Dash cams, what to get and where to get it (Q&A only)

jaxxx wrote: »

Got mine a couple months back and never drive without it now. I didn't get it hardwired when I got it, so the cable is always dangling down as it's connected to the lighter socket.

Directly hooking it up to the electrical system of the car, is it easy to undo? I'm just thinking about the future when I'll eventually get a new car (many years off yet) but just covering all bases so to speak.

I bought the cam from Halfords. As it was a few months back since I bought it I'm not sure whether they'd install it or not. From memory they charge about €35, I stand to be corrected. Would I be better off going to an auto electician? Cheers.

Its pretty easy to do yourself.
You will need a fuse tap and usually a little transformer 12v to 5v and maybe another little bits but all can be bought from China for nothing or eBay a little dearer but will arrive earlier.
I'll post a link to the stuff later on.
I'm sure someone here that's near your area would give you a hand.
If you near me I'd give ya a dig out.

Kaizersoze81 wrote: »

H
I think it's possible to have it record even when the car is turned off, an I right?

You need the power magic pro box or the battery pack thing for parking mode. I have the box from my old DR380 and went with the DR430 2 channel since I was happy with the limited features of the 380 but wanted to add the rear camera.

honda boi wrote: »

Its pretty easy to do yourself.
You will need a fuse tap and usually a little transformer 12v to 5v and maybe another little bits but all can be bought from China for nothing or eBay a little dearer but will arrive earlier.
I'll post a link to the stuff later on.
I'm sure someone here that's near your area would give you a hand.
If you near me I'd give ya a dig out.

A transformer, wow didn't know that. Things are just not as straight forward as I thought.

Thanks for the offer honda boi much appreciated. Not sure when I would be down next in your neck of the woods

honda boi wrote: »

Its pretty easy to do yourself.
You will need a fuse tap and usually a little transformer 12v to 5v and maybe another little bits but all can be bought from China for nothing or eBay a little dearer but will arrive earlier.
I'll post a link to the stuff later on.
I'm sure someone here that's near your area would give you a hand.
If you near me I'd give ya a dig out.

If he bought the cam from Halford its more than likely a Nextbase, in which case you'd need nothing more than the a hardwired kit they supply.

tonkpills wrote: »

I got the Power Magic Pro, I think it might have the voltage stepdown built in? See manual.

Yeah it does - just just need the fuse taps so. I had a problem with mine - it was recording everything as events in parking mode rather than being in actual parking mode- updated the firmware and it's grand now.

I hope I don't jinx it but I stuck my camera on with 3M dual lock tape (kind of like velcro) last week and it's stayed put!! Much handier for me too with the bulky housing around the sensors on the windscreen because I didn't need leave to clearance to allow for cables or the button on the mount etc - I can just lift the while thing off as needed.

What you,ll need to hardwire a dash cam:
1.2016 New Hot Car Boat Motorcycle Dual USB Car Charger DC 12V To 5V 3A Power Adapter for Iphone for Samsung LG
http://s.aliexpress.com/n6feeyM3
(from AliExpress Android)
I like this one as it has 2 female USB connections so if like me you have a front and rear dash cam you just plug them in.
If you have a dashcam with a male cigarette lighter connection you can get this:
Car Cigarette Lighter Charger cable Female Socket Plug Connector Adapter hot selling
http://s.aliexpress.com/JNbqURnU
(from AliExpress Android)
If you have a male cigarette lighter for your dashcam a step down isn't needed.
2.fuse tap
Add A Circuit Standard/Mini/Micro Blade Fuse Boxes Holder Piggy Back Fuses Tap
http://s.aliexpress.com/BBvaY7V3
(from AliExpress Android)
Tools needed: snips(wire cutters),flat head screwdriver to take out the fuses
Your best finding an ignition fuse(fuse which only receives power once the ignition is on) to save you turn on/off the dashcam manually when you get into the car.
Easiest way to find an ignition fuse if you don't have a multimeter is to first connect the red cable from 12v to 5v step down or female cigarette lighter to the red cable on the fuse tap.
To do this strip the red cable back to bare copper from the 12v to 5v step down or female cigarette lighter.
Slide it into the blue casing on the fuse tap and crimp in down the snips. Pull at it to make sure its secure.
Now connect the black cable from the step down or female cigarette lighter to a screw around the fuse box that's screwed onto metal,this will most likely be earthed as its part of the metal car.
With all this done connect your dashcam to either the female cigarette lighter or USB on the step down.
Now stick a fuse(I use a 5amp or 10amp) in the fuse tap,stick it in the fuse slot that's inline with the red cable. This will be the fuse for the dash cam.
Now pull out a fuse in your fuse box and put the fuse taps fuse into where you took it out.
If the dash can comes on straight away that means that fuse is constantly live and we don't want that one.
So take out the fuse tap and put the old fuse back in,and do the same for another fuse.
If your dashcam doesn't come on when you put the fuse tap in.
Put your keys in the ignition turn it on so the lights on the dash turn on.
If your dashcam comes and turns of when you pull your key out then great use that fuse.
Get the fuse that was plugged in there originally and put it in the other slot of the fuse tap.
And that's it your camera is hardwired and now all you need to do is run your cables neatly to the dashcam
The only thing with buying a cheap step down like this one is sometimes it can interfere with your radio. But that doesn't matter me too much.

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my 2006 accord on LPG.
diesel running costs, petrol comfort and maintenance costs.
needs nothing, just need rid of it now.

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My Honda civic 1.8 i-vtec Ses in excellent condition and very well cared for..
2006 with nice extras.

Hi,

I'm looking to purchase a dash cam which can be used to monitor the vehicle when it is unattended (although not essential).
Good night vision capability is a must.

I'd prefer something discrete. Don't really need/want the screen on it, as it seems like a distraction.

What are the options I've got here.

Not looking to spend big money here up to and around the €150 mark - if that is a reasonable sum.

Anyone looking for a 7 seater in superb condition with full service history?

http://www.adverts.ie/car/renault/grand-scenic/2010-renault-grand-scenic/13650082



Full documented service history from new.
Next service due October 2018.
Bodywork and interior in near mint condition.
Must be one of the best cared for examples around.

http://www.adverts.ie/car/bmw/3-series/2010-bmw-3-series/13660912?notification=5d72ec407672d92b791d7a9eb9158615-1503829700

My 2010 3 series is up for sale. If anyone has questions (or suggestions to better the ad) let me know.

Mr Snow wrote: »

does anyone know the best front and rear dashcam?
is it any good at nighttime?
what memory can it hold?
can you turn off the mircophone?
i do not what messy wires

Maybe give an indication of your budget? I'm using a Blackvue DR430-2CH that was €190 in Halfords. It's not top of the range but it's all I need!

Mr Snow wrote: »

does anyone know the best front and rear dashcam?
is it any good at nighttime?
what memory can it hold?
can you turn off the mircophone?
i do not what messy wires

I use a xiaomi yi dash cam as my front dash cam. Brilliant quality day and night I think.
I think it can be bought for like €60 on amazon atm?
I use a Möbius action cam for the rear. Very convenient, as no screen so not blocking the rear window at all. Only a red light to tell you when its on.
Good quality as well