Audivox ACA250 wireless rearview camera installation photos

CNET Car Tech documents the installation of Audiovox's wireless rearview camera on our test car Chevrolet Aveo.

Antuan Goodwin

Feb. 19, 2009 3:23 p.m. PT

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Two major parts

The Audiovox ACA250 wireless backup camera features two major components: the camera itself and a 2.5-inch monitor.

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Adhesive mount

The monitor attaches to the dash with an adhesive pad.

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Connection

Two connections are supplied. Installers can choose between a pair of loose wire ends for hard-wiring or a 12-volt cigarette lighter adapter. The connections attach to the monitor with these harnesses. We chose the 12-volt adapter for its simplicity.

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Monitor installed

With our monitor installed on the dash, we moved on to the camera.

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Remove license plate

Installation of the monitor begins with the removal of the license plate mounting screws at the rear of the vehicle.

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Mount the camera

Next the camera is mounted and bolted in place with the longer screws supplied in the installation kit.

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Routing the cable

In some vehicles, the power cable can then be routed behind the license plate and into the vehicle's body.

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Snaking the cable

Here we are testing our power cable for length. For vehicles where the reverse lights are separated from the license plate by a hinge, the power cable must be snaked through the trunk lid and body panels.

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Tapping the reverse light

In our Aveo, we had to remove one of the tail light clusters to tap the power cables for the revers lights.

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Test run

With our cables routed and everything mounted, we put the vehicle in reverse for a test run.

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Wireless signal

When the reverse light illuminates, the camera is powered on and sends a wireless 2.4 GHz signal to the monitor, eliminating the need for a video cable running through the cabin.

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Infrared night vision

Six infrared LEDs--invisible to the naked eye, but visible to a digital camera--assist the ACA250 in low light situations.

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Increased safety

Being able to see into the vehicle's rear blind spot increases the safety of the driver and those around the vehicle. Of course, the camera isn't meant to replace common sense, so check your mirrors before backing up.

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Interference

The monitor is constantly on, looking for a signal from a camera. Unfortunately, this means that at times it can pick up signals from other sources, such as this security camera near the CNET offices.

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More interference

On a few odd instances, we picked up television signals from what we assume are 2.4 GHz video adapters in the area. We think this could be distracting to inexperienced drivers.