Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega Electrical and Audio Help => Topic started by: Mr.OmegaMan on 11 June 2014, 14:31:28

Title: Dash Cam Power Sorce
Post by: Mr.OmegaMan on 11 June 2014, 14:31:28
I'm planning on wiring a power feed from the reading light area (for a dash cam) This dash cam if it helps... http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00FKTQ3NE/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_1LfMtb1SA5XJY

I want to use the same power source as the line that the camera starts recording as soon as I unlock my doors. (and stays on 5 minutes after the car is shut off or however long the timer is set at)... Could someone point me in the right direction ideally with a picture :)

Has anyone done this before ?.. I don't fancy using the cigarette lighter to power the bloody thing wires dangling all over the place.

Also would this be possible to do with a rear dash cam also with one of the rear side reading lights ?

Thanks in advance  :y
Title: Re: Dash Cam Power Sorce
Post by: tunnie on 11 June 2014, 14:34:16
Can't help with power, some here know my wiring skills  ::)

Looks compact though, good to see how you get on  :y
Title: Re: Dash Cam Power Sorce
Post by: Mr.OmegaMan on 11 June 2014, 14:40:30
Can't help with power, some here know my wiring skills  ::)

Looks compact though, good to see how you get on  :y

Exactly my thoughts, Decent reviews, Should just fit behind the mirror hopefully...

Not sure what the difference between the one above and this one LINK (http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00F5WP990/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_HUfMtb1FZBXZ3) apart from the price and sticky 3M to hold it... Going by the 5th picture it's a pretty good fit behind that mirror.
Title: Re: Dash Cam Power Sorce
Post by: zirk on 11 June 2014, 15:51:38
Theres 12v behind the Courtesy Light, just make sure the Camera lead is fused  ;)
Title: Re: Dash Cam Power Sorce
Post by: 05omegav6 on 11 June 2014, 15:54:14
Tap into the sunroof feed :y
Title: Re: Dash Cam Power Sorce
Post by: Mr.OmegaMan on 11 June 2014, 16:17:37
Which wires are they not been up there under the skin before.

Where's RobG with his pictures  :P ;D :y
Title: Re: Dash Cam Power Sorce
Post by: Nick W on 11 June 2014, 16:37:35
That's basically the same unit I have. It fits behind the mirror under the shading on the screen and is barely visible from inside or outside the car.
Mine is wired to the ignition switched side of the sunroof, so it switches on and off automatically. I used a 12volt to USB converter(about £4 from EBay) tucked in the roof space. That leaves about 3cm of wire visible where it emerges from the edge of the roof lining.
I was surprised how good the picture is, and how easily the software syncs it with the GPS.
Title: Re: Dash Cam Power Sorce
Post by: Bigron on 11 June 2014, 16:51:13
Poundland sell those 12V to USB adaptors, obviously for £1, and also, but not for your application, a cigar lighter plug to one USB plus two cigar lighter sockets - same price!

Ron.
Title: Re: Dash Cam Power Sorce
Post by: Mr.OmegaMan on 11 June 2014, 17:07:58
Theres 12v behind the Courtesy Light, just make sure the Camera lead is fused  ;)

How could I add a fuse to it  :-\, Wouldn't want that little camera setting fire to the car  :o

Poundland sell those 12V to USB adaptors, obviously for £1, and also, but not for your application, a cigar lighter plug to one USB plus two cigar lighter sockets - same price!

Ron.

Forgive me for being stupid I'm not much of a electrician, What would I need one of those 12v to USB for and is it one of these you mean ? http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/291100650160 / http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/190733956225
Title: Re: Dash Cam Power Sorce
Post by: Nick W on 11 June 2014, 17:09:52
What I used is a little box about the size of a disposable lighter, wired to the car on one side, and an integral micro-USB lead on the other. I'll dig out a link when I get home.
Title: Re: Dash Cam Power Sorce
Post by: Nick W on 11 June 2014, 17:13:26
The camera should come with an adapter like those EBay links, but they're big, ugly, take up the cigarette lighter and trail wires everywhere. You wanted a more discreet solution, which hardwiring it gives you.
Title: Re: Dash Cam Power Sorce
Post by: Bigron on 11 June 2014, 17:27:48
I checked that link again and you don't need a USB adaptor - the voltage range is 12 - 24 volts!
Nick must be using a different model that requires 5 Volts, hence the need for the USB adaptor.
However, a fuse is essential, so look at Maplins site for a small, in-line fuseholder.

