ROVE Mini-USB Hardwire Kit (Install Prep, Connections & Fuse Taps Explained)

[@AlexAutoFun]

Hi Everybody! And here is my hardwire installation video kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4vTamiEl7Ofo68 and here is my video on how to install Fuse Taps kzbin.info/www/bejne/h6vaaqyLjrNqsNE Hope this helps, Cheers!

[@bentnickel7487]

One reason I like your videos, is that they are so comprehensive, yet not so sophisticated that a novice (like myself) gets lost in the first few minutes.

[@AlexAutoFun]

Thanks Bent Nickel! yeah I try to find a balance between overwhelming technical information and plain speak LOL 😀

[@vimalalwaysrocks]

This is the best.. I enjoyed the sounds you made of turning screws and "wooop" for the fuse in and out.

[@AlexAutoFun]

LOL!! Thank you Vimal! I glad to hear that man! 🍻

[@robestey5628]

Thank you so much - great explanations with demonstrations.

[@AlexAutoFun]

You're welcome Rob!

[@GTVAlfaMan]

I must get this hardwire power kit. I’ve had so many 12volt dash cam plugs fail because the wire frays or breaks at the plug that goes into the 12 volt outlet.

[@AlexAutoFun]

Yeah It's a pretty good kit, I was surprised how much stuff they packed into the small box it came in (I bought a second one already LOL!)

[@bentnickel7487]

I would like to see the details of moving a battery from the engine bay to the trunk and/or leaving a battery in the engine bay and adding a battery to the trunk, while charging both batteries using the vehicle's alternator.

[@AlexAutoFun]

I may do a battery relocation video, it's a little involved but I do have a car or two that I been wanting to try that on. Will let you know if I do!

[@inNYCC]

Awesome video. Very informative

[@AlexAutoFun]

Thanks Cesar! Glad to hear it helped, Cheers!

[@deanbriggs1808]

I just hooked this hardwire kit up to my Carchet dashcam, verified ! It works on this dashcam. NOW ! Let’s see if it drains my battery

[@AlexAutoFun]

Hi Dean! nice! thanks for confirming, if you find that it needs more power (some mirror dashcams are power hungry) here is the other hard wire kit for it amzn.to/37dv3kP but I do prefer the Rove just because it comes pretty much ready to install making the whole process easier..

[@deanbriggs1808]

Well……. It worked for about 10 minutes, then it would turn off & on. I tried every configuration but still the same turning off & on. Back to the cigarette lighter cable…..

[@AlexAutoFun]

@@deanbriggs1808 Ahh yeah that makes sense, LCD mirrors are power hungry and is likely pulling in excess of 2A which exceeds the Rove's 2A max. The one I linked earlier is the one I used for mirror dashcams it outputs a full 2.5A...

[@ttrueplaya]

Спасибо. Хорошего вам дня

[@AlexAutoFun]

You're welcome, Cheers from California!

[@ttrueplaya]

@@AlexAutoFun regards from sunny Israel!

[@ABD4VIDS]

Excellent

[@AlexAutoFun]

Thanks Andy!

[@jalmoore9953]

Ah, I take back my initial statement. Yes, Rove makes the ROVE R3 Ultimate 3-Lead USB Type-C Hard Wire Kit for Dash Cam. Folks will need this version for the WolfBox G850 model. Original Queston: Do you have a recommendation for a USB-C adapter from this power line into the mirror (such as the Wolfbox G840). The newer Wolfbox G850 4K has a USB-C power and Rove doesn't appear to have a kit with the USB-C adapter, nor do other makers

[@AlexAutoFun]

Hi JaI! typically recommend sticking to the matching hardwire kit for the dash cam, so for Wolfbox I use the Wolfbox kit here wolfbox.com/product/hardwarekit/?ref=RutnQdFA8PgPy (also avoid issues with warranty if something where to happen). Mirror dash cams are power hungry, double check the AMP requirement of the G850 to make sure you are not exceeding it (which can lead to stress and damage both the dash cam and Rove hardwire kit) the Rove is capped at 2A, so far all the mirror dash cams I tested need 2.5A or more, here is another video where I cover this in detail kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5zcapKqiduqg8U Hope this helps bud!

[@jalmoore9953]

Much Thanks. I agree with your logic on using the WolfBox hardwire kit for warranty considerations. There are some glare issues with our install but adjusting the mirror seems to help. I also think my dad's 2008 Avalon needs tinted windows as that would help. Any other suggestions?

