pardhs

i am looking to install a dash cam and would like to know if there is a neat way to do it. Don't want to run a 12v wire running from cigarette lighter charger (it kills the appeal of the beautiful interior).

For those who want to know why i want to install a dash cam..

bugelrex

I've been considering this too. The only option without cutting into to wires is to run from the plug in the boot along the entire length of the car and hide the wire along the black rubber enclosing the lining at the top.

thinking about the mini 0801 model, to be as discreet as possible.

balticgreen

If you tap into the car's power, you don't need to run wires to cigarette lighters.

Nanook installed one very cleanly in his ML (also has one in a Corvette). Check this thread about it. He also posted two videos that are amusing.

https://mbworld.org/forums/new-m-cla...ght-today.html

AvWuff

I have a BlackVue and I'm going to be installing it in my car. However I wasn't able to quickly find a source of switched power up at the top section of the car.

All of the wires I tested, such as the power wire that goes to the lane assist camera, or the power wire for the rain sensor, are constant 12V. So I will probably need to run a wire up the inside trim.

bugelrex

Would love to see photos when your done (unit, plus wiring locations). I'm just waiting for a camera to arrive. I will probably run the wire from the plug in the trunk and along the side of headliner (with a 9-10ft power cable)

kozak79

Yeah, please write it up with photos, I've been looking at that same camera but not sure about the wiring.

AvWuff

Cool, I have a vacation so I won't be doing this for a few weeks, but I will certainly post about it.

pardhs

here are lot of options.
http://dashcamtalk.com/dash-cam-comparison/


planning to order the one below but don't know how to do the wiring...
http://dashcamtalk.com/mini-0801/

bugelrex

Received the mini 0801, struggling to figure out where to place the unit. Either stick it to the top part of the window and make it very obvious (a tint visor would only hide it looking straight on) or try to hide it behind the rearview mirror a little.

The problem is the plastic cover for the rain cover, it bulges out too much so it can't fit inbetween the mirror. Tempted to buy a replacement plastic cover and mod it to squeeze it in.

bop11

There is a switched cigarette lighter type outlet in the glove box at least on the 2010. The back of it can be accessed from the back of the box. I keep a rechargeable flashlight always plugged into it and use it to power my radar detector which is located at the top of the windshield next to the mirror. From there, a switched power line can be directed up the A pillar and under the headliner to anywhere along the top of the windshield or along the bottom of the windshield or under the dash easily. Keeps the power wires completely hidden. The outlet is fused so you don't need to include one in the power line. Every time I turn on the ignition, the radar detector fires up and turns off when I leave the truck.

fayo62

My setup (GS4)
Installed apps; Rotation Locker, AutoGuard (pro), AutoGuard Background Rec.This setup is totally hands free. I do not have to open my phone to open or close apps. It starts automatically. Starts recording when you enter the car (it senses Bluetooth connection) and stops when you exit (Bluetooth disconnects).It is mounted to windshield in lanscape mode. BTW it's my first Benz.

ble2716

Excellence idea as many of us do own a smart phone.
This will eliminate the headache of running power wires
I wonder if there is an app for the iPhone 5(S).

mjhawkins2346

What have you guys found for quality cameras? They all seem to be cheap Chinese units.
I would be nice to find a quality unit that supports two lenses to look forward and left side/back.

kozak79

Just saw this on Gizmodo

https://buy.garmin.com/en-US/US/on-t...rod146282.html

Anyone try it?

shotgun_banjo

I have my GS3 as my dashcam. Only thing is it drains up the battery of the phone like there is no tom. But the video and audio quality is superb.

fayo62

IMHO there is no need for extra video recorders if you have a decent smartphone. I used two different cams before on my other vehicles. One of them melted when I left it in the car in hot summer day.They are cumbersome and ugly(bad picture quality). Then you have to decide to leave it in the car or take it with you.To carry one big smartphone is not enough ?
Update your phone to the latest firmware (it should not drain to much battery in background mode- screen off) .On short trips I do not connect the charger (up to 1/2 hour)and battery drain is minimal(10-15%). I am not affiliated with AutoGuard app developer but I think I tried all other apps and that one IMHO is the best.

kozak79

Anyone thought of mounting it in the grill under the hood?

shotgun_banjo

[QUOTE=fayo62;5900587]IMHO there is no need for extra video recorders if you have a decent smartphone. I used two different cams before on my other vehicles. One of them melted when I left it in the car in hot summer day.They are cumbersome and ugly(bad picture quality). Then you have to decide to leave it in the car or take it with you.To carry one big smartphone is not enough ?
Update your phone to the latest firmware (it should not drain to much battery in background mode- screen off) .On short trips I do not connect the charger (up to 1/2 hour)and battery drain is minimal(10-15%). I am not affiliated with AutoGuard app developer but I think I tried all other apps and that one IMHO is the best. [/QUOTE

We have the same mount! best 2.99 I bought at ebay with free delivery

mjhawkins2346

I can't find AutoGuard Background Rec. in the Play Store. Does it have another name? Thanks.

fayo62

App is called AutoGuard Blackbox by Hovan Yoo. I believe to have background recording you have to purchase AutoGuard Pro Unlocker.I think it was 5$.

sethro1980

I installed the Mini 0801, and it works great. It's attached to the black plastic that houses the base for the rear view mirror, and only the bottom of it can be seen from the driver seat. The wiring is hidden in the headliner and down the trim on the side. I left the connector alone and bought a $3 cigarette lighter receptacle to plug it into, and then hardwired that into a 12 volt feed that was used to connect my amplifier for my speakers. This camera was cheap on amazon and it's very small. I didn't want it stuck to the glass because I use a sun shade whenever it is parked outside (I'm in Florida), but the current mount makes it a bit harder to see. Eventually I will get a 90 degree USB adapter so the cable is less noticeable. I will take some photos and post them.

bugelrex

Could you post a picture of how its attached to the black plastic base, I couldn't figure out how it could be done and still look good

sethro1980

here are a few photos.

rmfnla

What about the power feed to the sunroof..?

bop11

Almost all accessory power leads run through the computer. Relays are a thing of the past. So the sunroof motor is powered through a SCR or triac in the control computer system.