kerunt

Hi all,

I've got a front dash cam wired into the power source going to the 12V accessory outlet in the passenger feet area, and an identical (rear) camera wired into the rear wiper power. Both cameras stop recording the second the car comes to a stop, and if I'm stopped for longer than a couple minutes, both cameras turn off altogether. This must be happening because the cameras lose power as soon as the car stops.

Does anyone know why these accessories turn off this way? Can this "feature" be disabled somehow? Perhaps via programming at the dealer? Any advice would be appreciated.

N_Jay

Who wired them?


I bet they are designed to sense motion and turn on and off.

kerunt

I wired them myself.

The cameras are not designed to turn off on changes in motion - only when the power shuts off.

I occasionally see the cameras turn off altogether while the car is running (but standing still).

06e320cdi

Sounds like the electrical system is doing what it is supposed to do. It turns off accessories when the voltage drops too low. Might be worth having the battery and alternator checked

N_Jay

How do you explain the stop recording vs. shutting off completely?


What model camera?


As a test get a small 12V battery and use it to power the cameras, and check for how they act/react.

kerunt

Hmm... interesting thought.

The battery is brand new - I replaced it about two weeks ago. The problem I described was happening before and since, so I'd rule that out. Alternator and the charging system in general is certainly possible, but I'd think it's unlikely. I've kept a close eye on the battery before & since the replacement and it gets charged (& holds charge) properly.

The cameras are the G1WH - both are identical. Both cameras have 25GB, class 10 microSD cards in them - one is SanDisc and the other is a Lexar.

The cameras require 5V, so I've wired a 12V->5V converter for each camera (and a fuse, too).

The camera's behavior is even stranger in that sometimes the rear camera (running off the rear wiper's power) shuts off, but the front camera will continue to run (running off the 12V accessory outlet under the glovebox). At other times, both cameras shut off.

I have motion detection and g-sensors off in both cameras, and the screens are set to always be on.

Yesterday I was stopped at a red light near my house (for a "normal" duration of a minute or two) and from the second I stopped, to the second I touched the gas, the cameras did not record anything, but were still "on." Bizarre.

I'll see if I can grab a 12V battery the next time I'm at a hardware store.

beerj

I have one of those cheap dash cams .
I was just checking what brand it is .
The manufacturer must be ashamed to to put his name on this useless product . The box shows " HD 1080 Vehicle DVR" .
I have this thing for about six month or so .
It turns itself on and off whenever it feels like it . I have tried every possible setting to no avail .
The only thing worse than the camaera is the instruction booklet that came with it .
I have not ripped the camera back out of the car YET because I did such a good job running the wires to the front and rear camera that I still hope that one day one of my smart friends can figure out how this thing works .

N_Jay

I bet dollars to doughnuts it is the cameras and their "Motion Detection".

kerunt

Certainly possible. Any way to confirm for sure? I mean, short of pulling the multi-metre out the next time I'm at a stop light and reaching for the 12V accessory outlet...

beerj

You could plug in one of those multi outlet plugs. Have on one outlet your camera and on the other outlet a 12 volt light bulb . If the light bulb stays on - there is your answer.

kerunt

You know, this just reminded me that my 12V accessory plug already has a light in it that glows blue. I just don't usually see it from my driver's seat. I think that should do the trick. Will try to keep an eye on it.

kerunt

This thread suggests that my issue is due to motion detection being ON. Strange - I can swear I've got it off. Will double check the setting tomorrow.

kerunt

Well wouldn't you know it... motion detection was turned on on both cameras. And here I was ready to blame this on tricky MB electronics! Will see how this goes . Thanks for the suggestions, everyone!

beerj

Well , lets wait and see how it works .
Mine still is still - I deleted the word I had used first .

beerj

I just got done ripping out the cables that I was so proud of having installed so good .
Good by "1080 DVR" .