Dash mounted Cameras

Sterling Archer

Just wonder do many people do this, and is there anything illegal about it.

eringobragh

Shane_ef wrote: »

Just wonder do many people do this, and is there anything illegal about it.

I do for this very reason:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vq6zavKPw4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vq6zavKPw4

no idea the legality but I wouldn't imagine there's any real issues using one

http://www.youtube.com/eiredriving

sundodger5

i like the roadhawk rh1 for the reason in this video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SZbQ_KOGBcQ&feature=player_embedded

MagicSean

Not illegal imho but I don't know how admissable it would be in a court. Civil court i'd say yes. Criminal court probably not.

Gumbo

eringobragh wrote: »

I do for this very reason:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vq6zavKPw4

no idea the legality but I wouldn't imagine there's any real issues using one

http://www.youtube.com/eiredriving

nice, any details on the set up, costs involved, hard job or not etc?

thanks.

eringobragh

kceire wrote: »

nice, any details on the set up, costs involved, hard job or not etc?

thanks.

Cheers Mate, I've got a lot of messages regarding the setup, Its a DVR and it records to SD card I get a couple of hours on the card and then it loops over the start. Its on my airbag circuit (have none!) and the camera and DVR are killed when the igntions off
Its activated on motion so I have the sensitivity at 0% which means its on constant record once I turn the car on, I reckon you could set up the system for around 200euro all in!!any more info drop me a line Id be more than happy to help,


Heres what I told everyone else that asked (updated links):

eringobragh wrote:

Hi

No parts are perfect do the job just fine and are reliable and well priced. Only thing that I'd say if you wanted say a rear camera you could get a multiple channel DVR put to be honest the forward facing one will do me seen as I haven't installed a screen in the car.

Yes the exact camera I used is the S51 from ebay seller: CTMALL, Yes there's alot of Junk out there and I wouldn't gamble with the 'eyes' of your system. Its a Sony CCD and its a very good camera for the price. DVR is from seller: electrocctv, theresalot of the same DVR going around ebay he seems to be the cheapest.

Heres most the bits you'll need

1) CAMERA: Camera from ebay seller CTMALL (S51): (Remove the Board from the housing and its aboput the size of a large stamp): http://cgi.ebay.com/S51-CCTV-OUTDOOR-SONY-1-3-CCD-SECURITY-CAMERA-36-IR_W0QQitemZ380215240073QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item5886982589

2) DVR: DVR Recorder was from ebay seller: electroCCTV:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Mini-Portable-DVR-Audio-Video-Recorder-MOTION-ACTIVATED_W0QQitemZ310209742880QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item4839f10820

3) SD Memory: I recommend at least 2 x 2GB SD card (The DVR loops but its handy to keep a spare SD in the car in case you want to keep anything to review at a later stage). Get a SANDisk or other reputable brand

4) MIC: The Mic I got from a seller thats no longer registered but the Mic below is similar (its a 12v AMplified):

(mine was alot cheaper then the one i've linked below)

http://cgi.ebay.com/WATERPROOF-MIC-SNAKE-MICROPHONE-3FT-AUDIO-POWERED-5-12V_W0QQitemZ230362349420QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item35a2aa7f6c


5) CONVERTER: 1 x BNC to Female RCA for camera, (can be got in Maplins i'd imagine)

http://cgi.ebay.ie/BNC-male-to-Phono-Female-RCA-Adaptor-Plugs-for-CCTV_W0QQitemZ120345177007QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_CCTV?hash=item1c0521abaf


6) POWER: Now this is the Tricky part!!! You'll need a few bits I've hardwired mine so there's no wires on display
....1) first you'll need to tap the power with a fusetap or a scotchlock. I used accessafuse.com fuse tap but theres many more

I used http://www.accessafuse in the airbag circuit (my model didn't come with airbags) and it was live so no tapping wires etc


....2) My method I used a 3 way cigarette lighter splitter, I cut off the lighter plug and fitted an inline fuse and connected the live to the fusetap and the ground to a bit of metal on the dash surround you'll need something like this for that:

http://cgi.ebay.ie/Car-Cigarette-Lighter-Socket-Adaptor-charger-Splitter_W0QQitemZ300411261782QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM?hash=item45f1e81356

,I got mine in LIDL so most Motorfactors would have them. I put in the power for the DVR, Camera and Mic into this and secured them with cable ties criss crossed and stuck it in behind the dash.

