Overhead Console Power for Dashcam

[59ctd]

Any good ideas on a switched power source in the overhead console for a dashcam? I am thinking on cutting the USB cable that came with the dashcam and using an LM340T-5 voltage regulator to give the needed 5v to the dashcam. I do not think the dashcam will draw very much current. Thoughts?

[Infosecdad]

I spliced in a 5v USB convertor to the lighter in the center console and ran the USB cable along the headliner, down the A-pillar, and through the dash. You can't seen any of it other than the couple inches from the camera to the headliner. It took like 30 min all told. There are other threads about splicing into the power near the sunroof/map light controls as well.

[sunny5280]

I used the power socket in the arm rest. Drilled a hole to run the wire through, tucked behind and along the center console, across the underside of the glove box, up the A pillar, and across the edge of the headliner. Aside from the wire being exposed under the glove box (haven't taken the time to properly route it as it's tucked underneath out of the way so not a lot of incentive to do so) it's all concealed except, like Infosecdad, a small amount of wire from the headliner to the camera itself. That really can't be avoided but it's a short amount and looks professional.

 

Took me about 60 minutes to figure it all out and I'm very pleased with the results. No cutting of wires, no hard wiring, easy to remove if need be. Of course this assumes a long enough power cable (which my camera came with). Now I need to figure out how to run the rear dashcam wire to keep it concealed.