PnP dash cam wiring solution

[Brad Johnson]

I've had a Viofo dash cam for a while, powered by a USB cable strung from the dashcam to a console USB port. The wire isn't a huge inconvenience, but it's still something dangling from the mirror and it takes up one of the precious few USB ports in the cab. I've always wanted to run a line under the headliner and down the a-pillar, but haven't gotten that adventurous. Plus, I'm not real jazzed about rooting around in the a-pillar airbag cavity.

I found this little gem today. It's a USB power tap from a company called Dongar Technologies. Taps power behind the rear view mirror of my F150 and is straight up Plug and play. Cost effective, too. Only thirty bucks. Also available on Amazon.





The company makes taps for a lot of different vehicles. Maybe this will save you some headache.

https://dongar.tech/

Bar

[Fly320s]

Good tip.  Thanks.

I heat that some car companies are starting to put USB ports by the rear view mirror just for dash cams.  Haven't seen it in person yet, though.

[HeroHog]

I've had a Viofo dash cam for a while, powered by a USB cable strung from the dashcam to a console USB port. The wire isn't a huge inconvenience, but it's still something dangling from the mirror and it takes up one of the precious few USB ports in the cab. I've always wanted to run a line under the headliner and down the a-pillar, but haven't gotten that adventurous. Plus, I'm not real jazzed about rooting around in the a-pillar airbag cavity.

I found this little gem today. It's a USB power tap from a company called Dongar Technologies. Taps power behind the rear view mirror of my F150 and is straight up Plug and play. Cost effective, too. Only thirty bucks. Also available on Amazon.





The company makes taps for a lot of different vehicles. Maybe this will save you some headache.

https://dongar.tech/

Bar

Sweet! Off to see what they have for our Escape.

DRAT! 2020+, ours is too old...

Un-drat, I didn't scroll down far enough! YAY! https://dongar.tech/products/ford3pin

[mgdavis]

Good stuff. One of the reasons I have not installed dash cameras in my vehicles is my distaste for having stray cables running around the dash.

[Brad Johnson]

Just finished installing one in my truck. Works as advertised. Even came with a couple of 6" USB cords (which I ordered separately because stupid me didn't completely read the description). Ordering one for SWMBO's car.

One caveat... be prepared with zip ties or hook & loop tape. The adapter wires are tiny and will likely fail quickly if subject to vibration/tension/stress. Easy enough to secure, though.

Brad

[HeroHog]

Anyone know a good way to get a suction cup mount to stay attached to the glass longer than a few days?

[zxcvbob]

Anyone know a good way to get a suction cup mount to stay attached to the glass longer than a few days?

Lick it before you stick it! (stick it where?) ((don't ask))

[HeroHog]

Lick it before you stick it! (stick it where?) ((don't ask))

I do, even do it with a clean mouth, not when eating cheez crackers!

[JTHunter]

A couple of years ago, I found a dashcam for only $20 at (IIRC) a Big Lots store.  It uses a "lighter socket" type plug, has a USB cable for computer hook-up, a 32 GB card slot, and it automatically "loops" over older files.  It is called an "XVibe" and it replaces an older one that didn't loop over files.  I had to take the card out every other day and wipe it on my computer.

[Boomhauer]

Anyone know a good way to get a suction cup mount to stay attached to the glass longer than a few days?

Throw it in trash replace with a mirror mount bracket

[HeroHog]

Waffling between Super Glue and Det Cord.

[zxcvbob]

Waffling between Super Glue and Det Cord.

Why not both? 

[Brad Johnson]

Installed the second one in SWMBO's car over the weekend. Same as the first, no problems and works a treat.

Brad