OpenTrackRacer
01-07-2007, 03:45 AM
Just installed the Navtool for my TNR and thought I'd pass along a few quick tips.
When installing the ribbon cable inside the TNR, it makes things a lot easier if you remove the four bolts holding the bottom circuit board. This allows you to move the board out of the way for easy removal of the old cable and installation of the Navtool cable (side B). In addition, you can put the excess cable under this board (like the original cable) instead of folding it over and holding it with the bottom cover. It's a lot less likely to get damaged that way.
Finding switched accessory power in newer vehicles can be a real pain. Thanks to the forum, I knew where to go. For those who don't, it's available on the upper left empty plug (C8) on the MBEC panel under the dash, next to the parking brake. The pin you want is the top right. Instead of buying an expensive Metri-Pack plug or hacking up a brake controller wiring harness, I cut off one half of a standard female spade connector. One this is done, it fits snugly on the pin and works great with minimal cost and hassle.
The last item is the reverse switch overide (so you can turn on the camera any time). There is an easy and quick way of doing this than dosen't invlove a diode. All you need is a SPDT (single pole double throw) switch. This is a toggle switch with three pins. You connect the Navtool blue wire to the center (common) pin. You connect switched 12v to one of the other pins and the 12v wire from the reverse switch (the green wire in the brown plug on the MBEC panel, which is the center plug on the right) to the last pin. This way you switch input and the two 12v lines never meet.
Speaking of the swiches, I mounted mine to the metal rail under the dash on the driver's side. There are already a few holes in it and the toggle switches fit right in.
I hope this info is helpful!
When installing the ribbon cable inside the TNR, it makes things a lot easier if you remove the four bolts holding the bottom circuit board. This allows you to move the board out of the way for easy removal of the old cable and installation of the Navtool cable (side B). In addition, you can put the excess cable under this board (like the original cable) instead of folding it over and holding it with the bottom cover. It's a lot less likely to get damaged that way.
Finding switched accessory power in newer vehicles can be a real pain. Thanks to the forum, I knew where to go. For those who don't, it's available on the upper left empty plug (C8) on the MBEC panel under the dash, next to the parking brake. The pin you want is the top right. Instead of buying an expensive Metri-Pack plug or hacking up a brake controller wiring harness, I cut off one half of a standard female spade connector. One this is done, it fits snugly on the pin and works great with minimal cost and hassle.
The last item is the reverse switch overide (so you can turn on the camera any time). There is an easy and quick way of doing this than dosen't invlove a diode. All you need is a SPDT (single pole double throw) switch. This is a toggle switch with three pins. You connect the Navtool blue wire to the center (common) pin. You connect switched 12v to one of the other pins and the 12v wire from the reverse switch (the green wire in the brown plug on the MBEC panel, which is the center plug on the right) to the last pin. This way you switch input and the two 12v lines never meet.
Speaking of the swiches, I mounted mine to the metal rail under the dash on the driver's side. There are already a few holes in it and the toggle switches fit right in.
I hope this info is helpful!