Ron.
Title: Re: Dash Cam Power Sorce
Post by: Mr.OmegaMan on 11 June 2014, 17:34:32
I checked that link again and you don't need a USB adaptor - the voltage range is 12 - 24 volts!
Nick must be using a different model that requires 5 Volts, hence the need for the USB adaptor.
However, a fuse is essential, so look at Maplins site for a small, in-line fuseholder.

Ron.

Thanks for the clarification Ron  :y

Regarding the inline fuseholder something like this (LINK (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/261477748170))is required with a 12V fuse.
Title: Re: Dash Cam Power Sorce
Post by: Nick W on 11 June 2014, 17:34:45
That's exactly how mine was sold. But it's a USB device, which are 5volt. The car charger it comes with is 12 or 24volt, with a USB output. Some sort of adapter will be necessary, as the device's internal battery is only good for about 10minutes.
Title: Re: Dash Cam Power Sorce
Post by: Bigron on 11 June 2014, 17:44:25
I stand corrected! Ok, back to square one - you DO need an adaptor, and it my be that the Poundland one has a fuse, too, otherwise the one you linked to is fine.

Ron.
Title: Re: Dash Cam Power Sorce
Post by: Mr.OmegaMan on 11 June 2014, 18:37:14
Ah sound, We are getting there slowly...  :y

Couldn't I just insert the part the comes with the camera that goes into the cigarette socket into a gap up there and wire it up that way shame to cut the wire, Need to see what comes with it first tho I suppose, I'm expecting delivery tomorrow.

found a guide on how to remove the main cover  :y

http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/index.php?topic=90674.0

This is my biggest problem, Which are the wires I could connect to get positive feed, I'll take a picture of my wires when I get a chance incase they are different.
Title: Re: Dash Cam Power Sorce
Post by: Mr.OmegaMan on 11 June 2014, 18:58:46
(http://i1158.photobucket.com/albums/p620/Agemo_Legend/44D4F352-3DE6-4E1D-817F-DE4A770A42AC_zpsxqp4ciby.jpg) (http://s1158.photobucket.com/user/Agemo_Legend/media/44D4F352-3DE6-4E1D-817F-DE4A770A42AC_zpsxqp4ciby.jpg.html)

(http://i1158.photobucket.com/albums/p620/Agemo_Legend/5189D093-905F-46FE-954B-8F836DF9F52A_zpsx9jz1wxd.jpg) (http://s1158.photobucket.com/user/Agemo_Legend/media/5189D093-905F-46FE-954B-8F836DF9F52A_zpsx9jz1wxd.jpg.html)

(http://i1158.photobucket.com/albums/p620/Agemo_Legend/F95B3FA7-04ED-4CF7-8111-9978FADD42B1_zpssaeavrhz.jpg) (http://s1158.photobucket.com/user/Agemo_Legend/media/F95B3FA7-04ED-4CF7-8111-9978FADD42B1_zpssaeavrhz.jpg.html)

(http://i1158.photobucket.com/albums/p620/Agemo_Legend/16A6273B-AFD6-422C-9BD5-D7D08EF1F851_zpsvpmhkz4r.jpg) (http://s1158.photobucket.com/user/Agemo_Legend/media/16A6273B-AFD6-422C-9BD5-D7D08EF1F851_zpsvpmhkz4r.jpg.html)

(http://i1158.photobucket.com/albums/p620/Agemo_Legend/AE1254E6-C2E6-40D8-B839-B85305ECBE04_zpsohjs6qfb.jpg) (http://s1158.photobucket.com/user/Agemo_Legend/media/AE1254E6-C2E6-40D8-B839-B85305ECBE04_zpsohjs6qfb.jpg.html)

Title: Re: Dash Cam Power Sorce
Post by: 05omegav6 on 11 June 2014, 19:12:51
I checked that link again and you don't need a USB adaptor - the voltage range is 12 - 24 volts!
Nick must be using a different model that requires 5 Volts, hence the need for the USB adaptor.
However, a fuse is essential, so look at Maplins site for a small, in-line fuseholder.

