Has anyone installed dash cam drawing power from the rearview mirror (via the Dongar adapter) ?

 

Wired my camera into the overhead mirror connector (beige wire switched +12v and the white w/blk as ground) '14 ES350

 

Last week I wired a Viofo dashcam to the RVM of my 2015 ES 350. I used a Naponal adapter, which is the same as the Dongar except it has two USB female connectors in case you want to add a second device.

My only minor irritation is that the little USB cable shipped with the kit is still too long to neatly tuck away, so I bought a 4-inch one and fitted that a few days later.

 

Thanks can you show a picture ? 10-pin Type B right ?
Is your RVM attachment area like this ? i.e. no overall cover - so to look better you have to tuck the dongle & wires into the headliner

 

Yes, 10-pin Type B connector.

And yes, the RVM-to-windscreen attachment looks the same as your pic -- no broader cover as per some videos I've seen. Wife is out with car so can't snap a pic right now. I tucked the USB A female connector (to power the dashcam) up against the roof liner and pinned it into place with a ziptie. It's only been a week but all seems fine. Not perfectly neat but unnoticeable unless you look closely.

 

Folks, please help me here. This is exactly what I was looking for. I would like to install front and back dash cams on my 2014 ES300h. Do you have recommendations on dash cams with high quality video (good enough to capture license plates), and how one would go about doing this. I am a mechanical engineer by profession, so I understand technology, but I am daunted by messing with the nice interior of my car.. I am mechanically and electrically competent so any instructions and guidance will be greatly appreciated!
Thank you in advance!

 

Youtube has LOTs of videos on recommendations & installation you can watch for weeks. My suggestion: keep it simple, you're not making a movie.

 

I’ve had three different cams over the last few years. Each time the features available in the marketplace have increased (as has price…but what’s new?). Look for one with the highest resolution you can get. Enhanced night vision is almost a must, as is dual channel (rear camera as well). Settings for parking c/w motion detection very handy, (not just impact detection). You’ll want one with a low voltage switching (to avoid running the battery down to where you can’t start the car if parked somewhere for a week or more (airport parking lot?). Everybody likes to recommend the one they bought…a bit of self-affirmation..so view those youtube vids with a bit of caution. There are dashcam forums and that can be a good place to get info.

 

I have a VIOFO A129 Plus Duo setup in my car. Most dashcam reviews from Youtubers like Vortex Radar recommend the VIOFO dashcams.
These are not hard-wired with mirror taps or fuse taps. I just use a 12v port and have the cable routed under the passenger side floor mat, into the trim going up the dashboard, and then through the passenger side A-Pillar up in the headliner gap.


Here's a crazy roll-over accident the rear camera caught while I was on my way to work. (Toyota on Toyota crime!) The rear cam was recording in 1080p when it can do 1440p.


Here's a front-cam accident I caught. This one is recording in 1440p.

If you are looking for a dashcam that can read license plates clearly while moving, it's a losing battle. Trust me. You are better off reading out the license plate while the accident just happened so the camera's microphone can pickup the plate numbers.

 

what 12V port, where ?
The rear cam - does it need to be powered separately or is it powered by the cable to the front cam ?

> routed under the passenger side floor mat, into the trim going up the dashboard,
Is it possible to route the back-cam cable in the headliner ?

 

I think he means the cigarette lighter.

 

Yea, the 12V power socket or the cigarette lighter, I use the one under the rear vents.


The rear cam is powered by the front cam. You can probably route the back cam cable through the headliner, but I have it just going under the seats and through the side doorsill trim, up through the rear seat trim etc.

 

I got the AZDOME M550 - front & back - installed drawing power from RVM with the adapter.