Hey all- surprised no one has mentioned the back-up camera and sensor system from TadiBrothers. They have a 991-specific application, and loaded-up with some camera and sensor options it only comes to a bit over $1,000 US.

I do not have any experience with this product or the seller, but in my own search for an aftermarket system came across the company... Apparently they sell this as a product that integrates into the Porsche PCM screen / system just like OEM, and in the screen-shot below it looks exactly like what I see in the Cayenne when the backup camera is activated... (assuming this is actually a picture of their product working, and NOT just a pic from another Porsche!)


You can visit the TadiBrothers product page for the 991 here: Porsche Backup Camera System

I can't vouch for this product, but I am considering purchase. The sensor add-on has me a bit worried about how cleanly that will integrate. I don't want big 'ol buttons hanging off the rear, if you know what I mean.....

But even without the annoying beeping of the sensors, I could have the camera help me see my *** when backing.....

 

Absolutely fantastic if that is the view!!!!!!!! Thanks for sharing that. I will be looking this up for sure.

 

Who would you get to install this?

 

Well, I may not be the norm around these parts but I would likely figure on doing it myself... But, if I dig in and find it to be more complex than I have time for would just look for a really reputable / top-tier electronics installer. From what I read-up on the Tadibrothers site, the module integrates rather simply. I would also assume I would be utilizing a wireless camera option so I wouldn't have to run wiring through the car to the rear (and front maybe).

The "good" thing about these new cars is that all the electronics are modular-ized which makes for far less spaghetti-mess wiring harnesses stuffed in tight spots, so getting to where you need to hack-in isn't all that bad. The "bad" part is that you have to be very wary of the network all these electronics typically communicate through, including PCM. CAN-bus is not for the average installer to hack into.....

 

Gt3 does not have parking sensors at all, not even an option.

 

My thinking is that I, like many others on this board, find the camera to be very useful, but the warning / collision sensors to be annoying -- in several ways. False alarms, not detecting really low obstacles in all cases, visually distracting on bumper cover, etc. So, when looking at the Tadibrothers product it appears that the sensors are purely optional.

I am considering this as a project in the near future -- wondering what the interest is from other members on this board in learning from my install? I am thinking of the main PCM integration, and two camera inputs (F &R). No parking sensors. Wireless cameras.

 

Jawells I would be interested as I am sure many others on the forum. I was thinking wireless cameras too. Another thing I was thinking, if integrating into PCM was too much of a hassle (warranty, etc) have the wireless camera sync with smartphone.

 

I would be interested as well. Thanks.

Richard

 

It definitely looks interesting and it seems like there are more options. What I like is that you don't have to open up PCM like the NAV-TV unit. I'm not exactly sure why the NAV-TV requires that..

The PA sensors looks a bit kludgy.. Looks to be a completely separate system that beeps with no PCM/video integration.. I already have PA so it's not something I'm interested in.. I also wonder about getting the placement and angles, although I suppose one could use an existing 911 with PA as a template to figure out where to locate them..

What I'm not sure about any of these if there is some coding or something that has to be done to get it to work with PCM. I'm going to investigate this further as it looks promising. And I have the following questions:

1) Can it handle more than one camera.. and If it only works in reverse, then makes the forward cam not so useful. Maybe there is another way of activating the video input

2) Can it work with existing Park Assist? Right now Park Assist jumps up when in reverse. Not sure if that has to be disabled or maybe the video is layered over PA (in the picture which looks like a Cayanne) I think they are showing the video over the PA screen..

 

It sounds like the PCM integration was just a plug in, so that probably shouldn't be a warranty issue. (the NAV-TV you had to open the PCM up and do surgery) which I'm sure would void warranty on a part I'm fully expecting to fail at some point..

But the website info is still pretty vague.. it would be great to get an installation manual from them that has more details of the integration..

 

Actually, the Tadibrothers product is based upon a video integration unit from NAVTOOLS. They provide vehicle-specific integration units.... You do have to get behind the PCM screen to install. There is a ribbon cable that has to be added in some fashion. I think this might void the PCM warranty, unfortunately.

Yeah, they do look klugy. I agree. I am probably not going that route anyways, as I don't need the beeping or fireworks display, just want the camera view.

From what I understand from tadi, and reviewing navtools products, the video unit "activates' with PCM so it works just like it was OEM -- that is why they have vehicle-specific units. The navtools unit references PCM3.x versions for multiple years of 911s. This is probably why the image I posted earlier looks just like the screen in the Cayenne with backup camera...

What I understand is that yes, you can have both a front AND rear camera. The navtool unit has a switch that you toggle three-ways... 1)rear camera, 2) front camera (or other), and 3) PCM standard screen. It also appears that you can toggle to the cameras, front or rear, while you are moving forwards! Then toggle to PCM standard screen if you don't want to see what you are about to hit! Since the cameras are night-vision, that could be very cool to capture some video on a night drive!

Not sure how it will work with PA, but I think it would.... Nowhere do I see that specifically stated, but it would make sense that it does based on what I'm researching.

I am looking at some manuals now.... The problem I see is what is the risk of messing with the PCM? Adding a ribbon cable? I'd like to understand how "reversible" that is and whether it is detectable that you had it installed at one point....

 

Forget park assist and forget cd changer. Can't remember the last time I put a cd in. I just hook up my iphone.

PSE is great. I love it. But you can always add an after market later

 

+1 on the cd changer.. There was a time when loading up 6 discs made sense.. The one is fine given all the different media sources possible..

 

NO it is NOT worth having. If you can't park a car this small without fancy parking aids, then I really have to question whether you should be driving anything with more than 100 hp, or even driving at all...

 

Seems to me the same argument could apply to automobile insurance. That is, if you are good enough to drive you wouldn't need liability coverage. Surely excellent driving skills and reflexes would be a more than adequate substitute for wasting money on insurance.

I've been driving for over 44 years - including the time spent in my Dad's VW Beetle when I was stupid and driving underage - and have not had an accident for which I was at fault. Nevertheless stuff happens. Why not spend a few bucks surely less than the cost and grief associated with banging into something not seen or anticipated while parking.

I primarily use the sensors to snug up the car as far forward as possible in my garage and to avoid stuff while backing up. I rarely if ever parallel park as I don't want to provide others with the opportunity to bang into my car

It is a matter of preference like overpriced deviated stitching or leather on the back of the rear view mirror.