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How to Set Up a DIY Dashcam for Easy Car Recording

Setting up a do-it-yourself (DIY) dashcam in your car has many benefits. A dashcam continuously records video while you drive, providing visual evidence if you’re ever in an accident. DIY dashcams are affordable, customizable, and can provide peace of mind on the road.

This article will walk through the full process of choosing, installing, and using a DIY dashcam system for easy in-car video recording.

Choosing a Dashcam

When selecting a dashcam, consider these key factors:

  • Video quality: 1080p resolution or higher provides sharp video. Look for a camera with a wide dynamic range and night vision capabilities.
  • Storage: Dashcams use SD cards to store recorded footage. Choose one that supports a high capacity card (at least 128GB) for more recording time before needing to overwrite old footage.
  • Size: Pick a compact dashcam that will fit cleanly on your windshield without obstructing your view.
  • Extra features: GPS records your driving route, date/time stamp marks recordings, and collision detection can save important video.

Some top-rated DIY dashcam options include:

  • Rexing V1 ($100) – Reliable 1080p camera with loop recording and collision detection.
  • Apeman C450 ($70) – Affordable dashcam with night vision and a large 3-inch display screen.
  • Anker Roav C1 ($100) – Sleek profile, GPS, and mobile app connectivity for easy video transfers.

Installing the Dashcam

You’ll need:

  • Dashcam
  • MicroSD card
  • Hardwiring kit or car charger
  • Tools: Trim removal tools, screwdriver, wire cutters

Follow these steps:

Select Mount Location

  • Place the dashcam directly behind the rearview mirror in the center of the windshield. This gives an optimal view without obstructing your sightlines.
  • Make sure no vehicle controls, vents, or sensors are blocked by the camera mount.

Adjust Angle

  • Angle the camera mount so the dashcam lens can capture video through the windshield and out towards the hood/front of the car.
  • The angle should let you see the whole hood and road ahead without showing much sky/trees or your dashboard.

Clean Windshield

  • Use glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth to thoroughly clean the windshield where the mount will adhere.
  • Remove all dirt, oil residue, and moisture for solid contact.

Attach Mount

  • Peel off the adhesive backing and firmly press the dashcam mount to the windshield.
  • Apply pressure for 60 seconds to create a strong bond with the glass.

Hide Wires

  • Tuck the dashcam power cable under the trim panels and headliner using trim tools. Avoid airbags, vents, and sensors.
  • Use cable clips or wire holders to neatly secure wires out of sight.

Connect Power

  • Hardwire kits connect the dashcam directly to the vehicle fuse box to power on/off with the car. This requires tapping a constant 12V wire.
  • Alternatively, plug the power adapter into the 12V lighter socket. The dashcam will run anytime the socket has power.
  • Ensure wires have slack and avoid pinch points near gear shifts or seat rails.

Using Your Dashcam

Once installed, using your DIY dashcam is very simple:

Adjust Settings

  • Format the SD card in the camera for initial setup.
  • Adjust preferences like resolution, loop recording length, collision detection, etc.
  • Set the date, time zone, and speed unit options.

Check Position

  • Verify the dashcam angle covers the necessary view through the windshield before driving.
  • Adjust the mount if the camera angle needs tweaking.

Let It Record

  • The dashcam will automatically power on and start recording when the car turns on.
  • Most models record over the oldest footage in a loop once the SD card fills up.
  • For parking surveillance, wire the dashcam to a battery pack that auto activates recording if bumped.

Review Footage

  • Use the dashcam screen or smartphone app to quickly view recorded video files.
  • Download important clips to your computer for backup and sharing.
  • Clear old footage once saved elsewhere to free up space.

With a DIY dashcam properly positioned, powered, and configured – you can set it and forget it while driving. The camera will capture a continuous visual record in case an accident occurs or a dispute arises over “who did what”. Driving with video backup provides peace of mind and added protection on the road.

Troubleshooting Common Dashcam Issues

Blurry video: Clean the windshield and lens. Adjust the mount angle, exposure settings, or upgrade the camera.

No power: Check car charger connections. Inspect fuse box wires. Replace dashcam battery.

Won’t hold charge: Battery may need replacement if it quickly loses charge. Only use manufacturer recommended batteries.

SD card errors: Reformat the card in the camera. Try a different SD card with adequate read/write speeds.

Loose mount: Clean windshield and remount. Consider adding foam mounting squares for a tighter hold.

No video: Confirm SD card has available memory. Check that loop recording is turned on in the settings.

Unclear audio: Reduce in-car background noise by adjusting fan settings, closing windows, adding sound dampening materials, or enabling audio filters in the camera software.

Overheats: Direct sunlight can overheat dashcams – install an aftermarket sun shade. Look for cameras with heat resistance and thermal protection.

Frozen screen: Soft reset the dashcam by removing power, waiting 30 seconds, and reconnecting. Or press the hardware reset pinhole if available.

Conclusion

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