Power for a Dash-Cam

[BullyB]

Was just wondering if anybody can advise the best place to tap in to a 12v supply for my window mounted dash cam.

I was going to run the cable down towards the footwell on either side and try to find a supply.

My other thought is to get some power from up near the reading lights or sunroof switches.

Has anybody done this?
:xmasgrin:

[X5Sport]

There is power on the drivers side if you remove the carpet trim finisher on the tunnel below the front centre console.  My Dealer told me it feeds the 12v socket so is available for switched live.  They didn't recommend a permanent live as it generates faults (apparently) and can keep the car 'awake'.

I use that point to power mine.

[PioneerSSM]

I was also advised about a possible power drain leading to faults, so I just live with the 12v plug in the front. It's surprising just how well you can route the wiring to keep it well hidden. And to be honest after a while you don't even notice it.
My dash cam lives just under the mirror out of my line of sight, to such a degree, a mate hitching a ride recently asked, what i had plugged into the socket, he never seen the cam whatsoever!

[BullyB]

Cheers guys, I will have a hunt.

I was also considering connecting it up to a 12v supply near the mirror or sunroof. The roof is only powered when the car is running so could be a good option.

[Beefcake-2001]

I found the easy way for mine was to come of the back of the rear cigar lighter for the rear passenger.
Was easy to remove and the wires were easy to hide along and under the centre consul then up round the trim.

[5wany]

+1 on taking power from rear cigarette socket

[BullyB]

What I have done is get the hardwire kit and run it along the top of the window, down to the passenger footwell, under the carpet and set and then to the rear 12v socket.
I pulled it out and spured off with a fused connection.
Works perfect and all the cable is hidden.

Thanks for the suggestions.

[lezmtaylor]

I took mine from the cavity by the mirror/ headlining, there are some wires in there, found a ''live ''with a meter.
I have done a'' how to'' about 3 years ago

Lez

[BullyB]

[quote="lezmtaylor"]
I took mine from the cavity by the mirror/ headlining, there are some wires in there, found a ''live ''with a meter.
I have done a'' how to'' about 3 years ago

Lez
[/quote]

I was going to but my Fluke meter decided to die and I was a bit scared to cut the wires  ::)

[lezmtaylor]

Find my how to  .........it shows the wiring colours.

Lez

[AwB]

OK old topic, but who knew it was June already.  Posting this in case it helps anyone in there research.  I have just wired up my dashcam, a front & rear BlackVue model. 

Given that I was already going to be routing the coax from the front camera to the rear, I was less sensitive about finding power sources nearby and figured the power could come from the back.  I looked into using the front fuse box, but access was just a little too awkward.  The rear E70 fuse box, however, was extremely accessible and I had lots of spare slots.

I've used add-a-circuit devices and a Power Magic Pro wired into switched and permanent sources in the fuse box to allow overnight parking mode.

With a multi-meter I found permanent live, acc-switched live (e.g. 12V sockets) and switched live sources that go to sleep after the usual 20 mins, arranged in banks per the photo attached.  Don't take my word for it, and do your own testing, but just to show these are available.  The cable routing was a doddle and I now have a very stealth DIY installation

[rj1986]

[quote="AwB"]
OK old topic, but who knew it was June already.  Posting this in case it helps anyone in there research.  I have just wired up my dashcam, a front & rear BlackVue model. 

Given that I was already going to be routing the coax from the front camera to the rear, I was less sensitive about finding power sources nearby and figured the power could come from the back.  I looked into using the front fuse box, but access was just a little too awkward.  The rear E70 fuse box, however, was extremely accessible and I had lots of spare slots.

I've used add-a-circuit devices and a Power Magic Pro wired into switched and permanent sources in the fuse box to allow overnight parking mode.

With a multi-meter I found permanent live, acc-switched live (e.g. 12V sockets) and switched live sources that go to sleep after the usual 20 mins, arranged in banks per the photo attached.  Don't take my word for it, and do your own testing, but just to show these are available.  The cable routing was a doddle and I now have a very stealth DIY installation


[/quote]

Digging this up - how did you route the cable?

[IIIRestorerIII]

[quote="rj1986"]

Digging this up - how did you route the cable?
[/quote]

I had my install done by Chameleon.  The guy extended the wiring and took it across the top over the drivers side doors.  Unfortunately I did not check exactly where he hardwired it to and my Thinkware F770 does give the battery discharge warning when left in parking mode.  It has built-in low voltage (set to 12.3) and timer shut-off built in so I'm not too concerned.