README.md

Front Cam MQB DIY

DIY solution for Front Camera in MQB vehicle (VW Golf MK7).

Concept

Adding Front Camera functionality to the vehicle, using universal 3rd party camera, some electronics, custom button. This tutorial is based on VW Golf MK7, factory equipped with Discover Media MIB2 system, with retrofitter RVC-High camera.

Requirements

• Infotainment unit that supports Rear View Camera (units with part number ending with 819 and 820 does not support video feed input).
• Fitted and working RVC-High camera (RVC-Low camera video feed is switched of as soon as reverse gear is disenagaged, when RVC-High image is visible while moving forward with low speed).

Parts

• Front camera in NTSC system
• • Option 1: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DkfmwDZ on AliExpress (not recommended: 110° FOV instead of advertised 170°)
• • Option 2: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DFbM4L5 (not tested, but nice mounting)
• • Option 3: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_DBfOR7t (winner! great PoV and light compensation)
• ATTiny board - https://www.aliexpress.com/item/1005001621891306.html
• Relay: https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Ddmhov9
• Wires, shrinking tubes, etc...

Software

• Arduino IDE - https://www.arduino.cc
• OneButton library - https://github.com/mathertel/OneButton

Installation

• Creating a relay that will switch between rear and front signal,
• Modifying OEM wiring by adding video feed switching relay - https://youtu.be/ypj4om6XKyw,
• Tapping into OEM buttons signals,
• Enabling empty button,
• Tapping into reverse gear signal,
• Installing FrontCam,
• Powering the controller with term_15.

Changelog

v0.1

• initial release, not even tested in vehicle
• toggle button to switch between FrontCam and RVC
• automatic switching to front cam when reverse gear is disengaged

v0.2

• memory of the FrontCam being switched of my user, reset after turning parktronic off.

v0.3

• button detection fix
• sanity check for forced off function
• preparation for OneButton library
• variable typo fix

v0.4

• OneButton library implementation
• Logging over Serial
• Single attempt to force turn on Parktronic if requested by the Front Cam button

Future Concept

• Some cool feature for long-press event of the button, maybe?

Reference and credits

• https://github.com/mathertel/OneButton
• https://www.golfmk7.com/forums/index.php?threads/diy-front-camera-upgrade-for-rvc-high.405296/