Front & Rear Dash Cam set up, Car 002
By Alan Jennings
I have been
asked by one or two members in the past on the fitting of my dash cam set up,
and therefore have decided to pen a few lines on the type of camera I used and
the fitting method used.
The dash cam
I am using is the Thinkware F770, a compact device, capable of
accommodating a rear camera if required.
I chose this model as it is small, can be mounted discreetly, and causes no
loss of vision when mounted in the shown location.
The unit has no viewing
screen, which helps keep the size down, controls are performed using a
Bluetooth app.
Photos 1, 2 & 3 show the mounted Front Camera from the front of the vehicle.
The unit seen just above and to the nearside of the Rear View Mirror
The unit positioned out of the line of vision when driving.
The Lens swivels to set at he correct viewing angle for the windscreen.
Photo 4 & 5 show the unit from the drivers seat.
The unit is out of the line of forward vision.
The camera
mount uses a self adhesive mounting bracket and unclips easily for removal from
the vehicle.
The two power cables, one if no rear camera is used, were routed through a small black self
adhesive trunking (obtained from eBay).
This trunking is visible on the photos
running around the top of the passenger side windscreen and then down to the
dashboard top pad.
The leads then are taken through to behind the dash to pick
up a power point.
This does involve dropping the dash under panel, which is
retained by 7 or 8 small screws.
I decided to
also fit a rear view camera, which is connected by one plug in lead, device to
camera.
After taking
the lead through the trunking to the rear of the dash it was quite simple to
manoeuvre it down to the floor and along past the passenger seat, hiding the
cable behind the carpet or trim.
I drilled a hole in the battery access panel,
at the rear of the passenger seat, and fed the cable through using a rubber
grommet for insulation.
The lead was then fed over the top of the fuel tank,
and taken through to the rear wheel. The lead from the battery access panel to
the rear wheel was protected by a cable overwrap and cable tied for security.
Mounting of
the rear camera was slightly more problematical as the camera is not waterproof
and consequently needs protecting from the elements.
My chosen site for
mounting was on the boot rack.
So now the method.
I was
fortunate in that I was owed a favour by a friend with a fabrication business,
who stepped forward and made a stainless steel box for the purpose.
I was told
that it took his apprentice most of one day to polish it !!
I asked for it to be made with the
intention of mounting the box to the rack with a badge bar fitting....
I then
discovered that the diameter of the rack was smaller than the diameter of a
badge bar, but eventually resolved this by obtaining a badge bar bracket made
for the likes of the Lambretta scooters, which are a smaller diameter.
Photo 6 Shows the rear camera box and mounting.
Photo 7 A view of the rear set up farther away.
A word of
advice should anyone choose to use a system utilising a fixed and not readily
removable camera on the rear rack.
Make sure that you leave enough spare camera
lead floating free so that if you need to remove the rack you can still lift it
clear of the vehicle
The F700
system is now being superceded by the F800 model which is of a similar size and
capabilities.
I have
been very satisfied with the set up and the peace of mind that a good dash cam
system gives.
I will add that I have no connection with the company other than
being a satisfied customer.
