text from post #1, authored by vincentw56. The thread is 30 pages long from 12'22 to the current date.

• Dec 8, 2022
• 
  
• #1

"After installing the 360 Surroundview Camera System, I decided to put this together to help others. I know there are several others who have done this. If you have any extra input, please let me know. I will start with the parts list first. Make sure to read the notes. You may need to find the correct part number depending on your configuration or color. It was about $1200 using used items. About $2200 new.

Parts List
1 of CVPM - 68318033AI (Uconnect 4) or 56029964AF (UConnect 5)- This goes in the passenger kick panel. It comes with the mounting bracket.
4 of Camera - 68144068AD - It is the same camera. To save money, I bought used mirrors off of eBay and took the cameras out of them. The mirrors don't need to be in good condition.
1 of Driver Side Mirror - 68276511AG - These vary depending on blind spot monitoring, cap colors, and other options. I bought used ones from eBay.
1 of Passenger Side Mirror - 68276510AH - These vary depending on blind spot monitoring, cap colors, and other options. I bought used ones from eBay.
1 of Front Camera RAM Mount - 68341467AC - This could be different depending on the grill you have.
1 of Front Camera Bracket 1 - 68341480AB - Holds the front camera in the RAM mount.
1 of Front Camera Bracket 2 - 68365873AB - Holds the front camera in the RAM mount.
1 of Tailgate Handle - 6RN80GW7AA - This will vary depending on the color and type of tailgate you have. Replace GW7 with your color code that you can find on the placard on the inside of the driver side door.
1 of 68529657AA - Tailgate handle spacer. This holds the camera in the tailgate handle.
1 of 16.5' Fakra Z - Male to Female Amazon.com - Front Camera to CVPM
1 of 10' Fakra Z - Female to Female Amazon.com - Driver Side Mirror to CVPM
2 of 6' Fakra Z - Female to Female Amazon.com - Pass Side Mirror to CVPM, CVPM Output to Radio
1 of 6' Fakra Z - Male to Female Amazon.com - Rear Camera from Radio to CVPM
1 of 3' Fakra Z - Male to Female Amazon.com - Tailgate Camera Adapter
2 of #6 3/8 Stainless Screws - These are needed to install the front camera in the RAM
1 of Front Camera Jumper Harness - 68322480AD - This isn't really necessary, but it allows you to disconnect the camera easier when removing the grill.
1 of Wiring Harness for CVPM - Jimmy07 can make this for you. Just send him a PM.

Surround View Camera System.​

Diagram of OEM Surround View Camera System. Contains Module forward facing camera. [surround view for Surround View Camera System. Fits 1500.
www.factorychryslerparts.com
Keep in mind that some of the parts listed above need to be researched depending on options on your truck.

The install is pretty simple, but time consuming. I am not going to go into detail on each item. I will give an overview. You can find videos and instructions on removing the items on YouTube and here.

Front Camera:
You need to remove the grill. Once it is removed, you need to remove the RAM letters and replace it with the new one with the camera. Too me, this was the longest part of the build. You can install the jumper harness now too.

Rear Camera:
You need to remove the tailgate handle and replace it with the one with the new camera. And NO, you cannot use the old camera. The new cameras have a wider degree of view. Use the Tailgate Camera Adapter cable in between the factory cable and the new camera.

Driver's side and Passenger side:
Replace the mirrors with the new ones. You will need to install the cameras in the mirrors unless you bought used ones off that already have them installed.

Running the cables:
I ran the front cable down the driver's side and went through one of the firewall rubber gaskets. Make sure to seal it back. I then ran the driver's side mirror and this one together under the dash over to the CVPM. The passenger side doesn't need much running as it is right there. You need to remove the radio. You will unplug the rear camera and plug in the cable to run it to the CVPM. Then plug the other cable into the radio and run it to the CVPM.

CVPM Install:
Remove the passenger side kick panel and install the CVPM. You can hook up all the cables. The CVPM is labeled for the different cameras. Then hookup the wiring harness and run it over to the fuse box. Make sure to plug it into one that comes on with remote start.

AlfaOBD Changes:
You will need an MX+ or switch the cables around. Again, I am not going to go into this as there is information about it already. If you have issues finding the settings, use the search in AlfaOBD.

