Investing in a reliable dash cam system is becoming increasingly crucial for vehicle owners. For comprehensive coverage, a 2 channel dash cam with OBD2 data offers unparalleled benefits, providing front and rear recording alongside valuable vehicle diagnostics. This guide explores a seamless installation of a Viofo A229 Plus front and rear dash cam, enhanced with OBD2 connectivity for parking mode and real-time vehicle data. Learn how to achieve a professional, wire-free setup and maximize your dash cam’s potential.
Why Choose a 2 Channel Dash Cam with OBD2 Data?
A 2 channel dash cam significantly elevates your vehicle’s security by recording both the road ahead and behind. This dual perspective is invaluable in accidents, providing irrefutable evidence regardless of the incident’s nature. Integrating OBD2 data takes this a step further. By connecting your dash cam to your vehicle’s OBD2 port, you unlock features like parking mode, which keeps your car protected even when you’re not around. Furthermore, some advanced dash cams can overlay OBD2 data onto your video recordings, including speed, GPS coordinates, and G-sensor information, offering a more complete picture of events.
This installation focuses on achieving a clean, factory-like integration without messy wires or permanent modifications. Using an OBD2 harness simplifies the power connection, eliminating the need to tap into your car’s fuse box and providing a safer, reversible installation. The parking mode feature, powered by the OBD2 connection, adds an extra layer of security, recording incidents even when your vehicle is parked and unattended.
Project Overview: Viofo A229 Plus Installation in a Land Cruiser
This project details the installation of a Viofo A229 Plus 2 channel dash cam in a Land Cruiser, aiming for a discreet and functional setup. The Viofo A229 Plus was chosen for its excellent video quality, reliable performance, and parking mode capabilities. An OBD2 harness was selected to power the dash cam and enable parking mode, offering a clean and easily reversible power solution. The goal was to hide all wiring, maintain a factory aesthetic, and provide the option to easily switch parking mode on or off as needed.
Installation Steps: Achieving a Clean and Professional Look
The installation process prioritizes a clean and hidden wiring approach, maintaining the vehicle’s original aesthetics while maximizing the dash cam’s functionality.
Rear Camera Mounting and Wiring
The rear camera installation focused on a factory-like appearance. Instead of using adhesives, a custom mount was 3D-printed to integrate seamlessly with the existing rear-view camera housing. This mount allows the Viofo rear camera to slide into place without any permanent modifications to the vehicle. This method ensures a secure and discreet placement of the rear camera.
Routing the rear camera wire to the liftgate was the most challenging part. However, careful snaking of the wire resulted in a very clean installation with no visible wires, preventing any snagging or interference when loading cargo.
Front Camera and Wiring
Once the rear camera wire was routed through the liftgate, running it along the headliner to the front of the vehicle was straightforward. To ensure the wire was completely hidden and safely routed, the grab handle and A-pillar trim were carefully removed. This allowed the wire to be run behind the airbag, up to the windshield headliner, and then down to the front dash cam unit. The front camera was positioned just to the right of the rearview mirror mount, keeping it discreet and out of the driver’s direct line of sight.
OBD2 Power Harness Connection and Parking Mode
For powering the dash cam and enabling parking mode, an OBD2 harness was utilized. This harness provides power directly from the vehicle’s OBD2 port, located conveniently under the dash to the left of the steering wheel. The chosen OBD2 harness features a rocker switch, offering flexible power options.
In the “always-on” mode, the dash cam receives continuous power for parking mode, but only if the vehicle’s voltage is above a preset threshold to prevent battery drain. In the alternative switch position, the dash cam operates like a traditional dash cam, powering on and off with the vehicle’s ignition. This switch provides easy control over parking mode activation, allowing it to be disabled when parked in safe locations like a garage.
Wiring the OBD2 harness was simple, running along the side of the dash, up the A-pillar (again, behind the airbag), and along the headliner to the dash cam unit. This method resulted in no visible wires, no占用 of USB ports or 12V outlets, and a plug-and-play wiring solution that is easily removable and leaves no trace.
Benefits of this 2 Channel Dash Cam with OBD2 Data Setup
This installation method provides several key advantages:
- Clean and Discreet Installation: No visible wires and a factory-like rear camera integration.
- Parking Mode Functionality: Enhanced security with recording while parked, powered by the OBD2 connection.
- Easy Parking Mode Control: The OBD2 harness switch allows for simple activation and deactivation of parking mode.
- Reversible Installation: No permanent modifications to the vehicle, and the system is easily removable.
- OBD2 Data Potential: Future-proof setup ready for dash cams that utilize OBD2 data overlay on video.
Conclusion
Upgrading to a 2 channel dash cam with OBD2 data offers significant enhancements to your vehicle’s security and functionality. This installation guide demonstrates how to achieve a clean, professional, and feature-rich setup using a Viofo A229 Plus and an OBD2 harness. By following these steps, you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with comprehensive video recording and parking mode, all while maintaining your vehicle’s original aesthetics. Consider a 2 channel dash cam with OBD2 for a smarter and safer driving experience.
