NavLinkz VL1-MBN4 User manual

Version 02.08.2022 HW: 16-(V65) VL1-MBN4
Video-inserter
VL1-MBN4
Compatible with Mercedes Benz vehicles
with Comand APS HD NTG3, Comand APS NTG4,
Audio20 NTG4 and Audio50 APS NTG4
navigation systems
with 10pin LVDS connector on the monitor
Video-inserter with 2 video + 1 rear-view camera input and CAN control
Product features
Video-inserter for factory-infotainment monitors
1 CVBS Rear-view camera video-input
2 CVBS video-inputs for after-market devices (e.g. DVD-Player, DVB-T tuner, …)
Automatic switching to rear-view camera input on engagement of reverse gear
Video-in-motion (ONLY for connected video-sources)
Video-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 2-3)
1.4.2 Rear-view camera setting (dip 5)
1.4.3 Monitor selection (dip 7-8)
2. Installation
2.1. Place of installation
2.2. Connection scheme
2.3. Connection –6pin interface cable
2.4. Connection - the factory monitor
2.5. Connection –video sources
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 Connection –video signal of the rear-view camera
2.6 Connection - video-interface and external keypad
2.7 Picture settings
3. Interface operation
4. Specifications
5. Frequently asked questions
6. Technical Support

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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. 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.
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
Brand
Model
Navigation
Mercedes
Benz
C-class (W204) from 03/2007 till 02/2011,
CL-class (C216) from 01/2006 till 05/2009,
CLC-class (CL203) from 09/2008,
E-class (W212) from 04/2009 till 05/2011,
E-class Coupe (W207) from 05/2009 till 05/2011,
CLS-Coupe (C218) from 01/2011 till 05/2011,
GLK-class (X204) from 09/2008,
S-class (W221) from 10/2005 till 05/2009,
SLS (C197) from 03/2010
Comand APS HD NTG3,
Comand APS NTG4,
Audio20 NTG4,
Audio50 APS NTG4
with 10pin LVDS connector
on the monitor
Limitations
Video only The interface inserts ONLY video signals into the infotainment.
For sound use the possibly existing factory-audio-AUX-input or a
FM-modulator. If 2 AV sources shall be connected, the CAB-FV-
AUDIO audio cable is optionally available for audio switching.
Factory rear-view camera Automatic switch-back from inserted video to factory rear-view
camera only while reverse gear is engaged. To delay the switch-
back time, additional electronics is required.
1.2. Checking the compatibility of vehicle and accessories
1.3 Connectors –Video interface
The video-interface converts the connected after-market sources
video signals to an LVDS signal which is the inserted into the factory
monitor on certain trigger options.

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1.4 Dip-switch settings
Some settings must be selected by the dip-switches on 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!
See following chapters for detailed information.
1.4.1. Enabling the interface’s video inputs (dip 2-3)
Only the enabled video inputs can be accessed when switching through the interface’s video
sources. It is recommended to enable only the required inputs for the disabled will be
skipped when switching through the video-interfaces inputs.
1.4.2. 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 witches to its rear-view camera input CAM while the reverse gear
is engaged.
1.4.3. Monitor selection (dip 7-8)
Dip 7 and 8 are for monitor-specific video settings which cannot be predicted as even within
the same head-unit version, the monitor specifications may vary. It is necessary to try all
possible combinations (both OFF, both ON, 7 OFF and 8 ON, 7 ON and 8 OFF) - while a
working video source is connected to the chosen input of the interface - to see which
combination gives the best picture quality and size (some may give no picture). It is possible
to first hot plug through the dip combinations, but if you do not experience any change of
picture after trying all 4 options, retry and disconnected the 6pin power plug of the video-
box between every change of the dip setting.
Dip
Function
ON (down)
OFF (up)
1
No function
set OFF
2
CVBS AV1-input
enabled
disabled
3
CVBS AV2-input
enabled
disabled
4
No function
set OFF
5
Rear-view cam type
after-market
factory or none
6
No function
-
set OFF
7
Monitor
selection
Try all 4 possible combinations of dip 7 and 8 to find the
best picture (quality and size)
8

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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. Place of installation
The interface is installed on the backside of the vehicle’s monitor.

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2.2. Connection scheme

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2.3. Connection –6pin interface cable
Connect the white female 6pin connector of the 6pin interface cable to the male 6pin
connector of the video interface.
Connect the green wire of the 6pin interface cable to +12V of the reverse gear signal.
(e.g. reversing light).
If desired, the white wire of the 6pin interface cable can be used alternatively to the
external button to switch the video sources (12V pulse for 2-3 seconds).
Connect the black wire of the 6pin interface cable to vehicle ground.
Connect the red wire of the 6pin interface cable to +12V ACC terminal 15.
Connect the yellow wire of the 6pin interface cable to +12V ACC (300mA).
Note: The connection of the green wire (Reverse signal) will be described in chapter
“After-market rear-view camera”. The white wire, can be used by +12V impulse to
switch the enabled video sources , same as the keypad (see chapter “video interface-
operation”).

