Car-Interface CI-VL3-MBN51 User manual

Version 04.05.2017
v.LiNK Video-inserter
CI-VL3-MBN51
Compatible with Mercedes Benz vehicles
with Comand Online NTG5/NTG5.1
Audio20 CD NTG5/NTG5.1
Audio20 USB NTG5/NTG5.1
with 4pin HSD LVDS connector on the monitor
Video-inserter with 2 video + RGB + rear-view camera input and CAN control
Product features
Video-inserter for factory infotainment monitors
2 CVBS video-inputs for after-market devices (e.g. DVD-Player, DVB-T tuner, …)
Rear-view camera video-input
Automatic switching to rear-view camera input on engagement of reverse gear
Activatable parking guide lines for rear-view camera
Video-in-motion (ONLY for connected video-sources)
Compatible with factory rear-view camera
AV-inputs PAL/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. Dip-switch settings
1.4.1. Enabling the interface’s video inputs (dip 1-3)
1.4.2. RGB-video input signal selection for after-market navigation (Dip 4)
1.4.3. Rear-view camera setting (dip 5)
1.4.4. Monitor selection (dip 8)
1.5. Dip-Switch settings of the CAN-BUS
2. Installation
2.1. Place of installation
2.2. Connection schema
2.3. Connection to the head-unit - LVDS
2.4. Connection to the head-unit - Quadlock
2.5. Connecting peripheral devices
2.5.1. Video-sources to AV1 and AV2
2.5.2. Audio-switch and audio-insertion
2.5.3. After-market rear-view camera
2.5.3.1. Case 1: CAN-box detects reverse gear
2.5.3.2. Case 2: CAN-box does not detect reverse gear
2.5.3.3. Video signal connection
2.6. Connecting video-interface and keypad
2.7. Picture settings and guide lines
3. Interface operation
3.1. By Comand-buttons
3.2. By keypad
4. Specifications
5. FAQ –Trouble shooting

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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
place of installation must be free of moisture and away from heat sources.
1.1. Delivery contents
Take down the serial number of the interface and store this manual for support
purposes: ____________________

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Requirements
Vehicle A-class (W176) since 09/2015, B-class (W246) since 11/2014, C-class
(W205), C-class Coupé (C205) since 2015, CLA-Coupé (C117) since ca.
10/2014, CLA-Shooting B (X117) from 03/2015, CLS-Coupé (W218)
since ca. 08/2014, CLS Shooting B (X218) since ca. 08/2014, E-class
(S/W212) since ca. 11/2014, E-class Coupé (C207) since about
06/2015, GL-class (X166) since ca.09/2016, GLA-class (X156) since
09/2015, GLC-class (X253), GLE-class (C292), GLS-class (X166) since
ca. 11/2015, GT AMG (C190), ML-class (W166) since 08/2015, V-class
(W447) since 2014
Head-unit/monitor Comand Online NTG5-205, Audio20 CD NTG5-205, Audio20 USB
NTG5-205
Comand Online NTG5.1, Audio20 NTG5.1
with 4pin HSD LVDS connector at the monitor
Limitations
Video only The interface inserts ONLY video signals into the infotainment.
For sound use an FM-modulator. Only for Comand Online NTG5-205,
the optional OBD-coder for factory audio-AUX is available (OBD-N5-X-
01).
Connecting 2 AV-sources If 2 AV-sources shall be connected to the infotainment the optional
audio switch SW-A2X1 is available, which is controlled by the video
interface.
Video sources NTSC video sources compatible only.
Factory rear-view camera Automatically switching-back from inserted video to factory rear-view
camera is only possible while the reverse gear is engaged. To delay
the switch-back, an additional electronic part is required.
1.2. Checking the compatibility of vehicle and accessories

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1.3. Connection Video-Interface
The video-interface converts the connected after-market sources video signals into a LVDS
signal which is inserted in the factory monitor using separate trigger options and it reads
vehicle’s digital signals out of the vehicle’s CAN-bus and converts them for the video
interface.
1.4. Dip-switch settings
Some settings have to be selected by the 8 dip-switches at the
video-interface. Dip position down is ON and position up is OFF.
See following chapters for detailed information.
Dip
Function
ON (down)
OFF (up)
1
RGB-input
enabled
disabled
2
CVBS AV1-input
enabled
disabled
3
CVBS AV2-input
enabled
disabled
4
RGB-input resolution
800x480
1080p H+V sync
5
Rear-view cam type
after-market
factory or none
6
No function
-
set to OFF
7
No function
set to OFF
8
Monitor selection
7” monitor
8.4” HD monitor

