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BlackVue DR650GW-2CH DashCam Install

NoisyIce
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NoisyIce New Member

NoisyIce

Posted
Posted (edited)

Installed (mostly) a new BlackVue DR650GW-2CH DashCam (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MC4XL2G) this weekend. I still need to wire up into the fuse box (waiting for add-a-fuse in the mail) and will update once done.

 

There are plenty of reviews on youtube, but a few of my comments...

 

  • The included 8GB Micro-SD failed the first day. Not a big deal, I wanted a larger chip anyways (I dropped in a 64 GB Micro-SD).
  • I wouldn't call the software non-tech friendly. Now that I have it figured out (I have a heavy computer background), pretty simple and works.
  • The camera hardware itself appears really well constructed.
  • Removing the camera from the holder is easy, with most of the work pulling two cables (one cable for power, the other cable to the rear camera).
  • Support for the Windows store app is bad, but their Windows desktop app runs fine (but not obvious where to find it).
  • Updating the firmware was easy.
  • They have a simple file format/structure and thus scripting/automation of the recorded files/gps will be simple for coder types.
  • Not a cheap dashcam, but has front and rear cameras, this is the N generation of the series, the company seems stable with a number of products.
  • It doesn't have a display (I wanted something small/tight). Pretty happy with the placement and can't even see it while driving. Note, an Android phone or iPhone/iPod can be use wireless to access the files. I used a very old iPod Touch and the wireless works. For Windows Phone users, no support. (Get a cheap/used iPod Touch).
  • Note: the wireless support permits viewing the files and updating settings from within the truck (obviously don't do while driving). The other method is to remove the micro-sd and use your desktop machine for viewing/editing.
  • Cable placement was simple enough (I have an extended cab). Pulling the fuse cover is tough (really afraid of breaking it) and requires a bit of force...
  • So far, I'm happy with it. (But for my requirements, not many choices).

 

 

Front Camera. I tried mounting on the driver alert unit (and does look a little nicer), but wouldn't hold for more than a few hours. I could use something more aggressive, but decided to just place on the glass (which what it was designed for).

 

WP_20150705_003_zps1q8ksceb.jpg

 

Rear Camera, mounted of the driver side so it doesn't muck with the sliding rear window operation.

 

WP_20150704_005_zpsh7qkst65.jpg

 

View from the driver (me). Except for small edge, can't even see it.

 

WP_20150705_002_zpshfnnrdll.jpg

 

Difficult to notice from the front due to the driver alert system. But just below the black rectangle area in the upper center.

 

WP_20150705_005_zpsc8fc6phj.jpg

 

The right fuse box area open, will close it up once wired direct (waiting for add-a-fuse in the mail).

 

WP_20150705_006_zps8vfolq9c.jpg

 

Sample front (from recorded video).

 

FrontSample_zpsmo8pfkpa.jpg

 

Sample rear (from recorded video).

 

RearSample_zpsrprcwjoz.jpg

Edited by NoisyIce
  • Like 3
j-ten-ner Senior Enthusiast

j-ten-ner

Posted
Posted

About a year ago I installed the DR530W 2CH in my truck. Pretty much the same set up as you have.

Best product so far. No trouble. No heat issues.

 

I tried 4 different cams before but all died on a heat stroke.

The best of those 4 was one purchased on Amazon for 50 bucks. Lasted for about 18 months.

 

Have fun catching funny footage... :) and share with us.

 

so long

j-ten-ner

arkenzo Enthusiast

arkenzo

Posted
Posted

why did you blur out the license plates ? public license plates aren't private lol...anyways would have been nice to see how clear the plate look ....?

bass mechanic Enthusiast

bass mechanic

Posted
Posted

I've been running these cams for about 3 years now I have them in all 3 vehicles.

As an insurance professional for the past 12 years I can tell you this is the best investment you'll ever make. A 300.00 camera verses a 10,000 attorney is a no brainer not to mention the fact you'll avoid yourself getting a ticket when the other person is a good liar about how the accident happened.

A word of caution though I've had to replace 3 car batteries on new vehicles after less than a year because I run the camera with the power magic adapter.

It allows it to record while parked.

Automotive batteries are not designed for deep cycle applications which is what happens when you allow things to run off the battery while parked.

Over time it will kill your battery. Fortunately all were covered under warranty

I've been thinking about rigging up a reserve battery under the dash that is a lot less expensive to replace and designed for the application but I have not got around to it yet.

 

 

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  • 4 weeks later...
2014MallCrawler Enthusiast

2014MallCrawler

Posted
Posted

Installed (mostly) a new BlackVue DR650GW-2CH DashCam (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MC4XL2G) this weekend. I still need to wire up into the fuse box (waiting for add-a-fuse in the mail) and will update once done.

 

There are plenty of reviews on youtube, but a few of my comments...

