How to: Hardwire install a dash cam front + rear with parking mode

Guide to installing a dual dash camera wired into the car with properly concealed cabling, no permanent mods to the factory electrics, and auto drive/park switching with ignition.
This video covers a dual-circuit install with a "3-wire" power supply that taps into a permanent-live feed as well as an ACC or ignition switched feed, so the camera knows whether the car is parked or driving. It also incorporates a power saver to prevent the camera flattening the car battery when parked.
The dash cam featured is a Viofo A129 Duo.
Review: • Review: Viofo A129 Duo...
If you buy anything using my BlackBoxMyCar links, you get 5% off and so do I...
US: blackboxmycar.com?ref:craig | Canada: blackboxmycar.ca?ref:craigs
A129 Duo & accessories ~ US: bit.ly/2UjMzh4 | Canada: bit.ly/2GWTucR
Other countries, use code CRAIG5 at checkout.
Amazon US ~
A129 Duo: amzn.to/31rfuRN
Hardwire/parking kit: amzn.to/2yKsp54
Viofo store for other kits and accessories: amzn.to/31rs1EL
Amazon UK ~
A129 Duo: amzn.to/2KocpfG
Hardwire/parking kit: amzn.to/2YUeEeH
Viofo store for other kits and accessories: amzn.to/2KnQ8OU
Viofo website: www.viofo.com/en/home/79-72-a...
You can obviously do the wiring any way you like. The method shown uses fuse taps and a hardwired Viofo power supply and battery saver box. You will need:
* Dual dash cam with 3-wire power functionality, see above. (A simple USB powered camera cannot give you a true parking mode!)
* Cabling to suit.
* Power supply to suit camera, and battery saver box to kill power below set voltage. Shown is all-in-one to suit the Viofo camera but generic voltage cut-off can be done separately, e.g. Amazon links ~
US: amzn.to/2N5t8G9 | UK: amzn.to/2KHC3uA
* Fuse taps, make sure you get the right size. Amazon links ~
US: amzn.to/2j0Stko | UK: amzn.to/2o3nGZC
* Additional fuses to suit, 5 amps is about right.
* Other wiring and crimps or solder as required.
* Voltmeter.
* Tools to get behind trim. Socket or spanner to work nuts/bolts for ground terminal.
(Using the above links helps supports my channel and is appreciated!)

[@CraigsDIY]

Links (from the desc): BlackBoxMyCar for 5% off ~ US: blackboxmycar.com?ref:craig | Canada: blackboxmycar.ca?ref:craigs | Other countries, use code CRAIG5 at checkout. A129 Duo & accessories ~ US: bit.ly/2UjMzh4 | Canada: bit.ly/2GWTucR Amazon US ~ A129 Duo: amzn.to/31rfuRN / Hardwire/parking kit: amzn.to/2yKsp54 / Other kits and accessories: amzn.to/31rs1EL Amazon UK ~ A129 Duo: amzn.to/2KocpfG / Hardwire/parking kit: amzn.to/2YUeEeH / Viofo store: amzn.to/2KnQ8OU

[@ushackers]

Hey I want to know about the sponsored video. Can you provide some way to contact you? Not able to see your email or anything

[@rameshimontheeaglessidejav7518]

Very nicely done

[@valour10]

Thanks. I liked that you didn't go on with a lot of blah blah blah at the beginning. Straight into it and only showed what we needed to know. More people could learn from this.

[@johnwandle]

I've looked at many install video's, this one is the only that mentions hot side of the fuse and it's relevance to the fuse tap orientation. Brilliant.

[@Penguin545]

Speaking as a professional mechanic this was a very well thought out and executed install- the fuse taps are excellent to avoid modifying or damaging the factory wiring, the cables were well concealed and using the existing factory grommet for the rear brake light was certainly the best way to do it in spite of being more difficult. One of the biggest issues we see with installs like these would be a parasitic draw but the wiring kit addresses that with a power cut off. Absent the wiring kit the only way you could install one of these is in a “hot in run/ACC” power socket which would not permit parking mode monitoring. Older cars built in the 90’s have power at all times including key off so that would give you a parking video but it would be very power and memory intensive at 100% recoding and would kill your battery after a few days. The only thing I might add is it appeared you used a stud for the passenger airbag module for a ground- while that should be fine it’s generally best not to mess with airbag components such as mounting bolts. If you could find some other bolt that would probably be ideal but I don’t think you’ll have an issue. Airbag components are marked by bright yellow connectors in every car I know of. Great video and it brought up some considerations I hadn’t thought of conceptually before I install one in my car.