[@AlexAutoFun]

@@jalmoore9953 Hi Jal! ah yes the infamous glare unfortunately all mirror dash cams are plagued by this to an extent. However here is what I found works good to reduce it. 1st is window tint (sides only not on the rear if camera is mounted inside the car). 2nd I aim my mirror dash cam down towards the seats so I don't get the reflection of the bright outside (however this assumes your are using the dash cam with the screen on) Some mirror dash cams do come with glare reducers like this one kzbin.info/www/bejne/kIa4i3yZgKmSo8k or this one kzbin.info/www/bejne/mofGl3mMgaiLmLs But so far there are no universal ones since most of this mirrors have custom shapes. However I had other viewers mentions they cut a large screen glare reducer for tablets down to shape. Hope this helps and cheers!

[@ArcadeObsessed]

hello, so I have a question that is driving me quite crazy by the way I love your videos. My question is I have one of those fancy dash cam reverse mirrors. The cable that came with it is 5V 3A, but I want to use the Rove Ultimate Hardwiring Kit which as you know Is Rated at 5V, 2A my mirror is USB C same as Kit will it be fine use ?

[@AlexAutoFun]

Hi Arcade Obsessed and thank you! Ah yes regarding the Rove Ultimate hardwire kit, correct, it does not have enough power capacity to power a mirror dash cam. Hope this helps, Cheers!

[@Handy.Dandy7]

Hello brother. 0:33 You said this kit is used with micro USB connectors. Could you please provide feedback for those of us with dash cams that have USB-C? Is there a better solution? I am aware of conversion adapters for micro USB to USB-C. But is there another kit entirely available that goes straight to USB-C? Or maybe perhaps you have a video on this? Thanks for your feedback.

[@AlexAutoFun]

Hi Orlando! this kit uses the Mini-USB connector, however here is the USB-C version kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKqQhamIo82HqZY Hope this helps, Cheers!

[@Handy.Dandy7]

@@AlexAutoFun - oh man, I just finished purchasing the older model. Like, 2 minutes ago. I can stop it now and purchase the other one. Is this okay?

[@Handy.Dandy7]

@@AlexAutoFun - Okay, I just canceled it. Right on time. Bro, you are absolutely amazing. I am binge watching all your videos for dash cam hardwired kit installations. I have your videos on a playlist in chronological order of release. I cannot thank God enough for people like you.

[@AlexAutoFun]

You're welcome Orlando! Glad to hear they helped, Cheers!

[@bingqingwang6484]

hi thanks for the video. got a question, you mention that the fuse box cover cannot cover the box once hardwired. Any alternative cover that we can use? I suppose the fusebox cover will help to protect the box in this way or another. Thanks.

[@AlexAutoFun]

Hi Bingqing! Yes here is one alternative kzbin.info/www/bejne/j3bOnaBvi5urj6c the other way to do it is with IDC connectors or solder splicing. Here what the process for IDC connectors looks like kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnmqqaqroa6Dm9U and I have a solder video coming soon, stay tuned. Hope this helps, Cheers!

[@HenriLapid]

liked it! do you think that it will support a USB hub for 3 or 4 cameras?

[@AlexAutoFun]

Hi Henri! Ah good question, remember the kit can only output 2A, remember most dashcams will use 2A (or more in the case of 3 channel dash cams or mirror dash cams) so if you attempt to connect multiple dash cams to it, it will exceed the power rating of the kit. Hope this helps, Cheers!

[@mr.boniato6402]

What size is the USB connector that goes on the camera? The kit doesn't show me the USB size.

[@AlexAutoFun]

Hi Mr. Boniato! You can see the size of the connector at the 0:24 mark. Hope this helps, Cheers!

[@jaymoralucifer]

So if the regular fuse is labeled 10 for the lighter then what fuse should I put for the dash cam on top of fuse tap

[@AlexAutoFun]

Hi Jay! The Amp rating of the fuse for the hardwire kit is determined by the hardwire kit being used (some kits have higher Amp requirements and some have lower amp draw). Here is my follow up video kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5zcapKqiduqg8U where I explain how hardwire kits work and the different features to look for. Cheers!

[@joshuahiggins5313]

Does the fuse have to be yellow for it to be an accessory? Red fuses are accessory too?

[@AlexAutoFun]

Hi Joshua! Nope, the color of the fuse determines it's amperage rating. it has nothing to do with ACC and BAT. Here is my follow up video where I cover how I find ACC and BATT on any car kzbin.info/www/bejne/gWPMfIugbZdma5Y However I strongly recommend profession installation due to the dangers mentioned on that video if erroneously tapping a critical system of the vehicle and the dangers involved with air bags mentioned on this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4vTamiEl7Ofo68 Cheers!

