Did a 10 minutes project to install Dashcam and 4 ports front/back seats quick USB charger

[privater]

I tested the usb ports with Tesla. it's bad in design with 4 problems:

1. it only outputs 5w total (5v x 1a) which is slow for iPhone 6/6s+ which can draw 10w tops or iPad 12w tops.
2. it won't cut off power after shutdown the car, which is not good for dashcam and increase vampire drain
3. it automatically connects phones and bypass bluetooth music, and everyone knows it's pain to navigate thousands of songs in car media player.
4. Not a problem, but 2 USB ports is not enough for current day: USB thumbdrive, phones, other devices etc...

So I added a dashcam to my new Tesla Model S and fix the problem with USB charging at the same time.

Time:
10 minutes

Cost:

ETech 48W 9.6A 4-Port USB Car Charger x1 $12.99
3M Scotch Heavy Duty Mounting Tape x1 $4.99
Xiaomi yi dashcam x1 $54.99

The 12v charger I choose can give me 2 front port with 2.4a per ports(12w), and 2 back seats USB ports also provide 2.4a(12w) each port.

Front USBx2: I connect it with dock lightning cable and extra lightning cable for passenger seats or if I prefer using my phone and don't want 'dock' it underneath.

Back seats USBx2: I 3M it to the AC vent, one port for Dashcam, and another is open for guests

The dashcam part I'll talk in following posts:

 

[privater]

This is the package:
I bought it because of the L-shape Micro USB charging cable flexibility. it won't occupy a 12v charger port like normal dashcam did.

Here is what it looks like in car:

and the cable directly goes to window shade:

This is how to hide the cable, I did this on every cars, so no drill no modification, just hide it under the cover:

you can see how the cable curve into the headliner slots:

the cable can be hide inside the rubbery parts:

then goes out to the glove box:

the most non elegant part: a cable cross glove box:

Then went here:

and finally reach to the back seats usb ports:
The best part is the cable just long enough to do the job, no more no less

 

[privater]

And here is some footage:

I have to say the footage is mediocre, I don't know if the dashcam fault or mine is defective, anyway, the cable is the gem:

day:

night:

 

[Frankman60]

Thanks for the detailed information and photos. I like the USB 4-port charger for the phone dock area and the rear seats. But can the car's phone dock cover be closed with the charger plugged in, and cables plugged into the charger?

 

[privater]

Thanks for the detailed information and photos. I like the USB 4-port charger for the phone dock area and the rear seats. But can the car's phone dock cover be closed with the charger plugged in, and cables plugged into the charger?

Yes, with a little force, it can be closed:

 

[HankLloydRight]

• it automatically connects phones and bypass bluetooth music, and everyone knows it's pain to navigate thousands of songs in car media player.

I don't understand this comment. At least for an iPhone, the USB does nothing but charge. It does not bypass bluetooth or allow any music over USB. Maybe Android is different.

Also, maybe people (myself included) want the dashcam to be active 24x7 to capture parking events via motion or g-force detection. So constant 12v (or 5v) is preferred.

 

[Frankman60]

Yes, with a little force, it can be closed:
View attachment 187298

Thanks. Do you have a source for the Etech 4-port USB charger? I searched Amazon and couldn't find it.

 

[privater]

Thanks. Do you have a source for the Etech 4-port USB charger? I searched Amazon and couldn't find it.

My mistake it's "JEtech 4-port USB charger" from Amazon.

 

[privater]

I don't understand this comment. At least for an iPhone, the USB does nothing but charge. It does not bypass bluetooth or allow any music over USB. Maybe Android is different.

Also, maybe people (myself included) want the dashcam to be active 24x7 to capture parking events via motion or g-force detection. So constant 12v (or 5v) is preferred.

Sure, I think that's a valid point to keep dashcam running if the car is charging frequently.

 

[Canuck]

Also, maybe people (myself included) want the dashcam to be active 24x7 to capture parking events via motion or g-force detection. So constant 12v (or 5v) is preferred.

If privater does this jumper in post #8:

Anyone with manual access - any constant 12V in the cabin?

his dashcam will be running 24/7.

 

[Frankman60]

Yes, with a little force, it can be closed:
View attachment 187298

Thanks for the Amazon link, I found it. What hits the cover when it closes? Also, what is the round set of holes just above the 12 volt port on your MS as shown in your photo?

 

[privater]

Thanks for the Amazon link, I found it. What hits the cover when it closes? Also, what is the round set of holes just above the 12 volt port on your MS as shown in your photo?

I'm curious too, thought it's standard since the start?

 

[privater]

If privater does this jumper in post #8:

Anyone with manual access - any constant 12V in the cabin?

his dashcam will be running 24/7.

The car's USB already provide me 24/7, I want my 12v to cut off after shutdown, but this is a handy info, Thanks

 

[HankLloydRight]

Sure, I think that's a valid point to keep dashcam running if the car is charging frequently.

Charging doesn't really come into play. The dashcams pull such low power, they'll hardly effect vampire drain. They typically draw about 200ma, and at 5v, that's just one watt.

 

[zambono]

Thanks for the Amazon link, I found it. What hits the cover when it closes? Also, what is the round set of holes just above the 12 volt port on your MS as shown in your photo?

The holes are part of the AC system, I think an intake when recirculating

 

[Frankman60]

The holes are part of the AC system, I think an intake when recirculating

Interesting, I would not have guessed that one. They seem too small for that and I would think that the intake vents would be in places where you don't see them.

 

[Frankman60]

Yes, with a little force, it can be closed:
View attachment 187298

Do you think the cover would like close with this USB flash drive in one of the two USB ports? I was thinking of getting this one because it also provides a small amount of light so I can see in that area of the car at night.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01H1QKJH...lid=33TEJ4DD9D20V&coliid=I3NA241FLV96Q4&psc=1

 

[mikeash]

Charging doesn't really come into play. The dashcams pull such low power, they'll hardly effect vampire drain. They typically draw about 200ma, and at 5v, that's just one watt.

I recently moved my dashcam from the 12V accessory plug to the unused flat plug in the microphone area, partly to get rid of a long wire and partly so it could be on even while parked. There has been no noticeable change in vampire drain after making that change. I was worried about it originally and put it off a long time because of that, but I eventually ran the numbers and decided to go for it. Mine (BlackVue DR650GW-1CH) is listed as drawing a maximum of 3.4W, and presumably the average is much less. The car averages something like 50W while "off."

 

[TMobe]

I recently moved my dashcam from the 12V accessory plug to the unused flat plug in the microphone area, partly to get rid of a long wire and partly so it could be on even while parked. There has been no noticeable change in vampire drain after making that change. I was worried about it originally and put it off a long time because of that, but I eventually ran the numbers and decided to go for it. Mine (BlackVue DR650GW-1CH) is listed as drawing a maximum of 3.4W, and presumably the average is much less. The car averages something like 50W while "off."

Hey Mikeash. Did you use the Power Magic Battery pack or just connect to the unused flat plug? I get my BlackVue 1ch in a few days. Thanks

 

[TMobe]

Sorry. I mean Power mgmt pro