[@CraigsDIY]

Thanks.

[@kilbeam99]

I am very impressed by this video! You included every step in great detail. Even videos that are dedicated to dashcam placement did not go as in-depth as you did. Thank you very much for the time and effort you put in this video! Edit: fixed typo. Also, I installed an A129 in my car too! It works great

[@renaulttraficconversion]

Greetings from Australia. Thanks for the most comprehensive install video I have seen for this camera, Craig. I will now install mine in our Renault Trafic van.

[@rajnarulatrombone]

Hi Craig, I wish I found your video when you first posted it 3 years ago! A comprehensive and elegantly presented step by step instructional. Bravo!

[@fenrriho]

Sire, my respects, ur video is so far the BEST, with the exception of the whole pillar disassembly everything else is great!

[@mean1979Just]

Thanks Craig. You're a superstar for taking the time to put this together. Really apprecaited.

[@williamiwaniuk5561]

Extremely comprehensive video. Answered all of my questions, especially concerning the inline fuse wire taps.

[@scrapironfish]

Thank you very much sir. Text book video. Clear and straight to the point. I ordered my A129 dual with hardwire kit and should have it in a weeks time. I look forward to installing it as gracefully as you did. Now I'm going to go watch your review on the unit itself. Thanks again.

[@ongta1265]

WOW, this is the best dash cam installation ever. Thank you very very much for a thorough how-to video. Super well done! 👍👏 👊

[@cakeisalie]

superb guide, thanks! gave me the confidence to do this myself, I already have a kit ready on the garage table

[@coralking60]

A nice clear and concise how to video of a very good performance dash cam Thank you. I have installed the A119 v3 which is basically the same with no rear camera.

[@spudd1111111]

Awesome work! I did think about doing this a year ago but I just use a cygnett 27k powerbank with a male to female usb switch, put it in the centre console and ran the wires under the seat and along the trims up towards the dashcam. No issues even when under the 40 degree celcius heat here in Australia(I do try to park in shade if I can). Just something so much easier to do

[@kevinvincentoleary9054]

Nice clearly voiced video. Having now done a similar installation myself I can safely say that feeding cable to rear dash-cam through the rubber conduit is the most awkward bit of this, especially as the mini usb is a 90 degree version, which they often are.

[@sparklander]

Great video and I especially like the explanations concerning the orientation of the fuse tap. Your wiring work is so clean and neat also. Thank you!

[@cmonkey63]

After watching this helpful video (I bought this camera system so I'm interested) I went looking in the comment section, and NOT ONE silly high school joke about inserting or lubricating. I'm not even angry.

[@galileofig]

great video, a lot of effort put on installing the cameras and making the video at the same time! Very useful for my project, thanks!

[@lesmcqueen697]

Great video, thanks. I would say however, that to get the best view from the rear camera, give the external glass surface a good clean with warm water and detailing clay, then add a coat of RainX.

[@areynoso5660]

Excellent presentation all around! I no longer fear doing this myself.

[@investmentbroker]

Great stuff man, thank you! I just bought the 4k version and will be using this to install.

[@stub1116]

I really enjoyed that video, well explained and documented. Well done!

[@TheChilator]

Stu B agreed fantastic video thanks so much

[@laszlotelek3820]

The best dash cam installation video! Very useful. Thank you for that! 👍

[@thalisk.5763]

The man is an artist! Amazing video. Kudos!

[@jeffrsx2]

Excellent detailed how-to video, perfect amount of information provided. 👍

[@uss_04]

06:06 Your production has really gone up since the last few vids. Didn’t expect that unique camera angle at all.

[@piero1962]

Great video. Good pace with detailed specs. Thanks.

