As I promised in my last post...just getting a few things squared away before my F90BT install as I'm an AVIC (actually navi in general) newb.

 

I've seen quite a few posts here regarding wiring up the backup cam. I get both schools of thought, one that powers the cam while in reverse, the other that powers it all the time. I can also see the desire to want to see a cam view while driving down the road. In fact, this would be preferable. My only concern with this is the life of the camera. I purchased the Boyo VTK350 which is not terribly expensive, and I've heard on cameras that are exposed to light for long periods of time can be damaged (CCD damage?).

 

Am I significantly decreasing the life of my backup camera by having it powered all the time?

at the price of a camera online, i will replace mine IF it ever wears out.

 

if you are that worried about it, but you still want to be able to see behind you when you are not in reverse, you can wire it up so that it only comes on when its in reverse, then add a small switch to power it when ever you want on, on top of the auto on for reverse (just dont forget to use diods so you dont feed power back into the computer or back up lights)