Power for Dashcam issue?

Hi all... Just got my 2020 this past week. I was about to install my old dashcam from before, but before I worked on hiding the wire, I tested it for a bit... and, I have a problem. First off, a disclaimer - it's a cheap camera. It works, and the pictures are acceptable...

What's happening is: the 12v socket, when starting the truck blips on momentarily, then off when the truck is starting and of course back on when it starts. BUT, this cycle causes the camera to not power up. I figured it out on my old truck (Colorado), and got around it by turn the key to accessory for 2-3 second, before rotating all the way to start. The 2-3 seconds of accessory power before the power off for starting was enough to cause the camera to power on and stay on. Obviously, with the push button start on the Tacoma, it's not near as simple as that. I tried playing with accessory power first, but getting from accessory on to start is a little awkward.

Questions are: the USB plugs in the center console - would they follow the same on-off-on cycle at start as the 12v lighter plug? Or, maybe are they always on? I like the idea of using them instead, because then there is no wire hanging out the dash, and the plugs are down deep in the console anyhow. Once I have crap built up, they are inaccessible. I'll just need to get a new wire, but want to make sure first.

Second, I know this is a cheap camera (I think I paid like $70 for it). Anybody else have this issue on different, less expensive camera models? If I have to order a different one, I want to ensure I don't have the same issue.

Thanks.

 

Addafuse off the interior fusebox and a 12v socket tucked up in the dash is the cleanest solution. Cheap too.

 

True... Where is the fuse box? Haven't even looked. It been snowing/messy since I got it, so I've not yet crawled around to see where stuff is.

 

Alright... found it (or where it's supposed to be according to posts here ) I do actually have a 12-5v power adapter - I forgot I bought it when I got the camera, but never used it. It's fused already. It just need a ground screw, and it has a bare wire to hookup somewhere. Anybody have any suggestions? That last fuse-hole on the bottom left looks empty. Does it have a lead out somewhere I can hook into if I insert a fuse? Of, maybe I should just get a crimp on tab and plug it into the powered side of that fuse hole?

You know, I looked at a dealer installed "Toyota" camera... but at nearly $800, it's wasn't gonna happen.

 

Not as nice as the 2nd gens but it is right above your foot;



P Outlet No.1 or P Outlet No.2 7.5A fuses would be a good choice.




err, please get an add-a-fuse rather than sticking it in somewhere..

 

You can find ground screws under the overhead console. The wire can run from there to camera on windshield. You can chose to add a fuse, or tap into accessory or even constant wire.

Search this forum for advice on dash cam power.

 

Yea.... think I figured it out. I'll get these and not have to cut or otherwise change anything.

$7 Gebildet 12V-24V Low Profile Add-a-Circuit Fuse Tap, Miniature Piggy Back Blade Fuse Holder with Wire Harness, 6 pcs Fuse (3A 5A 7.5A 10A 15A 20A) and Fuse Puller (Pack of 4)

https://www.amazon.ca/ARTGEAR-Profi...&keywords=mini+fuse+tap&qid=1573583444&sr=8-4

The mirror power tap wire is $$$ from Amazon.ca. And since I already have the other piece, this'll make the most sense.

 

Quick update. Instead of slicing into the pristine, super nice wiring under the dash and all that - after some experimentation and the purchase of a 15' USB wire, I simply plugged it in to the center console USB. Not sure if it blips on-off-on during a start - but if it does, it's on a good enough cycle to keep the camera on. Just ran the wire down around the windshield, up under the dash, tucked under the tunnel plastic, then up and over into the console right at the seat. Maybe some day I'll see if I can poke a hole in the center console so I don't have the wire showing... but, since the seat is tight against it, the wire is pinched in place, and, I'm not worried about it.