[@HandsONreviews4u]

Bloody well done chap......I bought that dash cam also. Actually I used to have the Fine Vu T9 2 channel dash cam. So like you I will be wiring it up the same as my old cam. But I did learn something new on your channel and that is the Tap wiring 😎👍....cheers mate🍺

[@Saxlicker]

Really useful to understand the battery saving settings. Thank you! Viofo don't seem to mention it anywhere.

[@llewellyn56]

great video.......very Good review....no short cuts.....The Best of All Reviews ( Dash Cam)

[@ncdogg425]

Thanks man this helped a lot. I thought I needed to run a wire through my firewall to my battery but I found a fuse that was on all the time my door lock. Couldn't find the emergency flashers though.

[@Sydney-Ghumo]

Great, descriptive video... thanks... loved the way you explained it.

[@BruceWayneOfOz]

Thank you for an Actual installation video! Very nicely-done! I'm almost Not Afraid to attempt mine now! And the link to Blackboxmycar made this camera system a Better Deal than at Amazon!

[@hughfranks1293]

Well done,you really put that over great.

[@__dudewitagun__4607]

great video craig, thanks for that lesson in dash cam installation

[@RestoreTechnique]

Super helpful, thanks! 👍 I don't know why they don't include the "add a fuse" adapters with the hardware kit though 🤔

[@ngbhutube]

Probably the best installation video I've ever seen! Great detail and it explained well especially on the vcc and acc power connections. Is the acc only used to tell the power pack that it is in parking mode and to cut off the power when the voltage is low?

[@alphazar]

Best video on the internet, tyvm

[@richardgraham65]

Thanks for the informative video, very interesting. What surprises me in virtually every installation video that uses high quality 3M double sided tape, not one person bothers to clean the mounting point with IPA or similar (as recommended by 3M) before install. You will be amazed at the extra strength of the bond if you give your mounting area a good clean prior to installation. You could mount that tape to an aircraft wing and it will become virtually permanent if cleaned first - Any dirt will seriously compromise your installation.

[@CraigsDIY]

And it's very awkward to ever get it off...

[@jj8526]

Great concise tutorial..👏👏

[@BrianWMay]

Thank you, very helpful and much appreciated.

[@whails]

Just finished installing the same camera to my car today and just came across your video which i wish i came across it sooner. my thoughts was pretty much the same as what you said only thing i did differently was i went with the cable to the side instead of the top (which i did at first but there was too much cable left over, so i had to take out and redo - -"

[@derrickubanks9543]

May be the best video yet👏🏽👏🏽 Awesome awesome job. If people have questions after this then something is not clicking up there..just saying

[@rayan5757]

A lot of information and a lot of respect bro 👍👌

[@fractalofgod6324]

Great video fella... Very helpful

[@wallycee1529]

This is a very comprehensive video, great job! I recently purchased a dashcam that came with a rear camera as well. I have been procrastinating about installing the rear camera as I did not want to mess with the routing of the cable to the front. I also have been procrastinating about hooking up the hard wire for the parking feature. Your video explained both processes in great detail so I will be working on it this weekend.

[@GeekoDesi]

Wow!! This guy is brilliant.

[@Club98000]

About to install this tomorrow, so set at 12.4V🤟

[@mark12810]

Good video on my rear cam I had no choice put to put it over the demister line on my car due to the way my rear window is. So far it's not damaged the heat lines in anyway. Only thing is when heat travels through it eventually it removes the adhesive on the rear cam so every now and then I need to restick it which is a bit annoying.

[@canpin]

First time to see your video and im quite impressed. Because of that, i subscribed which is unusual for me 😄

[@PCREVOLUTION]

Perfect guide thanks

[@mosheargaman9249]

excellent video guide indeed. i wish you had done a part about the wiring in the rubber part of the doors (instead of the headliner)

[@rodsmith2560]

Great video, well paced and full of useful info. Just a few comments for people doing an install, 1. please don't use knives etc. to prise off any plastic trim as you risk breaking or cutting something (voice of experience) 2. work slowly and don't route any wiring anywhere near heat sources - lights etc. Once again great video , todays temp. 32 deg. C (93 deg. F) in the shade so it will be interesting how my setup fares up in the summer heat. Cheers from Australia

[@ThatChampion]

These videos are great

[@g.fortin3228]

Buff the rear window with RainX original formula (in the small bottle, not in wiper fluid) and the water should not bother as much. Thank you for the insights here :- ) Great vid. I would think that the hazzard lights fuse would be live all the time.

