Car-Interface.com v.link CI-VL7-NBT2 User manual

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v.LiNK Video inserter
CI-VL7-NBT2
Compatible with
BMW vehicles F-and G-series
with NBT2 and 6.5, 7, 8.8 and 10.25inch monitor and HSD+2 plug
Mini vehicles
with NBT2 8.8inch monitor and HSD+2 plug
Video-inserter for one rear-view camera, one front camera
and one additional video input
Product features
Video-inserter for factory-infotainment systems
CVBS Input for one rear-view camera
CVBS Input for one front camera
1 CVBS Video-input for after-market Video sources (e.g. USB-Player, DVB-T2 Tuner)
Automatic switching to rear-view camera input on engagement of the reverse gear
Automatic front camera switching after disengaging reverse gear for 10 seconds
Dynamic parking guide lines for rear-view camera (not available for all vehicles)
Video-in-motion (ONLY for connected video-sources)
Video-inputs NTSC compatible

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Contents
1. Prior to installation
1.1. Delivery contents
1.2. Checking the compatibility of vehicle and accessories
1.3. Connectors –video interface
1.4. Settings of the 8 Dip switches
1.4.1. Settings –dips1-3
1.4.2. Settings –dips4-8
1.4.2.1. Deviating dip-switch combinations for manual switching to after-market
camera (not via CAN-BUS)
1.4.3. Explanation of the individual dipswitch functions
1.4.3.1. Vehicle and monitor selection (Dip1-3)
1.4.3.2. Activating the factory PDC display (Dip 4)
1.4.3.3. Activating the video input (Dip 5+6)
1.4.3.4. Activating the front camera input (dip 7)
1.4.3.5. Rear view camera settings (dip 8)
2. Installation
2.1. Place of installation
2.2. Connection schema
2.3. Connection to factory head-unit and monitor
2.3.1. Connection - picture signal cable
2.3.1.1. Special case - space problems with the monitor connection
2.4. Connection - Quadlock/CAN
2.5. Connection - video-sources
2.5.1. Audio insertion
2.5.2. After-market front camera
2.5.3. After-market rear-view camera
2.5.3.1. Case 1: Interface receives the reverse gear signal
2.5.3.2. Case 2: Interface does not receive the reverse gear signal
2.5.4. Power supply output
2.6. Picture settings in the menue
2.7. Adjusting the dynamic guide lines
2.7.1. By i-Drive buttons
2.7.2. By touchscreen (only if supported)
3. Interface operation
4. Specifications

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Legal Information
By law, watching moving pictures while driving is prohibited, the driver must not be
distracted. We do not accept any liability for material damage or personal injury resulting,
directly or indirectly, from installation or operation of this product. Apart from using this
product in an unmoved vehicle, it should only be used to display fixed menus or rear-view-
camera video when the vehicle is moving (for example the MP3 menu for DVD upgrades).
Changes/updates of the vehicle’s software can cause malfunctions of the interface. Up to
one year after purchase we offer free software-updates for our interfaces. To receive a free
update, the interface has to be sent in at own cost. Wages for de-and reinstallation and
other expenditures involved with the software-updates will not be refunded.
1. Prior to installation
Read the manual prior to installation. Technical knowledge is necessary for installation. The
video interface’s place of installation must be free of moisture and away from heat sources.
Before the final installation in the vehicle of the video sources, we recommend a test-run
to ensure the compatibility of vehicle and interface. Due to changes in the production of
the vehicle manufacturer there’s always a possibility of incompatibility.
1.1. Delivery contents
Take down the serial number of the interface and store this manual for support
purposes: ____________________

