[stop-eject]

Materials:
Aukey dash cam http://amzn.to/2Ed5gtD I like this model because it is mounted close to the windshield and Aukey has US based warranty service (I don't know if the warranty support is any good though).
12V to 5V MiniUSB DC-DC converter http://amzn.to/2EeSURo They are cheaper on ebay if you can wait for delivery from China.
Good quality mounting tape like this one http://amzn.to/2C8ORbX
Wire harness tape http://amzn.to/2CmMyio
My installation method is completely reversible, it avoids cutting wires, stripping or piercing insulation. But it requires a little bit of soldering.
You can avoid soldering with Posi-Tap connectors http://amzn.to/2Ec4OM3 , but they will pierce tiny holes in the wires.
First I soldered leads from a random diode I had. Any solid copper wire about 0.7mm in diameter will do.

I wrapped the input wires with thePolyken harness tape. All automotive wiring should be double insulated. Do not use a generic electrical tape. I also snipped off the eyelets from the DC-DC converter to reduce its size.
Finished product. If you will go to with the Posi-Lock method, leave 1" of wire with 1/2" stripped unwrapped.

Next remove the black electronics covers behind the rear view mirror. They are snapped together and separate easy without tools.
Mount the DC-DC converter.next to the camera module with the mounting tape.

Remove the mirror connector, pushing on the retaining clip on the bottom. It has 3 wires in the positions 1,4 and 5. Insert the black wire from the DC-DC converter in the rear of the connector next to the pin 4 (black wire). Insert the red wire next to the pin 5 (pinkish wire). Tie the converter cable to the mirror harness with a small tie wrap. Reconnect the mirror connector. Route the miniUSB cable up and tuck it into the headliner.

Reinstall the covers, mount and connect the dashcam.

 

[PacN00b]

Thanks, if it wasn't so cold I would have copied this by now. Will try in the spring.

 

[buzcoats]

Awesome!!! This helps a bunch. Thanks for posting.

 

[IOUZIP]

I have dash cams on every vehicle I own. A few years ago it saved me $1,000 deductible showing the accident was not my fault. Worth every penny.


I had the dash cam you show but switch it out for the Blackvue no display but it fits the window pretty tightly.

 

[stop-eject]

Most of dashcams are notoriously unreliable. After several bad experiences I can't bring myself to buy a screenless dashcam, where I can't see that it is actually recording. Although Blackview is considered a good brand and should be more reliable.

 

[Neogeo]

I use Thinkware now after buying so many of these cheap ones off Gearbest like the Mini0806, GW1 (?). These don't last.

I heard good things about LG as well. Blackvue was my second choice.

I just tuck the cable on top, around the pillar and the bottom dash and into the 12V on the bottom. The power cable is all hidden away.

 

[bryman]

I use Thinkware now after buying so many of these cheap ones off Gearbest like the Mini0806, GW1 (?). These don't last.

I heard good things about LG as well. Blackvue was my second choice.

I just tuck the cable on top, around the pillar and the bottom dash and into the 12V on the bottom. The power cable is all hidden away.

im on the fence right now..............the LG, blackvue, or even the garmin dashcam 55......... decisions, decisions.!!

 

[stop-eject]

LG and Blackvue appear to be the same. There are good lower priced options too. I'm happy with Xiaomi in my other car. http://amzn.to/2DlJRR4

 

[Aereventia]

Can you read license plates on the video from these?

 

[bryman]

Can you read license plates on the video from these?

depending on the sunshine of the day, windshield clarity, road conditions, speed of other car, among other things........you can bet NONE of the dash cams out there are 100% plate visibility all the time. basically as the driver one of the best things you can do is

1. make sure your dash cam has audio recording.
2. make sure the recording is ON.
3. get in the habit of saying out loud any plate numbers you need known.

i know it seems trivial but saying it out loud can and WILL speed up any investigation as opposed to the police spending a day or 2 contemplating what the plate said and comparing it to vehicles matching the description.

buying a dash cam that will have perfect clarity at all times is like trying to buy a new lamborghini at prius cost. its just not gonna happen

 

[sellr324]

I have the new Blackvue front and rear camera. They are expensive but they always work. Interesting idea to say out loud license plates.... I was recently rear ended (not in Pacifica) and the dash cam sped up the process but may not have been necessary.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[inis]

anyone have the blackvue 750s? Was thinking of getting it and then when the 4k version comes out transfer the 750 to another vehicle. One concern I have is wiring it up. I do not want to cut/splice any wires. Just simply dont want argue warranty disputes later with a lifetime warranty. I know the rear cargo area has a cig lighter, but the front's is on/off with the vehicle.

 

[sellr324]

I have it installed. I had it professionally in Southern California. If you happen to be in the area I’ll send over the installers info. He’s does great work. I had the same thought and mine connects to the front cigarette lighter. It’s nicely wired and I use the blackvue backup battery that takes an hour to charge and last for 8 hours (or something like that). I think if you search the forum you’ll find a method of switching a fuse to make it stay on when the car is off but I would worry about the battery dying? I would send pictures but my van is in the shop with charging schedule issue.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[gmormile]

I have it installed. I had it professionally in Southern California. If you happen to be in the area I’ll send over the installers info. He’s does great work. I had the same thought and mine connects to the front cigarette lighter. It’s nicely wired and I use the blackvue backup battery that takes an hour to charge and last for 8 hours (or something like that). I think if you search the forum you’ll find a method of switching a fuse to make it stay on when the car is off but I would worry about the battery dying? I would send pictures but my van is in the shop with charging schedule issue.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Did the installer run the cable for the rear cam high between the headliner and B-pillar (where the airbags are) or did he run in low (under the carpet and plastic strips between the doors)?

The safer solution is to run it low, but I wasn't sure the standard kit would have enough cable length to cover the distance.

Greg

 

[bryman]

anyone have the blackvue 750s? Was thinking of getting it and then when the 4k version comes out transfer the 750 to another vehicle. One concern I have is wiring it up. I do not want to cut/splice any wires. Just simply dont want argue warranty disputes later with a lifetime warranty. I know the rear cargo area has a cig lighter, but the front's is on/off with the vehicle.

maybe the rear is off with vehicle too?

 

[sellr324]

Not sure. However, in my last car he ran them on the ground but he did have to go past the side airbags to get low. I’m guessing he took the same approach on the Pacifica. Regardless, I choose him as he specifically mentioned avoiding the airbags while installing it. You have to buy the extender cable to get it to reach the back. With regards to the sd card be real careful to buy the correct one if you don’t get their brand. The blackvue brand is more expensive but it works. The card can’t be too fast or slow and it can’t interfere with the WiFi (especially on iPhones). I had to return two different sd cards before I gave up and bought the blackvue brand.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[aloric]

Thanks Stop-Eject. I just installed mine too. I wonder if the camera is blocking the black thing (sensor?) on the windshield?

 

[stop-eject]

I'll have to check what is that thing- probably a GPS receiver for the navigation. In any case, I haven't seen any interference with the vehicle systems.

 

[jtangm04]

Thanks Stop Eject. Just installed Aukey dash cam with the posi tap connectors and worked great. With your instructions only took me 20 to 30 min.

 

[jimbo392]

Just wanted to say thanks for this post. I used this method to install a Viofo A119 in my wife's 2018 hybrid. The viofo is a great cam too, I own 3 of them.