Installing a Garmin BC30 Bluetooth backup camera and NuviCam

[OneEyedJack]

This is my first post.
Like so many of you who are disappointed with the Infotainment system, display, phone integration and GPS (2008 DB9 Coupe, tiptronic) I have opted to install a Garmin NuviCam LMTHD that offers GPS, built-in dash-cam, and Bluetooth for phone and 4 cameras.
The LMTHD has lifetime map updates and lifetime live traffic reports with auto-rerouting and a number of other great features.
So, my question to you is this:
Since the backup camera is typically triggered by the reversing light turning on, I need to tap into (12VDC) on the reverse light wiring on the left hand tail light fixture. To do this I need to know the plug pi-outs on the tail light and if 12 VDC is available on that wire. Can anyone help with that. I've tried measuring voltages but they are odd-ball, probably because of the LEDs. I'm not even sure if the backup light operates at 12VDC...and I don't want to test it for fear of burning something out and having to replace the engine or something stupid like that.

My findings so far:
The wiring harness plug at the LH tail light has a common ground (Green/yellow) single contact in the lower row. The reverse light appears to be the pin diagonally opposite in the upper row (Orange/blue). It goes hot to 13 VDC with the engine running and gear selector in reverse.

By the way, when I peer through the reverse light lens, it looks like there's a conventional bulb in there. Am I crazy?
Any advice greatly appreciated.

By the way, I am also installing a forward-looking (bluetooth) camera to protect the front air dam/splitter. Right now I just visually line the back edge of the door speaker grille up with the base of the kerb.

Thanks

Edited by OneEyedJack on Sunday 12th June 02:04

[divetheworld]

OneEyedJack said:

This is my first post.

And yet no pictures of your lovely DB9..... Tut tut.
"Rule #147, new members must post pictures of their Aston."



And yes. As crazy as not putting a pic of your car up.

Edited by divetheworld on Sunday 12th June 07:46

[OneEyedJack]

Many thanks for that DivetheWorld. I had it ass-backwards, no wonder it doesn't work!
Why would AM make the tail-light assembly sealed (according to other threads) if there's a conventional bulb inside? How does one change it?
Now as atonement for my sin:


It's a momentous day when you take delivery of your first Aston Martin!

2008 DB9 Coupe tiptronic, 14250 miles on the clock. Not a scratch. Never driven in the rain!!

[divetheworld]

Good man. Not only do you have an amazing looking car, but your face says it all.
Nice to have another real enthusiast here.

<edit>
The only way to change the bulb is split the light unit. The bulb isnt an off-the-shelf item either. Proprietary socket....

Edited by divetheworld on Sunday 12th June 10:20

[OneEyedJack]

So, now I have a working back-up camera with guidelines, and...today I received the Garmin Mechanic HD Bluetooth OBDII transmitter. It worked perfectly in minutes. The Mechanic is the hardware required for Garmin's EcoRoute function to work. Garmin Mechanic part # 010-11380-10. Garmin doesn't sell it anymore but you can still find them on eBay. This device translates engine fault codes and allows you to reset them. It also has live engine performance data and records time plots of various parameters.
The final addition will be a forward-looking camera (another Garmin BC30) to help prevent air dam damage. The BC30 picture is reversed left to right but for my purposes, that doesn't matter.
I'll take some pix when the whole project is finished. The beauty of Bluetooth is that it eliminates the need to rip your interior apart to thread wiring. Since Canadian cars are wired with their low beams on all the time, I can tap into constant power at the headlights.