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09-24-2015, 08:15 PM | #1 |
Drives: Toyota Yaris Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: AZ
Posts: 10
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Powering a dash cam
I'm driving a 2009 Yaris 4DHB. I'd like to install one of those dash cams that mount below the rear view mirror. I searched the forums for ideas on how to power it. I don't want to snake a wire all the way around since part of it would be visible. The idea of snaking another wire through the A or B pillar sounds great, but it's not something I could or would do on my own. I wouldn't mind hiring someone to do it if I could find someone I trust, but I already have bitter experiences hiring "professionals" who screw things up. Finally, my wife doesn't want me to do anything that can't be easily undone.
The solution I have in mind is to take advantage of the fact that there's already wiring to that area to power the dome lights. It's simple to snake a wire from this recessed area to where I need it for the dash cam perhaps six inches away. Although I'm comfortable splicing and soldering, I want to honor my wife's wishes and not alter the car in such a way that I can't return it to the way it was. If someone can help me identify the female connector that's being used, and if I can acquire its male counterpart, plus another female connector, then I can make an adapter that simply attaches to the existing connector, provides the same connector to the light module, plus a third wire that powers the dash cam. |
09-24-2015, 09:26 PM | #2 |
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Drives: 09 5dr LB, 2x 08 3dr LB Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: USA, CT
Posts: 13,460
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You would be amazed as to how easy it is to tuck a wire behind the A pillar cover and under the edge of the headliner to get to the mirror. The map light does not have ignition switched power, so the camera would always be powered.
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09-24-2015, 09:39 PM | #3 | |
Drives: Toyota Yaris Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: AZ
Posts: 10
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Quote:
I might be inclined to try using the A pillar if I saw a video of someone doing it. But what I've read--airbags, clips that break--drains my confidence. |
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09-25-2015, 12:04 AM | #4 |
Join Date: Feb 2010
Posts: 606
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I ran the wires for my ONSTAR mirror with no problem. I threw together a YouTube video when I did it and you can see how easy it is to do.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Fzksq80Emk |
09-25-2015, 02:51 AM | #5 |
Drives: Decepticon - Ravage Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: San Francisco
Posts: 1,462
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You can tuck a wire push it in between the pillar and rubber trim easy. The foam headliner is easy to work with as well.nothing at all to more expensive cars that aren't built like legos lol
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Check out my Build thread: http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=52274 |
09-25-2015, 04:07 PM | #6 | |
Drives: Toyota Yaris Join Date: Oct 2012
Location: AZ
Posts: 10
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Quote:
I had searched for videos like this but probably missed it since my search terms were dash-cam-oriented. But this video applies to anyone wishing to power anything in that area. |
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09-29-2015, 11:22 AM | #7 |
Drives: 2009 Yaris 5 door Join Date: May 2015
Location: Baltimore, MD
Posts: 23
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I ran the wire above the windshield and under the rubber trim around the A-pillar, under the carpet to the socket under the radio. I can swap between cars for road trips, and dont have to worry about taking my car apart. Keep it simple, IMO.
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11-11-2015, 01:11 PM | #8 | |
Drives: 08Yaris2D, 88LandCruiser. Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Alameda,Ca.
Posts: 476
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A lot of dash cams were made to always have power(parking mode), as a motion sensor will activate a one minute recording.
Quote:
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11-17-2015, 09:08 AM | #9 | |
Drives: 08Yaris2D, 88LandCruiser. Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Alameda,Ca.
Posts: 476
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Your post inspired me to use the map light power. works great, and only draws .15 amps with camera on.
Quote:
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11-17-2015, 07:48 PM | #10 |
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Drives: 09 5dr LB, 2x 08 3dr LB Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: USA, CT
Posts: 13,460
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150 mA more than doubles what the car draws when off, so be careful when leaving your car parked for a period of time. With the camera plus the standard parasitic drain, you will be lucky to be able to start your car if you leave it parked for more than 2 weeks.
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11-18-2015, 01:24 AM | #11 |
Drives: Decepticon - Ravage Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: San Francisco
Posts: 1,462
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i have my mirror dvr on 24/7 recording on a loop. the delay in motion/vibration mode even if instantaneous isnt enough to catch whatever is going on prior to what you really had hoped to record.
I keep the dvr showing the rear feed when driving (camera placed where the rear water spray nozzle is) to see my blindspots etc. I just turn off the screen while parked.
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Check out my Build thread: http://www.yarisworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=52274 |
11-18-2015, 10:07 AM | #12 |
What I thought I'd do was
Drives: 09 Yaris Sedan Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Northwest Alabama
Posts: 1,140
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I added a second cigarette lighter port (12v port if you prefer) in the panel under the steering wheel. It turns on with the car via a relay connected to the existing 12v wiring. I plugged one of those 3-port USB charging adapters into that (this way I can swap out the adapter if a new format comes out) I've got a wire ran up through the dash to my RAM mount to provide charging for my cell phone and also run my dash cam wiring from there.
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My Nissan Hardbody (D21) 4x4 build log Check out my YouTube channel (mostly shooting) - http://www.youtube.com/user/47MasoN47 |
11-19-2015, 10:51 AM | #13 | |
Drives: 08Yaris2D, 88LandCruiser. Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Alameda,Ca.
Posts: 476
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Quote:
When I leave town, the yaris go's on one of these. http://www.granitedigital.com/aiodc-2.aspx
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Give a man a fish, and he'll eat for a day. Sell a man a fish, and you'll both eat for a day. |
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Tags |
cam, connector, dash, power |
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