Mercedes-Benz CI-VL2-MBN2 User manual

Version 17.02.2020 HW: FV09(V41) CI-VL2-MBN2
v.LiNK Video-inserter
CI-VL2-MBN2
Compatible with Mercedes Benz
Comand APS NTG1 and NTG2 navigation systems
Video-inserter with 2 video- + RGB- + rear-view camera input
Product features
RGB-input for after-market navigation
2 video-inputs for after-market devices (e.g. DVD-Player, DVB-T tuner, …)
Built-in audio-switch
Rear-view camera input, automatically switching
Factory rear-view camera compatible
Switching of video through steering-wheel button and external switch
Video inputs only NTSC compatible (only PAL compatible if factory TV is installed)
Wrong-plugging circuit protection

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Contents
1. Prior to installation
1.1. Delivery contents
1.2. Checking the compatibility of vehicle and accessories
1.3. Dip-switch settings
1.3.1. Enabling the interface’s video inputs (Dip 1-3)
1.3.2. Rear-view camera settings (dip 5)
2. Installation
2.1. Place of installation
2.2. Connecting the flex cables
2.3. Connections
2.4. Installation procedure –function check
2.5. Picture settings
2.6. Audio insertion
2.7. Connecting 2 AV sources
3. Interface operation
3.1. By keypad
4. Specifications
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. This product should only
be used while standing or 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. We
offer free software-updates for our interfaces for one year after purchase. To receive a free
update, the interface must be sent in at own cost. Labor cost for and other expenses
involved with the software-updates will not be refunded.

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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 CLS-Coupe (W219) since 10/2004 bis 03/2008, E-Klasse (W211) bis
05/2008, SLK-Klasse (R171) ab 03/2004 bis 03/2008, A-Klasse (W169) ab
10/2004 bis 06/2008, B-Klasse (W245) ab 09/2004 bis 06/2008, C-Klasse
(W203) ab 04/2004 bis 02/2007, CLC-Klasse (CL203) ab 06/2008 bis
09/2008, CLK-Klasse (C209 W209) ab 06/2004, G-Modell (G463) ab
04/2007 bis 08/2008, GL-Klasse (X164) bis 06/2008, ML-Klasse (W164)
bis 06/2008, R-Klasse (W251) bis 06/2008, Sprinter (W906) ab ca.
04/2006, Viano (W639)
Navigation/radio Comand APS NTG1 and NTG2 navigation system
Limitations
Video only The interface inserts ONLY video into the infotainment,
for sound use the FM-modulator, the AUX-In interface AUX-110 or factory AUX
which can be coded by dealership.
Video-sources The video-inputs of the VL2 are compatible with NTSC sources only. But if a
factory TV-tuner is installed, it is possible that only PAL sources can be
connected.
1.2. Checking the compatibility of vehicle and accessories
1.3. Dip-switch settings
With the video interface boxes dip-switches it is possible to dis- or enable the interfaces
inputs (dip 1 to 3) and to preselect the type of camera which is
(to be) installed (dip 5).
Dip position down is ON and position up is OFF.
1.3.1. Enabling the interface’s video inputs (dip 1-3)
Only the enabled video inputs can be accessed when switching through the video sources. It
is recommended to enable only the required inputs for the disabled will be skipped when
switching through the video interfaces inputs.
Dip
Video-input
ON (down)
OFF (up)
Dip 1
RGB
enabled
disabled
Dip 2
Video IN1
enabled
disabled
Dip 3
Video IN2
enabled
disabled

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1.3.2. Rear-view camera settings (dip 5)
Depending on whether no camera, after-market camera or
factory camera shall be used, dip 5 must use different settings.
If set to OFF, the interface switches to factory picture when the
reverse gear is engaged to display factory rear-view camera or
factory PDC picture.
2. Installation
Switch off ignition and disconnect the vehicle’s battery! The interface needs a permanent
12V source. If according to factory rules disconnecting the battery is to be avoided, it is
usually sufficient to put the vehicle is sleep-mode. In case the sleep-mode does not show
success, disconnect the battery with a resistor lead.
If power source is not taken directly from the battery, the connection has to be checked
for being start-up proven and permanent.
2.1. Installationsort
The interface is installed on the backside of the monitor panel. Therefore, the head-unit
must be removed.
Remove head-unit.
Remove the upper cover including the DVD/
navigation device. The external daughter PCB
is plugged in between the flex cable of the
monitor panel and the mainboard of the head-unit.
Rear-view
camera type
Dip 5
None
OFF
Factory
OFF
After-market
ON

