powerboost + dashcam issues?
Member
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 49
Likes: 23
From: Tacoma Wa
Two types of USB ports in truck
2022 Powerboost here. I really was just wanting an XL for around the farm since I gave my XLT to the BIL, but the dealer had an custom ordered XL with the powerboost package.
It has 2 USB ports in the dash - one is a USB A and one is USB C looks like. If I plug a dash cam into them, the dash cam won't start up normal, but will act like it is being plugged into a computer and ask you if you want it to act as a card reader. In other words, when the camera turns on with the key starting the vehicle, it won't automatically start to record. If I take the camera to another USB outlet, it starts up fine. (I have 2 of these cameras and they should automatically start to record on power on). Its almost like the camera is sensing some other computer components - that option to act as a card reader is what it does when you plug it into a PC, rather than just a regular USB outlet for power. I can plug it into another car with USBs and it would do OK.
Any ideas why this is the case in a powerboost? Are those USBs special? I can't find an documented answer about those ports so just assuming they are regular usb ports.
ETA: I haven't checked this part out, but could it be that the USBs are connected to the radio for carplay? and thus are not just plain powered USBs? Wonder if this could be kicking it into this mode.
Thanks for any input!
It has 2 USB ports in the dash - one is a USB A and one is USB C looks like. If I plug a dash cam into them, the dash cam won't start up normal, but will act like it is being plugged into a computer and ask you if you want it to act as a card reader. In other words, when the camera turns on with the key starting the vehicle, it won't automatically start to record. If I take the camera to another USB outlet, it starts up fine. (I have 2 of these cameras and they should automatically start to record on power on). Its almost like the camera is sensing some other computer components - that option to act as a card reader is what it does when you plug it into a PC, rather than just a regular USB outlet for power. I can plug it into another car with USBs and it would do OK.
Any ideas why this is the case in a powerboost? Are those USBs special? I can't find an documented answer about those ports so just assuming they are regular usb ports.
ETA: I haven't checked this part out, but could it be that the USBs are connected to the radio for carplay? and thus are not just plain powered USBs? Wonder if this could be kicking it into this mode.
Thanks for any input!
There are two basic types of USB ports in the truck and are ID'ed with a symbol. In the first picture, you see the three-pronged USB symbol. Those ports will supply power BUT ALSO has a data connection to the truck's onboard infotainment/ computer. Plugging a dash cam into those ports may make the cam mistakenly think that it connected to a PC instead of the Truck computer.
The other USB ports ID'ed by the battery symbol are just Power supplying ports and has NO data connection.. They should just provide power to a webcam without it thinking it is connected to a computer.
Man my USB ports are dirty, guess that a project for tomorrow
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 7
Likes: 1
I’m still waiting on my truck, so I can’t confirm - but i suspect those USB ports have data connections to your Sync system, and may even be an alternative to OTA software updates. Current owners may know better than me.
If you can’t get your camera to ignore the data bus, you can pick up a cheap “USB condom” which will block data. These are good to have around in case you’re using USB chargers in public places (I work in InfoSec and I’m paid to be paranoid).
If you can’t get your camera to ignore the data bus, you can pick up a cheap “USB condom” which will block data. These are good to have around in case you’re using USB chargers in public places (I work in InfoSec and I’m paid to be paranoid).
Just as an update: got one of these USB adapters and it works great. Camera now comes on when the truck starts and goes off when the truck is turned off (camera doesn't go into the other mode, but straight into video recording mode)
Thanks for the tip!
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2022
Posts: 7
Likes: 1
You can try a USB data blocker adapter
https://www.amazon.com/Blocker-JSAUX...0897WB3VJ&th=1
https://www.amazon.com/Blocker-JSAUX...0897WB3VJ&th=1