Dashcam Connection

[Firstsuperb]

Hello Everybody.....I want to hardwire a dashcam on my 2018 Superb and would like to know if there's any reason not to use the OBD port for power? There are quite a few hardwire kits out there and using the OBD port seems like an easier way to do it? I'm a novice at this and wouldn't want to mess up any of the electrics. Thanks 

[golf2]

In my Octavia I used a hard wire kit which comes with a fuse tap / piggy back blade fuse. Very simple to install by tapping into an existing ignition switched fuse in the fuse box behind the glove box.

 

I'm not sure if the OBD port is permanent live or switched which is why I didn't go for that option. 

 

I found this thread which has pictures.

 

Edited 13 December, 2019 by golf2

[Firstsuperb]

Thanks very much for that Golf2. Much appreciated. I'll have a look in daylight. 

[unclerichy]

+1 for piggybacking on an existing fuse - I think I used the blindspot monitor fuse when I fitted my Nextbase. Really easy to get to by simply dropping glovebox door. There are a couple of threads here if you search for them.

[silver1011]

There are plenty of switched live fuses in the fuse box you can piggyback off.

 

See here also...

 

 

[Firstsuperb]

Many thanks for all of your advice, It looks like using the fusebox is the preferred option. I think that the OBD port is permanently live but perhaps it would be safer to do as you have all done and piggyback a fuse. 

Thanks again

[golf2]

Depending on the model of dash cam you have,  some have a dedicated parking mode and may require both a permanent live and an ignition live. My Thinkware camera has this so I use 2 piggy back fuses, one on a permanent live and the other on an ignition switched live, both in the fuse box.

[Firstsuperb]

Thanks golf2, I'm looking at the dashcams on Amazon now. I do want parking mode so will remember your advice. I haven't seen any for sale in the shops here in Spain, they're a bit of a rarity. 

[JR RS]

+1 for hard wiring to fuse panel using a piggy back fuse.

 

 

[Firstsuperb]

Thank you JR RS. Quick question, given that you live in climate with quite high summer temperatures, as we do in Southern  Spain, do you have a Dash Cam that uses a supercapacitor? Some reviews seem to think this is a good idea?

[JR RS]

10 hours ago, Firstsuperb said:

Thank you JR RS. Quick question, given that you live in climate with quite high summer temperatures, as we do in Southern  Spain, do you have a Dash Cam that uses a supercapacitor? Some reviews seem to think this is a good idea?

 

Umm, no.  I just have a regular BlackVue dashcam.  It's a 750S single channel.

It powers on and off with ignition.

I didn't get the powerbank, or GPS module......yet.  

[craigandrew]

Thinkware HWK-TW01 Cable

 

 

[Firstsuperb]

Perfect, thanks v.much for all your help.

Have a good Christmas