Dash-cam shenanigans

Craig_mate · Mar 11, 2023

Hi all,
Just installed a pair of Nextbase 122 dash-cams, one front, one rear.
I used a Nextbase hardwire kit on the front camera and the cigar lighter plug for the rear.
Neither camera powers down automatically.... I'm sure every fuse in the box under the glove compartment isn't permanently live and neither is the cigar lighter in the boot so, what's occurring?
Any thoughts?

Nodge68 · Mar 11, 2023

What Freelander?

I've installed a USB outlet in my mirror mount for the dash cam, as I can't stand trailing cables.

On my FL2, the power socket between the gear level and cup holder is on the accessory position. The power socket for the rear passengers is permanently live, so is the boot socket.

Colthebrummie · Mar 12, 2023

On some cameras, they have a built in power supply that keeps the camera operative for a while and wakes it up if summat disturbs it. So even if the wired power supply is off, the camera still has some life in it, for a while anyway. My old cheapo dashcams were like this but I dunno about Nextbase models.

Col

Craig_mate · Mar 12, 2023

Nodge68 said:
What Freelander?

I've installed a USB outlet in my mirror mount for the dash cam, as I can't stand trailing cables.

On my FL2, the power socket between the gear level and cup holder is on the accessory position. The power socket for the rear passengers is permanently live, so is the boot socket.

It's a 2010 FL2.
I've hidden the wires up in the roof lining, down behind the A-pillar trim and under the dash to the fuse board in the passenger footwear.
Is there a switched live in the fuse board in the passenger footwell?
Why is the cigar lighter in the boot permanently live!? Where's the nearest switched live to my rear dash-cam?

Thank you. I flippin hate electrical jobs.

Nodge68 · Mar 12, 2023

Craig_mate said:
Is there a switched live in the fuse board in the passenger footwell?

Probably, but I've no idea where.

For simplicity I used the front interior light supply, which is only live when the CJB is running.
This allows the dash cam to continue to record for about 20 minutes after double locking the doors, then power is cut after the CJB shuts down.

Craig_mate said:
Why is the cigar lighter in the boot permanently live!? Where's the nearest switched live to my rear dash-cam?

The boot power socket is likely permanently live to power cool boxes and the like.
Is there a problem with it powering a dash cam 24/7?

The interior light supply is pretty close, and is likely timed with the CJB, same as the front interior light.

Craig_mate · Mar 12, 2023

Nodge68 said:
Probably, but I've no idea where.

For simplicity I used the front interior light supply, which is only live when the CJB is running.
This allows the dash cam to continue to record for about 20 minutes after double locking the doors, then power is cut after the CJB shuts down.

The boot power socket is likely permanently live to power cool boxes and the like.
Is there a problem with it powering a dash cam 24/7?

The interior light supply is pretty close, and is likely timed with the CJB, same as the front interior light.

I'll switch the front one to interior lights

I guess it does make sense that the boot socket is live, for cool boxes etc in foreign markets. I'll wire it in to the interior light, which is in the same panel as the cigar lighter.
I don't know that it's a bad thing to leave the cams running 24/7 but, I don't like the thought of them running the battery down or burning the camera screens out prematurely.

Many thanks.

Nodge68 · Mar 12, 2023

Craig_mate said:
I'll switch the front one to interior lights

I used this kit as a template to make my own power take off from the interior light supply.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/40398409...bwIbE9OSGK&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

Many dash cam owners leave them running 24/7, in some kind of sensing mode, so they record when someone tampers with the vehicle.
I don't, in fact I often forget to put it back in the vehicle after I take it down for cleaning or formatting the MC.

Shedload · Mar 13, 2023

As an aside to this thread, I recently asked my broker if a Dashcam would reduce my premium.
If it is hardwired it is classed as a modification so could incur an increase. It depends on insurer, but seems you can't do right for doing wrong !

Nodge68 · Mar 13, 2023

Shedload said:
As an aside to this thread, I recently asked my broker if a Dashcam would reduce my premium.
If it is hardwired it is classed as a modification so could incur an increase. It depends on insurer, but seems you can't do right for doing wrong !

That's ridiculous.
So an aftermarket stereo is also a modification and would incur an increase inpremium too, even though it would be cheaper to replace than a factory stereo.
Insurance companies will do anything to screw the insured.
I've just done the hard wire and left it at that.
I'll not be telling my insurance company about it.

Shedload · Mar 13, 2023

Indeed, just another way to screw us for an extra few Quid. You would think that properly fitted wiring would be safer than a wire trailing from an accessory socket.
More annoying is why is it not universal. It depends on insurer ? So this years say it fine, next years say no.
And they wonder why we keep schtum.

pwood999 · Mar 13, 2023

If it's wired to same 12V feeding lighter socket, then it's not a modification. Just don't mention the wire routing !! My P38 insurance requires a dashcam, but no specific requirements. Cheapo Amazon thing, and only runs when ignition is on. The internal battery works for 15 seconds, so it still records if the car shuts down during an accident.

Dash-cam shenanigans

Craig_mate

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Nodge68

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Colthebrummie

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Craig_mate

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Nodge68

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Craig_mate

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Nodge68

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Shedload

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Nodge68

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Shedload

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pwood999

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