Dash cams

What dash cams are you running?
How much trouble to hide the wires?

 

Thinkware F770 dual camera.
No trouble at all to hide the wires. See my signature.

Lots of examples/options to be found in the Dash Cam Captures of Human Stupidity thread.

 

I haven't put one in the Tacoma yet but my RSX Type S has the thinkware F550 (front only) it's a great unit. The new thinkware' are even nicer. I also put a blackview DR3500-FHD in my girlfriends pathfinder and it's got good video quality but has a flashing blue light on the side that faces the driver I put some vinyl over that because it was really annoying at night time.


That's the thinkware F550. Doesn't have a built in monitor but I find that it's better to view on your phone or computer anyways. Hard wire is the way to go so you have "parking mode". Constant 12V, switched 12V (ignition) and ground that way it can record even when the car is turned off.
Hiding the wire is only as hard as you make it. In my RSX I have my dashcam wire, remote start antenna, Pioneer microphone all in roughly the same area all going down the driver A pillar. It takes time but is not overly difficult.

 

I did the GoPro knock off right onto the GoPro mount. took 5 minutes to hide the wires. I'll put a pic up later when I get home.

Edit: had a pic on my phone:

 

Sitting on my shelf but havn't got around to installing yet. Did a pile of research before picking this puppy up.
Street Guardian SG9665GC - V3. And will be suppling power to the unit and managing the power settings with a VicoVation Power-Plus all-in-one Battery Power management device

 

Honestly, I took my GoPro Hero 3 and use that as the dash cam. Bought a 12 ft charging cable and ran it through the A-pillar town into the passenger area and plugged it in to the 12v outlet as the USB port didn't supply enough power. works fine for what I need it for, cover my ass if ever in an accident.

 

Amazon sells a mirror tap that goes into the back of your mirror and plugs into a micro USB, which is the most widely used interface.

I used a MateCam.

 

SimpleUSB Automotive 12V to USB Adapter, Dashcam Installation Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AYS4JZ4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_MtosRtPXxQLhQ
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01AYS4JZ4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apap_MtosRtPXxQLhQ

 

sub'd

 

I have tried my Hero 3 in my Tacoma. It's okay for occasional use. But nowhere as good functionally, as my old $70.00 GT680 Dashcam that's been mounted in my other truck for a couple years. A cheapy dedicated dash cam would be a lot nicer to use, you may find.

https://dashcameras.net/gopro-as-dashcam/

Can read whole article from link provided as this is only the summary
SUMMARY
GoPros are great at what they’re made to do: film action sports. You might be able to use one to record short clips of scenic road trips, but when it comes to regular dash camera use, GoPros just can’t compare. They are a good option for a daily motorcycle rider who wants to have the safety and security of video footage of their daily commute, as they can mount it to their helmets, where a traditional dashcam would not work well. But for your car, the downsides far outweigh the benefits, and when you look at the price, you’ll be able to get a lot more value out of a dash camera. There have been many DIY people who have created their own GoPro dashcam mounts to attach to their car windshield and other mods to make it a more user friendly dashcam, but these efforts take many hours and extra money to achieve these results. With nearly all new dashcams coming with HD video and tons of safety features, often for prices well under $100, you’re better off getting a dedicated dash camera designed for this very purpose.

 

I really like the A118C Novatek 1080 HD cameras. You can see my install using the mirror taps here:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/dash-camera-choices.415173/page-7

I just put one in my wife's Honda and purchased it off eBay for $38. A remarkable deal. (or $60 on Amazon) Plus $10 for a 5V converter, $20 for the mirror tap (that's ridiculous) and $10 for the memory card.

Here's a review. (His install sticks out. You've got to look extra hard to see mine.)

http://the-gadgeteer.com/2015/04/10/a118-c-novatek-1080p-hd-dashcam-review/

SB

 

The GoPro works for me. I've changed the setting to capture footage and maximize memory space. I use it daily and have had very little issues. I've had the GoPro for years so the only extra cost to me was $50 for the skeleton case and $10 for the cord, plus 30 minutes to install.

 

Mobius action cam programmed as a dash cam
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...r-3rd-gen-today.399305/page-121#post-11424753

 

As I think back to some of the threads I've seen recently on this board, from the guy who had the tailgate on his brand new TRD Pro stolen to the guy who parked on the street outside of a hockey arena only to come back and find his tailgate damaged, and everyone was arguing about whether it was from getting hit by a big truck with a lift kit or from a guy trying to pry open his tonneau cover with a pry bar.... I definitely want a front AND rear cam which can record while parked. At the same time, I'd still like to be able to power slide my rear window open.

 

Just be careful when mounting the rear facing camera. Window slides to the passenger side, mount the camera on the driver side as close to the closed sliding window as you can. (note: F770 rear camera is right-side-up when the writing is upside down... go figure)



Being slightly off-center isn't a big deal when the window isn't curved.

https://vimeo.com/198914466

 

Thanks! Very helpful.

 

Here's my review of the Blackvue DR 470 2CH
http://www.theadventureportal.com/b...d-your-adventures-on-and-off-the-beaten-path/

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5IbnycMxL4

 

I have the Blackvue DR650GW-2ch (front and rear) with the power magic pro which lets the camera film while the car is off using the battery, but has a fail safe, so if it dips to 22v or its been filming for 72H, it shuts off. I love it. The wires were super simple to tuck along the weather stripping and headliner.

 

Here's my Power Magic Pro mounting location...

 

Anyone have any videos of doing an install on a dashcam that runs when the car runs? Kinda like gpb's. Excuse my ignorance on the subject. Videos are a little easier to follow than words and pictures.