FAQ
TL;DR: To add a reversing camera to the Focus C‑MAX 2DIN unit, use the camera video input and its 5 ground pins (“after the connection of 5 masses…”). “You’ll feed the radio a clean reverse trigger from the lamp, not the plate light.” [Elektroda, mateklos, post #16991602]
Why it matters: This FAQ helps Focus owners wire cameras safely, identify the right connectors, and avoid flicker or no‑signal problems.
Quick Facts
- Video input is present on the radio’s white connector blocks; identify pins on the PCB side. [Elektroda, korek516, post #16655715]
- Power/trigger should come from the reversing lamp, not the number‑plate backlight; add a diode if the signal “waves.” [Elektroda, adrian846, post #16967326]
- A matching Ford‑style 2DIN unit was linked as Rupse 7-inch for Focus/Fiesta/Transit. [Elektroda, warunek, post #16655733]
- Some GPS modules on these units run Windows CE 5.0. [Elektroda, vozniakov, post #16966299]
- The camera video input shares ground across 5 pins near the input area. [Elektroda, mateklos, post #16991602]
How do I physically connect the reversing camera video to this 2DIN radio?
Locate the white connector blocks on the radio. The composite video-in for the camera is brought out on these white cubes. Open the unit if needed and follow any PCB silk labels to map video-in and ground. Use a standard RCA lead from the camera to the correct video-in pins, and tie the camera ground to the radio ground group. “You have video in these white cubes.” [Elektroda, korek516, post #16655715]
Where do I take the camera’s power and trigger from?
Take +12 V from the reversing lamp circuit, not the number‑plate backlight. This provides a clean, on‑only‑in‑reverse trigger to the head unit and powers the camera consistently. If the signal fluctuates or “waves,” insert a rectifier diode in series on the trigger line to stabilize it. This avoids ghosting or intermittent video when lights dim. [Elektroda, adrian846, post #16967326]
I bought the unit used and only got the main harness. What connectors do I need?
You need the mating white connector blocks (“cubes”) that carry AV signals, including the camera video-in. Without the correct set, you cannot properly inject the camera video. Either source the exact accessory harness set for this model or identify the connector series and build a pigtail. “How do you want to connect Video from a camera if you don’t have a set?” [Elektroda, korek516, post #16655675]
Which exact model is this Focus 2DIN unit likely to be?
A matching unit in the thread is a Rupse 7-inch digital touchscreen DVD/GPS player for Ford Focus/Fiesta/Transit. The post links both an Amazon listing and the Rupse product page, suggesting an aftermarket Ford‑fit platform common in 2004–2007 Focus C‑MAX installs. Use those references to match harnesses and pinouts. [Elektroda, warunek, post #16655733]
Does this head unit support GPS on Windows CE, and which version?
Yes. A user reports the built‑in GPS software “fires on 5.0,” which indicates Windows CE 5.0. That helps when choosing navigation apps and compatible map packages built for CE5. Confirm in your unit’s settings or about screen before loading software. [Elektroda, vozniakov, post #16966299]
What’s the simple 3‑step wiring plan to make reverse view auto‑switch?
- Feed the camera +12 V from the reversing lamp; ground the camera to chassis.
- Run RCA composite video from the camera to the radio’s camera video‑in on the white connector block.
- Feed the radio’s reverse trigger from the same reversing lamp line (add a diode if the signal “waves”). [Elektroda, adrian846, post #16967326]
Where is the camera typically mounted on a Focus C‑MAX?
A common solution replaces or integrates with the right license‑plate lamp assembly. The thread author installed that lamp‑style camera and reports good results. Expect to wipe the lens occasionally due to road grime on the hatch area. Route wiring through the existing grommets into the tailgate. [Elektroda, warunek, post #16966411]
What if I tried powering the camera from the plate light and the image flickers?
Move power and trigger to the reversing lamp feed. The plate light can be PWM‑modulated or noisy and causes flicker. Adding a rectifier diode to the reverse trigger can further stabilize the head unit’s sense input. This edge case is common on vehicles with lamp monitoring. [Elektroda, adrian846, post #16967326]
I see mention of “5 masses.” What does that mean for wiring?
It indicates five ground pins grouped near the camera video input area on the radio connector. Tie the camera’s ground to any of those ground pins or to chassis. Ensure a solid ground to avoid a rolling image or loss of sync when shifting to reverse. [Elektroda, mateklos, post #16991602]
Can I connect a standard RCA camera, or do I need a proprietary camera?
Use a standard 12 V composite RCA camera. The radio exposes video-in on its white blocks, which correspond to the typical composite feed used by aftermarket cameras. With the correct harness or a built pigtail, you adapt an RCA plug to the radio’s video-in and ground pins. [Elektroda, korek516, post #16655715]
What if I don’t know the radio’s manufacturer—can I still wire it?
Yes. Identify the AV connector pins on the white blocks by opening the unit and reading PCB labels. The thread confirms video-in resides there. Match ground, video signal, and reverse trigger as described. A missing harness remains the main blocker, so source it first. [Elektroda, korek516, post #16655715]
Is there updated firmware or software available for this radio?
A user asked for “new software” and another sought navigation downloads but lacked the exact WinCE version. First confirm your unit shows Windows CE 5.0 in GPS settings, then install compatible nav software/maps for CE5 on SD. Keep backups before changes. [Elektroda, vozniakov, post #16966241]
What camera brand works well if I want OEM-like fitment?
One user recommended using a company camera or brand camera similar to OEM solutions, citing success with BMW radios. Lamp‑integrated designs for Ford give the cleanest look and correct aim. Choose a model designed for the Focus plate‑light housing. [Elektroda, adrian846, post #16966395]
What is an RCA composite video signal?
It’s the standard analog video format used by aftermarket reversing cameras and many head units. It carries picture information on a single conductor plus ground, typically via a yellow RCA plug. Your radio exposes this signal on the white connector pins instead of a rear RCA jack. [Elektroda, korek516, post #16655715]
Any quick diagnostic tips if I get a black screen in reverse?
Confirm reverse lamp power at the camera, verify the radio’s reverse trigger sees the same feed, and check the video‑in pin mapping on the white block. Try a different ground pin from the group of five grounds. A missing harness is often the root cause. [Elektroda, mateklos, post #16991602]
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