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Requirements
Brand
Compatible vehicles
Compatible systems
BMW
F-series vehicles from about 05/2016
and G-series vehicles with NBT2
(new main menu + more flat iDrive)
Radios, S606A Business Navigation, S6UNA Navigation,
S6U2A Live Cockpit Plus, S609A Professional Navigation,
S6UPA Navigation Plus - NBT2 EVO with 6.5, 7, 8.8 and
10.25 inch monitor
Since 2019, BMW has been gradually converting its
vehicles from NBT2 to MGU. Visually, NBT2 is difficult to
distinguish from MGU. Send us the vehicle identification
number for verification in an enquiry, please.
Mini
from about 2016/2017
609 Professional Navigation NBT2 Evo with 8.8inch
monitor (new main menu)
Limitations
Video only The interface inserts ONLY video signals into the infotainment. For inserting
Audio signals either the possibly existing factory audio-AUX-input or a FM-
modulator can be used.
Factory rear-view camera Automatically switching-back from inserted video to factory rear-view camera is
only possible while the reverse gear is engaged (no delay of the switching
possible). Automatic switching to the factory rear-view camera does not work
from the video mode of a video source connected to the video input of the
interface.
After market front camera The front camera will automatically be switched for 10 seconds after
disengaging the reverse gear. A manually front camera switching isn’t possible.
Dynamic guidelines Displayed dynamic guidelines are not available in all vehicles.
Factory PDC display The factory PDC display does not work in all vehicles.
Image formats On 8.8inch and 10.25inch monitors, the image formats of the inserted video
sources will only be displayed in full screen (stretched)!
Video input signal Only NTSC video sources compatible.
1.2. Checking the compatibility of vehicle and accessories

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1.3. Connectors –video interface
The video-interface converts the video signals of connected after-market sources in a factory
monitor compatible picture signal which is inserted in the factory monitor, by using separate
trigger options. Further it reads the vehicle’s digital signals out of the vehicle’s CAN-bus and
converts them for the video interface.
1.4. Settings of the 8 Dip switches
Some settings have to be selected by the dip-switches of the
video interface.
Dip position down is ON and position up is OFF.
After each Dip-switch-change a power-reset of the Interface-box has to be performed!

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1.4.1. Settings - dips1-3
Dip switches 1 to 3 are used for basic adjustment for the compatible vehicle types and
monitor sizes (make settings according to the table).
If the above mentioned switch positions of Dip1-Dip3 generate system errors or do not show
a satisfying picture (no picture, black picture, incorrect picture size) please also try all other
combinations of the 3 Dip switches!
1.4.2. Settings –dips4-8
Dip switches for switching functions, (dip4 to dip8)
*For factory rear view camera, Dip-4 must be set to ON (bottom).
**The front camera will automatically be switched for 10 seconds after disengaging the
reverse gear.
1.4.2.1. Deviating dip-switch combinations for manual switching to after-market camera
(not via CAN-BUS)
*In this case the factory PDC display cannot be deactivated
See the following chapters for detailed information.
After each Dip-switch-change a power-reset of the Interface-box has to be performed!
vehicle - and monitor selection
Dip-1
DIP-2
Dip-3
1, 2, 3, 4 series, X3, X4 with 8.8inch monitor
WITH factory rear-view camera
OFF ↑
OFF ↑
OFF ↑
1, 2, 3, 4 series, X3, X4 with 8.8inch monitor
WITHOUT factory rear-view camera
ON ↓
OFF ↑
OFF ↑
5 serie with 8.8inch monitor
WITH factory rear-view camera
OFF ↑
ON ↓
OFF ↑
5 serie with 8.8inch monitor
WITHOUT factory rear-view camera
ON ↓
ON ↓
ON ↓
OFF ↑
1, 2, 3, 4 series, X1, MINI with 6.5 and 7inch monitor
OFF ↑
OFF ↑
ON ↓
5serie and 7 serie,X5, X6, i3 with 10.25inch monitor
ON ↓
ON ↓
ON ↓
X1 with 10.25inch monitor
ON ↓
OFF ↑
ON ↓
Dip
Function
ON ↓
OFF ↑
4
Factory PDC
for after-market rear-view camera
disabled*
enabled
5
Video in (setting 1)
disabled
enabled
6
Video in (setting 2)
enabled
disabled
7
Front camera
enabled**
disabled
8
Rear-view cam type
Factory or none
After-market
Dip-switches
Dip-4
DIP-8
Manually activated by orange wire*
OFF ↑
ON ↓
Varies
depending on
Equipment

