Assembling a hidden dash-cam from a Mobius Camera and some accessories

[@lifeincycling]

Mobius still my favourite camera after all these years (since 2013). I've used it as a drone cam, a dashcam, a cycling front and rear cam. Always a pleasure.

[@trig]

Some of the Chinese reversing cameras, that use an lcd screen mounted onto your rearview mirror, have a second av input. I've mounted my mobius way over on the passenger side of the van so that when I am parking in tight areas I can see the front wings position in relation to obstacles. It comes in handy every day whether its country gates or badly parked cars in tight back roads of the city. Thanks for all your videos.

[@lightningdev1]

Ok

[@WoodsPrecisionArms]

I been watching you for years and I am exploring your back catalog and this is the SLICKEST video I have ever watched and that is not just BS very cool I would like to see more of these! You know I took a small cam apart I had and I had no idea they made extension cables for them - that would also make a GREAT RC CAR or PLANE FPV CAM!!!

[@Kalibr85]

I've been using a Mobius as a dashcam after watching your original review. I'm considering buying another one for my other vehicle. This new video gave me a great idea on how to mount it differently. Thanks!

[@practicalguy973]

Awesome instructional! I really like the idea of the dash cam completely hidden and safe. I also know there is a lot of talk of overheating with this camera, so being in a car can be a much hotter environment and with the capacitors it should be safer.

[@jamiemcneill3]

I'm really pleased to have found this. Why oh why do mainstream dash cam manufacturers insist upon making their products so large and indiscreet? Defeats the object to me. I'm looking for a dash cam set up for a Mazda MX5 which has a small windscreen already. Thank you for another super video.

[@Jerbod2]

The sheer size of this thing allows for pretty creative placement, I don't really see the avantage of putting it up like this in this case since it could just as well be hidden away behind the mirror without the lens being extended but the fact that you CAN is pretty awesome.

[@RichardsWorld]

With some modification this would probably work well as a hidden body cam.

[@justanothernoobe]

I've just bought a new motorbike helmet which is suuuuuper quiet but the moment I add my Drift Ghost S to the side, I get a heap of wind-buffeting so was thinking about making my own little low-profile helmet cam doing someting similar to what you've done here. So this video is really helpful. Love your content - and really appreciate you taking the time to share your findings and opinions :)

[@a1344]

Hello Techmoan, can you tell me if it is possible to connect two or more 25'' Lens Extension Cable to each other and then finally to the lens. I was hoping to stick just the lens behind the rear view mirror, run the lens extension cable along the windshield and then have the mobius body sitting next to the cigarette lighter. The whole idea is to keep it minimal and as discrete as possible. Thank you :D

[@MattTester]

I like the idea of offering an extension cable but it would be nice if it was longer. One of these in the glove box with the cable running to the camera would make it much neater.

[@bridgendesar]

TheBrentieman Not to mention the RF interferance!

[@mathyooo]

Thanks again Mat, I ordered my third gadget following your reviews the other day... All of them have been great. My dr32 cam saved me a huge insurance bill after someone tried to claim my fault in an accident... It's also caught some frankly hilarious driver antics and parking skirmishes. Not so sure I'll be needing the extension wire on my mobius... Unless it shows less vibrations when remote compared to inside the main body.

[@Techmoan]

I'm always glad to hear things like this...makes the effort worthwhile.

[@StuartDWright]

Thanks for posting this video. I used it to guide me through swapping the battery out for the capacitor in both my Mobius cameras. It was reassuring.

[@eletberahl5618]

Does the camera work without connecting it to the lighter socket? In other words does the battey/capacitor keep any amount of charge that allows it to go wireless? (5:18 vs 6:05)

[@theoldhobbit3640]

I really like the simplicity of this. Thanks for sharing.

[@KungFuMojo]

I'm curious.. Now that you've extended the lens, what's more important to keep steady? The body, or the lens hanging on the ribbon? Which part is more responsible for the shakiness of the video?

[@GoodVibesBoatRental]

With this same setup could you buy a longer ribbon cable for the lens so you could mount the box by the steering wheel column? Thanks for the video

[@B0M0A0K]

Excellent video, clear and easy to follow. Well done. Have you ever thought of using this as a motorcycle camera for your Honda?

