Loving my new III 190 4x4 L&K combi. But the time has come to do some work and reinstall my devices.

 

Last used in my L&K II Combi - so I've an idea, but I never reject good advice! I seem to be the first to raise it here - apologies if it's been done before and I've missed it. 

 

I have a Blackvue camera and a Speedcamera GPS device. The former needs both a permanent and a switched powertap. Paid where the fusebox is now, but having figures that out and confirmed there is enough space for a power take off from the fuses, has anyone done this?

 

The permanent supply is easy enough - I'll use one of the 12v cigar lighters (probably the rear, fuse 30).

 

But has anyone done this and can suggest which of the switched fuses (i.e. goes off with the ignition) to use without upsetting VCDS and CANBUS? 

 

Form there I'll take the wires into the small void at the end of the dashboard by the passenger door (there's a small box for the cameras which shuts off power if the battery goes too low when the engine is off and the car is disturbed), and then I plan to route the cables up to the top of the windscreen (for camera), past that and down the far side (for Speed/GPS on dash above the light switch)|, and over the doors to the rear for the rear camera. Again, anyone done this please? Any tips. 

 

Thanks, David. 

In my Octavia MkIII I piggybacked off of the rear wiper. 20 piggyback fuse. 15 for wiper 5 for camera.

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Do you still need the Speedcamera GPS device? Columbus now supports POIs with audible vicinity alert.

Fair point BillyJim...it's what you're used to, and a locator is far easier to update regularly (just plug it into the PC).

I spend a lot of time in Europe and the database for there is much better. And I can pocket the locator eg in France where it's illegal. POI on Columbus means either not having France in database, or risking a heavy fine (they do check if you're stopped).

Anyway, many thanks drewpost...anyone else got advice please?

Fair point BillyJim...it's what you're used to, and a locator is far easier to update regularly (just plug it into the PC).

I spend a lot of time in Europe and the database for there is much better. And I can pocket the locator eg in France where it's illegal. POI on Columbus means either not having France in database, or risking a heavy fine (they do check if you're stopped).

Anyway, many thanks drewpost...anyone else got advice please?

Can you send a link to the locator you use?

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Fair point BillyJim...it's what you're used to, and a locator is far easier to update regularly (just plug it into the PC).

I spend a lot of time in Europe and the database for there is much better. And I can pocket the locator eg in France where it's illegal. POI on Columbus means either not having France in database, or risking a heavy fine (they do check if you're stopped).

Anyway, many thanks drewpost...anyone else got advice please?

I appreciate your question is about wiring and I was suggesting an alternative, but your reference to French law is not entirely correct.

Just to clarify the legal points in case anyone else reads it...

The French Police do not have the authority to check a SatNav (or Mobile Phone) to see if you have Camera POIs.

If you're stopped and you switched your SatNav off, or in the case of the Columbus showing anything other than the map, they are not allowed to turn it on or operate it and you are not required to do so if they ask.

If you're stopped and your SatNav or phone is displaying camera icons in plain view then end of story.

They do have authority to examine/seize equipment specifically designed for the purpose of camera location/detection, whether in use or not. That's the reason they cannot lawfully check your SatNav or Mobile Phone.

In a quirk of the French law - it is unlawful to highlight locations of speed cameras, but lawful to highlight "danger zones", as a POI. French law only allows speed cameras to be located at "danger zones".

Using a Hazard icon (exclamation mark) makes it lawful again as you're now actually highlighting a "danger zone". This method is used by TomTom.

 

And just FYI, I use the German POIbase software (which is also English language). It supports the new Columbus with the added functions. You select the POIs from their database (or import from an external file) once, save to SD, insert the SD in Columbus and update. Once done you can remove the card.

To get further updates use POIbase again with the same SD card inserted in your computer and it's updated with any changes. By default their Camera database automatically uses the hazard symbol.

(I am not in any way affiliated with POIbase or TomTom, it's just that I've found POIbase to be leagues better and much cheaper - free if you don't use the camera POIs or don't need to import more than five external databases - than any similar UK based offerings I've tried)

Do you still need the Speedcamera GPS device? Columbus now supports POIs with audible vicinity alert.

Have you got a link Billy Jim? I did not know the Columbus could do this! used to have POI speed alerts on my tom tom.

I wonder if there is a device that can utilise the on board cameras for recording? 

For goodness sakes, thanks guys (esp for the clarification above - was short cutting though - take Switzerland where not only illegal but they can seize your car if they find cameras on the built in database...)...but can anyone help with the actual question please?!

 

The Speed/GPS device I use is https://speedcheetah.com/ I have the c150 which imho is excellent.

 

Now, anyone got any ideas about which fuses to tap...or how to route the cables please? . 

Have you got a link Billy Jim? I did not know the Columbus could do this! used to have POI speed alerts on my tom tom.

 

At the risk of further upsetting the OP (For goodness sakes???) this is the link I think you mean. Windows only (works on a Mac running Windows).

For anyone else who follows...permanent power from the rear 12v socket fuse, switched power from rear wiper as kindly suggested. Two issues...one is the number of surprising fuses permanently on (eg rear windscreen heater), the other is because of the number of relays, finding physical space for a power tap is a pain (the 90 degree return for the two fuses). Plenty of space in end of dash for the safety camera relay box (keeps it on in park unless voltage gets too low) and sockets for camera asnd speed detector. Cabling was straight forward...but care needed to go behind and avoid airbags up door frame and along side of ceiling for rear camera. Metal coathanger usdd twice to pull...above seat belts on B frame, and from top of back passenger door (C frame) to the back (combi). Roof above windscreen has just enough give to get cable in...sore finger tips though! Going round mirror housing (rear) much easier than in Mk 2 though. Finally I have speed camera detector on dash above light switch. Below I have blank as I do not have the leveleling switch (auto on bi-xenon) and a small nick in this gave a neat place for the cable to emerge for the device. Can be reached through storage compartment below, and side of dash.