This is not meant to be a step-by-step guide, just a series of comments for those who have already read all of the great detailed posts in this forum.
Camera -- I decided to get the Blackvue DR650GW-2CH because of its unique "Cloud" feature. Having to switch WiFi on my iPhone to access the camera and only being able to do so while in the car makes no sense to me.
Seller -- I am not associated with them but got mine from Dash Cam | Car Dash Cameras | DashCams | BlackboxMyCar because of their pre-sales support.
Tools -- I used Amazon.com: TCBunny® Portable 4Pcs Auto Car Radio Door Clip Panel Trim Dash Audio Removal Installer Pry Tool: Automotive but did not need to use 50 Ft. Nylon Fish Tape - Electrical Fish Tape - Amazon.com
Internet Access -- I got the AT&T Unite Pro (made by Netgear). It is conveniently powered from USB and has an internal battery that keeps it alive for quite a while (depending on usage). It will cost you $50 upfront and $20/month. I wished Tesla would provide in-car WiFi hotspot leveraging the existing LTE modem but I understand that usage would go thru the roof.
Power -- My car is a Feb 2015 AP and I do have the always-on power connector above the mic grille. I used RC Hitec Jr Futaba Set Male Female Servo Connector Gold Plated Plug | eBay for connector. I stained the leads and then crimped the connectors. Easy.
Installation -- I installed the camera "under" the AP camera assembly (behind the mirror). See below. I can't see it from the driver's seat.
Cable -- Running the cable all the way to the back of the car was easier than I expected using the above pry tools. The only places I had to remove anything were (1) the internal cover of the AP camera (I created a notch for the cables to exit at the bottom), (2) the "A" pillar cover and (3) the bottom trim of the trunk cover (with the trunk open) where I made two holes for the cable to go thru. The only place were I "cheated" a bit was on negotiating the gap to the trunk cover (see below). It is not perfect but doesn't bother me at all. From the driver's seat I can't see it.
Install is just 24 hours old. All appears OK except for what appears to be intermittent GPS signal. I wonder if it caused by the windshield coating.
Camera -- I decided to get the Blackvue DR650GW-2CH because of its unique "Cloud" feature. Having to switch WiFi on my iPhone to access the camera and only being able to do so while in the car makes no sense to me.
Seller -- I am not associated with them but got mine from Dash Cam | Car Dash Cameras | DashCams | BlackboxMyCar because of their pre-sales support.
Tools -- I used Amazon.com: TCBunny® Portable 4Pcs Auto Car Radio Door Clip Panel Trim Dash Audio Removal Installer Pry Tool: Automotive but did not need to use 50 Ft. Nylon Fish Tape - Electrical Fish Tape - Amazon.com
Internet Access -- I got the AT&T Unite Pro (made by Netgear). It is conveniently powered from USB and has an internal battery that keeps it alive for quite a while (depending on usage). It will cost you $50 upfront and $20/month. I wished Tesla would provide in-car WiFi hotspot leveraging the existing LTE modem but I understand that usage would go thru the roof.
Power -- My car is a Feb 2015 AP and I do have the always-on power connector above the mic grille. I used RC Hitec Jr Futaba Set Male Female Servo Connector Gold Plated Plug | eBay for connector. I stained the leads and then crimped the connectors. Easy.
Installation -- I installed the camera "under" the AP camera assembly (behind the mirror). See below. I can't see it from the driver's seat.
Cable -- Running the cable all the way to the back of the car was easier than I expected using the above pry tools. The only places I had to remove anything were (1) the internal cover of the AP camera (I created a notch for the cables to exit at the bottom), (2) the "A" pillar cover and (3) the bottom trim of the trunk cover (with the trunk open) where I made two holes for the cable to go thru. The only place were I "cheated" a bit was on negotiating the gap to the trunk cover (see below). It is not perfect but doesn't bother me at all. From the driver's seat I can't see it.
Install is just 24 hours old. All appears OK except for what appears to be intermittent GPS signal. I wonder if it caused by the windshield coating.