Installing a dashcam into a Golf Mk7

[Kemik]

Hi guys,

I've bought a dashcam, an "add-a-fuse", and the cable which reduces the voltage. Now it's a case of installation...

1. I can run the wire from the dashcam to the headliner but when I get to the A pillar I really want to hide the wire. Is the A pillar on the Golf difficult to remove? Would you recommend an amateur simply has the small amount of wire visible (from roof to door seal)?
2. The installation guides I've seen all run to the fusebox behind the glovebox. The only problem with this is I have an airbag switch on the side panel which none of the installation guides have. Should I avoid removing this panel and use the drivers' side instead?

Thanks.

 

[Kemik]

So, under what circumstances would the dashcam start to smoke?

I used a 12v to 5v converter that is recommended for these devices with an add-a-fuse. Luckily it was only setup for power on with the ignition. For these reasons I'm pretty sure it wasn't the wiring but was the dashcam but need to be sure before I complain and get a new one. Last thing I want is for the next one to go up as well!

 

[Kemik]

If the polarity was reversed?

Wut?

What dashcam have you got and why did you need the power reducer as everyone I have seen comes with the correct cable in the box.

Mini 0805. It come with the cigarette lighter USB cable and a hardware kit. The hardware kit allows you to attach an add-a-fuse to one wire (red wire) and piggy back off an existing fuse in the fusebox, earth the other (black wire) and then there is a converter in the middle to reduce the voltage to 5V followed by a micro USB connector.

From all of the tutorials online this seems like a standard method of hardwiring the camera.

If he's gone and chopped off the fag plug and tried to wire in a 5v converter to that I can see the problem haha

Cam smoking LOL, yea it's FUBAR.. I would suggest you check your wiring again.

I'm thinking it might be the dashcam battery that was dodgy. When I was testing it with the cigarette lighter it would sometimes refuse to come on or refuse to shut down and I would need to leave it to drain the battery without power.