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1.4.3. Explanation of the individual dipswitch functions
1.4.3.1. Vehicle and monitor selection (Dip1-3)
Dip switches 1 to 3 are used for basic adjustment for the compatible vehicle types and
monitor sizes (make settings according to the table).
1.4.3.2. Activating the factory PDC display (Dip-4)
Dip 4 is used to activate the factory PDC display (if available) when retrofitting an after-market
rear view camera. When Dip switch is set to OFF, the factory PDC display is shown on the right
side of the display. With Dip switch position ON, the factory PDC display is not shown.
Exceptional case: A manual switching to an after-market camera (by orange cable) only
works with the following combination of dip-4 and dip-8:
Dip-4 switch position = OFF / Dip-8 switch position = ON
In this case the factory PDC display cannot be deactivated!
Before installing the interface, the factory PDC display must be activated and visible in the
middle of the screen!
Note: If a factory rear view camera is installed, Dip 4 must be set to ON (bottom).
1.4.3.3. Activating the video input (Dip 5+6)
Dip switches 5 and 6 activate the video input - it is necessary to set both dip switches according
to the table:
1.4.3.4. Activating the front camera input (Dip 7)
Dip 7 is used to activate the front camera input. With Dip switch position ON, the interface
switches from the rear camera to the front camera input for 10 seconds after the reverse
gear has been engaged.
Dip-switch position OFF deactivates the front camera input.
Dip
Function
ON ↓
OFF ↑
5
Video in (setting 1)
disabled
enabled
6
Video in (setting 2)
enabled
disabled

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1.4.3.5. Rear-view camera settings (Dip 8)
Dip 8 is used to set the type of rear view camera. Dip switch position ON switches the
interface to factory picture of an existing factory rear view camera as long as reverse gear is
engaged.
Dip switch position OFF switches the interface to the rear view camera input as long as
reverse gear is engaged.
Exceptional case: A manual switching to an after-market camera (by orange cable) only
works with the following combination of dip-4 and dip-8:
Dip-4 switch position = OFF / Dip-8 switch position = ON
In this case the factory PDC display cannot be deactivated!
Note: Automatic switching to the factory rear-view camera does not work from the video
mode of a video source connected to the video input of the interface.
2. Installation
To install the interface, first switch off the ignition and disconnect the vehicle’s battery.
Please read the owner`s manual of the car, regarding the battery`s disconnection! If
required, enable the car`s Sleep-mode (hibernation mode)
In case the sleep-mode does not succeed, the disconnection of the battery can be done
with a resistor lead.
If the necessary stabilized power supply for the interface is not taken directly from the
battery, the chosen connection has to be checked for being constantly stabile.
The interface needs a permanent 12V source!
Before a final installation, we recommend a test-run to ensure the compatibility of the
vehicle and the interface. Due to changes in the production of the vehicle manufacturer
there’s always a possibility of incompatibility.
2.1. Place of installation
The interface is supposed to be installed at a suitable location behind the vehicle`s head-
unit.
Deviation BMW i3: With installation in BMW i3 the PNP cable requires an extention to the
video interface, as its head unit is located in the rear of the vehicle.
The installation place of the video Interface remains in the front of the vehicle.

