2021 Highlander Hybrid + VIOFO A329S: Dongar Pro 1 or HK6 hardwire kit for parking mode?

[cjjones051]

Hi everyone,

I have a 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum and recently installed a VIOFO A329S. I am trying to figure out the best way to power it if I want to use parking mode.

I came across the Dongar Pro 1 mirror power adapter and like the idea of a cleaner install, but I am not sure whether it will fully support the A329S parking mode features, or if I really need to use the VIOFO HK6 hardwire kit instead.

What I am trying to understand is:

1. Will the Dongar Pro 1 properly support parking mode on the A329S, or will it only provide power without giving the camera the correct parking mode behavior?
2. If I want reliable parking recording, is the HK6 hardwire kit the better or required option?
3. f you are using the HK6, what cutoff voltage setting has worked well for you?

I am leaning toward the HK6 if that is the only way to get proper parking mode. I'd like to hear from people who have actually done this install on a Highlander Hybrid or with the A329S.

Any advice, photos, or lessons learned would be appreciated.

Thanks.

 

[Chuck McCoy]

Well hello again, congrats on the A329S.
Can I ask some questions that will help us understand your needs so we can make better suggestions?

1.) How long do you need Parking Mode to operate, (engine off left unattended)?
a.) Maximum 3 Hours
b.) 24 Hours
c.) More than 24 Hours

2.) How old is the vehicle starter battery?
Is it the original that came with the car when new?
If so, that would make it 5-6 years old.
Operating a dash cam in parking mode puts wear & tear on vehicle starter batteries.
This wear & tear will accelerate the replacement period.

Will the Dongar Pro 1 properly support parking mode on the A329S, or will it only provide power without giving the camera the correct parking mode behavior?

Unfortunately the answer is no.
Dongar Pro 1 provides “2-Wire” ON/OFF power that will operate A329S in Driving / Normal Recording only.
Dongar Pro 1 can not enable / disable A329S’s five parking modes.
1.) LBR (low bitrate)
2.) LPID (low power impact detection)
3.) Hybrid Parking Mode example: (starts with LBR, switches to LPID after time, or voltage threshold)
4.) AED
5.) Time Lapse

A329S requires “3-Wire” HK6 to enable / disable parking modes.
Black Wire = Ground
Red Wire = Constant Battery + Power
Yellow Wire = Switched ACC + Power
See attached photo.

I understand running wires from HK6 all the way to the fuse box is a pain in the rear.
It sounds like your Highlander might have a Constant 12V Power Source in your “rear view mirror pod”.
If it does, you will only need to run HK6 wires to the “pod”.
However, you will need a “custom short version” of HK6.
12” inches of Type-C Cable, and 12” inches of 3-Wire power cable sounds about right.
You will need a basic multimeter, or test light to identify Constant 12V Power Source, and Switched ACC + Power Source in your “rear view mirror pod”.
You can order the “custom short version” of HK6 here: SUBMIT A TICKET

If I want reliable parking recording, is the HK6 hardwire kit the better or required option?

HK6 is required for reliable parking mode.

f you are using the HK6, what cutoff voltage setting has worked well for you?

The answer to this question is dependent on the age & health condition of the vehicle starter battery, and also the amount of parasitic draw for each vehicle.
Some cars like mine only have 18mA - 35mA parasitic draw, (2004 Ford Crown Victoria).
But newer vehicles have more computer modules that have higher levels of parasitic drain on the vehicle starter battery.
Some fancy high end cars like BMW, and MBZ "require" a dash cam battery pack for parking mode because their electrical systems are so sensitive the power draw from dash cam parking mode causes malfunctions.
-Chuck

 

[Velvetfoot]

There was another thread about Toyota and Dongar. I think he said that Dongar customer service was good. There may be different flavors of the unit. Why not give them a call and see what they say?

 

[cjjones051]

Well hello again, congrats on the A329S.
Can I ask some questions that will help us understand your needs so we can make better suggestions?

1.) How long do you need Parking Mode to operate, (engine off left unattended)?
a.) Maximum 3 Hours
b.) 24 Hours
c.) More than 24 Hours

2.) How old is the vehicle starter battery?
Is it the original that came with the car when new?
If so, that would make it 5-6 years old.
Operating a dash cam in parking mode puts wear & tear on vehicle starter batteries.
This wear & tear will accelerate the replacement period.


Unfortunately the answer is no.
Dongar Pro 1 provides “2-Wire” ON/OFF power that will operate A329S in Driving / Normal Recording only.
Dongar Pro 1 can not enable / disable A329S’s five parking modes.
1.) LBR (low bitrate)
2.) LPID (low power impact detection)
3.) Hybrid Parking Mode example: (starts with LBR, switches to LPID after time, or voltage threshold)
4.) AED
5.) Time Lapse

A329S requires “3-Wire” HK6 to enable / disable parking modes.
Black Wire = Ground
Red Wire = Constant Battery + Power
Yellow Wire = Switched ACC + Power
See attached photo.

