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Adding a Mirror Dashcam - Where to get Power

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Audio and Electronics' started by Southern Dad, Jul 19, 2014.

  1. Southern Dad

    Southern Dad Active Member

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    I'm adding a mirror dash camera similar to the one pictured below. My question is where would you get the 12 volt switched power? I'd like it to operate when I start the car until I turn the vehicle off. Due to those side curtain airbags, I'd prefer to not have to run a long wire to the 12 v outlet under the console. I'm thinking about the dome light area. My 2011 Prius does not have a sunroof.

    [​IMG]
     
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  2. mrstop

    mrstop PWR Mode

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    I don't think the dome light is switched. I wouldn't worry about the side curtain bags. Just zip tie the wire to the existing wire that is running along the pillar. I ran mine down the passenger side. I bought a new cord that has a USB end on it. It plugs into a 4-way USB port in my glove box which plugs into the 12V outlet. The 4-way USB also powers a router I use to stream videos to my kids tablets. Eventually I'll hard wire the 4-way into the 12V outlet.

    If you haven't already ordered, you may want to consider a different dashcam. I don't think the one you are looking at is rated very well. I have the G1W-C that I bought from SpyTech and have been very happy with it: Complete Review of G1W-C CAPACITOR based dash camera NT96650 + AR0330 1080p / 30Fps | DashCamTalk
     
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  3. Southern Dad

    Southern Dad Active Member

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    Yes, I ordered it off eBay. It was very inexpensive which is why I went for it. I want it to be a mirror cam because I don't want to have to remove it when I get out of the car. I was thinking about that little light that aims at the shifter from the overhead console. It is switched and on the headlights control.
     
  4. mrstop

    mrstop PWR Mode

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    I guess you could run it off the light. You would just need to make sure your headlights are always on. Note that there is a good possibility that the camer is 5V. If it is like mine, the voltage converter is in the plug so you can't just cut and splice. There are voltage converters available. To me the easiest way was to purchase a new cord that plugs into a USB adapter (USB runs 5V).
     
  5. nufan2222

    nufan2222 Junior Member

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    make the harness and have it come down to the fuse boix then tap the fusebox
     
  6. silverone

    silverone Member

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    I'm curious about the G1W. I have the non-capacitor version on order by am still expecting to use a cig lighter as the power source, at least initially. Glad to hear you're happy with it.
     
  7. nufan2222

    nufan2222 Junior Member

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    I just order one also for 38 dollars and ya i double check it to make sure it is the latest chipset. But ya i will be tapping mine to the fuse box with the 5v to 12v harness that they sell on ebay
     
  8. Southern Dad

    Southern Dad Active Member

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    Test in 720 mode

     
  9. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    it's a little fuzzy, can you focus it?
     
  10. Southern Dad

    Southern Dad Active Member

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    Not that I've found yet. No English instructions. It's a $30 camera including shipping. I'm not expecting it to rival my GoPro
     
  11. bisco

    bisco cookie crumbler

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    good point, that's a crazy price.
     
  12. robertk328

    robertk328 Member

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    I find it ironic that "720 mode" is fuzzy. There's barely any def, much less high def :) Maybe if you level it out somehow that would at least help. Is the front of the lens clean? Maybe a fingerprint or something on there is making it blurry. I've seen some that include an allen wrench for adjusting focus. Did one come with it? Would be tiny....
     
  13. EvaFlorida

    EvaFlorida New Member

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  14. mrstop

    mrstop PWR Mode

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    I don't have a picture readily available. However it is mounted behind the passenger side mirror. The suction cub bracket that comes with the G1 works ok, but it is somewhat large and can takes a bit of maneuvering to get it to fit right behind the mirror. I will give it credit as the suction cup actually stuck to the dots on the windshield very well.

    To give me more space and adjust-ability, I ended up buying some new mounts off ebay. I purchased one each of:

    I ended up using the 3M holder. I didn't like the rearview mirror mount as I would have to hang the camera under the mirror, blocking my view. However, I ended up swapping out the camera mount from the rearview mirror holder as the 3M mount didn't fit the camera right.
     
  15. EvaFlorida

    EvaFlorida New Member

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    Thanks for the response! I was wondering if the suction cup would work on those dots on the windshield. I actually ordered the same mirror mount as you did. Thought it was worth a try since it was only a few bucks. Good to know at least it fits the camera.

    For power to the camera, did you use the cigarette lighter plug or USB cable?
     
  16. mrstop

    mrstop PWR Mode

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    I bought a separate USB cable that is plugged into a multiport USB outlet in my glove box. It is currently plugged into the lighter plug, but will eventually be hardwired.
     
  17. EvaFlorida

    EvaFlorida New Member

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    I just realized you already said that in your post above. Sorry, it's been a long day. Thanks again!
     
  18. robertk328

    robertk328 Member

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