Dash Cam Install in my Bolt Premier

tk1971 · Apr 22, 2017

Finally got around to installing the Ambarella Mini 0801 dash cam. The Bolt Premier has a 12V ignition switched source at the digital rear view mirror.

Removal of the cover:

Untitled by tk_1971, on Flickr

Details of the cover:

Untitled by tk_1971, on Flickr

Untitled by tk_1971, on Flickr

Here's the connector for the digital rear view mirror that I'll be tapping into for 12V IGN and ground:

Untitled by tk_1971, on Flickr

Purple is 12V IGN and black is ground:

Untitled by tk_1971, on Flickr

A little slicing with a new razor blade:

Untitled by tk_1971, on Flickr

All soldered up:

Untitled by tk_1971, on Flickr

12V to Left Angle USB
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00U2DGI10/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

A little double sided tape for the 12v USB adapter:

Untitled by tk_1971, on Flickr

Untitled by tk_1971, on Flickr

1st cover back on:

Untitled by tk_1971, on Flickr

2nd cover back on:

Untitled by tk_1971, on Flickr

Pictures of the finished project:

Untitled by tk_1971, on Flickr

Untitled by tk_1971, on Flickr

The only thing remaining is installing some kind of circular polarizing filter. The slope of the windshield results in a lot of glare.

Anonymous · May 5, 2017

Thanks for the detailed tutorial! I'm gonna try this this weekend with my Viofo A119

oilerlord · May 5, 2017

Nice install! I usually run my dashcam power cables along the top and side of the windshield, then down to the fusebox, but I like what you did on yours. Pretty handy to have the 12v available so close to the camera. Not sure why dashcams don't come standard on all vehicles these days, but I suppose it could be a privacy issue. At some point, we may see micro USB power connectors as standard on rear-view mirrors to plug in phones, gps, dashcams, etc.

tk1971 · May 6, 2017

I think micro USB connectors are too fragile. Mini USB seems to be very robust.

I've had to constantly replace cords on my devices and in one case the port itself on my Kindle Fire's main board. But I've never had issues with mini USB.

I always try to choose mini USB for all my car gadgets.

Anonymous · May 7, 2017

I am a little confused (pre-coffee perhaps):

Is this below the rear-view mirror?

Is this cam front view only, or can it record both directions?

I drive some Uber and was thinking both directions might be helpful.

tk1971 · May 8, 2017

MichaelLAX said:
I am a little confused (pre-coffee perhaps):

Is this below the rear-view mirror?

Is this cam front view only, or can it record both directions?

I drive some Uber and was thinking both directions might be helpful.

It's mounted on the windshield below the black plastic box and in front of the rear view mirror.

One direction only. You can run another 12v and put another camera facing inwards, but the windshield's getting crowded already.