[@CaptDavesSportfishing]

BEEN lovin' my 1st Mobius. I wear it around y neck to get "those moments". They need to add a loop, on the back end of the little mount it fits in for "wear'ers" like me, without riggin' up a neck lanyard..

[@1an3-80]

Hi. What did you use to fix the lense to the mirror mount? I'm thinking of using velcro to mount the main camera to the 'inside' of the mirror mounting on my megane, above the mirror, and putting the lense on the bottom of the mounting against the window, if I can mount the lense securely. This way, to the casual glance in, all that is visible is the lense. Keeps the main camera body away from the direct sun, too. Thanks.

[@joblessalex]

on those batteries vs capacitor, check the wire color! Sometimes they are weird backwards.

[@fentanylek]

Why did he do that? So battery wont explode?

[@Pabkojdim]

I like your setup and gadgets. I was wondering if there is a remote control system where I could mount the camera to move the camera left right up and down. If you could point me in the right direction. I would greatly appreciate that.

[@Derek_Read]

I really like the idea of the external camera on the cable. I think it would be excellent for mounting on a bicycle helmet for several reasons: It should be lighter (and so should also reduce shake, which my current Contour suffers from due to the extra mass), the main electronics would be safer if kept in a pocket or mounted elsewhere on your body (in case of crash and bad weather). For it to be useable the cable would need to be made significantly longer so that it could be run to the back of the helmet, down your neck and onto some part of your body, with the longest length perhaps letting you mount it at waist level (so maybe 1.5 meters). Best if the end near the lens had a few centimeters of springy (coiled) cable to allow for head movement. A new helmet mounting system would be needed (though I'm fine bodging things together myself). Some people might want the cable to be easily and repeatedly detachable with a really durable multi-pin connector without needing to open the case, since you may want to remove your helmet but leave the electronics on your body, especially if they are in a jacket pocket or something (though I could live with it being permanent if that meant it could be made more weather resistant and durable). One would want the external bits from the lens / camera all the way to the other end of the cable to be completely waterproof, ideally, so retrofitting the existing lens / camera seems unlikely. If it was offered with medium and long cable lengths permanently wired (or at least wired as in the current model) that would make things even easier.

[@Derek_Read]

A longer cable would also give more flexibility when mounting this in a car. Another benefit for the external camera on a bicycle helmet is that I get quite a few people asking me about it. When I explain it is to aid me in case of reporting a collision most people are happy with that, but a less conspicuous camera would be nice. The more streamline it can be mounted the better as it just looks better and does not catch the wind (which is why I did not get the very boxy GoPro and currently use a Contour Roam).

[@Derek_Read]

So, for the last two years I've simply had an intact Mobius mounted to the top of my bike helmet using a zip tie. The particular helmet I've got is contoured just right to nicely mount it near the front in a little bit of a flat area. It has mesh on the inside where the zip tie can be put through easily. I haven't had much luck with the internal batteries even after trying the larger capacity one, so I use an external power bank containing a single 18650 and a very small USB cable. This is velcroed (because I have a few and sometimes like to swap them) to the back of the helmet in another one of its contours. I've cut a small piece of thick plastic bag to cover the Mobius and keep that in place with small elastics. Works well enough for all the rainy weather we get in Vancouver BC. My power banks don't seem to be affected by the rain despite the fact that they are not rated IP-anything and I don't bother to cover them.

[@timothythomas1345]

Thank you for this tutorial . As this has made me think of possible options for other projects . That is of course if the ribbon cable for other cameras are readily sold and if so at various lengths . God Bless

[@firexbomber]

Do you think this would be a good idea to route the lense to the back of my motorcycle and hide the cam in the back seat? Or do u think it would vibrate too much? (2007 Yamaha r1) thanks!

[@k.zekeswaringen2122]

Very nice add-ons to the camera--- a capacitor is a good feature !!

[@Natterjak2012]

Hi Techmoan. Seems Mobius came out with a new wide angle lens (lens C). Is there a chance you might do a quick comparison between this new lens and the existing wide angle lens B, because I'm quite confused over which is best? Thanks!

[@RRSYSinfo]

This will be ideal formy next project. But may need three extender wires. Thanks. What's it like for low light.

[@russ3317]

forum.dashcamtalk.com/threads/mobius-b-lens-better-at-night-than-a-lens-v0-57-no-problem-for-me.3201/

[@sufyanbs]

The lens housing looks very similar to the small size security CCTV camera. I'm wondering if the lens is interchangeable as such ?

