Well that was an easy dash cam install.

I don't believe there is another similar device. But keep checking on Amazon daily. They seem to have them available, then they sell out quickly, then a few more arrive, and so on.

 

For those who have the garmin minis, how’s the footage quality? Does it have WiFi so you can instantly get the footage on ur phone?

 

Here is the makers website. They are sold out, but you could message them and ask

 

Footage in my opinion is good enough. And yes on the wifi. You just need the garmin drive app to download and view the footage

 

Nice too bad it’s unavailable.

 

I just installed my Garmin Dashcam 46 yesterday using this adapter (which arrived mid-February). Worked like a champ. This AM, after making a quick run to the store and camera working, it would not come on after I started my truck. I unplugged/plugged the USB back into my camera, no dice. So, I unplugged the USB from the adapter and plugged it into my console USB port and it came on just fine. My mirror AUTO light works fine. When I got home, I tried to 'reseat' the USB cable into the adapter, and still nothing on the camera. So, I just contacted Dongar to see what I need to so since my return window is rapidly approaching. Sucks that it is out of stock.

 

Got in 2 separate fender benders today. Immediately ordered a Garmin mini after the first one. Anyone integrate the stock rear view camera with the Garmin?

 

That sucks... hope everyone is OK. Not sure about integration with the stock backup camera but I picked up two Garmin dash cam mini's and installed them front and rear. Both integrate using the Garmin Drive app. When installing the rear facing camera, I only needed to route the provided power cable to the center console USB port which has switched power. Very easy install.

 

I tried to get a good before and after comparison, but couldn't quite get pictures or screenshots that reflect the change in video quality. Overall, the lens helps slightly, and makes the colors more vivid and clear in bright situations, much like the comparison pictures on the ads do. It's not a major improvement, but worth buying if you have $20 burning a hole in your pocket. I'd say it's a 10-20% improvement in very bright conditions.

 

Has anyone installed a dashcam in a SR ? Is there switched power in the console I can tap into rather than run the cable down the pillar to the kick panel ?

TIA

 

I just use my GoPro as a dash cam do need a long cable to hide it and charge it when not in used only thing I hate about my GoPro

 

If you have a powered mirror, there is a switched 12v you can tap into right above the headliner center console.

And then you can install a 12v-5v USB connector.

DC-DC 12V to 5V 3A Micro USB Converter Voltage Step Down Regulator Waterproof Power Converters for Car Smartphone

https://www.amazon.com/Converter-Re...rter&qid=1583624969&sprefix=12v+to+usb&sr=8-6


Even if you don't have a power mirror, most trucks were wired for one. You can check for the wires by removing your overhead console. They should be at the front towards your windshield. There's usually at least a constant +12v, a switched +12v and a ground. Should be all you need. Fuse the +12v's to be safe.

 

While I am waiting for my replacement adapter (they emailed me yesterday, refunded my $$, and will ship me a new one once the new shipment arrives in April), is anyone an electronics expert? I partially removed the black jacket to expose the USB port and circuit board. The pins in the port seem fine (not bent or pushed flat), and the 2 wires from the pig tail to the circuit board seem ok. I'd like to see if those wires are getting any juice. I do have a multi-meter, but I'm no electronics expert so not sure what I would be looking for. Maybe I can get this to 'work' while I wait for the new one. I just bought my Garmin Dash Cam and would really to get it to work without have wires drapped down to the 12v outlet.

 

This diagram shows the pins for the 5vdc power out on the USB port. To measure the 12vdc going in to the adapter you'll have to be able to see the solder connections on the back side of the PCB.

 

Thanks for this. I can get to the 12vdc going to the circuit board (you can barely see the wires in my pics), but with that adapter so short, hard to hold onto it while getting a reading. But, I may be able to see about the USB port 5vdc. I'll give it a shot on both the 12vdc wires to the USB board, and the actual USB port. My guess is that the board is actually shot. But, that is just a guess. I wish they would get replacements soon.

 

This looks almost exactly what the USB port/circuit board looks like on the adapter. It says 3A, so I'd that ok for a Garmin dash cam? I know a guy at work that can solder. BTW, I did use a multimeter to check voltage at the 2 wires going to the USB port board & it was good but hard to check the voltage at the actual USB port.

$10 HiLetgo 5pcs DC-DC Buck Step Down Module 6-20V 12V/20V to 5V 3A USB Charger Module

https://www.amazon.com/HiLetgo-DC-D...5H6NPV6TXGN&psc=1&refRID=REJK2V5R25H6NPV6TXGN

 

Good detective work! I'd say the $1.50 part you found is exactly the same board used in the SimpleUSB device. Any slight difference in appearance is probably just variation in component suppliers or board revision. I think you can repair your SimpleUSB by changing that board.
I can't find any definite info on the power requirements for the Garmin cameras, but it's likely under 2 amps. The listing for the board on Amazon says it can do up to 3 amps with a heat sink, or 2 amps without.

EDIT: Looking through the Amazon reviews, someone pointed out that the pics in the listing show two "different" boards. One with an 8-pin chip and one with a 6-pin. The reviewer said the boards he received were the 8-pin. The 8-pin board picture in the listing appears to be a match for the board in your broken SimpleUSB adapter.

 

Is anyone able or does anyone know the size of the friction ball in the garmin mini? My fitted sun shade won't allow me to attach it to the windshield so I was looking at rear view mirror stem mounts.

 

8.57mm

 

Will know soon enough. It should arrive today. Once I get my co-worker to solder it on, I'll 'test' it using an old cell phone; if it charges, then I think it should be good for my dashcam.