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1.4.1. Enabling the interface’s video inputs (dip 1-3)
Only the enabled video inputs can be accessed when switching through the interface’s video
sources. It`s recommended to enable only the required inputs for the disabled will be
skipped when switching through the video-interfaces inputs.
1.4.2. RGB-video input signal selection for after-market navigation (Dip 4)
If an after-market RGB navigation or other RGB video source is connected, the source’s RGB
output signal must match the interface’s RGB video input setting.
1.4.3. Rear-view camera setting (dip 5)
If set to OFF, the interface switches to factory LVDS picture while the reverse gear is engaged
to display factory rear-view camera or factory optical park system picture.
If set to ON, the interface switches to its rear-view camera input “Camera-IN” while the
reverse gear is engaged.
1.4.4. Monitor selection (dip 8)
Dip 8 customizes the monitor-specific video settings. The “ON” position corresponds to the
7” monitor, while the “OFF” position belongs to the 8.4” monitor. If the right picture still
doesn’t appear after changing the dip switch, retry and after each dip switch change
disconnect the Power supply for a few seconds (Power-reset).
1.5. Dip-switch settings of the CAN-BUS
Dip position down is ON and position up is OFF.
Vehicle/Navigation
Dip
1
Dip
2
Dip
3
Dip
4
Vehicles with NTG5
OFF
ON
ON
OFF
Vehicles with NTG5.1
OFF
ON
OFF
OFF
2. Installation
Switch off the ignition and disconnect the vehicle’s battery! The interface needs a
permanent 12V source. If -according to factory rules- a disconnection of the battery has to
be avoided, it should be sufficient to use the vehicle’s sleep-mode. In case, the sleep-mode
doesn’t succeed, the battery has to be disconnected with a resistor lead.
The Interface needs a permanent power supply! If power isn’t directly taken from the
battery, the connection’s power has to be checked for being start-up proven and
permanent.
2.1. Place of installation: The interface is installed on the backside of the head-unit.

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2.2 Connection schema

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2.3. Connections to the head-unit - LVDS
Remove the Comand head-unit.
Remove blue female 4pin HSD LVDS connector from the rear of the head-unit and
connect it to the waterblue-coloured male 4pin HSD LVDS connector of the interface-
box.
Connect the waterblue-coloured female 4pin HSD LVDS connector of the 4pin HSD
LVDS cable to the blue male 4pin HSD LVDS connector of the head-unit.
Note: Depending on place of installation and mounting space, the included 4pin HSD
extension-cable (CAB-HSD-ML100) can be used

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2.4. Connections to the head-unit - Quadlock
Connect the interface cable’s female 20pin connector to the male 20pin connector of
the video-interface.
Connect the female 10pin connector of the Quadlock cable to the male 8pin
connector of the interface cable
Remove the female Quadlock connector of the vehicle harness from the rear of the
head-unit and connect it to the male Quadlock connector of the Quadlock cable.
Connect the female Quadlock connector of Quadlock harness to the male Quadlock
connector of the head-unit.

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2.5. Connecting peripheral devices
It is possible to connect two after-market AV-sources and an after-market rear-view camera
to the video-interface.
Before final installation of the peripheral devices, we recommend a test-run of the
interface. Due to changes in the production of the vehicle manufacturer is always the
possibility of incompatibility.
Note: The single grey wire and the single white wire are out of function and should be
isolated.
2.5.1. Video-sources to AV1 and AV2
Connect the interface cable’s female 20pin connector to the interface’s male 20pin
connector.
Connect the video RCA of the AV-source 1 to the female RCA connector “VideoIN1”
of the video cable.
Connect the video RCA of the AV-source 2 to the female RCA connector “Video -IN2”
of the video cable.

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2.5.2. Audio-switch and audio insertion
This interface can only insert video signals into the factory infotainment and switch audio
signals. If an AV-source is connected to AV1 or AV2, the audio insertion has to be done by
the factory audio AUX input or a FM-modulator to which the interface’s sound-switch output
is connected. When the interface is switched from AV1 to AV2, the audio signal is switched
parallel to the corresponding video signal by the interface’s built-in audio-switch. The
inserted video-signal can be activated simultaneously to each audio-mode of the factory
infotainment.
Note: If 2 AV sources shall be connected, the optionally available audio switch SW-A2X1 has
to be connected. While the interface is switched from AV 1 to AV 2, the audio signal will
automatically be switched to the right source.
Connect the interface cable’s female 20pin connector to the male 20pin connector of
the video-interface.
Connect the interface cable’s drilled pink- and black-coloured wires to the audo
switches power input. Connect the pink wire to the input “BATT” and the black one
to the grey wire beside.
Connect the audio-RCA of the AV-source 1 and the AV source 2 to the female RCA
port “AUDIO-IN1” and “AUDIO-IN2”of the audio switch.
Connect the audio-RCA of the factory-audio-AUX-input or the FM-modulator to the
female RCA port “AUDIO-OUT”of the audio switch.