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2.2. Connection schema

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2.3. Connections to factory head-unit and monitor
2.3.1. Connection - picture signal cable
Disconnect the factory picture signal cable’s bordeaux coloured HSD+2 connector from the
rear-side of the monitor and connect it to the bordeaux coloured HSD+2 connector
„LVDS IN“of the video interface .
Connect the angled bordeaux coloured HSD+2 connector of the enclosed picture signal cable
to the previously become free bordeaux coloured HSD+2 connector at the monitor’s rear
side.
Connect the opposite straight waterblue coloured HSD+2 connector of the enclosed picture
signal cable to the waterblue coloured male HSD+2 connector „LVDS OUT“of the video
interface.
Attention: The picture signal cable’s connecting direction doesn’t have an impact on the
system’s function, for that the angled and not-angled HSD+2 connectors are allowed to be
interchanged, depending on the HSD+2 connectors mounting space at the monitor.
However, mixing up/interchanging the connections of „LVDS IN“ and „LVDS OUT“ will
cause dysfunktion or even damage to the system!
Note: The colours of the HSD+2 connectors at monitor and head unit may vary.

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2.3.1.1. Special case - space problems with the monitor connection
The picture signal cable’s connecting direction doesn’t have an impact on the system’s
function, so that the angled and not-angled HSD+2 connectors are allowed to be
interchanged, depending on the HSD+2 connectors mounting space.
Disconnect the factory picture signal cable’s bordeaux coloured HSD+2 connector at the
rear-side of the monitor and connect it to the bordeaux coloured HSD+2 connector
„LVDS IN“of the video interface .
Connect the straight waterblue coloured HSD+2 connector of the enclosed picture signal
cable to the previously become free bordeaux coloured HSD+2 connector at the monitor’s
rear side.
Connect the opposite angled bordeaux coloured HSD+2 connector of the enclosed picture
signal cable to the waterblue coloured male HSD+2 connector „LVDS OUT“of the video
interface.
Mixing up/interchanging the connections of „LVDS IN“ and „LVDS OUT“ will cause
dysfunktion or even damage to the system!
Note: The colours of the HSD+2 connectors at monitor and head unit may vary.

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2.4. Connection –Quadlock/CAN
Connect the female 20pin connector of the 20pin interface cable
to the 20pin connector of the video interface.
Remove the female 40pin Quadlock connector of the vehicle harness
from the rear-side of the head-unit and connect it to the male 40pin
Quadlock connector of the 40pin PNP section.
Connect the opposite female 40pin Quadlock connector of the 40pin PNP section
to the previously become free male 40pin Quadlock connector at the rear-side of the head unit.
Attention: If the factory Quadlock connector is equipped with optical leads, these must be
clipped out there and transferred to the female 40-pin Quadlock connector of the 40-pin
PNP section!
Deviation BMW i3: With installation in BMW i3 the PNP cable requires an extention to the
video interface, as its head unit is located in the rear of the vehicle.
The installation place of the video Interface remains in the front of the vehicle.

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2.5. Connection - video sources
It is possible to connect an after-market rear-view camera, an after-market front camera and
one more after-market video source to the video-interface.
Before a final installation of the video sources, we recommend a test-run to ensure the
compatibility of vehicle and interface. Due to changes in the production of the vehicle
manufacturer there’s always a possibility of incompatibility.
Connect the 20pin interface cable’s female 20pin connector to the male 20pin connector of
the video-interface.
Connect the video RCA of the rear.view camera to the female RCA connector “Rear Camera IN”
of the 20pin interface cable.
Connect the video RCA of the front camera to the female RCA connector “Front Video IN”
of the 20pin interface cable.
Connect the video RCA of an additional video source to the female RCA connector “DVR Video IN”
of the 20pin interface cable.

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2.5.1. Audio-insertion
This interface is only able to insert video signals into the factory infotainment. If an AV-
source is connected, the audio insertion has to be done by the factory audio AUX input or an
FM-modulator. The inserted video-signal can be activated simultaneously to each audio-
mode of the factory infotainment.
2.5.2. After-market front camera
The red wire of the 20-pin interface cable "Rear+Front out" is used for the power
supply of the front and rear camera. It carries +12V (max. 3A) when the reverse gear
is engaged plus 10 seconds after the reverse gear is again disengaged.