Ron.

Thanks for the clarification Ron  :y

Regarding the inline fuseholder something like this (LINK (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/261477748170))is required with a 12V fuse.
Like that but only 3-5 amps at a guess :-\
Title: Re: Dash Cam Power Sorce
Post by: 05omegav6 on 11 June 2014, 19:14:33
The smaller red to pin 5 on the plug should do it :y
Title: Re: Dash Cam Power Sorce
Post by: Mr.OmegaMan on 11 June 2014, 19:38:23
The smaller red to pin 5 on the plug should do it :y

Picture #4 far right thinner red wire, That the one Al.  :)

Just double checking everything before going ahead with the surgery  ;D
Title: Re: Dash Cam Power Sorce
Post by: 05omegav6 on 11 June 2014, 19:43:48
The one that enters the plug at Pin 5 :y

Tap into it about two inches away by stripping the insulation from about 5mm of it solder to this and wrap in insulation tape. Do not cut the wire...

Earth or negative can be fitted with a ring terminal and mounted using one of the sunroof motor mounting bolts :y
Title: Re: Dash Cam Power Sorce
Post by: Mr.OmegaMan on 11 June 2014, 19:47:21
Great stuff  :y

Thanks everyone for your help and patience, Much appreciated :)

I'll update tomorrow evening most likely...
Title: Re: Dash Cam Power Sorce
Post by: Bigron on 11 June 2014, 21:33:00
No need to cut any wires, use a "Scotchlok"

https://www.google.co.uk/search?safe=off&site=&source=hp&q=scotchlok+connector&oq=Scotchlock&gs_l=hp.1.2.0i10l10.2855.7702.0.11902.10.10.0.0.0.0.607.1642.2-3j1j0j1.5.0....0...1c.1.46.hp..5.5.1639.KbnFm_x9el8

They cost pennies, and cut into the wire your host wire and also your fuseholder wire, which you place alongside it.

Ron.
Title: Re: Dash Cam Power Sorce
Post by: 05omegav6 on 11 June 2014, 21:36:42
No need to cut any wires, use a "Scotchlok"

https://www.google.co.uk/search?safe=off&site=&source=hp&q=scotchlok+connector&oq=Scotchlock&gs_l=hp.1.2.0i10l10.2855.7702.0.11902.10.10.0.0.0.0.607.1642.2-3j1j0j1.5.0....0...1c.1.46.hp..5.5.1639.KbnFm_x9el8

They cost pennies, and cut into the wire your host wire and also your fuseholder wire, which you place alongside it.

Ron.
Devils work, thems... If you're going to bother, do it properly :y
Title: Re: Dash Cam Power Sorce
Post by: VXL V6 on 11 June 2014, 22:53:54
No need to cut any wires, use a "Scotchlok"

https://www.google.co.uk/search?safe=off&site=&source=hp&q=scotchlok+connector&oq=Scotchlock&gs_l=hp.1.2.0i10l10.2855.7702.0.11902.10.10.0.0.0.0.607.1642.2-3j1j0j1.5.0....0...1c.1.46.hp..5.5.1639.KbnFm_x9el8

They cost pennies, and cut into the wire your host wire and also your fuseholder wire, which you place alongside it.

Ron.

Each to their own but I much prefer a soldered joint with shrink tube insulation.
Title: Re: Dash Cam Power Sorce
Post by: Bigron on 11 June 2014, 23:06:24
I can understand your antipathy towards them. Al, and I would never use them for any high current application - too little contact area - but for a quick and easy job, especially up in the head lining of an Omega where a soldering iron could do much damage, they are fine.
If applied carefully and firmly, so that the locking cover comes over and closes properly, they are fine.

Ron.
Title: Re: Dash Cam Power Sorce
Post by: 05omegav6 on 11 June 2014, 23:14:48
Until they shake loose... They're not waterproof either and you would be surprised just how much condensation there can be above the headlining :o
Title: Re: Dash Cam Power Sorce
Post by: Mr.OmegaMan on 12 June 2014, 21:53:42
It's all done  :y

I went for this one in the end for the front LINK (http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00GRYT5QI/ref=cm_sw_r_udp_awd_W-GMtb11JT5V4) Hopefully better quality and will last longer.

