BulletsForFingers

A couple of days ago I posted asking for pics of dashcam installs and I didn't get any replies. So, I've made my own! I purchased a Mini 0801 camera on Amazon for $100 after reading positive reviews on the model.

Installation
I hardwired the camera into an ignition switched 12V source on the passenger kick-panel fuse box. The power wire runs from the rearview mirror behind the headliner. I then take it down the pillar to get to the fuse box. Along the way I soldered a 12V-5V voltage transformer I made from a USB cigarette adapter. You can see the video for more details on that.

Sorry about the orientation. I'm still getting the hang of making install videos of my projects.


My standard truck project tools. A multimeter is highly recommended when working with the electrical system. It makes troubleshooting incredibly easier.


Camera and USB cabling. You can also see the cigarette USB adapter I soldered inline to get from 12V to 5V. More on this in my video.


Here she is installed. The screen is set to turn off after one minute. Everything else is automatic. Set and forget!


This is a very small and discreet camera. I was pleased that passersby cannot really see it.


Time will tell if the adhesive and camera internals can survive the heat of summer.

To mount the camera I used the supplied adhesive. The camera comes with a plastic base that sticks to the windshield. Power plugs into the base which means you never have to fiddle with cords to remove or attach the camera. The camera also has an additional USB power port. This makes it possible to take the camera off the base and plug it in somewhere else to view videos. Really great design!

Review/Thoughts
This camera seems to be a very nice product thus far. When powering up it automatically starts recording. The screen turns off after a (configurable) minute, and it automatically shuts down when the vehicle is turned off. When the video card is full it deletes the oldest video clips. Completely set-and-forget! What else can you ask for?

nathan_nathaniel

Thanks. Very interested. I used a GoPro and it could not take the exposure. Worked perfectly for about 3 months and then crapped out.

BulletsForFingers

Video up now!

MT-Ford

Good write up. I'll be doing this soon.

Old Smoky

Can you post up the link to Amazon please?

never mind, found it!

BulletsForFingers

EricTheOracle

I got a dash cam this winter too. Mostly to video the critters I see in northern Minnesota. I haven't gotten around to hardwiring it in yet but I intend to do so.

mamonti

Looks like a nice unit! I am waiting to read your review on the video quality and another thing is the lens angle degree? How wide does it go in your opinion? I read it is 135 and wonder if that is enough or would you like it wider? I did notice it has a motion detection also so if you wanted to use this unit when the truck is parked to catch someone screwing around the truck it would also be a nice feature, of course you would have to tap into a constant power source. Nice write up BTW!

BulletsForFingers

Pretty wide, check out the video at the bottom of my original post. It has video examples.

nathan_nathaniel

My idea is to mount a camera like this on the dash tray, and run the power up from under the tray. Ideally, it could be easily unplugged and taken into the house. I imagine there is appropriate power available under the tray. (Could I use the USB 2?)