Dash cams

[Paul1970]

I’ve read old threads on this but they all died a death and,given how fast technology moves, I hope no one objects to me starting a new one.

Basically, what I am trying to determine is whether anyone has simply got themselves a plug and play dashcam. I’m not one for pulling things apart and trying to hardwire, I just accept that there will be a cable on display when plugged in, it won’t be beautiful but hopefully it won’t bother me too much.

Does anyone have any suggestions of a relatively neat and easy to plug/unplug device?

Also, I’m concerned that it may block the lane assist camera which I believe is behind the rear view mirror so does anyone know whether this does cause an issue.

Thanks.


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[nsm3]

I recently got a Nextbase unit from Argos. Mounted up tight to the rear view mirror, doesn't obscure anything, cables virtually hidden, up along headlining, sits nicely in a groove at top of A-pillar trim, down rubber door seals, back into groove at bottom of A-pillar, under glovebox, under gearbox tunnel trim and into central armrest socket.

Only visible parts are the two bits that sit inside the A-pillar grooves and you have to look for them to see them.

10 mins start to finish, no tools.

[Col Lamb]

Dashcams vary massively in quality and size.

Then there is what you want from the unit.

Some are standalone, some are capable of WiFi connections to your mobile.

So basically what I am saying is that Nicks post on dashcams is still very valid on content although models have changed.

Do also note that the power sockets in your Macan are not permanently live they switch off 1/2 hour after the car is locked, hence if you want a dashcam with proximity sensors that work all the time then you need to hardwire it in.

I would suggest further research and then if needed get a specialist to fit your chosen model

[Guy]

I’ve read old threads on this but they all died a death and,given how fast technology moves, I hope no one objects to me starting a new one.

Basically, what I am trying to determine is whether anyone has simply got themselves a plug and play dashcam. I’m not one for pulling things apart and trying to hardwire, I just accept that there will be a cable on display when plugged in, it won’t be beautiful but hopefully it won’t bother me too much.

Does anyone have any suggestions of a relatively neat and easy to plug/unplug device?

Also, I’m concerned that it may block the lane assist camera which I believe is behind the rear view mirror so does anyone know whether this does cause an issue.

Thanks.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I quite like the look of this one from Halfords - the concept is good but it remains to be seen how neat (or otherwise) it would look fixed over the Macan's rear view mirror. Maybe pop to Halfords and ask to try it for size.

http://www.halfords.com/technology/dash ... OJEALw_wcB

[nsm3]

Would be a pain if you have shelled out for auto dimming mirrors?

[Macman]

I’ve used a dash cam for a couple of years now. They will attract criminals if you make it easy for them, I’ve had one stolen when the car was left unlocked on the drive one night. Doh!
My view is that you hardly ever need to see what has been recorded, so all the fancy features of connecting via WiFi don’t really interest me. I just have it as back up in case of a disputed incident, then i would just press the button to retain the last recorded segment to be downloaded to the computer later. The crash for cash risk is getting lower now since the law changed regarding whiplash claims, so the need for them is a bit less.
The one attached to the mirror looks ok. When I first researched dash cams the mirror mounted ones were not very good quality, but if Nextbase is now doing one it may be ok. My Nextbase screen mounted one works well, as long as you make sure the memory card is formatted and that the camera is set to keeping a rolling record of activities, rather than a permanent record, which eventually fills up the memory card.
Routing the power cable round the edge of the windscreen and under the glove box can usually be done neatly, although I haven’t tried it yet on the Macan.

[SAC1]

I recently got a Nextbase unit from Argos. Mounted up tight to the rear view mirror, doesn't obscure anything, cables virtually hidden, up along headlining, sits nicely in a groove at top of A-pillar trim, down rubber door seals, back into groove at bottom of A-pillar, under glovebox, under gearbox tunnel trim and into central armrest socket.

Only visible parts are the two bits that sit inside the A-pillar grooves and you have to look for them to see them.

10 mins start to finish, no tools.

Argos list 8 x different ones. Which Nextbase model did you buy and are you pleased with its operation and video performance?

[alxgb]

If you are buying a dash cam, get a polarising filter and adjust it till you get a decent picture and then check it on the computer. Using the display on the back of the device isn't sufficient to judge usable quality of the footage and if you rely on it but haven't verified the quality of the image, you could end up with something that isn't as helpful as it could be.

Without going into the physics of it, it will help with management of glare and reflection and I am amazed that so many don't come with it as standard given the camera is aimed through glass and has to deal with a bonnet and reflectance on other vehicles, particularly when it's bright and sunny.

I have one but hardly use it due to its prominence in view lines and concealment of cabling. I lack the enthusiasm to tear open the dash with trim tools.

From personal experience, check the maximum capacity the device you use can take. I tried to put a 128GB card in a 2y/old Nextbase and it threw an error which didn't give me any clues. It didn't declare a limitation in the manual as obviously at the time, it was compatible with everything and the manufacturer didn't update the install guide. Nothing in the forums and then someone talked about reformatting and it triggered the thought.

[rossman999]

In terms of power if you run the cable down under the rubber on the passenger side you can use a piggy back fuse connected into the fuse box there - its much neater than plugging something into a lighter socket and it wont invalidate the warranty

[Nomad]

I use a nextbase run the cable to left then above doors to rear socket just in case u use the front socket, works fine original cable long enough.