Using a multimeter and a light probe, I probed the empty fuse sockets in the glove compartment until I found ignition-switched circuits. I then used an add-a-fuses to hardwire the battery packs -- one circuit per battery pack. Basically, the dashcams always run from the Cellink B battery packs -- one battery pack for each dual-channel camera set. The battery packs are charged when the ignition is on. When the ignition is off, the dashcams continue to run (in parking mode) from the battery packs -- which are disconnected from the vehicle battery so it doesn't drain.

Does that help?

 

That helps. I was being lazy and was hoping for a pic of the fuse box showing which sockets you used.

 

Haha, we're all a bit lazy at times, especially me! I'll take a pic later today and post it up. 😁

 

I used F50 and F57 fuse sockets. I definitely recommend anyone doing this, verify their own locations and ignition-hot vs. always-hot circuits. In my car with my options, these two are off unless the ignition is on.



Empty locations for F50 and F57 fuse sockets for comparison.


Add-a-fuse connectors. Note the opposite orientations, this is so the fuse can actually blow in the event it needs to.

 

This helps! I would definitely still test, but this is good for reference. Where did you ground to?

 

There's a common ground location behind the passenger's kick panel, under the carpet. You have to remove a nut, slip on your ground ring terminal(s), then fasten the nut back down.

 

I run a dash cam in my MINI as well. The advent of cell phones has gone a long way to make drivers even more unaware than they normally are, plus 1 of every 3 drivers on the road in Texas is uninsured. I stopped riding motorcycles for this very reason because I was rear-ended while stopped in traffic by a non-insured idiot on his phone. And that doesn't count the 10 other times a day someone pushed me out of my lane. Good luck getting this moron to pay for damages. I turned my claim over to the insurance company and they did nothing -- cost me a $500 deductible to fix my bike. It's a great idea to protect yourself.

 

This is a great idea, I will be installing those myself soon. My one concern is that if I get caught speeding. Guess I will have to invest in a radar detector too.

 

 

By the time your court hearing happens, your footage of the incident might be accidentally overwritten by more recent footage ;-), or you simply switch out the micro SD card(s).

Also...as a defendant (I'm not a lawyer) you should not be forced to provide evidence against yourself. I'm sure it has probably happened before in some cases, but if I were in such a position, I'd stick with my first thoughts above..."My SD card only holds a couple days worth of footage...it must have been overwritten." In the case of forensic data recovery methods, have spare, unused, (better-yet) brand-new SD cards available to swap out.

 

Thanks again for the tips, I have successfully hardwired my dash cam so it no longer records while charging. My only install issue was the kick panel not coming off all the way, so I had to pivot it and guide the wires through. The upper door sill plate came off which enabled me to start the kick panel, but there must be something securing it further up towards the glovebox/firewall. I did not want to hulk rip it out and break a tab or clip. My OCD still wants to go back and better tuck/route the wiring.

 

Mine came off fine, but I admit I was a bit pensive when removing them. I use the newtis and realoem websites to see where the clips are and how to remove the panels. Not as good as YouTube, but better than nothing.

 

Thank you for posting the fuse box pic 'f60jcw' . I have been working on a tool bag for the CM, and I was wondering it it was Mini-fuses or regular size fuses. Its both. I usually have black electrical tape, plastic tie straps of various sizes, several screwdrivers various sizes , 'torx drivers in the Jeep bag' I guess I should have a couple of those, metric wrenches, big crecent wrench, some wire, Parachute cord, allen wrenches in metric. gloves half inch drive rachet and socket for wheel lugs.
Sharpie, fuses, oil filter, 32 mm socket, flashlights,
anyone keep a air compressor in the CM? First aid kit, corkscrew, spork : )
Its hard to guess what you might need.
Great pic
Best regards !

 

Jesus. I keep two decks of cards, a bottle opener and a copy of my AAA card.

 

Oh yeah, Deck of cards is in the glove box : )
Never know when you may need them !
Have a good one !

 

You're welcome. I used to keep a bag like that in my Jeep, and the Land Rovers before it. I keep an air compressor in the CM now - with my summer wheels/tires combo - they are non-RunFlats. For winter, I'll switch back to the stock run flat all-seasons.