Running a USB power cable

[RiverRatMatt]

I set up a Mobius action cam in my girlfriend's 2009 Forester. The camera is attached via suction mount up next to her rear view mirror.

I want to run the usb cable that powers it up into the trim so it doesn't show. Any suggestions on how to go about this? Should I run a long cable around and through her firewall then to an adapter? Should I tap into one of the power wires somewhere? It only needs to get power while the car is on.

 

[george_tlc]

Run 12V to the rear (or find it somewhere) and then go through a 12V - USB adapter. You really don't want to try and run 5V (USB power) all the way from the front to the rear of the vehicle...

cheers,
george.

 

[RiverRatMatt]

Run 12V to the rear (or find it somewhere) and then go through a 12V - USB adapter. You really don't want to try and run 5V (USB power) all the way from the front to the rear of the vehicle...

cheers,
george.

It is just coming from the rear view mirror (up on the front wind shield)

Any suggestions on what to tap the 12v wire into?

 

[Fast Eddy]

Any suggestions on what to tap the 12v wire into?

There's probably hot power at the dome light. The inside of a cheap usb cigarette lighter adapter looks like this once you bust it open:

 

[george_tlc]

Dome light will always have power, so not a good choice if you want the USB adapter and camera only running when the car is running. It's not a cruiser, so I can't help you with a specific circuit to get switched 12V from. Likely you can tap into the cig lighter outlet if it is only hot when ignition is on.

cheers,
george.

 

[Fast Eddy]

Dome light will always have power, so not a good choice if you want the USB adapter and camera only running when the car is running.

Good point. I looked it up and... "the Mobius makes an effective dash cam. Camera can be configured that, as soon as the Mobius is plugged into the car power adapter it will start recording, no need to press record."

In all my vehicles the cigarette lighter is hot power, not switched with ignition.

 

[RiverRatMatt]

I think it is a newer thing. Her car and my 2010 Tacoma only have power to the lighter when the ignition is on.

Highly recommend the Mobius by the way, loop recording, good quality, completely automated for a car, cheap. We use them as helmet cams when we ride as well.