Has more handy features, I can control the camera from my phone over WiFi using their free app, You can adjust the settings for the camera on the phone saves upsetting the camera, Watch live steam on the phone, Watch and the option to save recorded videos on the phone. Pretty handy like...

That leaves the little camera spare so put that on the rear window in such a way it won't damage the Rear Blind, Tucked the wire on the side of the back seat then under part of the bottom rear seat then tucked along the carpet poping out for the rear power socket :y

So far so good, See how they get on on a run...  :y

(http://i1158.photobucket.com/albums/p620/Agemo_Legend/10441429_713135832077553_6412612833462203135_n_zps6b4dfa65.jpg) (http://s1158.photobucket.com/user/Agemo_Legend/media/10441429_713135832077553_6412612833462203135_n_zps6b4dfa65.jpg.html)
(http://i1158.photobucket.com/albums/p620/Agemo_Legend/10376333_713135902077546_6382018883093991279_n_zps99723041.jpg) (http://s1158.photobucket.com/user/Agemo_Legend/media/10376333_713135902077546_6382018883093991279_n_zps99723041.jpg.html)
(http://i1158.photobucket.com/albums/p620/Agemo_Legend/10444726_713135765410893_2211575609290314697_n_zpsd6149cb3.jpg) (http://s1158.photobucket.com/user/Agemo_Legend/media/10444726_713135765410893_2211575609290314697_n_zpsd6149cb3.jpg.html)
(http://i1158.photobucket.com/albums/p620/Agemo_Legend/g_zpsd900c8f0.jpg) (http://s1158.photobucket.com/user/Agemo_Legend/media/g_zpsd900c8f0.jpg.html)
Title: Re: Dash Cam Power Sorce
Post by: steve6367 on 13 June 2014, 09:23:59
Looks good if you are able to post some sample video up would be great to see how it performs, especially at night.
Title: Re: Dash Cam Power Sorce
Post by: Mr.OmegaMan on 13 June 2014, 16:51:35
Looks good if you are able to post some sample video up would be great to see how it performs, especially at night.

Will do, Most likely be on Sunday/Monday...  :y
Title: Re: Dash Cam Power Sorce
Post by: GastronomicKleptomaniac on 13 June 2014, 20:02:26
*takes notes* Since I've spent the last two weeks playing idiot magnet, no matter what my mode of travel...
Title: Re: Dash Cam Power Sorce
Post by: Mr.OmegaMan on 13 June 2014, 20:29:36
*takes notes* Since I've spent the last two weeks playing idiot magnet, no matter what my mode of travel...

Aye that's the main reason I'm giving these dash cams another shot, Seems like there's more idiots on the roads these days, Well more than usual...

Cyclists are becoming a more frequent sight too, Not long ago on a blind bend on a twisty B road I came behind 2 of them riding side by side making no effort to pull to the side...
Title: Re: Dash Cam Power Sorce
Post by: Andy B on 13 June 2014, 21:07:40
...

Cyclists are becoming a more frequent sight too,  ....

I saw one last night with a death wish ....... couldn't decide if he wanted the left of the road, the middle of the road as he over took the left line of traffic at a set of lights that'd just changed to green, then he wanted the traffic he'd just passed to let him back t the left again. Then got upset as the car he was undertaking moved left to the lane he needed to go ahead at the junction that the cyclist then wanted to turn right at .................  ??? ??? ???
Title: Re: Dash Cam Power Sorce
Post by: Mr.OmegaMan on 13 June 2014, 23:22:23
Just noticed the price currently is £10 give or take cheaper on Amazon than I paid for the (front) camera, So got in contact with Amazon with that live chat and i'm getting a £10 refund.. Happy days  :)
Title: Re: Dash Cam Power Sorce
Post by: Mr.OmegaMan on 13 June 2014, 23:24:24
Just seen this as well...  :y

http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/accessories-tyres/85715/transcend-drivepro-200

See how it goes, If it lasts a year i'd be happy with that...
Title: Re: Dash Cam Power Sorce
Post by: Mr.OmegaMan on 13 June 2014, 23:30:27
Just wondering for those who have dash cams do you leave them in your cars when its hot, Reaching 60+c inside ?