[@stevescam001]

Will the clock keep time while using the capacitor? If the time-stamp isn't correct the footage may not be admissible as evidence in court.

[@russ3317]

No. I've also put the capacitor in my Mobius, & time/date is apparently ok for a week or so if you drive infrequently. I drive every day, so I cannot vouch for this personally, but the capacitor was tested in this respect before being made available for sale to the public.

[@TheVideoVolcano]

yeah, but that time stamp isn't really evidence, as you could have added it in a editing software.

[@stevescam001]

Thanks. Good to know. I ordered my super capacitor last night.

[@januszbua4596]

do you know if it's possible to somehow rotate the lens 90 degrees, so the case can be mounted vertically to a helmet, just like contour? thanks

[@jnnz88]

Hi there techmoan, do you know if the lens extension cable would work with the G1W dashcam? I've been wanting to do this with the G1W, but I'm not sure if the lens extension cable would fit it. I notice they both use the Novatek NT96650 processor and the Aptina AR0330 CMOS sensor. Thanks.

[@sorinmiliescu]

You gent should have a look at the Innovv C3, camera, that is designed from start as a camera with an external lens. The lens cables are longer, and on top of that they can be extend. Also interesting is that they offer two lens, so u can choose on between 120 and 90 degrees cameras

[@hiroprotagonist525]

Brilliant! This is exactly what I want to do but I have no real electronic knowledge and was hoping to find such a tutorial. The main thing I hate about most all dash cams is they are not discrete enough and one runs the risk of having their car smashed in by some idiot who sees your gear and wants to steal it, which sort of defeats the purpose of a dash cam right there. But I always felt if I could take only the lens away from the body it would be much easier to hide. If you're ever looking for a project on a rainy Sunday, try to figure out how to hook up 3 cams together! This way you could film the front, the back and yourself all at once! Total coverage! Cheers!

[@100Livello]

Can this be done with a Mobius 2 as well?

[@royzki2010]

what capacitor did you used here ??? just wondering coz i have Mini DVR 808 keychain cam the battery already bloated out and i cant use it anymore. a little advice will help. thanks

[@adrianh8569]

if i wanted to buy just an "extension lens wire" but not buy the wide angle camera lens and battery i can do that right?... I've seen a few videos where people build the "extension cord" to the mobius but also buy the "wide camera lens" and "capacitor battery" like you did... no need right? ...i can still use the battery that is already built in?

[@wazim90]

Hi, how did you handle the wire to the cigarette plug? I couldn't see it from the angle showing the camera.

[@spark23ca]

wonder if this stuff would fit an 808 key cam or if they make hardware to do this on the 808...

[@Kajo123456]

this is an axcellent idea - I was thinking about the mobius camera, but was looking for something smaller... now I don't have to :) thanks!

[@KIZILIRMAK]

I would buy this cam if it had wifi funktion. I'm looking for a wifi small cam with very low power consumption because I want to connect to a small solar panel. I wanted to buy foscams but the Foscams have high power consumption. Is it possible to turn this Mobius to a wifi cam?

[@raymondo162]

+KIZILIRMAK SJCam SJ4000 is wifi enabled. £70

[@JoeGP]

with a better mounting option or some creative gluing you could leave the lens inside the case. Nice job and thanks for sharing.

[@zuam7645]

......the dash camera you built is gorgeous; My question, is it an also complete night-pitch dash camera recorder?

[@lvo3000]

Hi techmoan, came across this self-setting rubber called Sugru, you reckon that would be of some use with mounting cameras?

[@Fudders]

Sorry to butt in, but that's just what I was after, thanks!

[@PgPgDn]

As usual, excellent video! I appreciate all your videos and this is yet another that really gives some great ideas on doing more with the Mobius Actioncam! Keep up the good work! Incidentally, I saw where people were wishing the cable was longer.....I wonder if one could get several of those extension cables and 'chain' them together. The downside would be all those awkward connections every 6 inches.

[@russ3317]

Maximum available cable length is 8" / 20cm, as longer cables cause unacceptable video quality degradation.

[@hovermotion]

Is there a wifi version of this camera?as require remote opperation...