....3) Power leads: OK well Its all 12V exept for the DVR which is 5v. For the DVR I got a cigarette multi voltage adapter with loads of heads from Maplins for about 16euros. The one in maplins can be reverse polarised so be careful to use it the right way. Theres alot of adapter that only run 4.5 and 6 ,etc but maplins have 5v on theirs. You need to 2 x 12V cigaretter lighter to DC not sure where you can get these I had a few lying around the house so I used them but you could also use the maplins adapters as they do 12V as well


7) CAMERA MOUNTING: I've used 'auto molding tape' or 'badge tape' to mount the camera, you can get it in any motorfactors. I've mounted it to the rear of the Rear view Mirror stal. Just wipe it with an alcohol wipe before applying the auto molding tape. The board is exposed adn you can see the circuit board I used A bit of electrical tape to disguise this and its not noticable at all. The camera is up here for months and still going strong.

I know someone running one of these: http://cgi.ebay.ie/Mini-Sharp-CCD-Spy-Pin-hole-Camera-MIC-420TVL-3-7mm-Cam_W0QQitemZ310086798548QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_CCTV?hash=item48329d0cd4 probably better off with this as its a sealed pinhole unit but i'd already gotten the cam

Sterling Archer

eringobragh wrote: »

I do for this very reason:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vq6zavKPw4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vq6zavKPw4

no idea the legality but I wouldn't imagine there's any real issues using one

http://www.youtube.com/eiredriving

Wow close call.

Ya i do a lot of driving an have seen a fair few hairy incidents, including a fella trying to get me to raer end him.... i was just thinking about putting in a set up..

gurramok

Nothing illegal about it Shane_ef, and thats from a Garda friend of mine

Believe me, with the amount of crap we see out there on the roads, it worth having a bit of evidence. If eringobragh had been involved in a smash there, he would have proof of the wreckless driving by the other driver on camera.

I spotted this last week, some of you maybe be happy with its outcome

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rbVbmHfj80

PaulieC

I use one sometimes for this kind of thing...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u5FfI6s-1xY

Muckie

Cool camera set up, love seeing grassholes getting caught in the bus
lane.

Tallon

I record a lot of my journeys, trying to put together some time-lapse stuff

I'll upload some pics later

Theta

gurramok wrote: »

Nothing illegal about it Shane_ef, and thats from a Garda friend of mine

Believe me, with the amount of crap we see out there on the roads, it worth having a bit of evidence. If eringobragh had been involved in a smash there, he would have proof of the wreckless driving by the other driver on camera.

I spotted this last week, some of you maybe be happy with its outcome

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2rbVbmHfj80

Is that your vid?

What setup are you using? Its a nice and clear picture!

gurramok

Theta wrote: »

Is that your vid?

What setup are you using? Its a nice and clear picture!

Yeh, i'm ppgurra. Nick is the hint :P

Its nothing advanced like eringobragh's setup as I just wanted something cheap, its a small camcorder that records at 20fps mounted to the mirror.

Voodoomelon

Would have been interesting if you had caught that Garda knocking that cyclist of his bike with his door.

Alun

Voodoomelon wrote: »

Would have been interesting if you had caught that Garda knocking that cyclist of his bike with his door.

I was going to point that out too! Not even so much as a glance over his shoulder before he opened it .. way to go, setting an example like that

cormie

Voodoomelon wrote: »

Would have been interesting if you had caught that Garda knocking that cyclist of his bike with his door.

