Wired Surfsight auxiliary cameras to Surfsight AI-12
This guide is designed to be used in conjunction with the Surfsight Help Center (https://kb.surfsight.net/hc/en-us ).
This section will deal with the two different Wired/ Ethernet versions of Surfsight auxiliary cameras and method of connection to the vehicle electrical system and connection to the AI-12 via Wired/ Ethernet, hotspot. Up to four Wired/ Ethernet Surfsight auxiliary cameras can be installed on different spots of the vehicle to enable tracking of other viable perspectives during trips. Or for health and safety/ security during delivery or site working.
Note
All the Wired/ Ethernet Surfsight auxiliary cameras are 12 v – 24 v compatible.
Warning
Additional parts are required to install the Wired/ Ethernet Surfsight auxiliary cameras as only the camera is supplied. See parts not supplied (require purchasing).
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Power cable. Length: 1.7Meters (5.8 Feet/ 66.9Inch/ 170Cm) connects to ignition power via 2Amp fuse (not supplied) and vehicle chassis ground
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Wired/ Ethernet cable to MJ12(M) plug. Length: 1.8Meters (5.9 Feet/ 70.86Inch/180Cm) connects to the Surfsight MJ12(F) to RJ45(M) extension cables
Ensure that you have purchased the additional installation consumables not supplied with the Wired/ Ethernet Surfsight auxiliary cameras kit to ensure completion of the installation for each auxiliary camera.
Partner/ installer will need to source the items below in order to successfully complete the installation.
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Compatible Ethernet Wi-Fi Router suitable for automotive power 12V-24Volt
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Correct 12V-24V Router power supply
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Lytx-Surfsight MJ12(F) to RJ45(M) extension cables (5- or 20-Meter lengths).
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Router QR code set up (from client UI Settings)
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Waterproof fuse holder (per Camera & Router)
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Or correct Add-A-Fuse tap vehicle type (Per Camera & Router)
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2 Amp fuse (per Camera & Correct rated fuse for the router)
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Heatshrink insulated crimp Ring terminal suitable for the wire size
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Heatshrink insulated (Dura seal) crimp terminals
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Correct size twin core cable to if extension of the power is required
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Conduit to protect cable runs
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Zip/ Cable ties
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Grommets
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Ny-lock nuts, machine screws/ bolts/ washers, or machine screws/bolts/ washers and or rivet nuts
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Anti-rust protection for holes and ground/ earth point
The router must have:
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Support for Wi-Fi
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Enough LAN ports for the number of auxiliary cameras
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9-28 VDC input voltage on the router itself, which may require removing the A/C adapter from the power cable
Any Router with the above requirements should work. We have tested the following routers and found them compatible with our auxiliary cameras:
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https://mikrotik.com/product/hap_ac2 / https://mikrotik.com/products
A full example of a router specification can be found in Addendum 2
Warning
Only a properly qualified technician should install and support the Surfsight auxiliary camera(s). Any electrical work should be performed only by a suitably trained and qualified automotive technician with qualification applicable to your country/ region/ state; and with an expertise in installing and troubleshooting advanced onboard components, including multiplexed circuits. Lytx, Inc. disclaims. Lytx, Inc. disclaims all responsibility for any damages arising from improper installation and maintenance of the Surfsight device(s).
Warning
The Surfsight auxiliary camera(s) interfaces with the vehicle’s computer systems to capture data for safety analysis. However, it should not interfere with any of the vehicle’s computer systems. Lytx recommends that you do not drive the vehicle until the malfunction is resolved. Lytx, Inc. disclaims all responsibility for any damages arising from improper installation and maintenance of the Surfsight device(s).
Warning
Any electrical work on Electrically propelled vehicle(s) should be performed only by a suitably trained and qualified automotive technician to international level 1 EV qualification applicable to your country/ region/ state. Lytx, Inc. Disclaims disclaims all responsibility for any damages arising from improper installation and maintenance of the Surfsight device(s).
To correctly locate the Surfsight wired/ ethernet auxiliary cameras and view installers should have access to the AI-12 settings menu, which requires an administrative PIN code to access, during set up procedure and or Surfsight UI, to ensure correct adjustment and view from each camera.
Locate a 12 v – 24 v DC ignition power source, that is live during cranking and validate that it can be used for auxiliary power connection on that vehicle, and the circuit can cope with the additional load.