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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. If the video
interface receives a signal of the reverse gear, the green wire “Reverse-OUT” of the 20pin
cable should carry +12V while the reverse gear is engaged.
Note: Do not forget to set dip5 of the video-interface to ON before testing.
2.5.3.1. Case 1: CAN-box detects reverse gear
If the CAN-bus interface delivers +12V on the green wire of the 20pin cable when reverse
gear is engaged, it will automatically be switched to the rear-view camera input CAM while
reverse gear is engaged.
The 12 V power supply for the rear-view camera (max 3A) has to be taken from the
green wire of the 20pin cable to avoid an unnecessary permanent power supply to
the camera electronic.
For the operation, both green cables have to stay connected

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2.5.3.2. Case 2: Interface does not receive any reverse gear signal
If the video interface does not deliver +12V on the green wire of the 20pin 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-
stable 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 below shows the connection type of the relay.
Disconnect the green cable’s preconnected male- and female connectors of the 20pin
cable and connect the green input cable “Reverse-IN” to the output connector (87) of
the relay.
Note: Not least to avoid short circuits, the best solution should be, to crimp a male
4mm connector to the relay’s output cable and connect it to the green cable’s female
4mm connector. The output-cable “Reverse-OUT” remains disconnected as it’s out of
function.
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 “Reverse-IN” cable before.
Connect permanent power / 12V to the relay’s input connector (30).

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2.5.3.3. Video signal connection for the rear-view camera
Connect the video-RCA of the after-market rear-view camera to the female RCA port
“Camera-IN” of the video-cable.
Note: The picture settings for “Camera-IN” input have to be done in AV2.

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2.6. Connecting video-interface and keypad
Connect the keypad’s female 4pin connector to the video-interface’s male 4pin
connector.

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2.7. Picture settings and guide lines
The picture settings are adjusted by the 3 buttons on the video-interface. Press the MENU
button to open the OSD settings menu or to switch to the next menu item. Press UP and
DOWN will change the selected value. The buttons are embedded in the housing to avoid
accidental changes during or after installation. The picture settings have to be done
separately for RGB, AV1 and AV2 while the corresponding input is selected and visible on the
monitor. AV2 and Camera-IN share the same settings which must be adjusted in AV2.
Note: The OSD menu is only shown when a working video source is connected to the
selected video-input of the interface.
The following settings are available:
Contrast
Brightness
Saturation
Position H (horizontal)
Position V (vertical)
For the rearIR-AV1 (out of function)
IR-AV2 (out of function)
Guide-lines left
Guide-lines right
Guide lines (ON/OFF)
Note: If the CAN-box does not support the vehicle, the guide-lines cannot be used. If
supported and activated, the guide-lines also show the steering wheel position dependant
driving path.

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3. Interface operation
3.1. By Comand-buttons
A short press of the NAVI button or the Menu button switches the input from factory mode
to the inserted video sources. If (by dip switch setting) all inputs are enabled, the order is the
following:
Factory video  RGB-in  video IN1  video IN2  factory video  …
By dip switch deactivated inputs will be skipped skipped. If an audio switch has been
connected in the system, also the sound will be switched when switching from video IN1 to
video IN2
Immediate back-switching to defined factory inputs can be done by the buttons „RADIO“,
„MEDIA“ or „TEL“.
Switchover by vehicle buttons isn’t possible in all vehicles. In some vehicles the external
keypad has to be used.
3.2. By keypad
Alternatively or additionally to the factory infotainment buttons, the interface’s enabled
inputs can also be switched by the external keypad.

