VS41 Camera Switcher: What is it used for and how to configure it

The VS41 is a powerful yet simple device for manipulating a single camera input. It can be used with an aftermarket radio, or any monitor or video adapter that accepts a standard definition NTSC camera input. It can be used for adding just one additional camera to a radio, or up three (4 in total).

Camera inputs & output:

There are 5 RCA jacks, 4 female and one male. The male RCA is the connection to the radio. The 4 female RCA jacks are used for the camera inputs.

1. Input 1: Backup camera input which will supersede all other inputs.
2. Input 2: Front camera input.
3. Input 3: Left blind spot camera.
4. Input 4: Right blind spot camera.

Trigger inputs and output:

There are 8 trigger inputs and one trigger output. The trigger output goes to the radio and tells it to enable the backup camera screen when any camera is activated. The 8 trigger wires are for enabling the camera(s). The solid color wires are used for positive trigger switching. The wires with a black stripe are used for negative trigger switching.

Note: Only one trigger wire can be used for each input. Example, if you use the solid color wire, do not use the wire with a black stripe.

Trigger inputs:

1. White & White/Black: Backup camera trigger.
2. Gray & Gray/Black: Front camera trigger.
3. Green & Green/Black: Left blind spot camera trigger.
4. Purple & Purple/Black: Right blind spot camera trigger.

Trigger output:

1. Purple/White: Positive output trigger wire for the radio.

Ground and power:

There is a ground and power wire for the VS41 which also must be connected. In addition, the cameras will also require ground and power. The same wires used for the VS41 can be used for the cameras.

1. Black wire: Ground
2. Yellow wire: Accessory power.

Note:

The camera inputs do not have to be used as labeled. Example, input 2 can be used for a secondary backup camera when a tailgate and third brakelight camera are desired in a truck.

Troubleshooting:

1. If the radio switches to a backup camera screen but doesn’t show the camera, make sure the cameras used are NTSC standard definition. The VS41 will not work with AHD / 1080p cameras or PAL cameras.
2. If the radio doesn’t switch to a backup camera screen, inspect the input and output triggers wires.
   1. Make sure the Purple/White wire is connected to the backup camera trigger input on the radio.
   2. Make sure the correct trigger input is used, and only one is selected, i.e. either positive or negative but not both. Most applications use a positive trigger like the reverse light from the vehicle. In these applications only the solid color wire will be used.
3. For both 1 and 2 troubleshooting steps, also make sure the cameras have ground and power. Do not use the input trigger wires for powering the camera.