[@JustWasted3HoursHere]

One thing that I've always wondered about parking mode and these hardwire kits: When you have the car on and it's recording in its normal mode, and then you turn the car off, does the dashcam automatically switch to parking mode (which may be a different method of recording than normal mode - maybe a time lapse, or only recording when it senses motion or the g-sensor) or does it just record continuously as though you always have the car on?

[@AlexAutoFun]

Hi! Correct, most dash cams will switch to parking mode when they are hardwired and the car is off (and parking mode is enabled in the menu). The method for recording is also exactly as you described, depending on the dash cam it may let you select, normal recording, Time Lapse, impact only, motion detection, proximity detection, low bit recording etc. Hope this helps, Cheers!

[@JustWasted3HoursHere]

@@AlexAutoFun Good to know! Hey, I just finished installing my second dashcam today: A Rexing dual camera setup (V1P). When running the line for the rear camera I ended up being about 1 foot short of wire, so I had to buy a 1 foot extension adapter. Have you found that these kits typically come with enough cable (front/rear or both) or barely enough?

[@AlexAutoFun]

@@JustWasted3HoursHere Ah so far I have not had the need to use extension cables on the installs I done, that being said I only done cars, SUV's and Vans (I think the trick to it is that I go the shortest route as far as routing the cables go, both to reduce labor time and also to minimize the need for an extension). I actually always end with quite a bit of extra cable that I to hide LOL but I would suppose that an extension would be needed for Large trucks and other extra long vehicles. Hope this helps, Cheers!

[@Mr.ostomate]

How do I know what amp fuse do I use on the top one that connects to the dash cam

[@kikeperdomo1735]

Do you think this kit the Rove R2-4K Ultimate, would be better then the "(VIOFO)TYPE-C HK3-C HARDWIRE KIT CABLE FOR A139/A139 PRO DASH CAMERA" If I'm planing to get the VIOFO A139 PRO? thanks for any input and great videos.

[@AlexAutoFun]

Hi Kike and thank you! Ah yes I really like the Rove ultimate kit, as you can see in the video, it just comes fully loaded with everything needed for install. That being said, I always recommend running the matching hardwire for your dash cam, so if you have a Viofo, I would use a Viofo hardwire kit to ensure there are no issues with warranty down the road due to using a different kit. However that are some viewers out there who do run a different kit (I done it to at times LOL) so it think it comes down if you are willing to risk issues from using a different hardwire or prefer dealing with the kit that matches your dash cam (even if it's not a full featured kit). Hope this helps, Cheers!

[@Chitown388]

does this mean a hardwire kit is custom for a specific dashcam? In other words, there is no universal hardwire kit for all types of dashcams?

[@AlexAutoFun]

Hi Chitown 388! While I may be possible to use a different hardwire kit on a dash cam, I usually recommend sticking to the matching hard wire for the dash cam (brand matching) to ensure that there are no functional issues or issues with warranty coverage. Here is my video where cover hardwire kits and their differences in more detail kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5zcapKqiduqg8U Hope this helps, Cheers!

[@catherinejaca4490]

Hi, i was just wondering if I can substitute power bank instead of buying a hardwire kit? Thanks in advance!

[@AlexAutoFun]

Hi Catherine! Yes some people do use power banks to power their dashcams, there are some disadvantages to do doing so, one being that you will have to manually charger your power bank every so often, parking mode will not enable as it required the hardwire kit to do so, and typical power banks do not last as long as normal due to the high (or low) temperatures a can experience when parked. Hope this helps and thanks for watching!

[@johnd4941]

i did exactly like your video but when i start up the car the dash cam doesnt turn on. do you know what might be my issue

[@AlexAutoFun]

Hi John! I would have the installer confirm all connections to confirm they connected to the correct locations for ACC and BATT (I seen cases where the connections for ACC and BATT are reversed or connected to the incorrect locations that do not provide power at the correct time for both ACC and BATT leading to the kit not working correctly) In rare cases you may also have a defective hardwire kit or dash cam, which again your installer can confirm for you. Lastly you can also contact Rove for tech support, they may be able to walk you thru some troubleshooting steps. Hope this helps, Cheers!

[@johnd4941]

@@AlexAutoFun I will check the connections again and retest it

[@johnd4941]

@@AlexAutoFun thank you for your help

[@AlexAutoFun]

You're welcome John and here is my video where I cover the hardwire install in more detail kzbin.info/www/bejne/gWPMfIugbZdma5Y Cheers!

[@BernieAnti]

My hardwire kit has only two wires; the earth wire and a red wire for power. Does that mean it will run down my battery?

[@AlexAutoFun]

Hi Bernie! Ah remember some hardwire kits have a low voltage cut off to reduce the chance of draining your battery and some do not have that cut off. Your installer can likely confirm if your does have it. Cheers!