Last year I had a cheap dash cam and i'm sure the heat killed it off one day, Was around £10 didn't expect much...
Title: Re: Dash Cam Power Sorce
Post by: Nick W on 14 June 2014, 09:00:21
Just wondering for those who have dash cams do you leave them in your cars when its hot, Reaching 60+c inside ?


The only time I've touched mine since I installed it last October was when my boss mentioned them, and insisted on seeing it. If you want one as security, then it needs to be permanent and switched on and off automatically. Otherwise, you will forget, or just stop using it due to the hassle.
Title: Re: Dash Cam Power Sorce
Post by: Mr.OmegaMan on 16 June 2014, 01:19:54
Uploaded some clips from today on YouTube, But they didn't turn out so good, Had to compress the video I used Windows Movie Maker, The front camera set at 3 minuet recording gaps takes up 330mb.  :o

Plus I hadn't positioned the camera very well, need to adjust settings or just move it up a little so it's no so white.

Overall though it preformed very well, Can't say the same about the rear camera, stopped recording half way through the 160 odd mile journey, Think the rear socket plug might have lost connection possibly as the camera still works and everything like that.. Quality is about half that of the front camera or there about's, Then again that one wasn't positioned very well either pointing too high up the picture was mostly dark..

Will upload again sometime once I get used to them  :y
Title: Re: Dash Cam Power Sorce
Post by: Mr.OmegaMan on 17 June 2014, 05:46:05
Looks good if you are able to post some sample video up would be great to see how it performs, especially at night.

Finally got some decent footage up from the evening. Quality ain't bad at all, Seen better and worse...  :y

http://youtu.be/7_kw6XQjxkI
Title: Re: Dash Cam Power Sorce
Post by: Magwheels on 17 June 2014, 09:10:29
More than acceptable quality, not bad at all. One question, where's all the cars at? 9.20 and the roads are clear, you wouldn't get that down here!!

Car sounds nice as well, better than my old tractor.
Title: Re: Dash Cam Power Sorce
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 17 June 2014, 11:28:19
No need to cut any wires, use a "Scotchlok"

https://www.google.co.uk/search?safe=off&site=&source=hp&q=scotchlok+connector&oq=Scotchlock&gs_l=hp.1.2.0i10l10.2855.7702.0.11902.10.10.0.0.0.0.607.1642.2-3j1j0j1.5.0....0...1c.1.46.hp..5.5.1639.KbnFm_x9el8

They cost pennies, and cut into the wire your host wire and also your fuseholder wire, which you place alongside it.

Ron.
:y

The biggest problem with a  scotch lock is that it damages the wire your connecting to and over time and with vibration, I have seen them cut right through them, best avoided if you can (they seem the weapon of choice of poor quality tow bar installers!)  :y
Title: Re: Dash Cam Power Sorce
Post by: Mr.OmegaMan on 17 June 2014, 16:56:21
More than acceptable quality, not bad at all. One question, where's all the cars at? 9.20 and the roads are clear, you wouldn't get that down here!!

Car sounds nice as well, better than my old tractor.

It's like a ghost town around here especially at this time.. Transportation costs maybe  :-\ ... nearest Asda a small one is like 25 miles round trip, a large 24H Tesco 45 miles round trip... Pubs within walking distance  ;D...

Looking back at the video only one moving car and one cyclist where out and about...
Title: Re: Dash Cam Power Sorce
Post by: tunnie on 17 June 2014, 20:08:24
We had a chap come for interview last week, he was from Wales. Apart from fact his CV said Wales, we knew he must be from the countryside. His request for salary was about 50% below the norm  ;D
Title: Re: Dash Cam Power Sorce
Post by: Magwheels on 17 June 2014, 20:58:13
 

Looking back at the video only one moving car and one cyclist where out and about...
[/quote]

Wow, I'd have to go out about 4 o'clock in the morning (on a work day) to get roads as clear as that, and that would be going away from London!!!