 

  • The included 8GB Micro-SD failed the first day. Not a big deal, I wanted a larger chip anyways (I dropped in a 64 GB Micro-SD).
  • I wouldn't call the software non-tech friendly. Now that I have it figured out (I have a heavy computer background), pretty simple and works.
  • The camera hardware itself appears really well constructed.
  • Removing the camera from the holder is easy, with most of the work pulling two cables (one cable for power, the other cable to the rear camera).
  • Support for the Windows store app is bad, but their Windows desktop app runs fine (but not obvious where to find it).
  • Updating the firmware was easy.
  • They have a simple file format/structure and thus scripting/automation of the recorded files/gps will be simple for coder types.
  • Not a cheap dashcam, but has front and rear cameras, this is the N generation of the series, the company seems stable with a number of products.
  • It doesn't have a display (I wanted something small/tight). Pretty happy with the placement and can't even see it while driving. Note, an Android phone or iPhone/iPod can be use wireless to access the files. I used a very old iPod Touch and the wireless works. For Windows Phone users, no support. (Get a cheap/used iPod Touch).
  • Note: the wireless support permits viewing the files and updating settings from within the truck (obviously don't do while driving). The other method is to remove the micro-sd and use your desktop machine for viewing/editing.
  • Cable placement was simple enough (I have an extended cab). Pulling the fuse cover is tough (really afraid of breaking it) and requires a bit of force...
  • So far, I'm happy with it. (But for my requirements, not many choices).

 

 

Front Camera. I tried mounting on the driver alert unit (and does look a little nicer), but wouldn't hold for more than a few hours. I could use something more aggressive, but decided to just place on the glass (which what it was designed for).

 

WP_20150705_003_zps1q8ksceb.jpg

 

Rear Camera, mounted of the driver side so it doesn't muck with the sliding rear window operation.

 

WP_20150704_005_zpsh7qkst65.jpg

 

View from the driver (me). Except for small edge, can't even see it.

 

WP_20150705_002_zpshfnnrdll.jpg

 

Difficult to notice from the front due to the driver alert system. But just below the black rectangle area in the upper center.

 

WP_20150705_005_zpsc8fc6phj.jpg

 

The right fuse box area open, will close it up once wired direct (waiting for add-a-fuse in the mail).

 

WP_20150705_006_zps8vfolq9c.jpg

 

Sample front (from recorded video).

 

FrontSample_zpsmo8pfkpa.jpg

 

Sample rear (from recorded video).

 

RearSample_zpsrprcwjoz.jpg

 

 

Definitely on my list of to-do's now! :-)

twoplustwo Enthusiast

twoplustwo

Posted
Posted

Great setup. I was thinking of getting one too. Just curious which fuse did you use with the "power magic pro". And How difficult was it to take the passenger side fuse cover off.

krellheat Enthusiast

krellheat

Posted
Posted

How long is the cable for the rear camera? I have a cap and would like to use the rear camera on the cap window.

  • 5 months later...
Nick Bobinger Enthusiast

Nick Bobinger

Posted
Posted

how did you route your wire for the rear camera? did you go around the A pillar and around the top through the weather stripping, or did you go down through the fuse box and down below the door sills and back up? Top alignment seems like it would take a lot less cord to do but not sure if it is an issue? Did you use the magic pro? If so where did you mount it tapping into the passenger side fuse box? Also do you have a picture of the two fuses you used from the passenger fuse box? Looking to potentially install mine tomorrow, so any guidance would be helpful.

  • 1 month later...
jvanwinkle2 Enthusiast

jvanwinkle2

Posted
Posted

I just installed mine today. It seems to be a good unit. I went above the headliner to the a pillar and along the top of the cab under the weatherstrip. The only part I am worried about is the rear. I have it above the headliner and had to use one clip at the rear camera to make sure it held in place. The cord that came with the unit is more than long enough. I rolled mine up and tied it together behind the rear side pillar for the seat belt. I have a crew cab and probably had another 5 feet. It looked like it would be enough to go down and under the sill if you wanted to route it that way. I have not been able to get the time correct. I set it to the correct zone and it is still hours off. I also installed a whistler cr90 as well. There is still plenty of room with both up front by the mirror.

Matt_P Enthusiast

Matt_P

Posted
Posted

Nice setup. I have a Blackvue from about 3 yrs ago that I have setup in the front window (I don't have the two camera version) and I can't see it at all when I am driving. I didn't do the wiring to make it run while parked, never really worry about my car much when parked.

 

I listed to a podcast recently that talks about some of the legal issues associated with dash cams. The link is below and is something I would recommend listening to for those looking to use a dash cam. The two big topics he discusses is don't erase video if you are in accident, especially if you are at fault. And be careful of recording conversations, either people in the car or via the speakerphone, as that can be against the law if people aren't made aware they are being recorded.

 

http://oppositelock.kinja.com/the-legalities-of-dash-cams-the-podcast-1732600118

  • 1 year later...
TRN Enthusiast

TRN

Posted
Posted

Installed (mostly) a new BlackVue DR650GW-2CH DashCam (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MC4XL2G) this weekend. I still need to wire up into the fuse box (waiting for add-a-fuse in the mail) and will update once done.

 

There are plenty of reviews on youtube, but a few of my comments...

 

[*]The included 8GB Micro-SD failed the first day. Not a big deal, I wanted a larger chip anyways (I dropped in aimg]

A bit of a thread bump, what fuse did you tap and did you use the Power Magic Pro or something similar?

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