3-Channel Rear-View Mirror Camera Option (For Those That Want a Front Camera) - Acumen M4 and Brandmotion Mount

[ECUJason]

I just did a post with details on my setup and thought I would create a new post to highlight for people looking for a front camera on their Bronco that didn't come with the 360 camera option. A lot of people use the Brandmotion mirror camera because of the nice rear camera mount setup, but the mirror is only 2-channel and this mirror camera is better quality and cheaper (plus 3-channel). Total cost for this setup is about $600 (not including the front grille and assuming you already have a front grille with a front camera mount).

UPDATED WRITEUP (more info below than in my original post)

I researched this for a while and went with the Acumen M4 3-channel mirror setup (link below). This is their top-of-the-line camera. It's a clean setup with the wiring (no plug-in wires on the top of the mirror that look like crap) and has excellent picture quality during the day and at night. I love it and believe it's the best mirror camera setup I have seen. Below are links to the mount and back plate that I also purchased so the mirror isn't just clipped onto the current mirror. Looks a lot better to fully replace the OEM mirror. Also below is a link to the maximum size SD card that I purchased for the mirror.

For the install, I followed the Brandmotion install instructions that someone previously posted on this website (link below). Add-in is to just run the front camera wire through the engine firewall at the driver's feet. Because the Acumen camera asks for more power than the Brandmotion, I also ran the ACC power cord through the engine firewall and into the fuse panel in the engine bay with a 10 amp fuse tap on the 360-camera 10 amp fuse (as I don't have a 360 camera, the fuse wasn't in use at all). Then I purchased one of those $25 engine fuse panel covers that lets wires come out the top of the engine fuse cover (link below). For the constant power I used a fuse tap in the same location as the Brandmotion instructions.

Make sure you purchase the additional 3rd camera and additional wiring at the same time you buy the mirror (click the options to add the 3rd camera and wiring), otherwise they send you a 2-channel setup mirror and then you have to call them and order a card to update the firmware to make it a 3-channel setup (cost me about $17 extra that I wasn't expecting). I made this mistake as I was trying to split up the cost of buying the mirror and purchased the 3rd camera and wiring after I already purchased the mirror. Then I realised I couldn't use the 3rd channel when I finished the install. They don't say this on their website (that you must purchase the 3rd camera with the mirror in a package deal in order to use 3 channels and that if you upgrade later to a 3rd camera you then have to buy a firmware update).

My Bronco didn't come with the 360 camera option, so I wanted a front camera in the grille as a trail camera. This was a must for me. This camera option was a lot less expensive then trying to run a front camera through the main 12" screen (there is a company that makes an aftermarket wiring setup and you have to disassemble your entire dash). I have an aftermarket Wildtrack front grille (link below), so it came with the front grille front camera bracket and I just purchased the rear camera bracket piece from Ford to pinch the aftermarket camera in (link below). I removed and used a screw already in the front grille for the 3rd screw to complete the bracket install (the aftermarket grille came with the 2 other screws).

To setup the rear review camera, I purchased the Brandmotion bracket (link below) and a camera bracket from Amazon to set it in the Brand Motion piece (link below). The Brandmotion bracket doesn't come with the camera bracket (likely so you can't easily do what I did and use their setup for a different mirror). I liked the Brandmotion idea as far as where to mount the rear camera, but I read bad reviews on their mirror and it's only 2-channel. The $7.00 bracket from Amazon you have to modify with a dremel (create a center hole to the screw into the Brandmotion bracket and shave off the sides of the Amazon so the bracket is the same width as the Brandmotion grey metal mount). Also had to bend the Amazon bracket (use the one that doesn't rotate out of two that come in the link below) so the camera was closer to the front of the Brandmotion mount and the right angle. If you don't bend the amount to move the camera forward, then you will pickup a lot of your wheel on the sides of the camera in your mirror view because the camera has a really wide view.