VehConfig 1: Rear View Camera- NO
VehConfig 2: CHMSL Camera- NO
VehConfig 7: Full Central Vision Processing Present- YES
ECUConfig 3: Rear Camera Present- NO
Radio & Connectivity: Rearview Camera Zoom Buttons Present- YES
Radio & Connectivity: Surround View Camera On/Off Softkey Present- YES
CustSetMenu 1: Rear View Camera Gridlines CSM Present- NOT PRESENT
CustSetMenu 1: Rear Camera CSM Present- NO
CustSetMenu 2: Rear View Camera Delay CSM Present- NO
CustSetMenu 2: Surround View Camera Gridlines CSM Present- YES
CustSetMenu 2: Surround View Camera Delay CSM Present- YES
Cabin Net: CVPM Central vision processing- ENABLE

Once you do this, you should be able to at least see the front and rear cameras in the surround view display. You will now need to calibrate the surround view cameras. This is what you need the MX+ for. Plug in the MX+ using the SGW Bypass. You'll have to calibrate the cameras when you're done. Find an area that you can drive straight at about 4mph for about 400'. Connect to the CVPM in the radio module list. Run the camera calibrations individually for each camera.

Enjoy your new camera system. If you have questions, please post them in here. If I get more time, I will add more details. If anyone has more details to add, let me know and I will add them.

Last edited: Feb 23, 2023"

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[markabby]

yea...the link i posted (and deleted) would not load for some reason, but, you got it....in detail, no less.

 

[orange]

Cheaper, but perhaps not as elegant, you just need a video signal switch. Select which one you want to use and you can have many cameras. Though if you want the 360* view, I can't help and I'm sure it will get more expensive and complicated.

Just search amazon for "rca video switch". Don't go too cheap, but you certainly do not have to get the most expensive one either. For these things I prefer to order the amazon search results by Average Costumer Review and then look at the one with the most reviews first.

 

[FIRE UP]

Ok Gang, OP here,
I most certainly appreciate the responses here. I did find that same thread on that other Ram forum shortly after I'd posted my second post on this thread. And it's pretty comprehensive. It appears it (the addition of the OEM 360 camera system) is doable. Whether or not one want's to go through all the effort and even the lower cost of purchasing items used is up to me and or anyone else that's possibly thinking of doing something like this. I think it's a neat system in that it helps one locate your vehicle in parking spots, your own garage parking and more. I have the link saved so, we'll see just how I go in the future with this info. Again, all your responses are definitely appreciated.
Scott

 

[RamDiver]

Ok Gang, OP here,
I most certainly appreciate the responses here. I did find that same thread on that other Ram forum shortly after I'd posted my second post on this thread. And it's pretty comprehensive. It appears it (the addition of the OEM 360 camera system) is doable. Whether or not one want's to go through all the effort and even the lower cost of purchasing items used is up to me and or anyone else that's possibly thinking of doing something like this. I think it's a neat system in that it helps one locate your vehicle in parking spots, your own garage parking and more. I have the link saved so, we'll see just how I go in the future with this info. Again, all your responses are definitely appreciated.
Scott

You're most welcome.

If you choose to pursue this installation, it would prove helpful to many others if you post details of your experience here at Ram Forum. This adds significant value to the site and attracts others who learn from your experiences.

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[Hardracer]

Good info and a cool feature!

 

[FIRE UP]

You're most welcome.

If you choose to pursue this installation, it would prove helpful to many others if you post details of your experience here at Ram Forum. This adds significant value to the site and attracts others who learn from your experience.

Hey Michael,
Most definitely I will post an entire write up if I take this project on. I think the 360 camera thing is of great value myself. I suppose there's alternate aftermarket systems out there that may offer some likeness to the factory ops for maybe quite bit cheaper. Sometimes ya gotta spend to get quality performance. We'll see.
Scott

 

[RamDiver]

Hey Michael,
Most definitely I will post an entire write up if I take this project on. I think the 360 camera thing is of great value myself. I suppose there's alternate aftermarket systems out there that may offer some likeness to the factory ops for maybe quite bit cheaper. Sometimes ya gotta spend to get quality performance. We'll see.
Scott

I know, sometimes the end result justifies the expense, or at least I thought that way when I worked for a living.

Looking forward to living vicariously through you and reading about your future adventures.

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[JayLeonard]

I have that feature but have never really used it. I’m a old school mirror guy.

 

[KansasArt]

I can’t add any info on how to… but do have a funny story about this. Wife’s 2016 murano has this. While driving with my mom (in her upper 80’s) I showed her the above car view which shows all 4 views tied together. Front, rear, left and right. She asked how is this done? I told her satellite up in the sky was taking video of us. After pulling into the garage I put it back on. She looked at the image on the screen and proceeded to cuss me out!