DIY Blackvue DR400G-HD/Power Magic Pro Dashcam

[Foobar]

Originally Posted by Rossman

The only thing I wish they would change is the camera should be black and not silver. As it stands, it's a little more noticable from outside the car than I would like.

Sounds like a candidate for Plasti-dip!

[Rossman]

Originally Posted by Foobar

Sounds like a candidate for Plasti-dip!

I considered this but I wouldn't be able to do the part where the sticker attaches it to the window...the part where it most looks like ass.

Also these things do get pretty hot not sure I would want to add another layer of possibly insulating material.

[scyzer]

Originally Posted by Foobar

Sounds like a candidate for Plasti-dip!

I think the flash point of Plasti-dip may be too low for this camera, given a hot day in the sun.

[Starscream15]

Nice write-up and most creative use of a piano EVAR!

[Rossman]

Curious why you put a sticker over the LED, you can just turn off the LED using the software?

[F1point4]

The LED is an easy way for me to know what the camera status is. Otherwise I would have to rely on the voice, which doesn't happen very often.

I've only heard her speak

Memory card error
Unit turning on
Unit turning off
Normal Mode to Parking Mode
Parking Mode to Normal Mode

[Rossman]

If the LED is how you tell the status then why would you cover it with tape...?

I must be missing something obvious...

[F1point4]

Originally Posted by Rossman

If the LED is how you tell the status then why would you cover it with tape...?

I must be missing something obvious...

haha, it is confusing is it. I didn't cover the entire ring. I left a tiny bit open so i can still see it. Goal was to make the camera stand out less while on in my car.

[F1point4]

I've been getting questions around where to acquire the items

Camera and Power Magic Pro
There are very few distributors in the USA that sell the camera. Our best bet is to order from Korea via eBay. Search eBay for DR400G-HD and look for listings for the season II model. To make things easier during shipping customs, contact the seller directly (through the eBay mail) and ask them to price out the unit with the power magic pro. Once the arrangement is agreed, the seller will send you a paypal invoice. Takes roughly a week to come if you get it expedited. I will admit its kind of a crapshoot picking a reputable seller. Choose at your discretion.

Fuses
The fuses found on the inside of the car are of the low-profile mini type. Check out the fuses at this link. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuse_(automotive)

The type of fuse you will purchase will be dependent on the add-a-circuit used. I found out accidentally that low-profile mini fuses and mini fuses types are compatible.

In terms of size, you'll need fuses for the circuits that are tapped into, and fuses for the camera.
For the tapped circuits, check the manual for that. Most of the fuses are 7.5A, 10A, or 15A.

The season I camera has a maximum 4W power draw. The season II is 3W power draw. Taking into account the battery outputs 12.7V at full charge you'll need a fuse that can cover between 0.24A - 0.32A. Therefore a 1 Amp fuse should be plenty. Not sure if they sell fuses that small though. Because I planned on tapping into circuits that were 7.5A, I used them out of convenience. Keep in mind if you use fuses too large, a power surge could break the camera but not the fuse. That would defeat the purpose of having it in the first place haha.

Any automotive parts store (Autozone, O'Reilly's) is your best bet for purchasing fuses.


Add-a-circuit
So far I've seen versions that come in low-profile mini and mini fuse types. You can buy them at a variety of places local and online.

Mini Type
[ame="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001QRSBW0/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00"]Pico 0956pt Mini Fused Circuit 16 Awg 10a : Amazon.com : Automotive[/ame]


http://www.autozone.com/autozone/acc...ier=32416_0_0_

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/de...d=fuse+circuit



Low-profile mini type
http://www.ebay.com/itm/LATEST-LOW-P...item4abb89b83e

[TennisHsu]

Originally Posted by Rossman

If the LED is how you tell the status then why would you cover it with tape...?

I must be missing something obvious...

Originally Posted by F1point4

For science

Blackvue Sticker by VictorN07, on Flickr

Top right of the ring is still exposed.

[Smudgeous]

Originally Posted by F1point4

I've been getting questions around where to acquire the items

Camera and Power Magic Pro
There are very few distributors in the USA that sell the camera. Our best bet is to order from Korea via eBay. Search eBay for DR400G-HD and look for listings for the season II model. To make things easier during shipping customs, contact the seller directly (through the eBay mail) and ask them to price out the unit with the power magic pro. Once the arrangement is agreed, the seller will send you a paypal invoice. Takes roughly a week to come if you get it expedited. I will admit its kind of a crapshoot picking a reputable seller. Choose at your discretion.

Fuses
The fuses found on the inside of the car are of the low-profile mini type. Check out the fuses at this link. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fuse_(automotive)

The type of fuse you will purchase will be dependent on the add-a-circuit used. I found out accidentally that low-profile mini fuses and mini fuses types are compatible.

In terms of size, you'll need fuses for the circuits that are tapped into, and fuses for the camera.
For the tapped circuits, check the manual for that. Most of the fuses are 7.5A, 10A, or 15A.

The season I camera has a maximum 4W power draw. The season II is 3W power draw. Taking into account the battery outputs 12.7V at full charge you'll need a fuse that can cover between 0.24A - 0.32A. Therefore a 1 Amp fuse should be plenty. Not sure if they sell fuses that small though. Because I planned on tapping into circuits that were 7.5A, I used them out of convenience. Keep in mind if you use fuses too large, a power surge could break the camera but not the fuse. That would defeat the purpose of having it in the first place haha.

Any automotive parts store (Autozone, O'Reilly's) is your best bet for purchasing fuses.


Add-a-circuit
So far I've seen versions that come in low-profile mini and mini fuse types. You can buy them at a variety of places local and online.

Mini Type
Pico 0956pt Mini Fused Circuit 16 Awg 10a : Amazon.com : Automotive


http://www.autozone.com/autozone/acc...ier=32416_0_0_

http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/de...d=fuse+circuit



Low-profile mini type
http://www.ebay.com/itm/LATEST-LOW-P...item4abb89b83e

Wouldn't an Add-a-circuit like this be ideal?

Edit: And huzzah! 2 Amp fuses!

[F1point4]

Originally Posted by Smudgeous

Wouldn't an Add-a-circuit like this be ideal?

Edit: And huzzah! 2 Amp fuses!

Yes both of those would be ideal in this application. The concern is that they are hard to find at reputable dealers.

[BRZranger]

For the Session 2, I have a 3A fuse, can I use them in place of the 7.5A? If so, would I just follow exactly the install you posted?

[Rossman]

Originally Posted by F1point4

haha, it is confusing is it. I didn't cover the entire ring. I left a tiny bit open so i can still see it. Goal was to make the camera stand out less while on in my car.

Ah cool, I haven't driven at night with mine yet so I don't know how irritating it is