Dash cam hardware install fuses? (2024)

Hey folks!

Finally got a dash cam (thinkware f200) however, some of the features like parking mode and motion don’t work unless it’s hardwired.

I picked up a kit yesterday and was hoping you guys can help me

I need a constant fuse to use with my tap and a switch to use. I’ll prob use cig lighter for switched but what’s a safe fuse to tap into for constant that wing interfere with any safety features etc?

Thanks [emoji18]

60% of the time it works every time....

Tap the other 12v port, one is switched, one is constant

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I don't have a good recommendation for existing but maybe consider the option of an entirely new circuit, fuse an all, for your dash cam. Somewhat of a pita but often can be no more hassle then tapping an existing circuit and there are benefits, especially if having to troubleshoot either truck or camera circuits, separate can be a lot easier.

Sorry I don't have an existing circuit as an option, somebody will offer up an solid location.

The electrical is one system on my truck I have yet to jump in the middle of, aside from plug and play connectors, I feel the aux switch / fuse mod lurking in the shadows tho.

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canadiankodiak700 said:

Tap the other 12v port, one is switched, one is constant

Sent from my Pixel 2 XL using Tapatalk

Click to expand...

See Also

Your Complete Guide to Hardwiring Your Dash Cam

Thank you good sir! So the other 12v (USB) on dash is a constant ? I just have to find the location now... hopefully it’s marked on the box

And to confirm we don’t have a fuse panel inside the cab right? Under the steering wheel?

60% of the time it works every time....

Ok. I suck at electrical and this case is no different.

Installed with fuse tap and without (wrapping wire around fuse prong)

Neither worked [emoji2369]. Ignition I used cig lighter and constant the horn. I couldn’t find the fuse for the in dash USB constant.

What am I doing wrong?

I had to extend the wires as the kit was too short and used but connectors. Could that be the reason ?

60% of the time it works every time....

WY.Ram said:

how's your ground? Any paint or other non conductive material at your ground?

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There is a bolt under the dash I used. Appears to be on the body. There may be paint. I’ll have to check. That may be the culprit [emoji2369]. I did everything right except maybe that? It’s almost 97f during the afternoon and I was sweating my bag off and getting it in my eyes lol. I’ll try in the morning tomorrow when it’s not so warm and humid

60% of the time it works every time....

AE5548 said:

Get a Mirror Tap. Simple to do. No wires to cut or mess with. No running wires from under the dash. I had one made with a Mini USB for my Dash cam and an RJ11 for my Radar Detector. Worth every penny. https://www.mirrortap.com/index.html

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Thanks! I’ll look into this.

Today despite the heat I was out there trying again..... Found the fuse locations. Tested the power on the positive side of the fuse tap and it had power. Wires leading to the unit had power. However, the unit had no power [emoji2369]. Makes no sense.

60% of the time it works every time....

Addicted2fishing said:

Thanks! I’ll look into this.

Today despite the heat I was out there trying again..... Found the fuse locations. Tested the power on the positive side of the fuse tap and it had power. Wires leading to the unit had power. However, the unit had no power [emoji2369]. Makes no sense.

60% of the time it works every time....

Click to expand...

Did you get this working?

No! I tried everything.

Today I got new wiring, in-line fuses and I’ll just make my own using their plug. If that doesn’t work I’ll keep using my cig lighter plug and lose half the features like parking mode etc.

60% of the time it works every time....

Question.

If I plug my power source to the constant in the centre console would that trick the camera into thinking it hardwired ?

60% of the time it works every time....

Addicted2fishing said:

If I plug my power source to the constant in the centre console would that trick the camera into thinking it hardwired ?

Click to expand...

Unless there is a separate terminal that the camera gets wired for being "hardwired", then the camera can only know if it has 12V or not. Most likely the manufacturer is referring being "hardwired" as a constant 12V so the answer to your question would be yes. Features like Parking Mode, and motion detect need constant 12V