Dashcam Install - No adapter needed!

[RichardCranium]

I ordered the Rove R2-4K camera a few weeks ago, finally got off my ass to install it. Aside from modifying the cigarette adapter, it literally took 6 minutes.

Being we are in the pandemic, I didn't feel like waiting 2 weeks for a USB adapter. Once I thought about it, it didn't make sense to buy one anyways. If you can take apart a cigarette USB adapter, and you can solder, you can make your own adapter. They already have a board to convert voltage from 12 to 5volts.

Started with the cigarette adapter that came with the dashcam, and an old mouse.....


The mouse is just to make a voltage tester for the final product. Simple strip and using the red and black wires for power in the USB cable.



Fired up my Matco soldering iron from my BMW days. I bought this about 15 years ago, still works like a champ.



For the USB tester, I crimped on butt connectors so I could easily stick my meter ends in to get a reading.

 

[RichardCranium]

The hardest part of the whole job was taking apart the plastic cigarette adapter. Careful enough to get it out with the board and factory soldering intact, and also to reuse the shell to keep it protected up in the roof.



The two tabs that touch the side of the socket are ground, the spring loaded pin is power.



I verified continuity with my multimeter, then stuffed the board back into the shell of the cigarette adapter and taped it up securely.

 

[RichardCranium]

Ready for the install.

Removed the overhead panel, which has two T15 torx screws under the light.



The rear view mirror harness is laying on the front side of the headliner, just tucked slightly.



Pin 13 is power, 8 is ground.




Inserted by USB tool and turned the key on, verified 5v. It is pollen season still, forgive my nasty truck.



Mounted the camera up, then pushed the power cord around the headliner and by the mirror.

 

[RichardCranium]

That is it. And if people didn't have enough reason to hit the brakes when they see my PPV, this might encourage them to move out of my way a littler faster. If they can get enough lighting to see through my windshield tint, I suppose.




The only bad review about the Rove camera is the phone app, guess I will find out what its like.

 

[1BADI5]

Nice work Darren

 

[RichardCranium]

I can't edit my original post, so frustrating. It is a ROVE camera, not River (autocorrect).

Well, adding visible hardware to the windshield has certainly done one thing.......it has slowed traffic down in front of me considerably. In fact, 5mph or even more below the posted speed limits when I am on rural roads. I might end up mounting this up high and nearly out of sight, it has become frustrating.

Here is a short sample I took off the card the other day, which shows how NC DOT banked a new crossover ramp and has essentially become a jump.

 

[1BADI5]

Now Darren.... we need video from outside with all 4 tires off of the ground LOL

 

[NathanJax]

I can't edit my original post, so frustrating. It is a ROVE camera, not River (autocorrect).

I fixed it. It's the forum software. Let me know if you want to make any changes to the first post and I can edit it all in there for you

 

[09_4WD_YUKON]

How did you connect the USB adapter to the mirror harness? Cut and splice the wires going to 8 and 13?

 

[RichardCranium]

Now Darren.... we need video from outside with all 4 tires off of the ground LOL

I'm not sure how the truck would act, if I had stock suspension I might try it. I'll video someone else doing it and post it.

I fixed it. It's the forum software. Let me know if you want to make any changes to the first post and I can edit it all in there for you

Thanks man! I just really wanted to edit "River" to "Rove".

How did you connect the USB adapter to the mirror harness? Cut and splice the wires going to 8 and 13?

Correct. If I decide to upgrade mirrors later, I can still use the harness without an issue.