Dash USB port for Dash Cam?

[JerryC]

I'm dipping a toe in the water with dash cams.

I bought a RedTiger F7NT, two camera model.
It comes with a 12v power adapter that uses a USB-C at the camera.

Can I use the USB port on the dash to power the camera?

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[Jazer]

Personally I use the Dongar dongle for my dash cam. Pigtail that plugs into the rear view power.

 

[HotdogThud]

Get the Dongar adapter:
https://www.stickerfab.com/products/dongar-usb-power-mirror-tap-2021-bronco-with-auto-dimming-mirror

That way you can just run the power from the mirror and avoid all those dangly cables everywhere.

And, you'll get a sticker that says "DONGANG" which is worth the $20, IMO

 

[Jazer]

Get the Dongar adapter:
https://www.stickerfab.com/products/dongar-usb-power-mirror-tap-2021-bronco-with-auto-dimming-mirror

That way you can just run the power from the mirror and avoid all those dangly cables everywhere.

And, you'll get a sticker that says "DONGANG" which is worth the $20, IMO

I didn't get a dong sticker! I ordered directly through Dongar. lol

 

[JerryC]

Thanks!
Will the Dongar let you use parking mode?

 

[Jazer]

Thanks!
Will the Dongar let you use parking mode?

It supplies power with the accessory on position, so your dash cam would have to have an internal battery for that.

 

[JerryC]

Back to my original question with a little more info, before I spend any more money to buy adapters or wiring kits, can I use the USB port on the dash?

 

[HotdogThud]

Back to my original question with a little more info, before I spend any more money to buy adapters or wiring kits, can I use the USB port on the dash?

You absolutely could, yes.

 

[JerryC]

You absolutely could, yes.

Thanks!

 

[JerryC]

First try at getting the dash cam installed.

Tested the USB on the cam by plugging it into a phone charger and it works.
In the Bronco, the dash USB port will not power up the dash cam

The 12v port in the console works, but the cable is too short to run it hidden around the windshield, down the A pillar and any way from there to the console. It's short by a foot or five depending on how you want to run it.

The rear camera wire is too short run along the floor. It's too long to run it along the roll bar , but you can bundle it up and hide it easy. I was flummoxed by the "static sheet" for the rear camera. Until I figured out it has to be peeled apart. Somehow I didn't see that in the instructions but it is there. (facepalm)

At this point I ran out of daylight and just drove around a bit. With no cars behind me to blind the camera with headlights the rear view image is impressive on the tiny screen. This probably has place if for nothing else than the rear camera. In the Raptor between the spare and the back seat headrests you can't see much behind you.

The app for the phone installed easily and setup was quick. Having a touchscreen on the camera made this easy.

Now to just use it and live with it and decide what I want to do about the power situation. The Dongar cable looks good but a user review says the camera dies with Auto start/stop. I could maybe live with that but the wife isn't going to be happy turning ASS off every time she gets in,. Otherwise buy an ASS eliminator. Probably will do the hardwire kit at some point.

Thanks to all who helped, it is much appreciated.

 

[Bblake12]

You could also use this for power.
Mabett Dashboard USB Expansion Dock for Ford Bronco Accessories 2021 2022 2023 2024, 3 Ports Charging Station with 1USB A, 2USB C fit Bronco 2/4-Door https://a.co/d/bKPUG09
I have it and works well.

 

[JerryC]

You could also use this for power.
Mabett Dashboard USB Expansion Dock for Ford Bronco Accessories 2021 2022 2023 2024, 3 Ports Charging Station with 1USB A, 2USB C fit Bronco 2/4-Door https://a.co/d/bKPUG09
I have it and works well.

Do you know the power output ? My dash port puts out enough that my Samsung phone said it was fast charging and that wasn't enough for dash cam.

 

[TheKim]

That's weird, my USB A and USB C ports on my dash both work for powering my dashcam.

 

[helifino16]

That's weird, my USB A and USB C ports on my dash both work for powering my dashcam.

Same, but ONLY when the vehicle is turned on. Like all the other things it's powered down after 20-30 minutes, so the camera only records for that time when parked (actually fine for most stops, but not covered when parked at work for the day).

I was able to buy a USB cord long enough (7 feet, I think) to run to the a-pillar and then across the dash and tucked it in along the edges so it kind of disappears.

 

[JerryC]

Acc mode or running same result.
I didn't try the USB A port. I'll give that a try later.
I ordered a USB c extension for the 12v cable to give that a try.

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