[@ukdashcamz3580]

Fantastic video

[@gesmondfarrugia5506]

Great informative video

[@St0neC0ldGaming]

And after all that afford you sell your car 2 years later. Buyer: "I don't want that camera. Could you remove it please?" Respect for taking your time to make this video.

[@fuktiktok8611]

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

[@user-de6xq2df6g]

great video

[@mets23q]

Thanks ill know where to mount it now

[@jondellar]

Thank you so much for demystifying something which has always felt to me like a bit of a black art! 👍

[@mrillmakeit]

Beautiful

[@BillR1951]

Super video and great explanation of the steps to installation for the A129 DUO. . Question: To use the front camera in another car is a suction cup type mount available. Thanks in advance.

[@CraigsDIY]

Viofo do one but not for the GPS mount... amzn.to/2KKECNC / The reality is it would only be a few $ more for another GPS mount, and if you had it wired up properly that would save unplugging it too.

[@dabay408]

Thanks!

[@michaelnguyen8121]

Awesome video mate. Very helpful. I just want to clarify that the new fuse ampage that you put on the add a fuse must be equal to or less than the original fuse ampage that you took out from the fuse box? Is this correct ?

[@CraigsDIY]

No it becomes a separate circuit, it should have its fuse sized to suit the device it's powering.

[@kevinhughes9801]

Great video very detailed thank you! Please can you tell me wat that mini tripod is you had your mobile in?

[@CraigsDIY]

It's a Ulanzi aluminium mount on top of a generic tripod, it's ok but can get better I think, try looking: amzn.to/2MBf9su

[@mikepembo8297]

I'm keen to see whether the hard wire kit can be a DIY thing to give parking mode. My theory is that the USB jack is using the data lines for 5v in a non standard way to provide the parking power and the camera switches to that input if the normal 5v feed goes. The only other way I can see this working is if it uses the standard power pins and runs at 5v for normal use and then a lower voltage to switch over to parking mode. Would be great to get a multimeter on the USB pins to confirm

[@TharangaUdagedara]

Great video. Could you kindly show how to adjust the cpl filter?

[@CraigsDIY]

What do you mean adjust? It shouldn't need orienting.

[@TharangaUdagedara]

@@CraigsDIY Well there are some videos showing the cpl filter is oriented, but I still get the shadow of the dashboard

[@Haris-jl7hf]

Hi thanks for the video i have one question when camera works in parking mode overnight does it work al time or its working like motion detection

[@Josh-zy3lq]

Thank you,

[@ssgeek4515]

Great install. Think I may get a pro fitting because a year old motor under warrenty. pug 3008 thank you for the guide though especially power connection . interesting

[@derrickknight4985]

I cut a grove in the sticky pad for the rear camera so it can sit either side of a heated wire...

[@CraigsDIY]

Clever. Careful if/when you ever remove it.

[@farazmirza754]

Hello Craig, I enjoyed your video very much. Could you possible try hardwiring the A129 Duo on a minivan, such as a Honda Odessy or Toyota Sienna?

[@CraigsDIY]

I'm sure it's possible!

[@dointheokecoke5548]

nice job, hard enough doing the install without moving cameras around

[@apikipan192]

Thanks for the great guide. If I wanted to hardwire the camera however not use parking mode, would the kit still work with only the accessory cable wired (i.e the battery cable left disconnected), or do both need to be wired for the camera to function?

[@CraigsDIY]

I'm not sure, I presume it always gets power from the perm and the ACC connection is just a switch, so you would better wire it as intended and then just disable the parking mode on the camera functions. Which also retains the option for the future. But you can save a bit of $ and just get a camera without a dedicated parking mode, like the A119 to speak of Viofo, and eliminate the 3-wire kit at the same time so you just wire its power to ACC or ignition and then it's hard-off with the key.

