lexnewbi

I mounted on the windshield, behind the rear view mirror and to the right of the sensor box. You want the camera as close as possible to the glass to minimize reflections that might interfere with the camera capturing images on the other side of the windshield glass.

NDLexus

Hi new here. I currently am setting up the particular 2 channel cam "Thinkware F770" to girlfriend's X350. Anyway... Isn't there a way to "tap a fuse" or use the hardwire kit that came with the dash cam?

I bought the camera for most importantly for the "parking mode" feature since dings and scratches mysteriously <hand gestures< keep appearing on the car.

If it can be done with by tapping the fuses, which fuses can be tapped? If not, what is the cheaper way to get parking mode

kitlz

NDLexus, you can purchase an Add-A-Fuse kit to tap into the fuses. Refer to the owners manual to figure out which one. I'd also recommend getting something like the Multisafer Hardwiring Kit to prevent draining the car's battery. Not having to worry about that was the main reason I went with the external Cellink battery. It charges and records while I drive, and allows the Thinkware to stay in parking mode for over 15 hours with both cameras on. Sensitivity levels are at the lowest settings and I don't keep it in continuous recording mode.

BW, the Strontium Nitro 128GB card Nigel recommended works fine with the Thinkware.

lexnewbi

I tapped mine in two places:
1) At first I used a mirror tap: I had it powered from the rear view mirror by just soldering a pin into the end of the power and ground cables and inserting them into the mirror power connector. However, this power only tuns on when the car is powered.
2) Then I got a Celllink battery and have it powered from one of the empty fuses with a fuse tap. This fuse is powered when the car is powered. I was concerned about draining my car battery, so I wanted a separate power source. I placed the Cellink behind the left footrest area. Right behind the CPU box. The space there was just the space needed by the Celllink.


If you want to use an always on switch, then you might need to test a few fuses with a voltmeter to see which one has power when the car is powered off.

I placed the camera behind the rear view mirror and routed the cables between the humidity and lane assist camera.

NDLexus

I understand the need for the cell link pack, would the "power magic box" work for this feature as well? I seen it in my car forum, "mbworld," and they seem pretty happy with this $20some device working for their vehicles.

lexnewbi

The ThinkWare F770 has a voltage comparator and timer that you can set with the app. If the direct battery connection falls from the set voltage for more than5 minutes, the camera powers down. Thus, you do not need an external box to monitor the voltage or add a timer. If I remember correctly, the threshold could be set around 11.5V -12.5V. The recordings include the battery voltage condition, so you can experiment to figure out the best level to set it.

NDLexus

That's what I was thinking. I just need to know which fuse box to fuse, and which wires I need to "tap" into which fuses. Numbers would be awesome!

ericsan13

Has anyone installed the F800 Pro? Just had a small hit-and-run issue in my work garage where parking camera would've been great.

aznkorboi

I have the f800 pro. GOt it prof installed. I set the voltage to the lowest setting because it would randomly turn off/ wouldn't start etc. But now it's good.

Front and Rear.

My wife has one as well on the Prius and it saved her from an accident because someone hit her and she hit the car in front so she was not at fault and didn't pay any deductible because of the dash cam

Doney01

Here's a Blackvue DR900S-2-channel installed in my 18 350L....

FatherTo1

Indeed, a dashcam is worth every penny and, in some cases, cheaper than having to pay your insurance deductible for a single claim. I currently have two VIOFO A119S cameras on our LS and in the past year my car has been hit three times. The camera definitely paid for itself by being able to catch the responsible party. The third time I was swiped at a parking lot but I didn't have parking mode enabled. Luckily I was able to buff out the damage. I haven't made the jump to a CellLink or Power Magic LiFePo battery yet due to cost. Currently, I am powering parking mode for up to 40 hours with a basic $45 power bank battery.

The DR900S-2CH is definitely nice with 4K front. I was going to wait until Black Friday deals to get it but am disappointed the rear camera is "only" 1080 and identical to the rear camera on the DR750 from last year. Have you had any issues with overheating? I was all set on upgrading to the BlackVue DR900S-2CH until I stumbled on the following dashcamtalk thread about overheating. Parking mode would serve me no good if the camera shuts down for self-preservation. Apparently you can remedy the heat issues by dialing down the resolution but that defeats the purpose of the main attraction of 4K! For others considering dashcams, here is a good video comparison of different models:

Doney01

ericsan13

Perhaps a small piece of clear 3M Crystalline tint would help keep it from getting scorched in the sun.

FatherTo1

Greatly appreciate your first-hand experience and honesty, Doney01. Glad you found a solution to keep the DR900 from getting baked by the sun. Are you using the B-112 or B-124 to power parking mode? How long can it realistically record in parking mode with the Power Magic and does it truly recharge as fast as claimed? Have you tried tethering it to a mobile hotspot to receive notifications or do Live View when away from the RX? Also, how are you liking the 350L?

That is an idea worth trying, ericsan13. I read some other posts that a clear tint on your windshield (besides the legal issues) can distort the dashcam image when the film/windshield gets really hot. A small piece may still affect image quality, but I haven't tested it.

Doney01