Dash Cam Options

Alan6984 on 12/12/2019 - 09:09

10 comments

Hi All,

I am looking at getting a dash cam - I guess the general options are to have one fitted, or buy and do it myself.

Has anyone fitted their own, and if so, how easy or difficult is it? Am I going to have to pull apart the covers on the car, and get into things, or does it all just 'clip on' over the top?

Does anyone have any recommendations of what to look for, either specific models to look for or avoid, or what parameters to consider apart from the obvious camera resolution and price?

Thanks,

Alan.

Comments

rkl on 12/12/2019 - 10:44

Pretty easy to install, Can just get a piggyback fuse from the interior fuse box. (although people may not like me saying that)
Push the wiring behind the headlining, A-pillar covering and door jam to get to the fuse box.
- Alan6984 on 12/12/2019 - 15:11
  
  Now I'm scared - That sounds pretty complex to me!
- seniormouse on 13/12/2019 - 03:32
  
  Agreed, much easier splicing into the fuse box. Don't worry Alan, you can pick up USB fuse kits that have everything for about $10, all you do is open up the interior fuse box, check which fuse is not in use and splice in the kit so it outputs 5v USB; this leaves your ciggy 12V charger open for… ciggies!
kiwical on 13/12/2019 - 08:01

The VIOFO brand is a well respected, but perhaps lesser known brand. Well I mean the usual repco/supercheap don't stock it. But extremely popular with those in the know. I have one, it is fantastic. I was always meaning to do the fusebox tap. But I plugged it in to usual cigarette lighter to test it. Has been a year and didn't get around to a permanent wire. shrug It did come with clips etc and LOTS of wire so you can hide the wiring after it leaves the cigarette socket.
- gregclarke on 13/12/2019 - 13:56
  
  which one do you have?
  - kiwical on 14/12/2019 - 22:12
    
    I got one of the A119 (There are a few different models and versions of it, I can't remember exactly what one) It has been very popular over the years. So it's one of those "don't change what aint broke" things. However fairly recently they have released the A129
seifer on 13/12/2019 - 11:27

Installing a dashcam is a lot easier than you think and a lot easier than having to wire a reversing camera I've done it in three different cars no troubles. The first time I opened up the front unit so I could splice into the cigarette lighter wiring but as mentioned here already it's much easier to piggyback on an internal fuse. No cutting or splicing required.

The general way to do it for most cars is like what's shown here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOKjP4I63IU
Pick up the piggyback kit from AliExpress, should cost $10 and it comes with all the different fuse connectors (most cars use the low profile mini fuse). Should take about an hour. The hardest part can be finding an appropriate anchor point on metal for the ground wire (black wire).

My old dash cam was one built into a rear vision mirror that you slip over your original rear vision mirror. My new car has some fancy electronic anti glare thingy on the rear vision mirror so I went with something different this time. I wanted something that didn't look like a brick hanging off the windshield and after realising I never really looked at the screen of the dashcam I'd get a small one without a screen at all.

I ended up getting the smallest one I can find: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07R638L8N This one is tiny so it's completely hidden behind the rear vision mirror and is smart phone connected so you can download clips from it. Works great and highly recommended.

Hope this helps.
Alan6984 on 14/12/2019 - 15:54 +1 vote

Hi Guys,

Based on your posts, I am thinking about going with a DIY option - I just seem to find that these 'easy' things turn into many hours of hassle and the odd word I may not be entirely proud of using!

Alan.
NedFlanders on 16/12/2019 - 17:39

I'm also Keen on buying one, there are a few cheap ones on trademe/Wish(around30$-40$) - Has anybody tried those?
Also If there is any specific model below $100 that you would recommend?
I'm comfortable hooking it up myself.

Cheers,
Ned
lNomNoml on 16/12/2019 - 19:00 +1 vote

Get yourself a Viofo A129 Duo with a hard wire kit combo and Samsung High Endurance microsd card from Amazon it comes to around $430 shipped. Becareful buying normal microsd cards as they wear quick quickly look for high endurance ones.

Dash Cam Options

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