How To Usb rear mirror plug install for dash cam

[Janks]

First write up so let me know if I can improve!

For a while I have run a dash cam with the long stupid wire down to the center console 12v plug. So i figured there was a better way. My solution is to use the 12v power from the rain sensor and a transformer with a standard usb plug so I can run which ever dash cam I want, all I have to do is run a different usb cable.





Required:

12v to 5 Watt transformer (google and pick whichever you'd like links seem to disappear when I post them)

Female mountable Usb plug (soldering skills required depending on type chosen)

Drill with a large bit or dremel tool with cut off wheel (I also used a large spherical burr)

A small flat head screw driver










Here is the final product






First split the rain sensor surround with the flat head screwdriver to reveal the wiring underneath (top and bottom of the casing have little clips) [/URL]






Take the passenger side clip and mark out your hole to drill ( be wary of the raised guides for the snaps and try not to break them) [URL=http://s1079.photobucket.com/user/Janks91/media/20160522_161825_zpsj89hv6yc.jpg.html]



I opted for the circular plug type so I just had to drill a hole if you go with the rectangular style the dremel may be the best way to go. I also had to make a plastic washer so the plug didnt stick too far out.








I stuck the transformer to the inside of the shroud (it will be pinned in place when the shroud is put back in place)


The wiring isnt too difficult but the plug type that I opted for required me to solder the positive and negative leads to the lugs on the plug





The outside lugs of the usb plug are your positive and negative when viewed from straight on lug 1 is your positive and lug 4 is the negative. The middle two are not used so I broke them off.

On the car unplug the rain sensor and youll see these four wires (pull back the black wrapping)

The black and yellow are your wires ( or at least the ones I used) when the key is on they receive 12v constant)





Black goes with black on the transformer and yellow goes with red. Crimp them, splice them, do what you want but those wires gotta go together! There are some push and splice clips at my local canadian tire but I opted for wire wrap and solder.





IMPORTANT! these wires must not make contact it will cause shorting problems and all kinda of sadness and magic blue smoke






Now put it all together! and plug your chosen dash cam in and viola clean install! Hope you guys enjoyed!

[Yatta]

For those of you willing to do this...


You can save some time and purchase a small cigarette to USB charger, gut it and have all you need from the transformer to the USB port ready to go, a little wire cutting/splicing and you should be good.

[Janks]

Excellent point above!

[CWP_MS3]

Originally Posted by Yatta For those of you willing to self-incriminate

Fixed. Since most of us asshats don't drive completely within legal limitations. lol

[Janks]

I drive through Toronto a lot lol the 401 makes for a pretty slow drive but with some of the most reckless minivan drivers I've ever seen, hence dashcam.