Can I use a switch to to Connect rear camera

[Starway]

Hi,

I am trying to wire my reverse camera with a switch so I can have it on all the time or off all the time until I reverse. Is this possible how would I wire the switch? And what switch would I need. The camera only has positive and earth. Would I take power from reverse light and constant power and then switch them somehow so that I can have 12v+ all the time or only when reverse lights come on. / any help much appreciated . James

 

[littlespark]

Dashboard switch, through a relay to power the camera.
What you don’t need is the reverse light coming on when you turn the camera on going forward.

To simplify things, just have it powered all the time?

 

[telectrix]

you can use a switch on dash. what i done is to yake the camera feed from the rear screen demister, as that supply is alredy there in the tailgate.if i don't wantthe camera on, i just switch off the demister

 

[Starway]

Can I use a switch like this and just swap the inputs and outputs

 

[telectrix]

d3pendent on the vehicle. some with canbus electrics wo'n allow you to feed off the reverse lights without using a relay.

 

[Simon47]

You just need a changeover switch. Wire camera feed to common, the other terminals to a live feed and reversing light. If you want an always off position, use a switch with a centre off position.
But ...
Is this the whole system you are powering, or is there something that will be powered on but confused by a lack of signal ?
Some reversing lights have a permanent feed and switched ground. You'd need a different setup for this - probably just add a relay.
As already mentioned, be careful of modern cars with "clever" electrics that can get confused if you take power off random locations.
Make sure anything you add is adequately fused - don't do things like take a feed direct off the battery with no fuse at all