Hello

We have just ordered a Skoda Superb (delivery in early to mid March) and would like to buy an economically priced dash cam with a USB C cable to connect via the rear view mirror port. Most dash cams have the old 12v cigarette lighter connection cable. I wondered if anyone has a recommendation for an affordable dash cam that they use with the USB C port in the mirror (i.e. not one with a conversion kit or that is hard wired). Thanks.

Highly recommend the VIOFO range of dashcams, been using them for years. Excellent picture quality, super reliable and the latest models have a usb-c power connector so just need a short usb-c to usb-c cable to connect to the port in the mirror housing. I used to buy them from Amazon but now buy direct from VIOFO as it works out cheaper. They ship from China, takes about 5 or 6 days to get to the UK.

I’m fitting a VIOFO A139 Pro 2 channel dashcam when I pick up my new car next week.

Thanks. I had spotted the VIOFO’s and they get great reviews, but they are pretty pricey (around the £250 - £350 mark when I looked). I was hoping for something a bit cheaper. It is a very high premium to pay for the benefit of a USB C over a 12v connection.

If single channel is enough for you Take a look at the VIOFO A119 MINI 2, £150 on VIOFO.com It supports 60fps too which is a bonus…

I have a Nextbase camera and a short cable and works great 

Forgot to mention that I got a quote from a dashcam installer for them to run the cable from front to rear cameras hidden behind the trim for me. I’m fitting the cams and the power cable myself. They wanted £170!, almost as much as I paid for the camera 😧

Thanks to all for the advice. We still have two or three weeks to decide before the car arrives, but it is good to know what other owners use. Nothing beats a recommendation.

There seems to be a problem with the power supply using a USB-C to USB-C cable from the rearview mirror port as described for example here: https://www.briskoda.net/forums/topic/530035-a-pillar-trim-removal-suggestions/
It seems to work with some dashcams and not on some others and VIOFO seems to be one which can have problems.

I haven't tested it yet as my superb seems to be 2 weeks away from delivery but I have ordered parts for myself as I think I have found out from other forums what the problem is.

The problem is fixed if instead of a straight USB-C to USB-C cable there is an USB-A connection in between like if you have an USB-C to USB-A dongle and then a USB-A to USB-C cable.

The technical explanation why this happens seems to be a conflict between "smart" and "dumb" charging modes.
Traditional "dumb" USB-A charging works on 5V-2A=10W mode and nothing else
USB-C has multiple charging modes and with these it can up the power to 45, 65 or 100W modes increasing voltage and whatnot.

The viofo dashcam spec says that viofo dashcam should not be connected to mobile phone chargers which are "smart" USB-C chargers.
The USB-C ports on Superb are also "smart" ports and can supply 45W or 15W.
Unfortunately the viofo dashcam does not understand the mode negotiations and it makes the "smart" USB-C port unhappy.

The solution is to put an USB-A connection in between which breaks the mode negotiation and both ends of the connection fall into default 5V-2A mode and everything works.

Interesting. Are all of the USB C ports, including the mirror one, smart?

I have seen some youtube videos talking about a charge issue when trying to use USB C in, to USB C out, where the original cable was C to A. What you have said seems to confirm this, however what I want is a short cable to the port on the rear view mirror and this just adds extra cable debris – this defeats the object of having that port there in the first place. Although I have an MSc in Software Development, my knowledge of this stuff is poor. This weekend I will be chatting to a friend who knows a bit more about this and I am hoping that he might have a more eloquent solution.

I also find it hard to understand why our motorised security cameras can store solar power in batteries (that never run out), yet a battery/solar dash cam seems a step too far. Again, I have not explored this in any detail, so no doubt there is an explanation.

Again, thanks for the help and info.

In another forum there was a picture of which did not look bad
https://www.skodacommunity.de/attachments/1731152861214-png.269381/
using this dongle
https://www.amazon.de/-/en/QIANRENON-Adapter-Female-Connection-Vertical-silver/dp/B0CF8ZG4SQ

I think the difference to regular usb-c to usb-c cable is minimal.
I believe the 90 degree angles make a huge difference keeping the cables near the mirror housing.
Having a straight dongle to push the cable far into the air from the mirror housing would look really bad as you probably were imagining.