[@mikekingdom2774]

no =( there is SJ4000 WiFi version though (this one www.banggood.com/SJcam-SJ4000-WiFi-Car-DVR-Camera-Sport-DV-Novatek-Waterproof-p-939976.html?p=4H1016066273201207NC)

[@55Henni]

Great little Camera, I use it on my Quadcopter for aerial fotage, here some flights through the woods: Let´s Fly #4 Flying in the Woods with a Quadcopter

[@wimpog97]

Techmoan, have you noticed image quality changes of the wide-angle lens as compared to the standard lens?

[@russ3317]

See forum.dashcamtalk.com/threads/mobius-b-lens-better-at-night-than-a-lens-v0-57-no-problem-for-me.3201/ for comparison.

[@SillyW]

Can the mobuis be setup to record to external hard drive while setup as a dash camera?

[@cri24x36]

Hello, so it's loop recording. So at the best you record one "important moment " per memory card? Because there is no way to protect the file on the run?

[@jasonl4237]

What is the wide angle degrees? How do you know if the position you mounted, the shooting angle is correct view that you want?

[@justinbeck9382]

131 degrees

[@dimav83]

Thanks for the video - was thinking to get the same kit. If developer could add Parking mode, external GPS and some for of video-out - this would be an ultimate dashcam. (but even now it looks to be a very decent one)

[@fodolocraigo8426]

as always, great video. question, what's the best way to secure the ribbon you think? I think of doing some electrical tape, and maybe some m3 stickers to secure them. and, I'm trying to figure out the purpose of the capacitor. it already charges right? so what does it add?

[@rogerarias3052]

For how long does the camera record until the memory if completely filled? Could you write (or talk in a video) the process of how you do this?

[@PgPgDn]

When replacing the battery with the capacitor, does that mean that you will lose accurate date and time information while the unit is off? Is there a separate cmos type battery inside that holds the date and time?

[@russ3317]

I have the capacitor in my Mobius, & time/date is apparently ok for a week or so if you drive infrequently. I drive every day, so I cannot vouch for this personally, but the capacitor was tested in this respect before being made available for sale to the public.

[@amittrains3736]

I just wanted to know that is it possible to do this trick using any other lens setup(other than a mobius cam extension) or may be a different resolution lens? And by the way, you have got really great videos....Thanks in advance.

[@silla3033]

Could you provide the links of all of the components used except the camera as i cant access the websites you have provided.

[@HPKristensen]

How long can a cable be between Lensen and the camera? I need a minimum of 150 cm. I am super happy with my Mobius Dashcam.

[@Shah_tab]

Hello, with all these modifications, simply plug it into the 12v car socket, or one needs to use the 5v cable with converted(12 to 5 step down)

[@Alexandra-Rex]

That is pretty cool. This can have all sorts of uses. I must look into it. Does it have dashcam features like recording in segments and auto record when powered on etc.?

[@Kajo123456]

yep :) just browse techmoan's channel for mobius dash cam :)

[@julianrose810]

A nice project, just to let you know, the Innovv C3 is now available!

[@EuanTodd]

the best thing to use for the hole and for the joints is some of the sugru self drying rubber where you just knead it with your fingers then place it on so you could put the black rubber on it and make it look somewhat seamless and also make the joints quite abit stronger. you can get it in maplins of about 9 quid for a pack of 5 so its not expensive at all with the stuff you can do with it e.g. the camera and also for electronic diy that's what I use it for and it works fantastically for the price

[@bigbrother5777]

Hello Techmoan, just a quick question here. You said you had upgraded the firmware and in now has WDR. Can you say how good it is now in low light conditions?

[@richardpatrick32123]

Does the lens extension cable work with the newer mobius 2? And the capacitor?

[@CGNBacon]

Can you review the Mobius Waterproof Case Please?

[@mathyooo]

I was under the impression that the mobius board has overheating issues and is cased in aluminium... The case almost looked plasitic... Is your version plastic or aluminium? It's well painted if it is aluminium.

[@EvilDaveCanada]

is the ribbon on the camera the same ribbon that is used on the Raspberry Pi?

[@goebann4856]

Aren't you voiding the warrenty when taking apart the mobius, eventhough these are original mobius parts?

