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Suitable Dashcam

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242 views 14 replies 10 participants last post by  french  
#1 ·
Hi All,
after twice witnessing (I think the same Lunatic) in a Month near killing folk running red lights I'd like to buy a Dashcam for my 2011 TTS.
However looking at the requirement for it not to intrude on the area swept
by the wipers, a central placement seems a no go.
Any tips or recommendations. Don't want to spend a Fortune.
 
#2 ·
Hi, A dash cam high up on screen next to rear view mirror is normally fine & causes no problem, MOT wise.
There are small ones which can fit behind rear view mirror, depends how much you wish to pay.
I have a cheaper NextBase & has been fine for many years.
Hoggy. :)
 
#5 ·
This is the one I have Amazon although it shows as no longer available but it gives you an idea of the sort to go for. It sits behind the rear view mirror and although it’s not invisible it’s well out of the way and blends in nicely. Hardwiring is easy with the fuse box easily accessible at the end of the drivers side dash. If you go for one with a rear view camera take the wiring around the side of the car, not the obvious route through the headlining because it interferes with the sound system for some reason. The two grommets in the rear hatch are tricky to feed wires through but it can be done, just avoid the passenger side as it’s already very full.
 
#6 ·
I fitted a dual dash cam in my roadster so I have front and rear facing cameras. Hasn’t given me any issues and was relatively simple to install - probably even easier on a coupe. My thread on fitting can be seen here


The camera I bought was a Road Angel Halo View like this


Image
 
#7 ·
I had this fitted last week, seems ok but it came with a Smarty data card which I will be changing next month due to a bit patchy coverage where I live.
 
#8 ·
@ French - Can you post a few pictures of how you had the front and rear cameras fitted?

I used to have Mini0806 dashcam which fitted quite well directly behind the mirror. Put placing it on the opposite side as the driver, it was completely hidding from the drivers view and was very difficult to see from outside.

However this dashcam uses a Lithium Polymer (LiPo) battery which failed after about four years. I even replaced it but the replacement battery didn't do so well either. As you can see in the image below, the battery actually swells up and can damage the PC board. So do some research on the best battery/capacitor recommendations.


For anyone else considering one, the use of a Piggy Back fuse holder makes hard-wire installation pretty simple. Just be sure you install it the right way around -


Image
Image
 
#14 ·
@ French - Can you post a few pictures of how you had the front and rear cameras fitted?

I used to have Mini0806 dashcam which fitted quite well directly behind the mirror. Put placing it on the opposite side as the driver, it was completely hidding from the drivers view and was very difficult to see from outside.

However this dashcam uses a Lithium Polymer (LiPo) battery which failed after about four years. I even replaced it but the replacement battery didn't do so well either. As you can see in the image below, the battery actually swells up and can damage the PC board. So do some research on the best battery/capacitor recommendations.


For anyone else considering one, the use of a Piggy Back fuse holder makes hard-wire installation pretty simple. Just be sure you install it the right way around -


View attachment 540432 View attachment 540433
Sorry for late reply.
Its hard to see at the moment so will take some photos tomorrow. One thing I had not driven the car up until last Sunday to find the Halfords fitter had fitted the rear camera upside down, in the end not a problem as you can rotate orientation if you have the camera on Wi fi...the problem I had was the cars BT kept saying unable to connect. However , Blackvues customer service were brilliant & walked me through it.
 
#9 · (Edited)
SOme years back I fitted a front/rear Viofo front/rear in my TT, and a Blackvue in my VW bus. I also fitted a DDPai to my partners A1. All hardwired to the fusebo with hidden wiring. All are mounted at the top centre of the screen and are practically invisible from the driver's seat and all work well
 
#12 ·
@ Si74 - If you're considering using your dash cam as a security monitor, you can pick up an installation kit that will run in "sentry" mode until the battery drops to a preset voltage and then shuts off.

Image



Another solution is to use a power pack or incorporate a solar panel placed on the rear luggage cover. Depending on your parking situation, you can always connect a trickle charger via an external connection (front or rear bumper) to keep the battery topped up.

ThinkWare and BlackVue both offer power battery packs -
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Image
 
#13 ·
I unfortunately have no pictures of the installation, but I routed the wiring through the left side of the car. I used the ground point at the lower part of the A pillar. For power I used fusebox C with fuse 7 as the KL15 (switched) and fuse 14 as KL30 (fixed).

Fuse 7 is for parking sensors and auto dimming interior mirror. Fuse 14 is the rain sensor (so it's "logical" that a dashcam has the same "routing").

The cam is placed on the right of the mirror at the top of the windshield and all wiring neatly tucked away. The rearview cam on the left side (for mainland EU driver side), as there are no window heater lines going through that area.