[@uss_04]

Can you take a look at the “Bluetooth” button that is an accessory for this. Supposedly it can be used as a button to quick save vids without having to reach for the camera.

[@canpin]

Very nice video. I just hope.after installation you showed or tested the parking mode...if i remember correctly, you set it up with timelapse did you say? That means g-sensor is not the trigger here in case of an emergency, am i right? Anyway i just subscribe, i find your video quite clear and helpful. Thanks

[@CraigsDIY]

Watch the review, it overviews the parking mode on this camera. The G sensor is always active, but with time-lapse mode the only thing it does is lock the current recording. I've never seen that happen, but then I'm not willing to test it...

[@icomewithflaws1713]

I was wondering if this video and your previous video hardwiring a dash cam could be combined? I was thinking the dash cam USB plugging into one and the phone plugging into the other and then cutting the mini USB end off of the hardwire kit and splicing it into the opposite end of the 2 USBs? Would that work? I don't have a Viofo as it was out of my current price range but was trying to figure all of this out with an Apeman that has a parking mode as well.

[@contrale11111]

Great video Craig. I watched some of your videos and I wanted to know if you had any recommendation for a Hybrid car (I got a 2019 KIA Niro Hybrid) dashcam hardwire connection. I have read that Hybrid cars have smaller 12V batteries and that would probably consume the battery of it really fast (I want to be able to use parking mode). I don't have $300 for an external battery.

[@CraigsDIY]

A number of factors. First you should find out the actual capacity of your car's battery for sure, so you know. It may not be so bad. Then, how long do you want the parking mode to work for, and with what balance of wear on the battery. E.g. as explained in my video(s), I set the battery saver to the most conservative (highest voltage) setting, to minimize wear, and I get roughly 12 hrs out of the parking mode. That's good enough for me but other situations may call for more, whereas some people may only care about the 30 mins in the supermarket car-park. Finally, if you're not in a very hot environment you could add in a li-ion powerbank on the perm power side for much less than $300.

[@contrale11111]

@@CraigsDIY I emailed Kia to get the information about the battery's capacity (I couldn't find that info in the owner's manual). I only need approximately 3 hours of recording, no more. Thanks for taking the time to answer.

[@Xodia91]

Hello Craig Im planning to fit my A119v3 dashcam this weekend Just needed some advise What fuse do I use for the camera in the fuse tap? Is this mentioned anywhere or does it come with the camera? Us used a 5A in this video but how do I find out which one I will need for me A119v3? Thanks in advance

[@BlaBla-qs6oe]

Hi, great video, i checked the link but am unsure what fuse clips to use can you send a link to the fuse clips to your from please, am worried i might blow the car :D please help thanks

[@EdAwelo]

Awesome video, but I have a question, does the red and yellow cables from the hardwire need to go to an specific fuse? I mean, like the yellow to the switched and the red to the live one, or it doesn't matter? Thank you in advance =D

[@CraigsDIY]

Yes yellow is for ignition/accessory, red is live/permanent.

[@chriswalker4272]

I wonder if this is a standard wire colour protocol, because my new Halo Pro usbC is 12V direct feed, not 5v, and when I open the 12V adapter theres a yellow and a red positive joined. So I was figuring I can separate these, and connect through an inline fuse each to the ignition powered yellow and always on red respectively. Great video thank you sir 👍

[@hanabih6041]

Thanks for the video. nicely explained! Quick question: does the camera record from the rear and front based on motion in the parking mode? How does it decide what to record when the vehicle is parked? Cheers

[@CraigsDIY]

Just based on motion in the frame. In the real world it's not very useful, unless you're always parking in a closed garage or similar. Watch the review of the camera linked above.

[@hanabih6041]

@@CraigsDIY Is funny cus I watched the first few seconds and you can see a cart hitting the car. The reason I need to record it when parked is my neighbors kids climb on the hood or touch the hood with dirty hands hours after I get it washed. I need to catch them doing it and unfortunately haven't been able to. Hoping the cam will pick this up. That is the main reason I want one. 2 ch because I got side swiped by someone trying to parallel park (basically hit and run)

[@CraigsDIY]

You'll be better off using the stop motion mode, see the review.

