Dash cams

[jrRaptor]

They don’t “integrate” any different than a third party camera. They stick on the windshield and get wired in. The cameras that Ford offers are from Thinkware and are overpriced. They’re low resolution compared to what’s out there now. Just watch some reviews and look at forums to get a good recommendation. FWIW, the Ranger has a usb plug in the base of the rear view mirror so the wiring is nothing more than plugging it in if you use a single camera.

I'm guessing there's only power to the mirror USB with key on? I have the Blackvue DR900S with Power Magic Pro and use the park feature, so motion and impacts record while away. You'd think by 2023 all if not most manufacturers would have some type of integrated power up there for radar detectors and dash cams. But I suppose the vast majority don't have anything mounted. Dash cams are getting a lot more popular and in this day and age you'd be wise to have one with the way insurance battles go.

I'm hoping I can use a mirror mount for the dash cam and radar detector and with the USB port in the mirror maybe I can get a USB power adaptor for the detector and just tap into the fuse for the dash cam. I might try the DR970 in the RR. And for the radar detector I'll probably just swap the Escort 9500ix back and forth as needed.

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[goalieThreeOne]

I'm guessing there's only power to the mirror USB with key on? I have the Blackvue DR900S with Power Magic Pro and use the park feature, so motion and impacts record while away. You'd think by 2023 all if not most manufacturers would have some type of integrated power up there for radar detectors and dash cams. But I suppose the vast majority don't have anything mounted. Dash cams are getting a lot more popular and in this day and age you'd be wise to have one with the way insurance battles go.

I'm hoping I can use a mirror mount for the dash cam and radar detector and with the USB port in the mirror maybe I can get a USB power adaptor for the detector and just tap into the fuse for the dash cam. I might try the DR970 in the RR. And for the radar detector I'll probably just swap the Escort 9500ix back and forth as needed.

I don’t have one yet, obviously, so I don’t know what the situation is on that port. My theory is that since ford obviously intends you to use that for a dash cam it stays powered but who knows.

 

[Stitsch1618]

Hi jrRaptor, yes indeed the USB above the mirror in the front i use for my GoPro camera power - works perfect. Can be used to power via USB.
The Dashcam i power via the new smaller Blakvue battery (mounted in the middle console) powered by cigarette power socket in the middle console. All Standard Cables and plugs from Blakvue. Also the CB unit is in the middle console: CB5

 

[jrRaptor]

Hi jrRaptor, yes indeed the USB above the mirror in the front i use for my GoPro camera power - works perfect. Can be used to power via USB.
The Dashcam i power via the new smaller Blakvue battery (mounted in the middle console) powered by cigarette power socket in the middle console. All Standard Cables and plugs from Blakvue. Also the CB unit is in the middle console: CB5

That's good to know, thanks!

 

[zedder]

The Ford offered options are just 3rd party dashcams.

Better off doing a bit of research and buying the best for your money.

I use the Vantrue N4 Pro as it's one of about 3 dashcams that can actually read plates at night.

And yes, there is a USB port but it is only powered when the car/accessory power is on. I believe this is region dependant as the South African spec and Zambian spec do not come with the port. They just have a cutout where it was supposed to be

 

[Wayfaring Ranger]

And yes, there is a USB port but it is only powered when the car/accessory power is on.

That's what i was afraid of. That completely negates most good cameras with the feature that can detect g-forces and begin record when the car is off. eg; being backed into in a parking lot or side-swiped on a city street.

 

[zedder]

That's what i was afraid of. That completely negates most good cameras with the feature that can detect g-forces and begin record when the car is off. eg; being backed into in a parking lot or side-swiped on a city street.

Unfortunately. Maybe this can be changed with forscan? Though I believe parking mode requires a remote signal. So even if we could change it, it would mean the camera stays in "drive" mode and doesn't know the car has been parked.

 

[goalieThreeOne]

Unfortunately. Maybe this can be changed with forscan? Though I believe parking mode requires a remote signal. So even if we could change it, it would mean the camera stays in "drive" mode and doesn't know the car has been parked.

I think they’re able to to tell via voltage. With the alternator running it’ll sense ~14V and on the battery it’ll be around ~12.

I’m adding one that will be hardwired.

 

[zedder]

I think they’re able to to tell via voltage. With the alternator running it’ll sense ~14V and on the battery it’ll be around ~12.

I’m adding one that will be hardwired.

I haven't come across any that work in that way even though they most probably would be able to. All I've seen have an ACC signal cable in addition the the power leads. It definitely won't work over the USB.

Not much of a hassle anyways, its 1 additional cable to pass through the same route as the power cables.

 

[goalieThreeOne]

I haven't come across any that work in that way even though they most probably would be able to. All I've seen have an ACC signal cable in addition the the power leads. It definitely won't work over the USB.

Not much of a hassle anyways, its 1 additional cable to pass through the same route as the power cables.

You know what, you’re right. I’m looking at the hardware kit for the Viofo and it does have power and accessory leads. It does do voltage sensing though as battery protection.

 

[tbalt14]

The Rexing kit I use has a "Smart Adapter" that has a always on power and a ignition power. From the adapter it connects to the dash cam using USB. The always on power allows the "G sensor" to power on when parked and the ignition powers on cam when starting vehicle. Very nice setup with control power adapter mounted under dash and a single usb runs up to the camera. If running a rear camera that is connected to front camera via another port and sent to rear window mounted.

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