I caught something similar with my set up here: http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=U2LzhxcHUBU&fmt=18

I was in touch with a company in the US who could supply the same unit I have for $260 per unit delivered if 10 were purchased.

CarBlackBoxStore.com and it's the DRS1100

Anan1

cormie wrote: »

I caught something similar with my set up here: http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=U2LzhxcHUBU&fmt=18

I was in touch with a company in the US who could supply the same unit I have for $260 per unit delivered if 10 were purchased.

CarBlackBoxStore.com and it's the DRS1100

I'd be interested in that. I take it you're happy with your unit?

gurramok

Quite good about the DRS1100 there, its the wiring part that puts me off the dash cams. A plus is that its discreet.
Bringing the power wire from the cam at the mirror to the cigarette lighter socket is a bit tedious? (same for previous DVR solutions)

cormie

Yeah it's pretty good alright and the good thing is that the whole unit is just the size of the phone with only 1 wire to go to the cigarette adaptor. No messing about.

I've 2 already anyway so wouldn't be in on the group buy but $260 is a pretty good deal per unit I think.

EDIT: Just saw your post gurramok, trailing the wire is catered for in the box, you get about 10 little 3m clips for the wire that can stick to the very top of the windscreen. I only needed 2 or 3 I think and then just pushed the wire in behind the frame of the window coming down to meet the dashboard, then you can just trail it around easy enough to the adaptor or get somebody to wire it to something so it comes on automatically when the ignition starts. Although the down side to that is you can't leave it recording while parked, which is good for catching stuff like this: http://www.youtube.com/redirect?username=VanTasks&q=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3D1YWdMX1Jj5c%26fmt%3D22&video_id=1YWdMX1Jj5c&event=url_redirect&url_redirect=True&usg=vWW46-icS2eS5DBCZuAqrag_sdM= :P

Anan1

gurramok wrote: »

Bringing the power wire from the cam at the mirror to the cigarette lighter socket is a bit tedious? (same for previous DVR solutions)

I was thinking I could bring it from the interior lights at the front of the roof, just above the mirror?

gurramok

My socket is beside the handbrake(not on dash) which is awkward and put me off wired solutions.
Guess it could be done as described, and would have to be discreet so as not to attract attention, I would end up using all those 10 clips in the process

cormie

An auto electrician could wire it handy enough I'm sure. I had my auto electrician get rid of a mount of wires no problem for me

Tallon

gurramok wrote: »

My socket is beside the handbrake(not on dash) which is awkward and put me off wired solutions.
Guess it could be done as described, and would have to be discreet so as not to attract attention, I would end up using all those 10 clips in the process

I bought a 4in1 adapter in halfords and the head is really discreat and flat, dont notice it at all

gurramok

Tallon wrote: »

I bought a 4in1 adapter in halfords and the head is really discreat and flat, dont notice it at all

Wire would probably have to go along the floor to be hidden.

Tallon

gurramok wrote: »

Wire would probably have to go along the floor to be hidden.

Mine goes up through the dash and is completely hidden, unless you know it's there

gurramok

Tallon wrote: »

Mine goes up through the dash and is completely hidden, unless you know it's there

What cam do you have? Its powered on and off by ignition yeh? (mine is by human force :P)

Tallon

gurramok wrote: »

What cam do you have? Its powered on and off by ignition yeh? (mine is by human force :P)

Mine too, it's just a HD Handycam, I have a mount on my dash for a 7" display and a 3pin socket for the PS2/3 for the past 3 years and only figured out at the weekend that I could flip it upside down and mount my cameras on it

I have a Cig charger or I can use the domestic house charger, I also have the PSP hooked in for GPS

YourName

Where did you get the access-a-fuse things from??? These are genious, I wonder if there is anywhere in Ireland I could get them.

JCL

cormie wrote: »

I caught something similar with my set up here: http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=U2LzhxcHUBU&fmt=18

I was in touch with a company in the US who could supply the same unit I have for $260 per unit delivered if 10 were purchased.