Very nice if you can do it (apart from the shopping side of things).
Title: Re: Dash Cam Power Sorce
Post by: 05omegav6 on 17 June 2014, 22:27:18
More than acceptable quality, not bad at all. One question, where's all the cars at? 9.20 and the roads are clear, you wouldn't get that down here!!

Car sounds nice as well, better than my old tractor.

It's like a ghost town around here especially at this time.. Transportation costs maybe  :-\ ... nearest Asda a small one is like 25 miles round trip, a large 24H Tesco 45 miles round trip... Pubs within walking distance  ;D...

Looking back at the video only one moving car and one cyclist where out and about...
If the pub serves food, why bother with shopping at all ::)
Title: Re: Dash Cam Power Sorce
Post by: Magwheels on 17 June 2014, 22:54:24
[
If the pub serves food, why bother with shopping at all ::)
[/quote]

 :y
Title: Re: Dash Cam Power Sorce
Post by: Mr.OmegaMan on 24 June 2014, 05:22:24
Got round to putting a few clips together from the rear GS608 dash camera, The picture quality is defiantly no where near as good as the Transcend DrivePro 200 I've installed at the front neither is the sound quality it picks up. But it's better than nothing  :y

Before you ask why it has been positioned in the corner like that, Well It's mainly because of the rear blind but that's one of two reasons the other being that if I point it up so the parcel shelf isn't recorded the picture is pretty much black just focusing at the sky. I would mount the camera higher if I didn't use the blind not that I use it often it's just if it was accidentally pressed that's why I decided to put it there.. Anyway enough of my ramblings!  ;D

Rear Dash Camera Footage from the GS608 camera LINK (http://youtu.be/_vBaGiX78IU) It has been compressed for YouTube upload, Which has made it lag somewhat but the raw footage from the camera doesn't have any lag.
Title: Re: Dash Cam Power Sorce
Post by: Mr.OmegaMan on 24 June 2014, 23:07:06
Took forever to upload this 6 hours there abouts, Didn't compress it at all, Total size uploaded 1.3GB... Was originally going to compress it to around 200mb but this gives the camera a fair shot, Quality looks pretty good better on the computer rather than YouTube though mind, Detail seems finer over the compressed version I made standby. Overall happy with the Transcend DrivePro 200 dash cam...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OR_jQjyiKlc&feature=youtu.be
Title: Re: Dash Cam Power Sorce
Post by: Mr.OmegaMan on 08 July 2014, 00:12:56
Caught the aftermath of this crash on Sunday...

http://youtu.be/_IHCRKDMEcw
Title: Re: Dash Cam Power Sorce
Post by: Mr.OmegaMan on 05 October 2014, 00:53:31
Looks good if you are able to post some sample video up would be great to see how it performs, especially at night.

Better late than never  :y

http://youtu.be/MAnO3Jba3GI

Was surprised myself how good the night quality of this camera, Supose it does help to have good  headlights thought   :y
Title: Re: Dash Cam Power Sorce
Post by: steve6367 on 05 October 2014, 11:31:59
Thats better than any other dash cam I've seen at night  :y
Title: Re: Dash Cam Power Sorce
Post by: Muroman on 28 October 2014, 20:42:48
Here's what I did :)

The ground is connected straight to roof.
The 12v comes from the wire that goes to sunroof motor as you turn your ignition ON.
Very easy to find with multimeter.

(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/93773592/OOF/WP_20140419_006e.jpg)

I'm not sure but I recall something that the wire was under 10A fuse. And I think it works that way very good.

-Mika
Title: Re: Dash Cam Power Sorce
Post by: Mr.OmegaMan on 28 October 2014, 22:39:13
Plenty of room up there to stuff all the gubbins  :y

Which dash cam did you go for btw?  :)
Title: Re: Dash Cam Power Sorce
Post by: Muroman on 29 October 2014, 17:22:24
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/93773592/OOF/WP_20140419_004e.jpg)

It's just a cheap HD DVR cam it records 720p video and you can see the license plate number from a car driving in ahead of you.
Couple times it has gone mad and not recorded but usually the next day it fires up again been there now 2 years and only once it has let me down when I needed it. Someone hit my car with a door on a parking lot.