Which option should I choose for installing B1W?

[STR819g]

Hi all. Wanted an opinion on what the best option would be. I bought a Blueskysea B1W dash cam and stuck the camera on the black dimples just left of the rear-view mirror. I was trying to hide the cigarette lighter plug cables under the headliner and down the right side of the window. I wanted to plug it into the 12V outlet in the center console, but the cord was not long enough and stops at the shifter location. It is long enough to go to the 12V outlet in the front console, but it would be seen. I was thinking about my options and came up with 3. Which one would be best?

1) Use an old 12V socket extension that I have. The cord is red and black, but will only be seen running up the side of the passenger seat and middle console to the console box. The dash cam's 12V plug will plug into the 12V socket of the extension around the glove box location and I'll try to hide it under there. An extension like this: https://www.ebay.ca/itm/12V-24V-Car-Cig ... SwoBtW6mUB

2) Buy a hardwire kit and use a fuse tap to connect it to a spot that only has power when the car is started. I'm hesitant to connect it to an always on fuse for the parking mode because I don't drive much and don't want the battery drained down when it's sitting there for days. Although this would be the cleanest way to hide all the wires. If I use this method, it would be one of these I would get:

https://www.amazon.ca/MicroUSB-MiniUSB- ... 0R3GJH0880

The thing I don't like about this one is the battery drain protection is at 11V according to the picture of the box. Their description says 11.6V though.

https://www.amazon.ca/Blueskysea-Univer ... i+0906+B1W

This one I like that you can select a higher drain protection voltage. Don't know what to do with the yellow wire though. I'd have to fuse tap it to the accessory fuse or cap it and tape it off and not use it.

https://www.ebay.ca/itm/3-5-2-5-USB-Car ... 3429956951

http://www.dx.com/p/micro-usb-navigator ... ack-520364

These are the cheapest cost compared to the other 2. Would have to buy a fuse tap for it though. But don't know about the quality and reliability of it since it's from eBay and Deal Extreme.

3) Buy a 15 feet micro USB to USB cable to connect it from the dash cam to the center console. Connect the USB end for power to either a 12V micro USB socket adapter (I have one from my cellphone) or a data block extension connected to a USB port. Would the USB port supply enough power to run the dash cam? Only worry about the 12V socket adapter or the USB connection getting hot with extended use. The good thing about this setup is that I could easily use the parking mode by plugging the USB cable into a power bank that stays hidden in the center console box. And no worries about any battery drain.

https://www.amazon.ca/kenable-Power-Cha ... VNW6C84KMF

I tested running the dash cam with a USB cord from my old Samsung phone connected to the car's USB port. It powered up, but would not record. I think it's because of the data connections in the cord. This data blocker would probably solve that problem.

https://www.primecables.ca/p-309029-at- ... #sku315425

Thanks in advance for your opinions.

 

[Blockisle9]

I installed the camera behind the rear view mirror, tucked the wire along the head liner. Then snaked it down the piller. Then used a fuse tap and female adapter. 100 % stealth.
Electop Car Charger Power Cigarette... https://www.amazon.com/gp/B01FJ8OXX2

 

[estore009]

2) Buy a hardwire kit and use a fuse tap to connect it to a spot that only has power when the car is started. I'm hesitant to connect it to an always on fuse for the parking mode because I don't drive much and don't want the battery drained down when it's sitting there for days.

This way will be better, and B1W is a low consumption dashcam to drain your car battery!