Last thing you need are a small screw and matching locking nut, which I purchased from Ace Hardware for about $3. Take the Brandmotion mount to the store and find the screw size and plastic locking nut size combo that fits through the hole at the top center of the Brandmotion mount. I believe it was the smallest plastic locking nut they sell (mm sized). You can see the nut in the photo below at the top of the metal Brandmotion mount for the rear camera. The location of my rear camera in the picture below is the best spot I found that shows the least amount of the wheel on the sides of your mirror view.

The only thing I haven't figured out is how to power the parking lines for the front camera. Their cameras have a red power cord at the end which you tap into your back-up lights so parking lines show on the mirror screen when backing up. You can edit the location and direction of these parking lines in the options for the mirror, which I like. I don't want the reverse parking lines on the mirror (as you already have parking lines when backing up on the 12" main screen), but I do want the option to turn on and off the parking lines for the front camera which would make it operate similar to the Bronco stock front camera that shows lines for where your tires are going. I have run power to the red power cord for the front camera, but I can't get the parking lines to show on the mirror. Let me know if anyone can figure that one out. Maybe the stock back-up light power has a signal it sends which triggers the parking lines to show on the mirror screen and just running power to the red power line isn't enough?

Mirror - https://www.acumen-camera.com/product/m4/

Mirror Bracket - https://www.acumen-camera.com/product/universal-bracket/

Mirror Backplate - https://www.acumen-camera.com/product/m3-4k-back-plate/

Aftermarket Front Grille with front camera setup - https://buckleupoffroad.com/products/buckle-up-off-road-gloss-black-grille-for-2021-ford-bronco?currency=USD&variant=45268042580288&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=Google Shopping&stkn=6e9c6f987ff3&gad_source=1&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIpYnO6pHwiQMVNDjUAR26LDLrEAYYASABEgLFqPD_BwE

Front Grille Rear Bracket - https://www.oemfordpartsdirect.com/...XKwyKBg0CmiWOtMvRZGw71wnZ8MyfT5IF7pcwlY&gQT=2

Brandmotion Rear Camera Mount - https://www.crutchfield.com/S-tuebIpBsYF2/p_212ACBKT2/Brandmotion-ACCY-BKT2.html

Camera Bracket to use with Brandmotion Mount - https://www.amazon.com/iSaddle-Rear-Camera-Mounting-Bracket/dp/B09WTW2JWM/ref=sr_1_10?crid=3KBYN830MO777&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.8dL2tL0B4G5q9fnB52lrAlDn3iNP6KgjKiBJX1SUbKWkBg-BuSJARM8PyzVNDs3PErFoKJmsBsWxrBW-jp9oOq2cAVyf99xEoyth07bn_sUtL6vTDkiVGIQ1b_k0uJByTmi4JgqjV6DEVEJEg5tSxvE04gi96WMC66tkQlgfcc3ZC_CFTQ4X6CUaDW4Ax7XQSqQ39T9uyQ6gZF_7qVlqjonHgRiQvoVSZ1zFQbGCw9s.Wa2HikzAbcUBa2sYdMxFfykRYifuBBVcFQM3HqMS1mI&dib_tag=se&keywords=camera+bracket+vehicle&qid=1732285007&sprefix=camera+bracket+vehicle,aps,152&sr=8-10

Maximum Size Memory Card for Mirror - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08TJZDJ4...5ANHH&peakEvent=2&starsLeft=1&skipTwisterOG=1

Brandmotion install link (there is a document at the bottom of the page, save it and use that) - https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/brandmotion-fullvue-mirror.51873/

Engine Fuse Panel Cover - https://www.amazon.com/IAG-I-Line-W...cphy=9010815&hvtargid=pla-2282083391509&psc=1

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Editable parking lines from the options screen seen below. I can't figure out how to get these to work for the front camera.

3 channels available (You can show any one camera or a combination of 2 or 3 at once. Below view is of the mirror dash cam, the rear camera, and then the front camera (from left to right))

Front Camera installed

Rear camera installed with Brandmotion and Amazon mount

Here you can see just a little bit of my wheel at the bottom left of the mirror view. If you don't push the camera forward and bend the Amazon mount some, then you will see more of the wheel on the sides of your mirror view. If I angle my camera view up just a bit from this view, then you see even less of the wheel.