[@tbrowniscool]

Very good video, was surprised how amatuer you mounted it though :) Why dont you either cut a section of the read mirror out to hide it or find similar plastic box that looks car standard? That mobious is so simple and practical its a winner

[@Techmoan]

As mentioned in the video, I only put this together to show the various options available. It's up to each person to tailor this to suit their needs and car. My install was quick and temporary for the purpose of demonstrating the idea and concept.

[@alexharris9211]

I used this set up and mounted it above my rear view mirror. Great picture, worked really well. Unfortunately, the camera seems to interfere with the radio a lot. Can you suggest a way to reduce or stop this interference? Thanks

[@russ3317]

I don't recall any previous cases of a Mobius interfering with a car radio. It has no effect on mine. If the Mobius power cable passes near the radio, try re-routing it. You could wrap the Mobius in aluminium foil, being careful not to cover the heat-sink.

[@WideOpenChange]

Where can I get an extended lens wire that's 5 feet or more? I want to have a rear car camera and the actual device in the glove box.

[@sovak2others]

Dear Mathew, please let me ask you one short question: I just saw this review of hidden dash-cam of mobius camera and I am wonerring if I just missed something. How do I lock a video file of some event which I want to protect from deleting when using cam i loop mode? I hope my problem is clear. This would be by far the best dash-cam (quality/price/discreet size). Thank you in advance alan btw: thank you for your superb reviews. its a real value here on youtube :)

[@russ3317]

Pressing the M (Mode) button while recording, write-protects the file.

[@the1realanalogman]

Nice tutorial as always! I notice a lot of folks are suggesting to somehow stream or off-load captured videos from dash cams "on-the-spot", because sometimes the sd cards may be confiscated. Do you know any way to accomplish this? Perhaps via a cell phone connection or Bluetooth or wifi? I am using a Mobius. Thanks in advance.

[@iwantitpaintedblack]

You could use the AV out and record a backup on something else, like a tiny DVR or even a regular DVR with an SSD or something, stored behind the console, you could go even further and use FPV gear to wirelessly transmit AV and have DVR in the trunk

[@donspew]

Excellent job Tech!

[@SidLuther]

Need to ask a general question as I'm just about to receive two brand new cars in the family and want to fit two cameras (front and rear) in both. What.... after all the testing and reviewing you've done over the years....do you recommend? I was looking at the Vico Marcus 5 setups, the K1s systems or a setup with the Mobius as shown in this vid, but what would you reccomend. I hope to fit and forget and only really view if something should happen. What has the best image quality overall? Thanks in advance....

[@Techmoan]

Sid L they would all be fine, it really depends on your preference. You could also consider putting an 0806 in the front and a Mobius in the rear of the car.

[@johnwomersley1964]

i already use a mobius as a dash cam thanks to watching your videos & it works well but im looking to set up a rear facing cam as my car was hit from the rear by another car but he drove away before i could gt his plate number - could you recommend a small cam that i could use - any help welcome tanks.

[@russ3317]

Another Mobius. Most cameras are too large to put in the rear window, as it'll interfere with you view to the rear. Be creative with the mounting, see here for inspiration... forum.dashcamtalk.com/threads/mobius-mounting-solutions.2654/

[@johnwomersley1964]

russ331 got a second mobius & looked at many ways to attach i to my rear window but non worked that well so i went down the simple root & used Velcro strips to my headliner & so far so good but will make a more permanent mount later.

[@sandman3126]

can i get a extended lens wire for a FireFly Q6 Hawkeye 4K ?

[@eggfuyoung4799]

be nice if they made the camera wire with a grommet for the camera hole?

[@gains7455]

***** I thought the same thing, turns out a common vibration dampener seen in multirotors fit really well giving a much more polished look :)

[@atagent]

How's the video quality using the wide angle lens compare to the standard lens?

[@russ3317]

The B lens (wide angle) outperforms the A lens (standard) in low-light conditions... forum.dashcamtalk.com/threads/mobius-b-lens-better-at-night-than-a-lens-v0-57-no-problem-for-me.3201/

[@arongatt]

Is that a Norma capacitor ? Can't find on links . Thanks for the idea

[@crewerjimbo]

Hi, why do I have to use another lens? It's not possible to use built-in lens, just extend it with extension cable?

[@Bladsmith]

That was a wider angle lens he bought. You can use the stock one.

[@martinkoch4332]

How long can the camera record on this capacitor?

