DIY Blackvue DR400G-HD/Power Magic Pro Dashcam

[DaJo]

Originally Posted by subiestar

After reading a few sources, they all claim 12.0v is 25% battery charge. And 11.8v is 0% charge. But then cars can normally crank as low as 10v.

I was gonna return my PMP, but now I think I'll keep.

BTW, if anybody is looking for Power Magic Pro with a lower voltage cut-off. Newegg has one with 11.6v, 11.8v, 22.8v, and 23.2v settings.

I've set mine at 12V... For a new battery it should be good enough... Unless you are planning to leave it on while parked for a long long time.

[atledreier]

So, is there any rason NOT to go direct to the battery (through a fuse) for the hot lead, and get the accessory lead from the outlet in the glovebox? That would keep the entire installation away from the fusebox and ECU area.

[F1point4]

Originally Posted by atledreier

So, is there any rason NOT to go direct to the battery (through a fuse) for the hot lead, and get the accessory lead from the outlet in the glovebox? That would keep the entire installation away from the fusebox and ECU area.

If we go directly to the battery (assuming there is no PMP) then the camera will continue to draw from the battery. At some point the car won't start anymore. If no fuse is used, then connecting to the battery is a fire hazard.

[DaJo]

If no fuse is used, you risk damage (fry) to the BlackVue device from the amperage spike.

Don't risk it with a $200+ camera...

Bridge it through the fuse on the opposite side of the live wire via the fusebox; or get some "Add-A-Circuit".

[atledreier]

I mean through an inline fuse on the hot wire of course. My way we wouldn't have to go into the fuse box at all.

[DaJo]

Originally Posted by atledreier

I mean through an inline fuse on the hot wire of course. My way we wouldn't have to go into the fuse box at all.

It'll work; just that some of us rather not splice into the factory lines for easy removal.

[atledreier]

Same here, I was just suggesting an alternative for those reluctant to go near the fuse box or ecu for warranty purposes.

[thorlius]

Thanks F1point4 for the install guide. I got mine all wired in today and set up. Looks great and seems to be working. I need to mess around with parking mode sensitivity, and maybe work on stealth of the camera, but so far I'm happy with the end result.

I have one question and I haven't been able to find anything out about this online. The camera records in dates from April 2011. I have no idea how to update this. I've already updated settings and time zone on the configuration but the camera is still stuck in the wrong date. Does anyone know how to set it to the correct date/time so my recordings are actually correct?

[b.e]

Doesn't it just use the GPS date/time for that? Has it gotten a good GPS fix yet?

[thorlius]

Originally Posted by b.e

Doesn't it just use the GPS date/time for that? Has it gotten a good GPS fix yet?

That would make sense. One of my test videos had the right location data when I checked on the laptop after, but it was in a garage at the time.

[rice_classic]

Some of the empty/open slots on our fuse boxes are hot slots (always powered) so you don't have to tap into your brake light fuse.

Another fun reason for a dash cam:


[ame="www.youtube.com/watch?v=66Va1t7OF1U"]Lightning caught on my DashCam - YouTube[/ame]

[sc0urge]

Thanks for creating the excellent guide, F1point4! Very thorough, informative, and complete with pictures. Like someone mentioned earlier, it really helps with those (like me) who are unfamiliar with the car wiring/electronics.

I was actually looking into the GoPro cameras for internal and the occasional external mounting, but given the benefits of having a hard-wired dashcam, a Blackvue seems more logical for my needs. Again, thanks for the write-up.

[F1point4]

Another Gem:

Person decides to jump out into the open lane when the light is green just to get ahead. Demonstrates the suspension work i've been doing

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T8xDuqVytjw"]Near Miss.mp4 - YouTube[/ame]

[thorlius]

Originally Posted by F1point4

Another Gem:

Person decides to jump out into the open lane when the light is green just to get ahead. Demonstrates the suspension work i've been doing

I hate when it happens so fast you don't even have time to get mad at the dumbasses. By the time you want to lay on the horn or flip the bird, you're already way off in the distance.