[@harrygomez8113]

I'm thinking of the wolfbox 840h, Are the fuse ratings the same or do they change depending on the camera?

[@AlexAutoFun]

Hi Harry! nice! the Wolfbox is 840H is a very good dash cam, mine is still going strong too! (used on a vehicle that goes off-roading and on trails) Regarding the fuses yes I seen different ones used on hard wire kits, the most common is the 15amp blue fuse, which I believe is the one that comes with the WolfBox hard wire kit amzn.to/3jv0tcl I would recommend you use the Wolfbox kit if you are going to use with a WolfBox mirror dash cam (The Rove one may not have enough power for mirror dashcams, they typically use higher amperage hard wire kit). Hope this helps and thanks for watching bud!

[@trentonc9141]

I'm curious about something, I've seen other hardwire kits and they have two wires (a ground and red). I figures the red goes to the constant power. To have parking monitor/survailance, do we need to get a kit with three wires (black red & yellow) or does the two wire do the same thing? Thanks

[@AlexAutoFun]

Hi Trenton C! ah good question, yeah some hard wire kits only use 2 wires instead of 3 wires. On a 2 wire kit, sometimes only constant is used, but it depends on the kit, some use only switched power. I cover this on more detail on this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/j5zcapKqiduqg8U Hope this helps and cheers bud!

[@RamT-n1s]

Hi Alex I enjoy your reviews and got Rove hardware kit with a question and would like to get some help. I got at least 3 spare 10 amps can I use them for "ACC" ? This Hyundai Sana Fe 2024 model and wish I can upload my fuse box photo. none of the 10 amps says ACC label - any suggestion would appreciate your help.

[@AlexAutoFun]

Hi Ram! Here is my follow up video where I cover how I find ACC and BATT on any vehicle kzbin.info/www/bejne/gWPMfIugbZdma5Y However I strongly recommend profession installation due to the dangers mentioned on this video if erroneously tapping a critical system of the vehicle and the dangers involved with air bags. Cheers

[@RamT-n1s]

@@AlexAutoFun thank you.

[@AlexAutoFun]

@@RamT-n1s You're welcome!

[@nealbhatt8098]

Hi AutoFun - I have bought Rove R3 and the R3 hardwire kit. Do I have to find a 5amp ACC and Constant or 10amp or 15AMP slot on the fuse box that can also be used?

[@AlexAutoFun]

Hi Neal! ah good question, no the amperage rating is for the fuse itself not the circuit of the vehicle. Here is my most recent video on the hard wire install kzbin.info/www/bejne/q4vTamiEl7Ofo68 Hope this helps bud!

[@nealbhatt8098]

@@AlexAutoFun -- I found your videos pretty helpful, and thank you for the prompt reply.

[@AlexAutoFun]

@@nealbhatt8098 You're welcome! and thank you Neal!

[@KirbysBack]

What car is this that you worked on? :)

[@AlexAutoFun]

Hi Kirby! That is Corolla, however here is my follow up video showing how I find ACC and BATT on any vehicle kzbin.info/www/bejne/gWPMfIugbZdma5Y Cheers!

[@capone_rd_809]

the issue I ran into while using a hardwire kit is that it would kill my car battery. so now I don't trust any hardwire kit

[@AlexAutoFun]

Hi THECIGARPROMOTERS! Yeah there are some hardwire kits out there without a low voltage cut off or with the low voltage cut off but set at too low of a voltage (non adjustable) than can cause this. The neat thing on the Rove one is that you can fully control when it should shut off preventing draining your battery and leaving you stranded. Hope this helps and thanks for watching!

[@mattf4691]

This is what happened to me using the Plozoe hardwire kit. Its supposed to cut off 24/7 power to the cam when the voltage drops below 11.7 which I'm guessing is on the low side. But it even says in their manual to turn off constant power if not using the car for a long time or it will kill the battery. That's what happened to me. I don't use my car often but I thought I would I would be fine as long as it stopped power to the cam when it reached 11.7 but it killed my car battery instead. In your opinion, if I put the Rove on the highest volt setting but don't use the car for a long time, say 2 weeks of constant 24/7 recording, will the same thing happen or will I be ok?

[@capone_rd_809]

@@mattf4691 you will better off paying to hard-wire your dash cam anything plugged into your obd constantly can be an issue and can even cause computer problems in the long run

[@mattf4691]

@@capone_rd_809 not sure what you mean. It IS hardwired to a constant hot fuse

[@capone_rd_809]

@@mattf4691 it needs to be wired to an area in your car that when the car shuts off the camera shuts off not where its still sucking power because it will kill your battery

[@ericcontreras7044]

Dude, Where is my car?!