CarBlackBoxStore.com and it's the DRS1100

You can get them here already. I have one in the jeep.
PM me and I will PM back the contact details. I'm sure this company would do a deal.

gurramok

Tallon wrote: »

Mine too, it's just a HD Handycam, I have a mount on my dash for a 7" display and a 3pin socket for the PS2/3 for the past 3 years and only figured out at the weekend that I could flip it upside down and mount my cameras on it

I have a Cig charger or I can use the domestic house charger, I also have the PSP hooked in for GPS

Is that setup discreet? The Handycam would stick out a mile?

Have a usb charger too for charging from the socket though I could in theory run a cable from it to the cam for continuous recording like the DRS1100. I sit at a computer for a living so charging the cam outside the car as I do now is not an issue as I take the cam out when i'm not in car, I just have to charge it every couple of days.

Tallon

gurramok wrote: »

Is that setup discreet? The Handycam would stick out a mile?

lol, it's far from discreet, but I'm not really looking for discreet, I like to just throw the camera in and when I get home, take it out for editing

JCL

Tallon wrote: »

lol, it's far from discreet, but I'm not really looking for discreet, I like to just throw the camera in and when I get home, take it out for editing

I have the DRS1100pro and mostly the card stays in the machine unless (like when some one pulls out in front of me) I want to have a closer look at the days driving.
I was talking with some lads about the handy cam idea and for me it was to much work/hassle.

E39MSport

Just bought 2 roadhawks

cormie

Can I ask where you bought them and how much you paid? Bear in mind that the Roadhawk is just a rebranded DRS1100.

E39MSport

I don't know how they arrived at this website name, but: -

http://www.dogcamsport.co.uk/roadhawk-rh1-drive-camera.htm

2 for 390 queenheads

cormie

That's not bad, mine worked out at €195 altogether. £390 would be €217 pretty much with no risk of import duties as it's from the UK or if you're VAT registered, €185 which is pretty good alright.

JCL

cormie wrote: »

Can I ask where you bought them and how much you paid? Bear in mind that the Roadhawk is just a rebranded DRS1100.

€240 delivered with a 4gb card.

pa990

eringobragh wrote: »

I do for this very reason:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-vq6zavKPw4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vq6zavKPw4

no idea the legality but I wouldn't imagine there's any real issues using one

http://www.youtube.com/eiredriving

is that a radar detector and laser jammer i hear when you restarted the car ???????

Voodoomelon

I've been meaning to do a proper job on this with a high quality camera and DVR setup, with the camera mounted in the front grills. I'd want it to look factory; I don't like the look of any device that needs to be mounted infront of the windscreen.

Having it in the grills also means easy access to 12v ignition in the engine bay.

cormie

and cleaning the lens ever day :eek:

gurramok

Mine is a simple micro camcorder, one of these http://www.action-cameras.co.uk/muvi-micro-camcorder/ . 62 euro on ebay incl postage. Have a 4gb Kingston card in it, it says it can take 8gb cards. Charge of 1.5-2hrs is most you can get, thats the biggest bugbear.

Its 'connected' to mirror using a clip which itself is strapped to the mirror 'bar' using some tape:) (pic attached explains, cam not attached in pic) Cam is removable using the clip so I can take out of car when not in use. It does be steady on the road.

What I said earlier about recording on charge was an assumption, I just tested it and it does not record when charging

me wrote:

Have a usb charger too for charging from the socket though I could in theory run a cable from it to the cam for continuous recording like the DRS1100

Cam is cheap if thats what your looking for and have patience to keep charging it and wiping the recordings every 2-3days. Otherwise spend the dosh for the advanced models given in thread

cormie

gurramok wrote: »

Mine is a simple micro camcorder, one of these http://www.action-cameras.co.uk/muvi-micro-camcorder/ . 62 euro on ebay incl postage. Have a 4gb Kingston card in it, it says it can take 8gb cards. Charge of 1.5-2hrs is most you can get, thats the biggest bugbear.