[@jackeroo75]

How about an installation for Garmin dash cam front and rear?

[@garydsouza2335]

hi will this type of wiring record while your parked up, and not flatten the battery

[@Lee-xt5wi]

My accessory fuse slots show 12v when ignition is on. But when off, they seem to always show a residual voltage of 3v. Is this normal?

[@utubegoogle]

COOL

[@showmytime9177]

a very good guide of "how to fuck up your battery forever" that shitty HK3 box WON'T turn off when the battery goes flat, thus killing the battery in about 2-3 weeks (maximum) since last charge/car start.

[@colomacountry]

Awesome video, thank you so much. Can you please help me choose this camera or another. My issue is that I want the camera to only record detection when the car is parked. For example I went to the lake the other day, and somebody scratched the crap out of my hood, G shock did not detect this, so motion sensing would have been helpful here. What do you think, as a lot of these dash cams behave very differently depending on how they are powered, even if your USB or cigarette plug has constant power. Thanks!!

[@colomacountry]

I also wanted to add, that my camera currently, records my garage wall for 12 hours every night even with motion sensing turned on which is really annoying. It's the Crosstour CR900, which is very similar to this one you reviewed. Maybe I have it wired up wrong??

[@CraigsDIY]

The motion sense parking mode does more or less work, and it 'should' capture an event like your example, and equally should not just record your garage wall all night. I don't know about Crosstour. The parking mode is different to the driving mode and you see the camera switch, and recordings are labeled differently - watch my separate review on this A129 if you're interested, this video is just about the install.

[@colomacountry]

@@CraigsDIY Yes, I can see they put some time into designing buffered parking mode with the 1.8 software upgrade. This could be the best cam on the market for the price if it all actually works, unlike all this other crap I've been testing on Amazon. Details below, and thanks again! www.viofo.com/en/blog/advanced-buffered-parking-mode-b22.html

[@kirkresty297]

You have any videos of the parking mode set up? Like parking mode detection? Low or medium etc. Im confuse where to set the parking mode.. not sure about time lapse 1fs etc. Or should i choose auto event detection?

[@CraigsDIY]

Watch the linked review, it over-views the options and gives my opinion. Auto event detection doesn't work very well in the outside world.

[@merrichoang6858]

Why did you plug the power cable directly into the unit instead of the gps module?

[@davidmeredith2695]

Question. I have a jomise cam and had used a hardwire kit connected to a permanent live spare fuse. When my car stops at lights the engine turns off. When it turns back on the camera switches off. Any clue?

[@daohuynh5121]

Good video. One question though, if I use the cigarette power then even when I turn the car off, the camera still records after I turn off the car and lock ? Will this drain my battery? I obviously do not know much about car 🙂 . . .

[@CraigsDIY]

That is the point of hard-wiring.

[@sevenfeng1249]

Hello, may i ask you to test our wireless rear view camera ?

[@poragburagohain87]

Which coloured cable goes into the constant power source and which coloured cable goes into the ignition power source??

[@Dog_in_tree]

I'm too worried about pulling panels off my interior for the wiring. I tried that with my last car and couldn't get them properly reattached.

[@petertorro]

Good review. I have a campervan and i wanne use the campervan batterie (not use for starting the car) .I wanne use the buffered parking mode , its only workes when it get a signal to get in parkingmode when you switch off the engine. In my case it don't get a signal because the campervan batterie is not connected with that contact. Is there a manner to fix this?

[@CraigsDIY]

I don't quite follow, are you suggesting you don't want to use the drive mode? If you do (want to use it normally), then you would connect the power to your main battery, and the ACC switch to your ignition circuit. When ignition is dead then obviously the parking mode will only run off the battery. When ignition is on, it will turn on to drive mode, and I assume your battery is charged by the engine. If the two batteries (main and starter) are floated separately, you might just check with a multimeter to ensure there's nothing weird going on if the two circuits are at different voltages, but it should be ok.

[@thursocaddy]

Hi I have a vauxhall insignia 2016 will this go in my car and can you please tell me all the stuff you have in the video so I can order it ?