Dashcam Installation

tsinc80697 · 15 Nov 2013 at 12:47

I bought a couple of Mini 0801's a few weeks ago and I've finally got a chance to install them but wanted to check something on the electrical side of things before I go and blow up the car. I want to hardwire them into the car and tuck the wires away.

The power cable I have is a mini USB to cigarette lighter. A sticker on the cable says input DC 8-48V, output DC 5v 2A, meaning I only need 5v/2A to power the camera?

I was planning on using a piggyback fuse onto a 10A fuse for rear view mirror, can I simple cut the end of the power cable (cigarette end) and wire this into the piggyback fuse? Or will this be 12V and I need 5V for the camera?

Piggyback fuse

Or do I need a female cigarette socket that can connect the power cable to and then wire into the piggyback fuse?

Female cigarette socket

tsinc80697 · 15 Nov 2013 at 13:31

Thanks, here's a photo of the power cable. I was hoping for a simple cut and connect but looks like it won't be without any possible reliability issues.

Power cable

tsinc80697 · 15 Nov 2013 at 13:50

If I was going down the female socket route it wouldn't be wired into the in-car socket as they'll be a pain in the arse to get to. I was going to just connect the power cable to a female socket then piggyback a fuse, and have the power cable connecting to the female socket next to the fusebox. If that makes sense?

So I wouldn't be touching the in-car cigarette sockets, just going fuse -> female socket -> power cable.

tsinc80697 · 15 Nov 2013 at 15:13

Can you post the eBay link? There are loads of lighter adaptors but I'd rather buy a couple that someone has used and work ok than some half arsed ones.

Internal fuse box for me is on the drivers side, will have to investigate if I can fit in the sockets/cables nearby.

tsinc80697 · 15 Nov 2013 at 15:16

That's what I had planned on doing but people have said that won't work as the camera needs 5v not 12v.

tsinc80697 · 15 Nov 2013 at 15:25

Fancy earning yourself some beer tokens Sasso?

So something like this, but not from the far east would be ideal? http://www.amazon.co.uk/Car-Power-Converter-Display-Supply/dp/B008VORADW Although that does say 3A and the power cable I have states 2A.

tsinc80697 · 15 Nov 2013 at 15:25

Imy said:
What about a power magic pro?

£45 though and I'm not fussed about having the cameras on 24/7.

tsinc80697 · 15 Nov 2013 at 15:43

Ah ok, is it safe to use that one from Amazon or not as that is outputting 3A when the camera only needs 2A? Just wondering if it is easier to buy something rather than cut up these cables in case I ever want to sell the cameras

tsinc80697 · 15 Nov 2013 at 15:57

Thanks

I'll have a hunt around for a 12v to 5v convertor that's from the UK then.

tsinc80697 · 16 Nov 2013 at 14:43

One last question for the electrical boffins, would a dual cigarette socket adaptor be able to power both cameras from one fuse? Or do I need 2 female sockets going to 2 different fuses?

tsinc80697 · 16 Nov 2013 at 15:29

Problem with the one you posted dale is that I need any bulky parts to be at the end of the cable so I can put them by the fuse box. The power link ones have a block 3ft from the USB end which I wouldn't be able to tuck behind the roof liner.

Easiest solution looks to be use the existing cigarette socket power cable, route it to the internal fuse box and connect it to a fuse via female cigarette socket. Just need to figure out if 1 fuse and a dual female socket can handle 2 cameras or if I need two female sockets going to two fuses.

tsinc80697 · 9 Jan 2014 at 08:57

0801's are going well, I had to send one back as it was recording everything with a line of broken pixels. The sticky pads they come with are awful so I bought some padded foam tape which seems to be doing the trick.

Installation wise I didn't end up using the puggyback fuse as the GTR ECU is rather picky apparently and wiring anything extra into a fuse can cause issues. THe ciggy lighter is wired up to a ciggy lighter behind the front dash then 2 USB cables ran to the front and rear.

If you are going to buy an 0801 I would recommend a UK seller as it's a lot easier getting an exchange/refund from someone in Stockport. It costs more but I'd rather know I can get a replacement in 10 months time if it breaks then trying to contact someone in Shanghai.

You also need Class 4 microSD cards, not Class 10. The Class 10 can cause issues.

tsinc80697 · 9 Jan 2014 at 12:18

Evilpaul said:
The firmware version 20131202 fixed pretty much all the SDCard compatibility issues.

I daren't update the FW as my two are running perfectly *touches wood* and I'd rather not risk it!

Vanilla said:
Thanks for the update - who did you buy them off in the UK?

Do you have any pics of your front and rear install? No reason other than interest

I'll get some photos tomorrow morning as it will be too dark by the time I leave tonight. I bought them from JooVuu.