install hard wired dash cam

[careless_adi]

Hi all,

I'm after installing my dash cam into my A6.

The dash cam itself is a Mobius and it was fitted into the spare 12V socket inside the compartment under the arm rest in my Mazda 6. I ran the USB cable underneath the trim along the transmission tunnel, under the steering rack, inside the rubber door trim, along the inside of the A pillar, and tucked nicely into the headlining until it got to the dash cam near the rear view mirror. The 12V socket only came on with the ignition which I was happy with.

On the Audi, there is no 'hidden' 12V socket. I could use the one near the cup holder, but I have nowhere to 'hide' the cable, and even then, I wouldn't be able to close the cup holder cover with the 12V -> USB adaptor in place.

I have seen some threads relating to wiring some cabling into one of the fuseboxes, but I haven't seen any which actually show what cables to use, and where to install them. Any threads out there showing exactly what to do? And only when the ignition is on? If not, can someone put up their install?

Electrics aren't my strong suit (I know my limitations!) but if it's easy I'd rather do it myself than get a garage to do it and potentially mess it up anyway. I also don't want an error message by hard wiring this dash cam in.

EDIT: Maybe something like this Cigarette Lighter Extension Cord / Lead 3m Long & Fused | eBay (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Cigarette-Lighter-Extension-Cord-Lead-3m-Long-Fused-/370406526693?pt=UK_Car_Accessories_Touring_Travel&hash=item563df30ee5&clk_rvr_id=732551125879&afsrc=1) but cut the 12V male end off, and hard wire it in somewhere? Or maybe even a flush mounted one would be fine. I wouldn't mind having the female 12V socket somewhere accessible as my phone charger would work through it too. Maybe fitted somewhere in the glove box? Or under the arm rest?

[apole]

Hi there,

I hard wired mine as follows:

Bought one of these:

http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/car-accessory-socket-fe42v

Took an ignition switched 12v from the dashboard end fuse box (remove cover on end of dashboard, most blanks here are switched 12v). You can sometimes get away with spade connector or using blade of a normal fuse for tight fit. Use a multimeter to find which side of fuse holder is live and switched.

Make sure you use appropriate type of cable, and use a fuse as near to the source as possible. (fuse holder and 5amp fuse suggest blade like rest of fuses)

Then you can run the standard camera wire down the edge of the A post (remember there is an airbag inside so round the edge is a must) down to the socket you have installed.

Any connections should really be soldered or properly crimped, and insulated. Also make sure the wiring is properly secured and away from any moving parts like pedals, steering rack etc.

[Guest 2]

Mine is the same as Andys. Pretty simple but I did cheat and get someone to make the fuse-tap loom for me.

I put mine into where the rear wiper fuse would be (unoccupied for obvious reasons on a saloon!) and is ignition based.

[Tabletski]

Get one of these, or cheaper ones from eBay,
Generic 12V ATO ATC Add A Circuit Fuse Tap Piggy Back: Amazon.co.uk: Electronics (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Generic-Circuit-Piggy-Standard-Holder/dp/B00LA00AI6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1416301730&sr=8-1&keywords=12v+fuse+tap).

I also got an auto electrician to install a 12v power socket in the boot, it cost a fiver when he was tracing a fault on the heated rear window wiring.


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[careless_adi]

Hi there,

Then you can run the standard camera wire down the edge of the A post (remember there is an airbag inside so round the edge is a must) down to the socket you have installed.


Are there airbags in the A pillars? There's not an airbag sign on either of them in my car. There's an airbag sign on each B pillar though.

[Guest 2]

There is but I have the wire placed in behind it.


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