[@ertancakir1461]

+Techmoan hi :) great video. i have a few questions. can we do this for mobile phone ? brand of phoen samsung s4 mini. what kind of connection cable should I use ?

[@EXQCmoi]

Having seen this video, it inspired me to a new idea (and to be honest, I hope you see this as a challenge - our anyone else. I love almost everything about the Gitup2 (image quality, external mic, stablization, but not it's 'GoPro' shape. For moto vlogging this design really sucks. So i was wondering if it might it be possible to move the lens to the side of the housing with a extended data cable, creating a kinda Sony body? (with or without the original lens)

[@theodorstravels]

If the lens wiring could be made sturdier (and a tad longer) this can have great potential as in-helmet pov camera.

[@javim6094]

So I can find the super capacitor on any site to buy it and suggestions?

[@russ3317]

All Mobius-approved sellers stock the Capacitor... www.rcgroups.com/forums/showpost.php?p=25170905&postcount=2

[@samj1012]

if the capacitor doesn t wear out as a rech batt. then why are companies not adopting it ? and how much is the value you can use if battery is 3.7V

[@randymch]

Aaargh!!! I waited 4 weeks for the 20cm lens extender cable to turn up. Finally arrived yesterday but to my horror causes white speckles and colour flicker on the video. At £8 all in this wasn't a great loss but I had BIG plans in making the lens remote to the main unit (had used polymorphic moulding plastic to creat a tiny mount for the lens). Back to the drawing board :-(

[@kanasorama]

any link on which supercapacitor to purchase?

[@bladerunner2125]

Curious if the Super Capacitor for the Mobius could be used on the G1W Dash Cams?

[@russ3317]

Buy the G1W-C, which has a Capacitor... www.foxoffer.com/g1w-full-hd-1080p-vehicle-blackbox-dvr-no-battery-black-p-653.html#.UxlqBT9_uSo

[@bladerunner2125]

Already have a G1W just wondering if the Mobius Capacitor will work in it?

[@phils5982]

Where I live, in Massachusetts in the US, it is illegal to make recordings using a hidden camera. No problem with my Mobius on a suction cup windshield mount, but installing it covertly could cause problems. Just an FYI to check the local laws.

[@71mlevi]

thanks Is it possible to connect the lens directly to phone

[@josidarta6262]

I wonder whether I can use this as inside car security hidden camera, on which records the whole time (let's say for 7 days - on which the older files are removed automatically) by the software itself....the question is, how to power this for the whole weeks...

[@X3zi]

Mobius should make a Dancing Fountain Audio Player kit accessory. To pin on the dash. With more colorful leds. Water would dance as the road sounds come across.

[@AnonymousHackeR95020]

Hi, love your videos. Can you do a tutorial on how to create or a review on the best HD spy button camera? Keep up the great work. Cheers

[@oyvinator]

One could take a hotglue gun and glue the connector and lens-hole in the mobius. Hotglue dont conduct electricity, but the danger there would be melting the connector where the new lense is fitted.. it is a good way to make sure stuff holds up and to insulate aswell

[@TheDormonid]

does a mobius camera do real 60fps 720p video? or just doubles the 30fps ?

[@jckanzel]

Mobius does 720p 60 fps

[@mamupelu565]

Why when I click on the us ebay link it says: "Your search returned 0 items." ? (i am from brazil, maybe thats because)

[@MrJaviersola]

@techmoan Do you know if it is possible to mount this device on its side and still get a vertical picture?

[@Techmoan]

+Javier Sola You need to buy a Mobius with a 90º lens to get a landscape picture with the camera mounted sideways.

[@ballbag35]

+Techmoan I've just done a swap like in this video and now it appears to not work. When I turn on power a blue light flashes once on top then goes off, and a red light at the back flashes 3 times then goes off. Can't get it to charge or be recognized by my pc either. Any suggestions as to what is wrong? I also put back the old lens and same goes.

[@aaronncollier96]

Where can I get the capacitor if I'm in the US. I looked on the eBay and even the UK page and it's on neither of them.

[@russ3317]

Every Mobius-authorised seller listed at www.rcgroups.com/forums/showpost.php?p=25170905&postcount=2 sells the capacitor. You generally have to contact them to check price & stock availability. I bought mine from joovuu.com/gb/accessories-for-the-mobius/95-mobius-super-capacitor-.html