The pen tip below is where you will drill the hole for the screw you buy from Ace Hardware to mount this bracket with the camera attached to the Brandmotion mount. You will then have to shave off the bottom sides of the below mount so it isn't wider than the Brandmotion mount. I drilled my hole below the pen tip indicated, so you may not have to bend your mount as much to get the camera forward to a good spot if you drill based on the pen tip location below. You will have to bend this mount some to get it to where you want.

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[Rumbloki]

Nice. Did you consider installing the remote cameras in the side mirrors, facing the front tires?

 

[ECUJason]

Nice. Did you consider installing the remote cameras in the side mirrors, facing the front tires?

I wanted the front center camera as I already had the spot in my grille and it's the OEM-style setup. What you are saying would mean you would have a mirror with no rear camera (2 side cameras facing front). Didn't want that either as the "mirror" itself doesn't have good reflection (wouldn't work to use as a regular mirror when you turn off the cameras).

Now, they did just release the below 4-channel camera which has a rear camera, dash camera in mirror, and 2 side mirror cameras. That is what you would want. Adds $50 to the cost, but you could replace the front grille camera with 2 side mirror cameras. I still prefer the front grille camera myself though.

https://www.amazon.com/ACUMEN-Mirror-Channel-Dectection-M4/dp/B0DK2NQ9TT?ref_=ast_sto_dp&th=1

 

[Blksn955.o]

Do you have the over head switches? I have a foxbox or whatever a d have my rear camera mounted on my winch. I initially thought the red wire was a signal to turn that camera on so I hooked it to one of the switches. when I powered the switch all it did was turn on the driving line bit your talking about. I do not want the obstruction so I disconnected the wire.

In short if you have the switches using it to the wire may turn on the guide lines.

 

[tock13]

I am looking at different mirrors to do exactly what you did but I want one that will work as a normal mirror if the lcd is powered off. Sounds like the Acumen might not be reflective when powered off.

 

[ECUJason]

Do you have the over head switches? I have a foxbox or whatever a d have my rear camera mounted on my winch. I initially thought the red wire was a signal to turn that camera on so I hooked it to one of the switches. when I powered the switch all it did was turn on the driving line bit your talking about. I do not want the obstruction so I disconnected the wire.

In short if you have the switches using it to the wire may turn on the guide lines.

I do have auxillary switches. The fuse I used to tap and test the red parking lines power line was the aux #4 switch fuse and I had the aux #4 turned on and my fog lights running at the time. I tested the power supply with one of these (link below) and it had power to it. I'm going to try it again this weekend to see if I can get the parking lines for the front camera to show up.

https://www.amazon.com/WINAMOO-Premium-Automotive-Extended-Circuits/dp/B08D9RY532/ref=sr_1_5?crid=2OYHI5Z0SQ1VF&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.PDZFGbiSncUPC0F-rClRSTLxkLGOYFDrUvMSKrPsuUI7u3gQpeKSBFhKEvl4zKbREx8cLXnLorY9RC58yu_sO4h5490V-N49_Lrsd1umYlhM1NV0VCReAPnD2f6Vf2gawwojALlUuX1-eas-51nWAYc_NWR2pA9RwWG-kT123J9imGT20RmTdyR-x-f_5lkZOWvltX0PDZiVdYAudP5yd64GIQlTwe1-vhbDwAWG_-NpI6lAnRAmoZgJP2op_pEKRqPquuO1P64nbhjQc0mFsCcFQXXfcbXnUiP0s8gowf8.Z7xEkUaYG4z3GsGBRHH6czrjl2d7lwNldX9DlPbOBVc&dib_tag=se&keywords=fuse+power+tester&qid=1732304181&sprefix=fuse+power+tester,aps,87&sr=8-5

 

[ECUJason]

I am looking at different mirrors to do exactly what you did but I want one that will work as a normal mirror if the lcd is powered off. Sounds like the Acumen might not be reflective when powered off.