There is something I am wondering because that dongle seems to promise 120W throughput so maybe that dongle is not dumb enough.
So maybe it the cable needs to be the really dumb one. Let's see how it goes. Do I get it to work.

Edited 20 February, 20251 yr by JuSko

1 hour ago, JuSko said:

In another forum there was a picture of which did not look bad
https://www.skodacommunity.de/attachments/1731152861214-png.269381/
using this dongle
https://www.amazon.de/-/en/QIANRENON-Adapter-Female-Connection-Vertical-silver/dp/B0CF8ZG4SQ

I think the difference to regular usb-c to usb-c cable is minimal.
I believe the 90 degree angles make a huge difference keeping the cables near the mirror housing.
Having a straight dongle to push the cable far into the air from the mirror housing would look really bad as you probably were imagining.

There is something I am wondering because that dongle seems to promise 120W throughput so maybe that dongle is not dumb enough.
So maybe it the cable needs to be the really dumb one. Let's see how it goes. Do I get it to work.

According to the manual the spec for the usb-c socket in the rear view mirror is 15w max, all the others are 45w max so I’m thinking the rear view mirror one may not be “smart”. 
I have usb-A to usb-c and usb-A to usb-c adapters in my gadget box. When I get my car next week I’ll try my dashcam and report back with the results.

2 hours ago, Martincl said:

Although I have an MSc in Software Development, my knowledge of this stuff is poor.

I’m retired now but I was a software engineer for over 30yrs. Some of this modern hardware baffles me! 1s and 0s are so much easier..

There was an old joke in the office:-

Q: How many software engineers does it take to change a lightbulb?

A: None, it’s a hardware problem. ;0)

You would hope that Skoda would anticipate the potential problems of a smart USB in the mirror. Ultimately, there is only one use for it - with a dash cam! Our car is 2 to 3 weeks away, so with a bit of luck one of you guys will have tested before I buy. I look forward to finding out the results.

 

Rifleman, that was one of the kinder Software Developer jokes that I have encountered.

14 hours ago, Martincl said:

You would hope that Skoda would anticipate the potential problems of a smart USB in the mirror. Ultimately, there is only one use for it - with a dash cam! Our car is 2 to 3 weeks away, so with a bit of luck one of you guys will have tested before I buy. I look forward to finding out the results.

 

Rifleman, that was one of the kinder Software Developer jokes that I have encountered.

There is no problem with Skoda, especially if the port is only 15W.

Problem is with Chinese dashcam which cannot use proper charging specs for USB c connections.

I would avoid any brand that has issues with charging from car ports because it doesn't make sense and it is just bad and low quality design of power delivery for the device.

Any 3A or higher rated cable should work fine. You could use USB4 120W Thunderbolt USB C spec'ed cable for the dashcam and it would work ok if the device is designed properly.

Thanks

Hey everyone I had the same problem with the 70mai usb c camera. After connecting to the usb port in the mirror, the camera did not turn on at all. In fact, Chinese cameras have a problem with the efficient usb c port. The problem was solved with the help of the dij usb c otg drone cable. Remember the cable is unidirectional!!! 

 

https://allegro.pl/oferta/kabel-nylonowy-do-pilota-drona-dji-air-2-mini-2-3-4-pro-usb-2x-typ-c-30-cm-10802506021

Picked up the new car today, very nice and worth the wait!

First thing I tried when I got it home was the dash cam connected to the usb-c port in the rear view mirror housing. 
I have a new VIOFO A139 Pro two channel and a VIOFO A119 Mini 2 from my old car.

Good news is they both work fine (both have usb-c power connectors), cameras power up when ignition is turned on, power down when ignition turned off.

Bad news is that, as stated elsewhere, it is cable type dependant.

Luckily I have quite a selection of usb-c cables in my collection (all purchased from Amazon) and found a couple that worked fine, others didn’t work at all. First impression is the ones that don’t work are the high power charging ones, 60w, 100w. Standard power cables (ones not specified as rapid/high power charging) are the ones that work fine. 
 