I understand running wires from HK6 all the way to the fuse box is a pain in the rear.
It sounds like your Highlander might have a Constant 12V Power Source in your “rear view mirror pod”.
If it does, you will only need to run HK6 wires to the “pod”.
However, you will need a “custom short version” of HK6.
12” inches of Type-C Cable, and 12” inches of 3-Wire power cable sounds about right.
You will need a basic multimeter, or test light to identify Constant 12V Power Source, and Switched ACC + Power Source in your “rear view mirror pod”.
You can order the “custom short version” of HK6 here: SUBMIT A TICKET

HK6 is required for reliable parking mode.

The answer to this question is dependent on the age & health condition of the vehicle starter battery, and also the amount of parasitic draw for each vehicle.
Some cars like mine only have 18mA - 35mA parasitic draw, (2004 Ford Crown Victoria).
But newer vehicles have more computer modules that have higher levels of parasitic drain on the vehicle starter battery.
Some fancy high end cars like BMW, and MBZ "require" a dash cam battery pack for parking mode because their electrical systems are so sensitive the power draw from dash cam parking mode causes malfunctions.
-Chuck

Hello again Chuck,

Thanks, the A329S is a pretty nice setup so far, vastly different from the Rexing V1Pro that I had previously. The ability to access the settings from the app makes it worth the hefty price tag. I installed the front and rear camera and will work on the cabin one soon.

Currently, I have it wired to the 12V outlet until I decide which path I want to take to hardwire it. I purchased the HK6 kit, but afterward, I saw the Dongar options. Running the wires isn't a problem for me; I was just looking at a cleaner install.

To answer your questions:
1. I need parking mode mainly for overnight and occasionally up to 48 hours on the weekend, or more if I head out of town.

2. It may be the original battery; I just purchased it about a month ago. I will replace it with an Intersate AGM when the time comes.

The dimmable mirror has a HomeLink integrated into it, so there is a constant power and ACC source available.

I will look into the custom short version of the HK6.

 

[cjjones051]

There was another thread about Toyota and Dongar. I think he said that Dongar customer service was good. There may be different flavors of the unit. Why not give them a call and see what they say?

I did reach out to them as well, and I would say that their customer service is top-notch. Below is their response.


"Thanks for reaching out — great question!
To be straightforward — the Dongar PRO will supply constant power to your A329S, but it will not fully support Viofo's parking mode behavior. Viofo's parking mode requires a specific signal that can only be triggered by their own HK4 or HK6 hardwire kit. Without that signal, the camera will receive power but won't enter proper parking mode.
This is where the Dongar PRO+ comes in — it was specifically designed to replicate that signal and fully support Viofo's parking mode, including all parking recording options on the A329S, without needing Viofo's own hardwire kit.

We're planning to officially launch the PRO+ by May, and pre-orders are currently closed as we take care of existing customers first. We'd recommend keeping an eye on our website and checking back then! You can check out the PRO+ here: https://dongar.tech/products/dongar-pro-1"

 

[Chuck McCoy]

1. I need parking mode mainly for overnight and occasionally up to 48 hours on the weekend, or more if I head out of town.

Generally speaking, continuous recording parking mode like LBR (low bitrate) will operate around 3 hours when powered by vehicle starter battery.
Maybe up to 6-8 hours for a “large” vehicle starter battery for V8, or diesel engine vehicle.
These figures are for a new / healthy battery.
As vehicle starter batteries age, parking mode operation run-time will be reduced.

If you require continuous recording parking mode for more than 3 hours, you may need an auxiliary power source like a dash cam battery pack, or similar.
The good news is A329S has LPID, (low power impact detection) than can significantly increase paring mode "coverage".
When A329S is in LPID parking mode it’s in a deep sleep, (not recording) waiting for an impact.
Upon impact A329S will begin recording for 1 minute.
If movement, or impact are detected during that time, recording will be extended up to 3 minutes.

A329S 3CH LBR Power Consumption: Approximately 5 Watts
A329S 3CH LPID Power Consumption: Approximately 0.5 Watts
With LPID it’s possible to have parking mode “coverage” for up to a week, or more powered by vehicle starter battery.

2. It may be the original battery; I just purchased it about a month ago. I will replace it with an Intersate AGM when the time comes.