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2.5.3. After-market rear-view camera
Some vehicles have a different reverse gear code on the CAN-bus which the video-interface
is not compatible with. Therefore, there are two different ways of installation
Note: Do not forget to set video interface’s dip8 to OFF before testing.
2.5.3.1. Case 1: Interface receives the reverse gear signal
If the interface delivers +12V on the green output wire of the 20pin interface cable while
reverse gear is engaged, the video interface will automatically switch to the rear-view
camera input “Rear Camera IN” while the reverse gear is engaged.
The red wire of the 20-pin interface cable "Rear+Front out" is used for the power supply
of the front and rear-view camera. It carries +12V (max. 3A) when the reverse gear is
engaged with additional 10 seconds after the reverse gear is again engaged.

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2.5.3.2. Case 2: Interface does not receive the reverse gear signal
If the video interface does not deliver +12V on the green wire of the 12pin cable when reverse
gear is engaged (not all vehicles are compatible), an external switching signal from the reverse
gear light is required. As the reverse gear light’s power supply isn’t voltage-stabile all the time,
an ordinary open relay (e.g AC-RW-1230 with wiring AC-RS5) or filter (e.g. AC-PNF-RVC) is
required. The diagram on the next page shows the connection type of the relay.
Deviating dip switch positions must be observed!
Connect the 20pin interface cable’s orange coloured input cable “Rear input 12V”to
the output connector (87) of the relay.
Connect the Reverse light’s power-cable to coil (85) and the vehicle’s ground to coil
(86) of the relay.
Connect the output connector (87) of the relay to the rear-view camera’s power-
cable, like you did it to the green “Rear input 12V”cable before.
Connect stabile and permanent +12V to the relay’s input connector (30).

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2.5.4. Power supply output
The red power supply output „ACC out +12V“ can be used to power an after-market video source
(e.g. USB-player, DVB-T2 tuner).
2.6 Picture settings in the menu
To enter the menu, the front or rear camera image must be shown on the display.
Press the cursor to the left. The menu picture appears on the monitor.
Select the corresponding menu item with the cursor wheel.
Press the I-Drive button to confirm.

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2.6. Adjusting the dynamic guide lines
The display of the dynamic guide lines does not work in all vehicles. The adjustment of the
dynamic guide lines does not work in all vehicles where the lines are displayed.
Note: During the adjustment of guide lines, Dip-6 must be set to ON. To adjust the guide
lines,the reverse gear must be engaged. Move the steering wheel to see the changes.
2.6.1. By i-Drive buttons
Press and hold the Menu button on the i-drive for 5 seconds.
Use the cursor keys "up"-"down"-"right"-"left" to move the guide lines in the
corresponding direction.
Press the i-Drive button to confirm the position.
In case of unchageable values, the system supports an automatical picture adjustment.
2.6.2. By touchscreen (only if supported)
For vehicles with factory touchscreen, touch the display at any point for 20 seconds. Then
use the 4 arrow keys "up"-"down"-"right"-"left" to move the guide lines in the corresponding
direction as required.

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3. Interface operation
The factory i-Drive button can be used to manually switch to an after-market video source,
activated on the interface (e.g. USB-player, DVB-T2 tuner).
Pressing the Menu button on the i-Drive for 2 seconds, switches the input from the factory
video to the video source that has been inserted in the interface. If the input is activated by
dip switch setting (dip6), the sequence is as follows:
Factory video  Video IN 1  factory video
Each press will switch between the factory video and the activated video source.

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4. Specifications
BATT/ACC range 9V –16V
Stand-by power drain 2mA
Power 450mA @12V
Video input formats NTSC
Temperature range -20°C to +70°C
Dimensions Interface box 130 x 88 x 25 mm (W x D x H)
10R-05 16886
Made in China