Im going to fully install one of the cameras tomorrow, probably the A119 Mini 2 as its form factor fits the RHD Superb better than the A139 Pro and the rear camera cable run looks like it could be a bugger to do. I’ll make my mind up tomorrow…

I did the camera install today, went with the Viofo A139 Pro 2 channel after all. Turns out the rear camera cable run was fairly easy after all. Up and running and works fine.

Also fitted a screen protector to the infotainment screen, went on very easily with zero bubbles. It’s a matte finish so no reflections and amazingly resistant to finger marks so really pleased with that.

 

Here are a few pics…

Two more to follow.

Two more pics…

I had my Viofo professionally fitted and can highly recommend it. It's essential if you want to record in parking mode.

 

If you are fitting a Viofo, or possibly other cams, here is s list of installers.  https://viofouk.co.uk/installers/  

 

We have had our new Superb for just over a week, however a suitable dash cam that works with the mirror based usb C remains an issue – at least without having to dumb down the cable. This is down to Skoda. It does not matter where the dash cam is manufactured (e.g China), the usb C on the mirror is not suitable as a simple low wattage charger for any dash cam.

 

I have contacted the supposedly high end brand Viofo (whose customer support certainly write like they are Chinese), and here is a brief exert from their lengthy reply ticket. Incidentally, this is with reference to the budget level Viofo A119 V3. Their dash cam will only work:

 

“If the USB C power port on your car could provide stable 5V/2A power.” (Not the case.)

 

They go on to tell me :

“You can also kindly consider to purchase other model which has the USB C power port (For example A119 MINI2, VS1...)

And use the "VIOFO USB C to USB C Charging Cable":
https://www.viofo.com/products/viofo-usb-c-to-usb-c-charging-cable-for-dashcams-with-type-c-port “

 

Incidentally, the shortest version of the above cable is 60cm, about three times the length required. Additionally, looking at the full spec for the A119 MINI 2 versus the A119 V3, their connectivity spec appear identical.

It would seem that using cable/connectors to drop from usb C to usb A and back is the only option. This is disappointing, irrespective of how much of a Skoda fan you are.

1 hour ago, Martincl said:

We have had our new Superb for just over a week, however a suitable dash cam that works with the mirror based usb C remains an issue – at least without having to dumb down the cable. This is down to Skoda. It does not matter where the dash cam is manufactured (e.g China), the usb C on the mirror is not suitable as a simple low wattage charger for any dash cam.

 

I have contacted the supposedly high end brand Viofo (whose customer support certainly write like they are Chinese), and here is a brief exert from their lengthy reply ticket. Incidentally, this is with reference to the budget level Viofo A119 V3. Their dash cam will only work:

 

“If the USB C power port on your car could provide stable 5V/2A power.” (Not the case.)

 

They go on to tell me :

“You can also kindly consider to purchase other model which has the USB C power port (For example A119 MINI2, VS1...)

And use the "VIOFO USB C to USB C Charging Cable":
https://www.viofo.com/products/viofo-usb-c-to-usb-c-charging-cable-for-dashcams-with-type-c-port “

 

Incidentally, the shortest version of the above cable is 60cm, about three times the length required. Additionally, looking at the full spec for the A119 MINI 2 versus the A119 V3, their connectivity spec appear identical.

It would seem that using cable/connectors to drop from usb C to usb A and back is the only option. This is disappointing, irrespective of how much of a Skoda fan you are.

My VIOFO A139 Pro is working perfectly taking power from the usb-c socket. Here’s a link to the 30cm long cable I’m using.

https://amzn.eu/d/6o4nWPd

I have an inline usb-c power meter somewhere in a drawer in my garage. I’ll try to find it tomorrow, plug it in and try to get a picture of the power reading and post it here if I get the time…

P.s. Don’t worry about the 60cm cable length as you can just push the excess up behind the headlining…

Edited 15 March, 20251 yr by Rifleman

That is really helpful, thank you.

I think that the mirror usb is 15w, but for some reason it still seems to be too much.

2 hours ago, Martincl said:

That is really helpful, thank you.

I think that the mirror usb is 15w, but for some reason it still seems to be too much.

Here you go, 1.025A when recording

9 hours ago, Martincl said:

That is really helpful, thank you.

I think that the mirror usb is 15w, but for some reason it still seems to be too much.

What do you mean "too much"?