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2.2. Connecting the flex cables
A rotated and a normal 30pin flex cable are included in delivery. Depending on the
orientation of the flex cable connectors at the monitor panel and at the mainboard the
rotated or the normal flex cable have to be installed.
Connect the flex cable from the mainboard to J_IN of the external daughter PCB and the flex
cable from the monitor panel to J_OUT of the external daughter PCB.
Electrical the contacts have to be transmitted similar, in other words the left contact of the
monitor panel have to be connected with the left contact of the mainboard. Please take note
of the contact surfaces of the flex cables during installation.
Note: Depending on the very navigation head-unit, the original flex cable needs to be
changed into a flex cable of the package contents. In this case, with the original flex cable
installed, the inserted picture will be scramble as if synchronization was missing.
from the monitor panel
from the mainboard

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2.3. Connections
Quadlock-connector of the vehicle
●●Red/Blue +12Volt Permanent Pin 15
●Brown Ground Pin 12
Head-unit (without cover)
Video-interface
Plug external daughter PCB between
flex cable of the monitor panel and the
mainboard of the head-unit
DIP Schalter
RGB Eingang
Video-IN1
Video-IN2
Kamera-IN
Bildeinstellungen
Pin-definition white 6pin power connector
Pin 1 (yellow) - ACC or battery +12V
Pin 2 (red) - ACC +12V
Pin 3 (grey) - no function
Pin 4 (black) - Ground
Pin 5 (green) - Rear-view camera input
control +12V
Pin 6 (white) - AV-switch-signal
Keypad for video
source switching
(additional option)
6-Pin Kabel
CTRL-Port
Interface-
connection cable
External
daughter PCB
No liability for vehicle wire colors and pin definition!
Possible changes by the vehicle manufacturer. The
given information must be verified by the installer.
Audio
cable

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2.4. Installation procedure –function check
Follow the below procedure using the “Connections” scheme from chapter 2.2. as reference.
Before the installation of the sources and the interface we recommend a first quick
connection of the interface and test run to ensure that vehicle and product are compatible.
Due to changes in production of the vehicle manufacturer there is always the possibility of
incompatibility.
-Switch off ignition and disconnect vehicle’s battery
-Remove vehicle monitor and open the body as described in chapter 2.1.
-Remove vehicle flex cable from the flex cable socket of the mainboard
-Plug in external daughter PCB between flex cable of the vehicle and flex cable socket
of the mainboard (see chapter 2.2.)
-Connect external daughter PCB to the video interface
-Connect female 6pin connector of the 4pin cable to the video interface
-Connect 4pin cable to the pins of the Quadlock as shown in chapter 2.3.
-Plug keypad into “Switch” connector. Even if the keypad shall not be used, its
installation (e.g. in a hidden spot) is recommended for support reasons
-If audio insertion shall be used, connect it according to chapter 2.6.
-If 2 audio sources shall be used, connect it according to chapter 2.7.
-Reconnect battery and turn on ignition
-Check LEDs on video interface, one each must be on
-Try to activate video sources by keypad (see chapter 3.1.), using a test picture source
-If camera is (to be) connected try to engage reverse gear with test picture source
connected
-If 2 audio sources shall be used, connect the audio wires and check the audio
function
-ONLY after positive function check proceed with final installation of the video
sources!
-After installation and connection of the real video source(s), adjust picture settings
(see chapter 2.5.)

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2.5. Picture settings
The VL2-MBN2 does not have an OSD like other VL2-xxx interfaces. After installing the
sources the picture settings can be changed using a pen on the 3 buttons of the video
interface. The buttons are embedded in the housing to avoid accidental changes during or
after installation. Press UP or DOWN to change the brightness. To change the contrast, press
UP or DOWN while holding the MENU button pressed simultaneously. UP or DOWN must be
pressed repeatedly to change values, do not longpress.
2.6. Audio insertion
This interface can only insert video into the factory infotainment. The video can be activated
to any audio mode of the factory infotainment. If an AV-source is to be connected, the
source’s video out is connected to the video IN1 of the video interface and the source’s
audio out to the audio insertion. Audio insertion is possible by factory audio AUX input, the
optional available AUX-In interface AUX-110 or FM-modulator. The factory audio AUX can be
coded by the dealership.
2.7. Connecting 2 AV-sources
If two AV-sources shall be connected, connect the included audio cable to audio-switch-port
of the video interface. When switching the video interface from video-IN1 to video-IN2, the
audio will also automatically be switched.
Audio pins
Definition
1/2
Audio input signal R/L of source IN2
3/4
Audio input signal R/L of source IN1
5/6
Audio output signal L/R of factory audio AUX
or FM-modulator
7
Ground
8
No function
Audio-cable
Video-interface
Audio-switch-
port

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3. Interface operation
3.1. By keypad and steering-wheel
The keypad can be used to execute interface functions. Each press will switch to the next
enabled input. If all inputs are enabled the order is:
Factory video  RGB-in  video IN1  video IN2  factory video  …
Inputs which are not enabled are skipped. If the audio cable is connected, when switching
from video IN1 to video IN2, also the sound will be switched.
4. Specifications
BATT/ACC range 7V - 25V
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 159 x 25 x 95 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 from lens.

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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" R-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