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Another Mirror tap DIY - Radar & Dash Cam

Messages
239
Reactions
143
Points
37
Location
Sacramento, CA
Vehicle
2022 ST
#1
So I followed @TheProfit for tapping the power of the mirror which you could go over here to see his write up. In his post it was just for a radar detector but not a dash camera so I figured id throw in my DIY.

First I got a mini USB DC to DC 12 converter to able to directly hook up the dash camera without having to route a wire from the fuse box. Ive used a connection like this on several of my vehicles over wiring directly to the fuse box

20220928_152822.jpg

I already had the Mirror tap to phone style connection for my Escort so I combined them by making my own tap style connection from a 2 prong butt connector by snipping the center, folding it over and grinding it down to a point and pulling the plastic off as shown below. No need to spend $20 on a pre-made cord setup when you can do it for less than a penny

20220928_152607.jpg

I heat shrunk and crimped them together and placed them into the back of the plug. I chose to go on the other side of the power block but still followed the same pins 1 and 3. (blue with a pink stripe for + and black for - )

20220928_152720.jpg
20220928_152729.jpg

After plugging in the taps I zip tied the plugs to the exsiting wiring to prevent the plugs from backing out on accident and double sided taped the DC - DC converter to a void inside the plastic shroud. Put the plastic shroud back while routing the wiring out the front and plug in your stuff!
20220928_153132.jpg
 

R2D2

Member
Messages
293
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210
Points
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Location
LA, California
Vehicle
2022 Explorer ST
#2
I went ahead and transferred my set up from the old car to ST. For now I didn't invest in a mirror tap or did much to hide the wires. First I wanted to test if the dash cam is still working.

For the front I used the 12V socket in the central console. Difficult part is routing the cable all the way back to rear for the second camera. It has to run from the front one.

Also the 12V outlet is not always on. It just have a delayed power off once the vehicle is off. I hope not too long. I don't want extended battery drain.

I didn't complete the set up yet, as I could not find a sweet spot to mount the rear camera. Can't mount it on the heating elements on the rear windshield without obstructing rear view.

Will post pictures once I'm done.
 

R2D2

Member
Messages
293
Reactions
210
Points
37
Location
LA, California
Vehicle
2022 Explorer ST
#4
Thank you for the picture. How easy/difficult was it to route the cable through the lift gate, rubber seals.

I'm a bit hesitant to pull out trim parts from a new car. So might continue to leave the wires hanging outside for a few months, before going for a full stealth setup.
 

Messages
453
Reactions
227
Points
37
Location
Davidson County, NC
Vehicle
2021 ST
#5
I wasn’t able to easily find a solution. So, I ended up running the cable under this rubber plug and making a mess with silicone caulk. Not the kind of work I like to do but it works.

C723A9A5-8F9D-4933-8B5B-DCF03DFEA747.jpeg BA7C1674-36BF-4E4C-B0AD-9F3E6467EE0E.jpeg
 

R2D2

Member
Messages
293
Reactions
210
Points
37
Location
LA, California
Vehicle
2022 Explorer ST
#6
One again thank you for sharing those pictures..
I tried to remove the rubber plugs to route the cable, but was successful with only one. Installed it outside anyway, this is how it looks now.

IMG_20230106_112854.jpg
The hanging wire is not very visible from the rear view mirror, but can be seen clearly, once you open the lift gate.
IMG_20230106_113409.jpg
Happy with the front one. And checked everything is working fine with the dashcam.
So after a few months I'll venture in, with better tools and knowledge, to get it installed properly.

Only worry now is the delayed power cut off from the 12v socket and I'm not sure how much parasitic drain is happening.
 

OP
mycbtech
Messages
239
Reactions
143
Points
37
Location
Sacramento, CA
Vehicle
2022 ST
Thread Starter #7
some of the newer cameras will have an auto off after a certain voltage is met. maybe check your camera settings to see if that is an option.
 



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