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4. Specifications
BATT/ACC range 7V - 25V
Stand-by power drain <10mA
Power 0.3A @12V
Video input 0.7V –1V
Video input formats PAL/NTSC
RGB-video amplitude 0.7V with 75 Ohm impedance
Temperature range -40°C to +85°C
Dimensions Video-Box 158 x 23 x 91 mm (W x H x D)

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5. FAQ –Trouble shooting Interface functions
For any troubles which may occur, check the following table for a solution before requesting
support from your vendor.
Symptom
Reason
Possible solution
No picture/black
picture (factory
picture).
Not all connectors have been
reconnected to factory head-
unit or monitor after
installation.
Connect missing connectors.
No power on CAN-bus box (all
LED CAN-bus box are off).
Check power supply of CAN-bus box. Check CAN-bus
connection of CAN-bus box.
CAN-bus box connected to
CAN-bus in wrong place.
Refer to the manual where to connected to the CAN-
bus. If not mentioned, try another place to connect to
the CAN-bus.
No power on video-interface
(all LED video-interface are
off).
Check whether CAN-bus box delivers +12V ACC on red
wire output of 8pin to 6pin cable. If not cut wire and
supply ACC +12V directly to video-interface.
No picture/black
picture/white picture
(inserted picture) but
factory picture is OK.
No picture from video source.
Check on other monitor whether video source is OK.
No video-source connected to
the selected interface input.
Check settings dips 1 to 3 of video interface which
inputs are activated and switch to corresponding
input(s).
LVDS cables plugged in wrong
place.
Double-check whether order of LVDS cables is exactly
connected according to manual. Plugging into head-
unit does not work when the manual says to plug into
monitor and vice versa.
Wrong monitor settings of
video-interface.
Try different combinations of dips 7 and 8 of video-
interface. Unplug 6pin power after each change.
Inserted picture totally
wrong size or position.
Inserted picture double
or 4 times on monitor.
Inserted picture
distorted, flickering or
running vertically.
Video sources output set to
AUTO or MULTI which causes
a conflict with the interfaces
auto detection.
Set video source output fixed to PAL or NTSC. It is best
to set all video sources to the same standard.
If error occurs only after
source switching: Connected
sources are not set to the
same TV standard.
Set all video sources to the same standard.
Some interfaces can only
handle NTSC input.
Check manual whether there is a limitation to NTSC
mentioned. If yes, set source fixed to NTSC output.
Inserted picture b/w.
Inserted picture qual.
bad.
Picture settings have not been
adjusted.
Use the 3 buttons and the interface's OSD to adjust the
picture settings for the corresponding video input.
Inserted picture size
slightly wrong.
Inserted picture
position wrong.
Camera input picture
flickers.
Camera is being tested under
fluorescent light which shines
directly into the camera.
Test camera under natural light outside the garage.
Camera input picture is
bluish.
Protection sticker not
removed from camera lens.
Remove protection sticker.

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Symptom
Reason
Possible solution
Camera input picture
black.
Camera power taken directly
from reverse gear lamp.
Use relay or electronics to "clean" reverse gear lamp
power. Alternatively, if CAN-bus box is compatible
with the vehicle, camera power can be taken from
green wire of 6pin to 8pin cable.
Camera input picture
has distortion.
Camera input picture
settings cannot be
adjusted.
Camera input picture settings
can only be adjusted in AV2
mode.
Set dip 3 of video-interface to ON (if not input AV2 is
not already activated) and connect the camera to AV2.
Switch to AV2 and adjust settings. Reconnect camera
to camera input and deactivate AV2 if not used for
other source.
Graphics of a car in
camera input picture.
Function PDC is ON in the
interface OSD.
In compatible vehicles, the graphics will display the
factory PDC distance. If not working or not wanted, set
interface OSD menu item UI-CNTRL to ALLOFF.
Chinese signs in
camera input picture
Function RET or ALL is ON
(function for Asian market) in
the interface OSD.
Set interface OSD menu item UI-CNTRL to ALLOFF or
PDCON.
Not possible to switch
video sources by OEM
button.
CAN-bus interface does not
support this function for
vehicle.
Use external keypad or cut white wire of 6pin to 8pin
cable and apply +12V impulses for AV-switching.
Pressed too short.
For video source switching a longer press of about 2.5
seconds is required.
Not possible to switch
video sources by
external keypad.
SW-version of interface does
not support external keypad.
Use OEM-button or cut white wire of 6pin to 8pin
cable and apply +12V impulses for AV-switching.
Interface does not
switch to camera input
when reverse gear is
engaged.
CAN-bus interface does not
support this function for the
vehicles.
Cut the green wire of the 6pin to 8pin cable and apply
+12V constant from reverse gear-lamp signal. Use
relay to "clean" gear lamp power.
Interface switches
video-sources by itself.
CAN-bus interface
compatibility to vehicle is
limited.
Cut the grey wire of 6pin to 8pin and isolate both
ends. If problem still occurs, additionally cut the white
wire of 6pin to 8pin cable and isolate both ends.
10R-03 5384
Made in China