Dash Cam Install for Model S

[gasisnasty]

All dash cams require a power source and usually come with a cord that plugs into the cigarette lighter. I did buy one from China which got its power from the center top windshield unit which houses the forward facing camera/radar in my Model S. However the unit dash cam and the accompanying software did not work at all. It was basicly junk so I returned it and got my money back from Ebay.

On my new dash cam, I was wondering if anyone knew of a video showing how to hide the power cord in a Model S. My dash cam will be placed directly to the left of the forward facing camera/radar unit. So I need advice on placing and hiding the power cord to reach the cigarette lighter.

Unless someone has used the method of wiring the power cord inside the forward facing camera/radar unit. That would be preferable because the wires would only have to go a few inches.

 

[Kuhz]

There is an unused wire behind the speaker mesh grille up by the mirror. Most plug into it. Plenty of YouTube videos showing this.

 

[srredbeard]

About 1/4 or so down this page there are instructions for using the available power source that Kuhz mentioned. This really is a very simple install.

Ultimate 2019 Tesla Dashcam Guide | TeslaTap

 

[gasisnasty]

Thanks. I am glad I don't have to tun a wire around the car.

 

[gasisnasty]

I need to buy a 4-pin adaptor to hook into the 12v outlet behind the speaker cover. There seems to be several types available. What is the name of the correct one?

 

[gasisnasty]

I bought a dash cam which plugs into a USB socket. The dash cam comes with a USB cable. This is supposed to plug into the end of an adaptor that comes with the dash cam that fits into the cigarette lighter socket. The end of the adaptor has 2 USB ports.
I won't be using the cigarette lighter socket adaptor, I will be connecting the dash cam to the 12v outlet behind the speaker cover.
USB outlets are typically 5v.
My question is what is the best adaptor to connect the 5v dash cam cable to the12v outlet?

I called the manufacturer (it's not a Blackvue) but they were clueless on what to do.

 

[arcus]

https://evcharged.blog/2017/10/20/blackvue-dr750s-2ch-installation-in-2017-tesla-model-s/

I am halfway done with the video covering the same subject.

Here's the link to the original thread: BlackVue DR750S-2CH install - step by step guide

 

[gasisnasty]

Could you provide photos of the male and female connector to the 12v outlet, so I know what to buy.

 

[arcus]

Could you provide photos of the male and female connector to the 12v outlet, so I know what to buy.

I used this: https://amzn.to/2I0FhKQ

 

[gasisnasty]

Thanks. What should I use to convert 12v to 5v ?

 

[arcus]

Thanks. What should I use to convert 12v to 5v ?

Just re-read your earlier post. Which brand is it? Other than USB, does it support 12V in any fashion? If not, you could use something like this: https://amzn.to/2JVO7s3

 

[FMinMI]

There is an unused wire behind the speaker mesh grille up by the mirror. Most plug into it. Plenty of YouTube videos showing this.

Don't forget this is an always-hot 12V tap, so if you plan to leave your car someplace for weeks, you will want to disconnect the 12V-->5V converter, as it will drain the battery even if the webcam is off...

 

[arcus]

Finally! Thanks to some encouragement from my wife I came back to one of my hobbies that I haven't touched in some 18 years - 3D:

Enjoy!

 

[markharro]

There is an unused wire behind the speaker mesh grille up by the mirror. Most plug into it. Plenty of YouTube videos showing this.

I am in the UK and have popped open the mesh grille to find a different set up - there is an rectangular black box in the middle which appears to have a 4 pin power plug going into it. I don't see any spare power plug. Hopefully the photo makes clear what I am saying. Is there any way to rig up a power cord to feed power to a dashcam - in this case a Nextbase 522GW using the plug shown and still being able to power whatever the black box is? Thanks

 

[BrokerDon]

Do the above instructions for powering a dashcam also work for my pre-facelift 2015 MS?

If not, can I get power from the rear view mirror?

 

[arcus]

Do the above instructions for powering a dashcam also work for my pre-facelift 2015 MS?

If not, can I get power from the rear view mirror?

As long as you have the aux power source in the microphone grill area, this should work just the same.

 

[arcus]

I am in the UK and have popped open the mesh grille to find a different set up - there is an rectangular black box in the middle which appears to have a 4 pin power plug going into it. I don't see any spare power plug. Hopefully the photo makes clear what I am saying. Is there any way to rig up a power cord to feed power to a dashcam - in this case a Nextbase 522GW using the plug shown and still being able to power whatever the black box is? Thanks

How old is your car? This looks different than my 2017 (MCU1 AP2). The 4-pin connector (on the side of the black box, white cable) is probably the actual microphone module.

 

[markharro]

How old is your car? This looks different than my 2017 (MCU1 AP2). The 4-pin connector (on the side of the black box, white cable) is probably the actual microphone module.

Comstructed in Feb 2017 I think. Its definitely AP2 and MCU1. Yes the connectors on the sides I think are for the microphone(s). It's the (black) plug that you can just about see at the top that I was referring to!

 

[arcus]

It's the (black) plug that you can just about see at the top that I was referring to!

Ah, completely missed that. Is it connected to anything or just dangling loose? Sorry, it is at the top of the frame on your pic, so hard to see.

I assume it is the same one I connected to on mine, just that mine has been attached to the back of that mic assembly with a tape.

Find out if any pair reads +12 V DC (or more) and you should be good to go.

 

[markharro]

Is it connected to anything or just dangling loose?

Yes it is connected to the the rectangular black plastic box in the middle of the photo (with the white stickers on) that also has a white and grey wire coming out of it so it is being used for something (to power this). If this is power for whatever this black box is can I tap into somehow with a clever wiring rig so that I can continue power for the box and take a branch off for the dashcam?