Note
We recommend that you wire the Router and Wired/ Ethernet auxiliary cameras through a 5- pin relay, or timer relay to give a clean ignition power feed.
Connect the RED wire via a waterproof fuse holder/ correct Add-A-Fuse and 2 Amp fuse (Fuse and fuse holder/ Add-A-Fuse sourced separately) within 2.5 cm (25mm/ 1”) to the ignition supply connection point. Ensure that a waterproof fuse holder is installed at the connection point using a minimum of a 2 Amp fuse, for each auxiliary camera installed.
Locate a good vehicle chassis ground point, preferably a manufacturer ground/ earth point, and secure the earth wire.
Connect the BLACK wire using a suitable size ring terminal of the heat shrink sealing type, or over loomed crimp end with adhesive lined heat shrink. If the ground/ earth point is external and exposed apply a protection of waterproof grease, to the earth point. Ensure that the terminal and chassis connection point is clean metal then re-protect the vehicle panel with a suitable anti rust covering.
Best practice: If installing two to four cameras and one connection point is available make a single lead connection to the fuse board using an additional waterproof fuse holder, and then attached each individual Red fused wire to the ignition fly lead.
Ensure that all exposed wiring is routed through automotive grade conduit (for the vehicle type being installed).
Ensure that all external connection points are waterproofed, with either self-amalgamating tape and then over loomed or with adhesive lined heat shrink and over loom. Ensure cables are secured with tie wraps at least every one foot (12”/30 cm/300 mm) or less. Do not over-tighten any tie wraps.
Note
If routing to the vehicles cab area route the power cable with the Wired/ Ethernet MJ12(F) to RJ45(M) cables within conduit.
Warning
Wire Protection: Take all necessary measures to protect all wire runs through a metal surface with a grommet or other device and all wire runs outside the vehicle cab protect with conduit. Always include a drip loop of no less than (6”/15Cm /150mm) where the loom enters the vehicle. Always protect against wire fatigue and harness abrasion by properly attaching wires at closely spaced intervals, while avoiding contact with sharp edges or doing anything else that might result in exposed wires. All wires should be secured with tie wraps at least every one foot (12”/30 cm/300 mm) or less. Do not over-tighten any tie wraps.
Wired/ Ethernet extension cable options
To route the Wired/ Ethernet MJ12(F) to RJ45(M) cables to the vehicles cab area, you will need to ensure that as part of the installation kit the following extension cables have been ordered to suit the installation and vehicle type.
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SRF-CBL-S51-01P SURFSIGHT-5m-M12(F) to RJ45(m) loom |
SRF-CBL-S51-02P SURFSIGHT-20m-M12(F) to RJ45(m) loom |
Before mounting the camera, ensure that the installer understands how the end user is looking to enhance the views around the vehicle. Typical additional views are:
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Low on rear of vehicle
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High on Rear of vehicle rear loading safety
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Driver or Passenger side
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Side of vehicle when working or loading from the side
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Internal area of passenger transport or load areas for security, health and safety of driver, passengers, and load.
Example Views:
Wired/ Ethernet auxiliary cameras Rear mount
Once the Surfsight Wired/ Ethernet auxiliary camera view and mounting location has been confirmed, secure the rear camera by the means of use of Rivet nut inserts/ Ny lock Nuts/ Bolts or screws, ensuring that no sharp edges can catch on any person or clothing when working/ operating the vehicle, removing any excess thread or sharp points from the fixings.
When drilling into body work, you will need to have a minimum size of 2.2Cm/ 22mm/.8” hole to route the camera loom into the body work. This must be grommeted and sealed for waterproofing to ensure liquid cannot ingress into the vehicle body/ chassis.
Ensure that all swarf is cleaned away and any holes created into the vehicle’s body/ chassis are rust proofed (rust proof paint), and where cables route through the hole, use a grommet, ensure that all swarf is removed from the local area.
Caution
Fuse each camera at 2Amps with a waterproof fuse holder/ Add-A-Fuse.
Caution
Never hold unmounted Surfsight auxiliary cameras by the cable and ensure that the cable is not stressed at any point in its length
Wired/ Ethernet Surfsight auxiliary cameras Rear mount location.
Note
Some vehicle panels may require a support panel adding to the inside, especially single panel doors/ tailgates to carry the cameras weight on the panel doors/ tailgates. This should be a minimum of double the cameras mounting area.