It is slightly reflective, but not good enough to use as a regular mirror. I've been using this setup for about 2 weeks and I don't find the need for a regular mirror. The good thing about the Acumen, not sure if Brandmotion does this, is you can move your mirror view up and down a significant amount by scrolling up and down on the mirror. My front camera can move from viewing almost straight down to where I see my front bump in the image all the way up to looking way above the road. Tons of range for your view to choose from. Same for the back camera.

Edit - I just tried using the regular mirror and it's not as bad as I thought. You could use it probably, but not sure in all lighting conditions.

 

[Shadowsquatch]

How does the camera quality compare to the OEM's at night? I've been thinking about upgrading the cameras if there are better alternatives out there. The Bronco cameras are good in the day but very grainy at night (I have other cars where night time quality is equal to day time quality).

 

[ECUJason]

How does the camera quality compare to the OEM's at night? I've been thinking about upgrading the cameras if there are better alternatives out there. The Bronco cameras are good in the day but very grainy at night (I have other cars where night time quality is equal to day time quality).

The only OEM camera I have is the backup camera when I put it in reverse on the 12" screen. The quality of these cameras is definitely better (looks to be more pixels, clearer, etc.). It's not 4K quality (rather 1080p), but the picture is really clear. I haven't had any issues at night. I have reduced the brightness of the image at night some (there is a slider option for brightness), but it's done really well and not like I've read about the issues with the Brandmotion camera.

 

[GroovyGeek]

What is the field of view? Is it sufficient to judge tire placement? I hacked something for a lot less money for my Bronco, I/Q is good enough and I can see literally inches in front of the tires

https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/battle-of-the-cheap-forward-cameras-and-monitors.86693/

 

[PC Austin]

Nice. I have a teardrop camper with a wolfbox digital mirror and wished I could add a third camera behind the camper. This might be the answer.

 

[ECUJason]

What is the field of view? Is it sufficient to judge tire placement? I hacked something for a lot less money for my Bronco, I/Q is good enough and I can see literally inches in front of the tires

https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/battle-of-the-cheap-forward-cameras-and-monitors.86693/

The field of view is wide enough to judge front tire placement. See below analysis.

First shoe is under tire, second shoe is 2' in front of first shoe, and third shoe is 4' in front of first shoe.

This is lowest view the camera provides.

This is moving the camera view up about half way so you can see the third shoe.

This is scrolling the front camera up as high as possible. You can't even see the shoes. To give an idea how much range the camera has.

This is measuring from under the tire.

Shows your view starts at about 31" from under the front tire. Closer if you measure from the farthest ahead portion of front tire.

 

[GroovyGeek]

The field of view is wide enough to judge front tire placement. See below analysis.

First shoe is under tire, second shoe is 2' in front of first shoe, and third shoe is 4' in front of first shoe.

This is lowest view the camera provides.

This is moving the camera view up about half way so you can see the third shoe.

This is scrolling the front camera up as high as possible. You can't even see the shoes. To give an idea how much range the camera has.

This is measuring from under the tire.

Shows your view starts at about 31" from under the front tire. Closer if you measure from the farthest ahead portion of front tire.

Very nice, thank you. Looks like a very nice and clean setup. Maybe someday I go that way, not ready to drop this kind of coin at the moment.

 

[XirallicBolts]

I had done something similar on my work truck, but using a Ford mirror with the built-in LCD.
The display is smaller and I had to jury-rig a switch to tell it when to enable, but it has the same autodimming as the factory unit. Most of the cheaper "lcd mirrors" lacked autodimming, some even coming with fake sensor windows.

The Ford ones go for $80+ if you specifically search for 'with lcd'. I just searched for 2013+ mirrors and checked the pictures until I found a cheap one with 'RVD' stamped in the backside (Rear Video Display).

What's really odd is Police rearview mirrors have the Reverse input on a different pin compared to civilian models. There's absolutely no functional difference between mirrors, the pins have no other functions, so why did Ford request a Police-specific variant?

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