Can you wire dash cam to auxiliary switch?

[Hkak45]

I am looking into the possibility to wire my dash camera to the Bronco Auxillary switch using the wire that is preran above the passenger side visor. Is this something that is able to be done or would the dash camera need a different power source? In the past I usually use the hardwire kits that splice into the fuse panel and I do not have auto dim mirror so that is not an option to tap into.

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[RagnarKon]

As long as the dash cam accepts a 12 volt input, yes you can wire it to a switch.

If it doesn't accept a 12 volt input, you could still make it work with a buck converter, just will take some extra work.

 

[VelocityBrew]

Why would you want to?

 

[bdub2you]

I am looking into the possibility to wire my dash camera to the Bronco Auxillary switch using the wire that is preran above the passenger side visor. Is this something that is able to be done or would the dash camera need a different power source? In the past I usually use the hardwire kits that splice into the fuse panel and I do not have auto dim mirror so that is not an option to tap into.

I plan on using a thinkware dash camera with the OBD harness just like what the dash cam in the ford accessories catalog does. That way you don't have to splice into the fuse panel or waste an Aux switch on it.

The OBD harness is simply plug and play.

 

[Hkak45]

Why would you want to?

Because I'm not going to need all 6 AUX switches so may as well try and use one for that

 

[Hkak45]

I plan on using a thinkware dash camera with the OBD harness just like what the dash cam in the ford accessories catalog does. That way you don't have to splice into the fuse panel or waste an Aux switch on it.

The OBD harness is simply plug and play.

That is pretty clever. Never knew about that option thanks for that.

 

[tracythemighty]

I plan on using a thinkware dash camera with the OBD harness just like what the dash cam in the ford accessories catalog does. That way you don't have to splice into the fuse panel or waste an Aux switch on it.

The OBD harness is simply plug and play.

I am a newbie, so please excuse the low skill level questions. Will that just draw from you battery then? Is it running all the time? Thanks!

 

[bdub2you]

I am a newbie, so please excuse the low skill level questions. Will that just draw from you battery then? Is it running all the time? Thanks!

So it all depends. If you have parking mode enabled, then there will generally be some parasitic drain on the battery. Hardcore dashcam fans tend to buy accessory battery packs for their dashcams (see video below), but I generally just run with parking mode disabled. With the thinkware OBD port harness there is an ignition detection box that has a flashing red led when the ignition is off so no matter what there will be a tiny amount of parasitic drain, and if I was going to be parked for a long period of time then I'd unplug the dashcam from the OBD port.

Some dashcam models have built in settings that monitor the car battery (see video below). I personally plan on getting this thinkware 4K model because with 4K it is so much easier to make out license plates, which from experience being hit can be difficult with 1080p and cars speeding past in a different lane after they hit you.

 

[swooshdave]

Dash cams tend to be 5v so may require an adapter to use 12v. There’s are hardwire kits that convert the 12v to 5v.

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