I looked up the cost for Interstate H5 (47) AGM for 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid;
$180 Costco Brand Interstate AGM
$280 Official Interstate AGM (only sold at Interstate retailers)
Costco Warranty: 36 Month Prorated
Interstate Warranty: 36 Month Free Replacement
Wow, for a $100 difference I think I would take my chance with Costco.
I also checked Walmart, and their H5 (47) AGM is $190, but it has a 48 Month Free Replacement warranty.
$10 more than Costco, but you get 1 Year more warranty, and it’s Free Replacement, (not pro-rated).
Now I like the Walmart battery better than the Costco one.

 

[cjjones051]

Generally speaking, continuous recording parking mode like LBR (low bitrate) will operate around 3 hours when powered by vehicle starter battery.
Maybe up to 6-8 hours for a “large” vehicle starter battery for V8, or diesel engine vehicle.
These figures are for a new / healthy battery.
As vehicle starter batteries age, parking mode operation run-time will be reduced.

If you require continuous recording parking mode for more than 3 hours, you may need an auxiliary power source like a dash cam battery pack, or similar.
The good news is A329S has LPID, (low power impact detection) than can significantly increase paring mode "coverage".
When A329S is in LPID parking mode it’s in a deep sleep, (not recording) waiting for an impact.
Upon impact A329S will begin recording for 1 minute.
If movement, or impact are detected during that time, recording will be extended up to 3 minutes.

A329S 3CH LBR Power Consumption: Approximately 5 Watts
A329S 3CH LPID Power Consumption: Approximately 0.5 Watts
With LPID it’s possible to have parking mode “coverage” for up to a week, or more powered by vehicle starter battery.

I looked up the cost for Interstate H5 (47) AGM for 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid;
$180 Costco Brand Interstate AGM
$280 Official Interstate AGM (only sold at Interstate retailers)
Costco Warranty: 36 Month Prorated
Interstate Warranty: 36 Month Free Replacement
Wow, for a $100 difference I think I would take my chance with Costco.
I also checked Walmart, and their H5 (47) AGM is $190, but it has a 48 Month Free Replacement warranty.
$10 more than Costco, but you get 1 Year more warranty, and it’s Free Replacement, (not pro-rated).
Now I like the Walmart battery better than the Costco one.

Thanks for the info.
I usually purchase from Costco, but that Walmart deal is looking pretty good.

 

[cjjones051]

Quick update and follow-up question:

I looked at the Dongar PRO+ setup, but since I already have the VIOFO HK6 hardwire kit, I am wondering if I can build a simpler version for my vehicle.

My thought is not to copy the Dongar electronics, but to make a clean plug-in harness for the mirror pod area:

Toyota mirror connector / T-harness → VIOFO HK6 → A329S

In other words, I would still let the HK6 handle the parking-mode behavior, voltage cutoff, and the red/yellow/black wiring. I would just need to add the correct Toyota-style connectors, so I do not have to cut or splice into the factory wiring.

Based on the photos I posted, does anyone recognize which connector would be best to use for this? I am trying to identify the correct male/female connector pair or T-harness that would let me pass through the factory connection and pull:

• Constant 12V for the HK6 red wire;
• Switched ACC/ignition power for the HK6 yellow wire;
• Ground for the HK6 black wire.

I understand I still need to verify everything with a multimeter before connecting anything. I'm trying to determine the connector style and whether a DIY T-harness is realistic for this mirror pod setup.

I am specifically trying to avoid cutting, splicing, or depinning the factory wires.

Thanks again for the help.

 

[Chuck McCoy]

does anyone recognize which connector would be best to use for this? I am trying to identify the correct male/female connector pair

I found the 12-Pin MALE connector but the website wants $85, and you still need;
12-Pin FEMALE adapter
Male & Female Crimp Pins
So that might be cost prohibitive.

It might be easier, and cheaper to modify a Dongar Classic $42.
All you need to do is cut off 12V to 5V Type-C, (red line in photo) and connect those (2) wires to HK6 ground & ACC.
Then you need to identify constant power wire in 12-Pin connector with multimeter, and connect it to Constant B+ wire of HK6.

Or maybe someone else has a better idea.
-Chuck

 

[cjjones051]

I was able to isolate the 10-pin connector for the mirror.

Do you know where I can purchase the male and female end connectors so I can make my own T-harness?

 

[cjjones051]

I found the 12-Pin MALE connector but the website wants $85, and you still need;
12-Pin FEMALE adapter
Male & Female Crimp Pins
So that might be cost prohibitive.

It might be easier, and cheaper to modify a Dongar Classic $42.
All you need to do is cut off 12V to 5V Type-C, (red line in photo) and connect those (2) wires to HK6 ground & ACC.
Then you need to identify constant power wire in 12-Pin connector with multimeter, and connect it to Constant B+ wire of HK6.

Or maybe someone else has a better idea.
-Chuck

I feel like this would be a great trip to Radio Shack if they were still around. LOL