Its 'connected' to mirror using a clip which itself is strapped to the mirror 'bar' using some tape:) (pic attached explains, cam not attached in pic) Cam is removable using the clip so I can take out of car when not in use. It does be steady on the road.

What I said earlier about recording on charge was an assumption, I just tested it and it does not record when charging


Cam is cheap if thats what your looking for and have patience to keep charging it and wiping the recordings every 2-3days. Otherwise spend the dosh for the advanced models given in thread

That sounds like a lot of work and a lot of people would soon tire of it I imagine. The DRS1100/Roadhawk works on a continuous recording, if you press a button it will save that segment and not re-write over it until you hook it up to your pc and clear it, the rest of the card will remain free (rewriteable) and just loops over and over. It's also detachable from its mount and no worry about charging it either as long as it's plugged in If it's something you reckon you would use, it's definitely worth the extra I think, otherwise a lot of people would just waste the €62 + card and time.

gurramok

Yeh exactly Cormie, the extra dosh pays and with gps included i'd say is worth it. I work at a pc every day so it doesn't bother me so far constantly charging & deleting recordings manually.
Mine doesn't overwrite either, it just stops recording when it runs out of space! So as i said its just cheap and cheerful but with added manual labour thrown in

eringobragh

YourName wrote: »

Where did you get the access-a-fuse things from??? These are genious, I wonder if there is anywhere in Ireland I could get them.

I got mine from http://www.accessafuse.com, it's $16 plus posatge for a 12 pack, but well worth it I've used it on the DVR, Camera and Nokia Car Kit to name but a few I've never had any bother with them.

pa990 wrote: »

is that a radar detector and laser jammer i hear when you restarted the car ???????

Yep spot on, it sounds like the Star trek Enterprise when I start up the car.. the GF HATES them...

Valentine V1 & Laser 'Diffuser' - There's no alternative.. [let the witch hunt begin]

gurramok

cormie wrote: »

That sounds like a lot of work and a lot of people would soon tire of it I imagine. The DRS1100/Roadhawk works on a continuous recording

When not in use, do you do detach the whole unit(incl suction mount) or just the camera?

eringobragh

gurramok wrote: »

When not in use, do you do detach the whole unit(incl suction mount) or just the camera?

As far as I'm aware cormie leaves it in is van 24-7

cormie

I've mine attached to the glue windscreen mount, but if you use the suction cup, yeah it would be easy to just take it off with that, or it's easy to just detach it from the glue mount too. You don't need to detach it to get the info off the card though, just pop the card out and into the pc

gurramok

cormie wrote: »

I've mine attached to the glue windscreen mount, but if you use the suction cup, yeah it would be easy to just take it off with that, or it's easy to just detach it from the glue mount too. You don't need to detach it to get the info off the card though, just pop the card out and into the pc

Was thinking of security aspect from prying eyes, wouldn't want it to attract attention!
Does the whole unit(cam & suction) fit in the glove compartment?

So if the camera is easy to detach, does it fit in the pocket or is it too bulky to carry around? Ease of portability is what i'm asking

JCL

I leave mine mounted up. I don't have the suction cup but it would leave marks and scob's might think you have a nav unit worth breaking in for. Its not really visible behind the rearview where I have it. You can take it off the mount though and put it away but I must be a lazy sod because I don't bother.

Sterling Archer

I was looking at the roadhawk myself, looks like a serious piece of kit, i think i remember seeing a youtube video of a fellas car left into a garage, and then taken on a "test drive"..

bongi69

I've started to record my journeys of late. Have been using the phone (iPhone 3gs) which is sat in a car holder attached to the windscreen with a suction cup. It's a temporary solution for now until I can get something more permanent. Vid quality is ok (will upload a clip later). Due to the nature of the mount the video is jumpy at times. It is very discreet though as it just Lois as if the phone is sitting there normally