This sounds like a cool idea if we can reuse the power that goes to the rearview mirror:
https://smile.amazon.com/AUTO-VOX-An...dp/B0895NMDKT/

Anyone tried something like that? Some of them have backup camera hookups too and would catch the TSX up a lot on the tech front.

 

Might be able do something like:
https://acurazine.com/forums/acurazi...d.php?t=936750

Now just need to find a free weekend somewhere arggh.

 

Did some Youtubing and it seems the mirror-mounted or mirror replacement dashcams all include a lot of car in the footage. Seeing the black dots on the windshield and the borders isn't so hot. Will check out traditional styles and brands like Garmin next.

 

The Garmin Mini works great. I've got one in my TSX and one in the wife's TLX.

 

Nice, how are you routing the wire? Around the windshield or Invisicord?

Also, do you also have a backup cam set up?

 

Still picking cams but got this USB adapter for the mirror and my mirror was still able to power on after I plugged it in.
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B08167R5M3/

(wish I could resize photos here)

For some reason, I just don't like the idea of routing wires around so I'm just taking baby steps to add a dashcam (Garmin 66W probably).
I probably can't avoid long wiring for the backup cam so that'll be a future step. For now, it's just about capturing nice scenery and drunken birds out front.

 

It was able to power the 66W! Phew.

 

Holy crap. So that little doodad that you posted goes between the OEM plug and socket on the mirror and then gives you as USB socket?

If so, that is exactly what I've been brainstorming how to hack up myself but seems like it might already be a thing.

 

Yup. Garmin probably hadn’t imagined such a thing either because atm I’ve got a bundle of a USB cord in the few inches between the cam and the plug ha. I ordered a 6” angled micro-USB cable on Amazon to make it less conspicuous.

The OEM plug only uses 2 wire slots out of ~6 (unlike the 5 yellow wires in the stock photo in my previous post) so it’s possible the Invisicord can be even more discreet but as my car is parked in a dark underground garage, I liked the simplicity of unplug-and-plug-and-play 😀

 

Awesome! Thanks for confirming.

Yeah, I've got like 20 feet of cord dangling and wadded up in the little side cubby of the center console, next to the cigarette lighter plug. I've also got a box of wires and pins and shit sitting in a box that I planned to cobble up a short 90-degree micro-USB to a USB with a socket embedded somewhere on the overhead light/sunglass console.

But this will save a lot of headache and time. Plus the fact that all that shit has sat in a box for years and I just think "I should do this when I have time" every time I get in the car... Means I'm probably never going to actually do it.

But unplugging and then plugging in something? That I can do. Probably can even do it in the next 3 years, which is extremely fast in my world.

 

 

Well hot damn.

Thanks @tmux . I picked up that harness and a short USB cord and it works perfectly!

 

Nice, what widgets you got attached? I almost got a USB hub to expand it but holding off on a backup cam for now lol.

 

Just the dashcam. Interestingly, I didn't notice when I bought it, but the box says it's recommended for less than 1.5A. My dashcam is rated for 1.2A, so I'd suspect that there might be a limit to how much you could usefully use with a USB hub.

Once they're back in stock I'm going to pick one up for my Road Pig and finally put a camera in it as well.

 

@tmux
Can you please post a photo of how the Garmin 66W looks when mounted? Thanks!

 

You could always use invisicord

 

Sure. Couple notes:
- Lens has a circular polarizer on it. I probably haven't tweaked it right as I still see some glare/reflections.
- 1st time messing with it so my alignment is off center. The toll sticker is in the way and ideally should be rearranged but I don't drive daily anymore so not really worth the effort atm.

I almost got the Invisicord but it was wavering in and out of stock and Amazon fast shipping/return policy just in case/reviews tipped the scales.