so after coming back to my car on Monday only to find some (profanity) had hit it causing about $700 worth of damage, am looking at getting a front/rear dash cam to not have to mess about with things like this in the future.
Would like to get it professionally wired up/connected to car battery so it records 24/7 and always charging when the car engine is on.
Any recommendations? Thanks.
What dash cam are you going for?
not sure yet, am still looking, always up for ideas though.
I'm pretty happy with my BlackVue 750S for about $330 on sale.
But there's a lot of much cheaper ones, you just have to decide if you want a basic thing or a feature packed one with motion detection, GPS, etc etc
I got a handful of quotes all around the $190-250 range in SE Melbourne.
I ended up doing it myself after watching a YouTube video.
SSV MItcham
I had mine done here too and as happy with the job
I have used them for both our cars. They were good.
Is the general consensus that power is taken from the fuse box using a circuit that is always on via a fusetap? That is probably the hardest part of the install? Im guessing if you take your time, you can be careful with the trim you should be able to achieve a neat install.
Is the general consensus that power is taken from the fuse box using a circuit that is always on via a fusetap?
Yes only if you dont want an ugly cord sitting in your 12V socket forever.
That is probably the hardest part of the install?
Yes but depends on the car. Some car fuse panels are super easy to access, other a bit more tricky.
Mine in a VW Golf was behind the glovebox which just flips down with not much trouble after watching how to on Youtube.
Im guessing if you take your time, you can be careful with the trim you should be able to achieve a neat install.
Yes theres probably a youtube video for nearly every make and model car out there.
Most critical is to ensure one runs the wiring behind the curtain airbags (if applicable) so as not to restrict with the airbags if they ever needed to deploy.
I did my own after watching how to on youtube and I didn't buy any extra tools, just needed a screwdriver to lever the trim off. It probably took me about 3 hours but most of that was fricking around with the fuse panel trying to get an always on fuse, as for Golfs, the fuse panels differ beterrn countries and models etc.
Yes. You will be tapping into an always on fuse port of you want it to remain on after the rest of the car powers off. The risk of this is incorrect voltage cutoff which will leave your battery flat.
It is better to use a separate battery that will charge when the car is on but the camera cannot draw from the car's battery, only the dedicated battery box.
I did it myself, but mind you I have a pretty moderate amount of electrical experience.
If you have a soldering iron and a trim tool set, you're good to go. Just watch a few YouTube videos of people pulling apart your specific models trim.
Solder the dashcam into 5/12v (back of the cigarette lighter port is a good idea, 12v though). I soldered a 12v to 5v buck converter to the back of my ciggie lighter port, there is my dashcam power, right there.
If you want it running constantly with a motion sensor, solder it into your battery, although you may need to find something that is always powered under your dashboard (maybe a 5v LED or the clock?) and connect a motion sensor and an easy to reach switch under your steering wheel.
One thing to note is that you need to be super careful with airbags. I had to run my cable next to an airbag, I tucked the cable undernearth the airbag panel as to not disrupt a potential deployment.
All of that said, it may be easier to pay someone to do it (automotive electrician) if you lack knowledge or confidence.
IMO install it yourself, very easy, especially if you have a USB port in your glove box.
I used Freeway Car Audio in Dandenong. Cost me $90 for an install. Wired to a Blackvue Power Magic Pro (records 24x7).
if you are hardwiring, I'd recommend Orlando. He hardwired a front and rear Viofo on my mx5, and did a really good job.
He'll also come to you and do it at yours. Search Get Installed on FB.
If you aren't comfortable playing with the fusebox then it's better to get a professional install as they will provide a guarantee and have business insurance incase they stuff anything up. For a 2ch system hardwired to fusebox expect to pay between $150-$200. I know Autobarn do installs but there's heaps of independents out there too, google for them. Don't just pay someone on Airtasker, much better to get a proper business so you have invoice and it is done properly.
Hiding the camera cables is the easy part, anyone can do it. It's finding the right fuses which some people might struggle with, some cars really make it difficult.
Autobarn lol
Any auto electrician should be fine. The only place I'used in the east is Phatt Audio Concepts and they seemed good.