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2.4. Connection - factory monitor
Connect 10pin Microfit connector of the LVDS Switch to the 10pin Microfit
connector of the video-interface.
Disconnect the vehicle harness’ 10pin LVDS connector at the rear-side of the factory
monitor and connect it to the male 10pin connector of the LVDS switch-box.
Attention: The angle position of the factory female 10pin LVDS connector’s cable
may vary and moreover the connection isn’t non-interchangeable!
Pay attention to a correct connection of the 10 pins inside!
Connect the female 10pin LVDS connector to the previously become free 10pin LVDS
connector of the factory monitor

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2.5. Connection - video sources
It is possible to connect two after-market AV sources and one after-market rear-view camera
to the video-interface
Before final installation we recommend a test run to make sure that vehicle and interface
are compatible. Due changes within the production line of the vehicle manufacturer the
risk of incompatibility always exists.
2.5.1. Video-sources to AV1 and AV2
Connect video RCA of the AV-source 1 to the female RCA connector AV 1 of the video
interface.
Connect video RCA of the AV-source 2 to the female RCA connector AV 2 of the video
interface.

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2.5.3 Audio-switch and audio insertion
This interface is only able to insert video signals into the factory infotainment and switch
audio signals. If an AV-source is connected, audio insertion must be done by factory audio
AUX input or FM-modulator. The inserted video-signal can be activated simultaneously to
each audio-mode of the factory infotainment.
Connection of 1 AV source
If only one AV-source shall be connected, it is possible to connect the audio output of the
AV-source directly to the point of audio-insertion (e.g. to the factory AUX input).
Connection of 2 AV sources
This interface has an integrated audio switch for switching the audio signals. If two AV
sources are connected, the audio output of the AV sources is connected to the point of
audio-insertion via the optionally available audio cable CAB-FV-AUDIO (e.g. to the factory
AUX input). When switching the video interface from AV1 to AV2, the audio signal is also
switched automatically.
Attention: The audio cable CAB-FV-AUDIO shown in the diagram is not included in the
delivery contents and is optionally available!

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Connect female 7pin connector of the audio cable to male 7pin connector of the
video-interface.
Connect the auio-RCA of the possibly existing factory AUX-input or the FM-modulator
to the female RCA port AV-Out of the audio cable.
Connect the audio-RCA of the AV-source 1 to the corresponding AV1 RCA ports of the
audio cable.
Connect the audio-RCA of the AV-source 2 to the corresponding AV2 RCA ports of the
audio cable.
Pin definition 7pin connector
Audio pins
Definition
1/2
Audio input signal R/L of source AV2
3/4
Audio input signal R/L of source AV1
5/6
Audio output signal R/L for factory audio AUX
or FM-modulator
7
Ground
Attention: The audio cable CAB-FV-AUDIO shown in the diagram is not included in the
delivery contents and is optionally available!

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2.5.4. After-market rear-view camera
Connect the rear-view camera’s power cable and the green coloured cable of the 6pin cable
both to the relay’s green coloured output cable “Power supply for camera”.
Connect the reverse light’s power cable to the relay’s white coloured cable “Reverse light”.
Connect +12V permanent battery power to the relay’s green coloured input cable “BATT”.
Connect the relay’s black coloured Power cable “GND” and the rear-view camera’s negative
cable both to the vehicle’s negative Ground.

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2.5.4.1 Connection –video signal of the rear-view camera
Connect the video-RCA of the after-market rear-view camera to the female RCA port
of the video-interface which is labeled as CAM.
Note: Picture settings for CAM input must be done in AV2.
2.6. Connecting video-interface and keypad
Connect the female 4pin Microfit connector of the keypad to the male 4pin Microfit
connector of the video-interface.

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2.7. Picture Settings
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 change the selected value. The buttons are embedded in the housing to avoid
accidental changes during or after installation. Picture settings must be done separately for
RGB, AV1 and AV2 while the corresponding input is selected and visible on the monitor. AV2
and CAM 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:
Brightness
Contrast
Saturation
Position H (horizontal)
Position V (vertical)

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3. Switching the video sources
Der externe Taster kann zur Umschaltung der aktivierten Eingänge verwendet werden.
Durch einen langen Druck (2-3 Sekunden) wird zum nächsten aktivierten Video Eingang
gewechselt. Wenn alle Eingänge aktiviert sind, ist die Reihenfolge:
Werks-Video  Video IN1  Video IN2  Werks-Video  …
Nicht aktivierte Eingänge werden übersprungen. Wenn die Quellen auch am Audio-Kabel des
Video-Interface angeschlossen sind, wird beim Umschalten von Video-IN1 auf Video-IN2
auch das Audio-Signal automatisch umgeschaltet.
3.1. Über weiße Leitung des 6-Pin Kabels
Die weiße Leitung des 6-Pin Kabels kann alternativ oder zusätzlich zur Umschaltung der
aktivierten Eingänge verwendet werden (mit +5V oder +12V Impuls).
4. Specifications
BATT/ACC range 7V - 25V
Stand-by power drain 6mA
Power 170mA @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 152 x 21 x 90 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.
6. Technical Support
Please note that direct technical support is only available for products purchased directly
from NavLinkz GmbH. For products bought from other sources, contact your vendor for
technical support.
NavLinkz GmbH
distribution/tech dealer-support
Heidberghof 2
D-47495 Rheinberg
Tel [phone]
Email [email protected]
10R-03 5384
Made in China