Wired/ Ethernet auxiliary cameras Side Mount
Once the view and mounting location has been confirmed, secure the rear Surfsight auxiliary camera by the means of use of supplied hose clamps to the side mirror arm. Alternative side mounting is to use the aux camera flush mount kit (rear camera mounting) to facilitate other mounting options.
Caution
Never hold unmounted Surfsight auxiliary cameras by the cable and ensure that the cable is not stressed at any point in its length.
Cable Routing
Warning
Make certain that neither the wiring cables nor your installation activities interfere with Surfsight auxiliary cameras route the power & Ethernet cables into the vehicle cab following the vehicles looms ensure the cables are secured using Zip (Cable) ties every one foot (12”/30 cm/300 mm), and that the cable is not stretched by door opening, cab tilting or panel opening.
Caution
Always leave a drip loop, so that water will run away from the camera loom entry point. Route the vehicle power cable to the connection point, following vehicle looms, and using Zip (Cable) ties every one foot (12”/30 cm/300 mm). Make your connection to the DC supply via a waterproof fuse holder/ Add-A-Fuse and 2Amp fuse.
Caution
Never hold unmounted Surfsight auxiliary cameras by the cable and ensure that the cable is not stressed at any point in its length.
Caution
All cable routing external to the vehicle driver’s compartment MUST BE run inside of automotive grade conduit suitable for the vehicle type, there should be at least 10Cm (100mm/ 4”) of conduit routed through the body entry grommet to the inside of the vehicle, add another drip loop prior to entering the vehicle.
Connection to a Vehicle
Ensure that you use correct methods of connection as described in the Surfsight AI-12 Installation Guidance/ Surfsight Help Center and follow any local and or manufacture guidance.
Ensure sure you use a MultiMeter to validate the connection points on the vehicle. Ensuring that the ignition connection point is live through engine craning and engine running and can cope with the additional load being applied.
Every auxiliary camera ignition feed will need to be independently fused at 2Amp’s with a waterproof fuse holder located no more than 10Cm (100mm/ 4”) from the vehicle connection point. The use of a relay will help keep the installation neater.
Route the vehicle ground/ earth cable to a good original vehicle ground/ earth chassis point, install an insulated sealed crimp ring terminal to the ground/ earth cable. Secure the vehicle ground/ earth point if this point is external to the vehicle ensure that the joint is protected with a waterproof grease or sealant. Validating the vehicle ground earth is correct.
Warning
Never wire the Surfsight device(s) in a manner that shares a connection with another aftermarket product in the vehicle. Independent connections should always be used.
Warning
The use of Insulation displacement (Scotch Locks) type connectors and non-sealing, un-insulated crimp connectors is prohibited.
Warning
Use manufacturer service/ wiring and body builder manuals to ensure that you have a correct feed that will not interfere with any vehicle systems, be especially cautious on trailers with ABS/EBS modules
Note
The Router and wired/ Ethernet auxiliary cameras can be installed without a relay, but all components MUST be fused separately.
Warning
Never wire the Surfsight device(s) in a manner that shares a connection with another aftermarket product in the vehicle. Independent connections should always be used.
Example of a router installation
The drawing below shows four auxiliary cameras RJ 45 cables attached to the router and secured with Zip (Cable) ties every at 4” (10Cm/100mm) from the RJ45 connector, also that the power cable is zip/cable tied.
Ensure the router is mounted in a generally dry location, above the lower dashboard area.
Prerequisites:
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Make sure the Surfsight auxiliary camera(s) are connected to ignition power.
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Extension cables are secured with Zip (Cable) ties every one foot (12”/30 cm/300 mm)
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Make sure the AI-12 is online.
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Use any device that connects to Wi-Fi, such as a phone or tablet, to check that the AI-12 Dash camera can be found in available Wi-Fi networks (it appears as DASH-XXXX).
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Use any device that connects to Wi-Fi, such as a phone or tablet, to check that the router can find the available Wi-Fi networks (it appears as The SSID name).
Note
For optimum connectivity, install the router as close as possible to the dashcam. Mount the router securely below the dashboard to help protect against normal vehicle vibration, and up off the floor to prevent moisture from entering. To prevent battery drain, wire the router to ignition power. Fuse each camera at 2 Amps with a waterproof fuse holder/ Add-A-Fuse.