Power pick-up point and dash cam

[baxlin]

I'm considering purchasing a dash camera, but I HATE trailing wires!!

So two questions:

What camera should I buy?

Where can I take the power from, ie hard wire it, so I can route the cable so as it can't be seen. I anticipate mounting it in what i understand is the only completely legal position, immediately above the tax disc.

This rules out using the ciggy lighter.

Car is a 2013 C220 Exec SE.

Thanks in advance

Malcolm

 

[Dieselman]

Why not mount behind the mirror and take power from the roof console.

 

[baxlin]

Why not mount behind the mirror and take power from the roof console.

Thanks, I don't know why I didn't think of the roof console, as I had taken power from there for footwell lights ( sync'd to the interior light) on my Rover 75.

I presume there's an ignition or aux controlled supply, as I want the camera to start up automatically.

 

[AshC63]

Lots of options for witness cameras now Malcolm...

You can have HD cameras now , with built in monitor screens - ideal if you want to see what's being recorded , with battery back ups & also multi view so you can also have a rear facing or occupants recorded same time.
Also one of my favourites is wifi hd witness cameras so you can connect your smartphone to it & bring up all the recorded data .

--/

As for installation normally it would be up where the interior mirror is fixed on a glass mount bracket using a 3m pad supplied .
Run cables across roof lining & down pillar ( remember never to cross over a curtain airbag)
& pick up ignition either from back of cig connector or find a safe ignition source from fusebox.
Normally you would also purchase a female cig connector to hardwire behind the dash so your install is neat .

Email me if you need more info Malcolm .. Happy to help !


Ash

 

[baxlin]

Many thanks, I'd never thought about a dash cam, but you hear so many stories, scam accidents etc, that it could be a sensible addition to the car.

 

[wilsodg]

Many thanks, I'd never thought about a dash cam, but you hear so many stories, scam accidents etc, that it could be a sensible addition to the car.

fwiw, having had a dash cam for a while, you will quickly find that you really need a rear-facing cam too, so if you see some kind of deal for 2, go for it.

 

[Dieselman]

What about the sides? Have you got inside covered?

 

[wilsodg]

What about the sides? Have you got inside covered?

I haven't bothered with the back even, but I was thinking of a 'google street-view' 360 camera for the roof just to be sure..

My point is, if you are going to bother at all, you only get about 40% of the action from a front cam, so interesting but fairly ineffective, and to increase the effectiveness towards useful then you need the rear covered too.