I wanted to add CarPlay/Android Auto capability to my 2004 Mazda RX-8 by replacing the screen of the ancient Mazda factory navigation system. I picked out a standalone wireless receiver with features I liked and a physical size that I hoped would fit. When my TTXSCAM T86 (*) showed up, there was a satisfying quantity of stuff in the box.

I immediately went to the manual (which called the device a T86MP5) and found it to be nearly useless. A thin booklet of 22 meager pages that didn't cover basic information like installation or anything about the backup camera. I think I'm on my own to figure out most of this device.

It came with two sets of mounting hardware. One for the top of the dashboard, either by the included double-sided adhesive or four fastener holes. And the other is a suction cup mount either to the windshield or to the included a smooth plastic disc, also with double-sided adhesive. I will mount this device inside a piece of existing interior trim, so I won't be using either of these mounting arms.

It also came with a 3.5mm stereo audio cable, and a power cable that plugs into the de facto in-car power source form factor that traces its origin to a cigarette lighter. The device end of this power adapter is a USB type C plug, but this adapter is not a full USB PD (Power Delivery) source. It only claims to deliver 5 Volts at up to 3 Amps.

Majority of the parts count are associated with the backup camera. Electrically, there's a wiring harness long enough to run the length of the car, various zip ties and other cable management tools, even a roll of electrical tape. I didn't recognize the red plastic pieces and had to search online to learn they are T-tap connectors. Further reading taught me I am supposed to use them to tap into the reverse light power wire, so the system knows to turn on the backup camera.

Mechanically, this package included a license plate bracket and associated hardware to mount the camera top and center above the license plate. I can't use this directly as-is because the RX-8 has its license plate illumination light centered above the plate, and this mount would block that light with the camera. I will have to modify the bracket, or existing light, or get creative with something else.

I was charmed by the inclusion of a few tools. A tiny screwdriver to work with the small camera-mounting screws, and a large piece of orange pry bar for removing interior trim. Something I'll be doing a lot to run the camera wiring harness through the car. Looks like a proper backup camera installation will be a lot of work. Fortunately, I can put that off until later. The next order of business is to explore how this receiver works with a benchtop test.

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