IS - 3rd Gen (2014-present) Discussion about the 2014+ model IS models

Discreet, mirror-powered dash cam. My install & DIY guide.

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Old 08-13-15, 12:30 PM
  #16  
LeapFrog
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Originally Posted by cp2
what's the purpose of having a dash cam?
http://www.insurance.com/auto-insura...-dash-cam.html
Old 08-17-15, 07:41 AM
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DrHorrible
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I don't have any pictures yet, but I used the part I linked earlier and got it working this weekend. The wiring and setup is exactly as the OP's, but I cut everything short so that I'd have less excess wire dangling around. The 5V buck converter is small enough that it's mostly out of side along the top of the headliner/windshield seam. All that's visible to people who aren't looking too closely is the usb cable.
Old 08-17-15, 02:42 PM
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Originally Posted by DrHorrible
I don't have any pictures yet, but I used the part I linked earlier and got it working this weekend. The wiring and setup is exactly as the OP's, but I cut everything short so that I'd have less excess wire dangling around. The 5V buck converter is small enough that it's mostly out of side along the top of the headliner/windshield seam. All that's visible to people who aren't looking too closely is the usb cable.
How hard is it to push the breadboard pins into the rear view mirror wire harness? I had similar pins for mirror tap but they were really tight fit, these pins do look more promising.
Old 08-17-15, 03:22 PM
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Originally Posted by dojoman
How hard is it to push the breadboard pins into the rear view mirror wire harness? I had similar pins for mirror tap but they were really tight fit, these pins do look more promising.
When I installed my Mini 0805 I just used some wire brads, soldered them to the 12v input to the 12V-to-5V USB converter, and ground the brad ends down to a small point with flats on two sides. Worked a treat.
Old 08-17-15, 03:37 PM
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I also installed mine over the weekend. Everything works perfectly and is quite discreet. I'll take some pictures tonight and will post them.
Old 08-18-15, 09:28 AM
  #21  
DrHorrible
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Originally Posted by dojoman
How hard is it to push the breadboard pins into the rear view mirror wire harness? I had similar pins for mirror tap but they were really tight fit, these pins do look more promising.
I bought breadboard pins and didn't have much success. I went to Fry's and found some wires that had some presoldered pins attached that were slightly smaller than breadboard pins. I was able to get those pushed into the back of the adapter more easily (still took some finagling to find the right angle). You'll want to make sure that when it's "in", if you try pulling it out you're met with some resistance. If it slides right back out then your connection isn't very good.
Old 08-18-15, 03:58 PM
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k3vn
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Originally Posted by DrHorrible
I bought breadboard pins and didn't have much success. I went to Fry's and found some wires that had some presoldered pins attached that were slightly smaller than breadboard pins. I was able to get those pushed into the back of the adapter more easily (still took some finagling to find the right angle). You'll want to make sure that when it's "in", if you try pulling it out you're met with some resistance. If it slides right back out then your connection isn't very good.
Were your first set round, or more square?
Old 08-18-15, 09:25 PM
  #23  
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Originally Posted by k3vn
Were your first set round, or more square?
They were square
Old 08-21-15, 08:53 AM
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Originally Posted by DrHorrible
They were square
Are these the ones?

http://frys.com/product/6227950?site...H:MAIN_RSLT_PG



Last edited by dojoman; 08-21-15 at 08:56 AM.
Old 08-21-15, 06:07 PM
  #25  
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Originally Posted by dojoman
Yeah this is what I bought. I used the pre-soldered pins to plug into the adapter, and I stripped off the other end to solder to my other wires/buck converter
Old 12-25-15, 11:51 AM
  #26  
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Can I wire my radar detector using the same connection in the mirror?
Old 12-25-15, 12:27 PM
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Originally Posted by TurkEclips
Can I wire my radar detector using the same connection in the mirror?
Yes, you may not even need the dc-dc converter if the radar detector has 12v input.
Old 03-31-16, 01:03 PM
  #28  
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Quick update, I made an even better version of this voltage converter, which is also available for sale. It takes only 5 minutes to install! See my install guide here:

http://tinyurl.com/z2adq5j
Old 03-31-16, 01:23 PM
  #29  
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Originally Posted by k3vn
Quick update, I made an even better version of this voltage converter, which is also available for sale. It takes only 5 minutes to install! See my install guide here:

http://tinyurl.com/z2adq5j
Looks great! Where can I get one of these?
Old 03-31-16, 11:26 PM
  #30  
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I bought the voltage regulator and breadboard cables on ebay for about $5 total and used the instructions on this thread to connect it to the wire harness on a lexus nx. The ground cable was actually black and not purple, but the location is the same. The regulator is bigger than the one OP made but it's hidden in the headliner and works great so far.


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