Blackvue Dash Cam install

Get a 128GB card, worth the few extra dollars.

I have this one:

$30 SAMSUNG (MB-ME128GA/AM) 128GB 100MB/s (U3) MicroSDXC EVO Select Memory Card with Full-Size Adapter

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XWZWYVP

 

I'll tell you now, using the gopro mount with the shapeways printed adapter, you will have to turn the camera upside down. If you don't, the radar for the TSS gets in the way and obstructs a lot of picture. Upside down it just obstructs some of picture. I didn't think it would be frustrating, but it was. I used it for a few weeks, then bought the blendmount as well.

Also, I soldered all my power connections. In other words, I disassembled the plug socket for the powermagic pro and the plug, and soldered the wires together, and ran them down the a-pillar on the driver's side, then ziptied the unit behind the kick panel.

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...idiocy-journal-bs.527020/page-8#post-18130107

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...idiocy-journal-bs.527020/page-8#post-18273614

with video to see the obstruction:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...idiocy-journal-bs.527020/page-8#post-18387703

with blendmount:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...idiocy-journal-bs.527020/page-8#post-18458917

 

The upside down is really not an issue as there is a setting in the camera firmware to flip this. Not the play back app, but in the camera settings. I've got several GoPro extensions of various size coming and I'm hopping I can position the lens to have a reasonable compromise between unobstructed view and inconvenience. We'll see. If it doesn't work out, I can leave it where it is but would probably rotate it to get the lens closer to center which I didn't do as the wires were just a tad short, but I can fix that.

Toyota really screwed up such accessory mounts with that huge TSS cover.

 

Are you finding a setting in the Firmware to flip the front camera image? I find it to set for the rear camera by default, but have to flip the video once viewing on my computer.... can't seem to find a setting for the camera to record flipped.

 

Sub’d

 

Yes, the setting is in the Firmware accessible from the phone app. It my be accessible from the PC interface but I've not tried that. Let me see if I can walk you through.

The tree to get there is: Camera Settings> Firmware Settings> Basic> Recording> then select Front (or rear) camera rotation.

Here are some screen shots.

 

Thanks! I don’t have the WiFi version, but perhaps a firmware upgrade will get me to that option with the non WiFi version. At this point I do regret not spending the extra $$ for it. Not because I need to review that often, but because I like to check every now and then and make sure it’s still recording properly.

 

Yeah, actually I'm wishing I had gone with the DR750 with the cloud option. And I did get a chance to look at the PC viewer and the Firmware options are configurable there just like they are on the iSO app. With your SD card plugged in on PC, go to the firmware selection and it is similar to the progression I posted. You also might email Blackvue through their support website. They answer pretty quickly.

 

I just put the Power Magic Pro kit on my new DR900S-2CH - Amazon screwed up and didn't send it the first time, had to get on the phone & beat them up a little bit.

I've done a different thread regarding how I put in overhead power between the console and the roof (https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/my-overhead-power-feed-installation-project.563162/ ) and part of the reason was not only the Valentine One I have in the GoPro mount, but also for the dashcam power.

All I did was bundle-up the excess wiring and put it next to the moonroof motor (in case I ever sell the truck and want to take the cam out) and use the provided mounting tape for the Power Magic Pro right next to where the magnet holds the fusebox. Just enough room to get to the on/off switch and DIP switches for the PMP on one side, with the harness plug on the other side. Snipped the power feed & ground wires short - because of the fusebox kit - and put 1/4" female connectors on them.

Camera's mounted to have the lens centered right under the mirror mount in front, just inside the driver's side up top in the back. I don't care if the back image is centered, I just want to have proof if someone hits me from behind!

I love it when a plan comes together....

 

So I guess your's is not a 2018 else mounting under the mirror would put it very low due to the TSS cover.

 

Yup, that's why the details just to the left of this text say "2017" along with the other stuff. However, it's rather obvious that camera placement is subject to the owner's whim anyway.

 

Received the Shipways adapter and got it installed. All in all I'm happy with it although there are a few things I wish worked out differently,
One, the adapter fits over the camera main body, not the end part that the OEM mount fits on. Where it mounts it covers the function alert lights. (recording, WiFi on etc) Not a big deal I guess. I pretty much know what's on or not. Two, to get the SD card out I need to pull the GoPro adapter from the window mount. There's just not enough room to get my fat fingers in there and get it out. Again not that big of a deal since I can view images on my phone without pulling the SD card for most situations. And three, there is no adjustment as to how tight the mount squeezes the camera and as received it was quite lose. A bit of masking tape inside the mount solved that.

I need to clean up the wires a little, but I'm considering ordering the GPS attachment which will mean another wire to deal with so I'm going to wait awhile on that. They are not that much in the way, just a little ragged.

 

Selling my mount. Click my sale link.

 

For the people that have the BlackVue, where are you putting your GPS module? Does it have to be on the window? Can it be installed in the overhead console area instead, and still get a strong enough signal?

 

Did you move on to a bigger badder camera? I’m sort of regretting not getting the WiFi version.

 

No, I like what I got, I bought a different mount is all. Now I want the GPS attachment.

 

I'm considering ordering the GPS add-on, but I'm pretty sure the GPS add on needs to be on the glass. It might work in other areas but I suspect not as well. You'll need to experiment.
I'm wishing I bought the next level up which has cloud capability and built in GPS. The GPS alone would be worth the price for me.

 

How is your Power Magic Pro working out?
I am looking at the DR590w - debating on the 1CH vs 2CH.. not sure which to go with. I've got a canopy so rear view is going to be partially blocked already. But it might be nice to have if someone ever got in the back..

I'm wondering what power settings you've settled on with the PMP?
My goal would be parking mode lasting all night, say 8pm-8am in the driveway. How does yours last?

 

which mount are you switching to?

 

I switched to the blendview mount. Attached to the mirror and is articulatable