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Hi Everybody,
I finally installed the blackvue camera with Power magic pro. It's already late, so will include the photos tomorrow. The rear camera is yet to be installed. The cable reached the passenger door. Tomorrow will be wiring through the convertible roof parts.
I've noticed some issues with the Power Magic Pro. The camera turns off after just few minutes the ingition is turned off. The PMP is set on 12v cutoff setting. I checked the battery and it shows ~11.6 volts. Isn't it too low?
I discovered my PMP last night and I noted it was not on. I hit the power switch and it didn't turn on, nor when I set it to 12.5. I turned it off and back on and it worked. I played around with the settings a little and it worked. I've attached a photo of my exact setup below. Good luck.
Finally got the rear dash camera installed. The installation was overall similar to the coupe, but the convertible top makes things slightly more challenging.
Just a few points that may be useful for other convertible owners. I used a box of candles to keep the bottom of the roof top higher. That provides some clearance to run the wires.
Had to remove the interior rear panel to run the wire. It slides towards the front of the car. You would have to pull the plastic around the seatbelt first.
Got the wire up to the piston where the hole leads to the back of the tail lights. There is a rubber plug inside and you can punch it several times with a screwdriver. With some force, the connector can be pushed through.
Here comes the fun part. Pulling the cable from behind the tail light area. I used a hook to fish the wire that was already pushed through the hole. On the other side of the wire, I made a bending to point the orientation of the hook. Makes it slightly easier to catch the wire. After you catch and pull the wire, with some force and jiggling the connector can be pulled out of the hole.
And here is the final result. I used a coaxial patch to make the connector angular.
I know that the camera is not rated for outside use, but it looks very well made, so I will give it a chance. I had a carwash today and its still working
Taped the ventilation holes. Hope it will not overheat. Thinking to 3D print a piece to cover the connector.
Wow, that's a pretty bold move using the interior-rated camera on the rear end! I would be a bit leary of the fact that the coax cable carries power from the front unit to the rear, so a failure on the rear could potentially damage the main unit as well. Anxious to hear how well this works long term. Thanks for sharing.
Wow, that's a pretty bold move using the interior-rated camera on the rear end! I would be a bit leary of the fact that the coax cable carries power from the front unit to the rear, so a failure on the rear could potentially damage the main unit as well. Anxious to hear how well this works long term. Thanks for sharing.
Yeah, I understand that. But on the other hand, if I didn't install it would be basically a waste Will have to try my luck and see. I will update how it works in a couple of months.
I've got a separate fuse for the unit, so not worried too much.
For others following this thread, my Power Magic seems to be working fine. Without it the car battery would drop to warning levels if left sitting for more than 2 days. I have it set for 12V and 12 hours since that is the longest time I anticipate the car being parked away from home and the battery is staying nice and healthy.
Here is another placement option that retains access to the switches if you install on the driver's side. It turns out it wedges perfectly into the recess just above the dead pedal with no need for screws or adhesive. Although in the photo it looks like your toes might hit the switch, it is farther back than the dead pedal and won't be accidentally kicked.
Pic is from previous install on Macan S but how installed in my GTS, made a mounting bracket with titanium sheet and Blendmount combo for front, and just a angle bent aluminum for rear that is slid in between the roof and liner.
Should post the rear but not sure how you would do on cab.
Hope this helps.
Hi, may i enquire where did u get the custom made mounting from? Thank u!
Yeah, I understand that. But on the other hand, if I didn't install it would be basically a waste Will have to try my luck and see. I will update how it works in a couple of months.
I've got a separate fuse for the unit, so not worried too much.
Hi looking to install the blackvue on my cabrio. How is your installation holding up?
Hi looking to install the blackvue on my cabrio. How is your installation holding up?
Overall pretty well. There was a small mishap. Nothing serious. When installing I had decided to use an angled mcx extension cable: http://www.ebay.com/itm/MCX-male-str...-/232316681400. Two weeks ago the extension cable gets disconnected from the main cable. I tested the rear camera and it works well. Will just have to remove rear-right tail light to fish and reconnect the cables. This time will use some tape to keep the connection secure.
So far had no issue with the indoor camera outside. One more thing. I covered the vent holes with a tape.
Overall pretty well. There was a small mishap. Nothing serious. When installing I had decided to use an angled mcx extension cable: http://www.ebay.com/itm/MCX-male-str...-/232316681400. Two weeks ago the extension cable gets disconnected from the main cable. I tested the rear camera and it works well. Will just have to remove rear-right tail light to fish and reconnect the cables. This time will use some tape to keep the connection secure.
So far had no issue with the indoor camera outside. One more thing. I covered the vent holes with a tape.
Yeah, the connection worked well this time. Just make sure you use some kind of tape / zip-tie to hold the connection in place.
I had another issue with the rear view camera. Apparently it got burned. Probably because of water/moisture contact. I had to get a new rear-view camera. This time did a trick. Disassembled the camera and waterproofed the entire PCB with some solution. It did the job well. I used this particular item, but i believe there are many other options as well:
I solved the rear cam install issue by using a Vantrue N2 Pro, which has both cams in one unit. Obviously the recording won't be as good as the rear mounted cam ,but 95% of my driving is topless.
I solved the rear cam install issue by using a Vantrue N2 Pro, which has both cams in one unit. Obviously the recording won't be as good as the rear mounted cam ,but 95% of my driving is topless.
What I really liked about BlackVue was how it nicely hides behind the rear view mirror. When driving it does not obstruct the visibility anyhow. Buy yeah, it was a pain in the **** to run the wire all the way to the back.
What I really liked about BlackVue was how it nicely hides behind the rear view mirror. When driving it does not obstruct the visibility anyhow. Buy yeah, it was a pain in the **** to run the wire all the way to the back.
Your car isn't a cabriolet, right? Mine is... I pulled the license plate light out today and I think I can fish the dashcam cable up through there, then around the convertible top and into the interior of the car. I'm going to mount the camera to the license plate screw.
The license plate light probably won't go back in all the way, once the dashcam cable runs through there, so I'll have to see if I can live with that.
05-17-2017, 10:55 AM
