Omega Owners Forum

Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: Auto Addict on 23 May 2021, 13:58:10

Title: ODBII power adaptor
Post by: Auto Addict on 23 May 2021, 13:58:10
Thoughts on using to power a dash cam please.
Title: Re: ODBII power adaptor
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 23 May 2021, 14:39:51
Personally, I would go straight to the fuse box...
Title: Re: ODBII power adaptor
Post by: Nick W on 23 May 2021, 14:41:04
They're quite chunky, and you still have to run the power lead to the top of the screen. That always looks terrible unless you can hide all of it behind the trim panels.
A 12v to USB socket adapter is tiny, and cheap; one with just output leads is even more compact.
I would be looking for an ignition switched live near the courtesy light. I used the sunroof feed when I fitted a dashcam to the Omega.
Title: Re: ODBII power adaptor
Post by: STEMO on 23 May 2021, 14:43:41
They're quite chunky, and you still have to run the power lead to the top of the screen. That always looks terrible unless you can hide all of it behind the trim panels.
A 12v to USB socket adapter is tiny, and cheap; one with just output leads is even more compact.
I would be looking for an ignition switched live near the courtesy light. I used the sunroof feed when I fitted a dashcam to the Omega.
Ignition switched would turn it off when parked up though. Some folk like it on (or, at least, motion sensor switched) permanently.
Title: Re: ODBII power adaptor
Post by: Andy B on 23 May 2021, 15:44:33
They're quite chunky, and you still have to run the power lead to the top of the screen. That always looks terrible unless you can hide all of it behind the trim panels.
A 12v to USB socket adapter is tiny, and cheap; one with just output leads is even more compact.
I would be looking for an ignition switched live near the courtesy light. I used the sunroof feed when I fitted a dashcam to the Omega.
Ignition switched would turn it off when parked up though. Some folk like it on (or, at least, motion sensor switched) permanently.
I had my Smart's dash cam fed from a permanent live feed via a gizmo that supposedly monitored the battery voltage, so I could use its parking mode. A fortnight sat on my drive while we were away flattened the battery.  :(
Title: Re: ODBII power adaptor
Post by: YZ250 on 23 May 2021, 15:58:34
They're quite chunky, and you still have to run the power lead to the top of the screen. That always looks terrible unless you can hide all of it behind the trim panels.
A 12v to USB socket adapter is tiny, and cheap; one with just output leads is even more compact.
I would be looking for an ignition switched live near the courtesy light. I used the sunroof feed when I fitted a dashcam to the Omega.
Ignition switched would turn it off when parked up though. Some folk like it on (or, at least, motion sensor switched) permanently.

In that case I'd be looking at an auxiliary battery and split charger relay. Surely powering from the OBD port will kill the car battery, or does the adapter switch off the outlet side. I've hard wired our dash cams from the fuse box ignition live using the hard wire kit. The wire goes up the A Pillar (behind the A Pillar airbag) and under the headlining to the rear view mirror. Unfortunately, the dash cam internal battery which should last X amount of time for the motion detection to stay active, goes off with the ignition.  ::)
Title: Re: ODBII power adaptor
Post by: STEMO on 23 May 2021, 16:18:02
They're quite chunky, and you still have to run the power lead to the top of the screen. That always looks terrible unless you can hide all of it behind the trim panels.
A 12v to USB socket adapter is tiny, and cheap; one with just output leads is even more compact.
I would be looking for an ignition switched live near the courtesy light. I used the sunroof feed when I fitted a dashcam to the Omega.
Ignition switched would turn it off when parked up though. Some folk like it on (or, at least, motion sensor switched) permanently.
I had my Smart's dash cam fed from a permanent live feed via a gizmo that supposedly monitored the battery voltage, so I could use its parking mode. A fortnight sat on my drive while we were away flattened the battery.  :(
According to this a day or two is all you can get before the cut off works, so I guess you're not meant to go on holiday  ;D

https://www.thedashcamstore.com/blog/will-a-dashcam-kill-my-car-battery/
Title: Re: ODBII power adaptor
Post by: Auto Addict on 23 May 2021, 16:21:02
The reason I ask is the Astra K fuse box is under the info display, and I can't see a way to hide the wiring to get to it.
Title: Re: ODBII power adaptor
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 23 May 2021, 16:27:00
Behind the clocks and up the A post...  ;)
Title: Re: ODBII power adaptor
Post by: Auto Addict on 23 May 2021, 16:43:58
Behind the clocks and up the A post...  ;)

Can't see how to get the wire into to fuse box though :-\
Title: Re: ODBII power adaptor
Post by: YZ250 on 23 May 2021, 17:16:36
Behind the clocks and up the A post...  ;)

Can't see how to get the wire into to fuse box though :-\

If you can find a convenient connection in the boot, can you get an extension/hard wire kit for your dash cam so that you can go above the headlining. When I wired up my rear dash cam I was surprised at how easy I could get a thin three metre piece of trim from the back to the front. I just pulled the headlining down a bit from the tailgate rubber, slid the trim over the headlining and pushed and wiggled it until it came out the front. I taped the cable to it and pulled it through. I then moved it across so that it came out right by the rear view mirror.  :y  Just thought that might be another option if you can hide the wire under the D Post trim.
Title: Re: ODBII power adaptor
Post by: Auto Addict on 23 May 2021, 18:04:03
Behind the clocks and up the A post...  ;)

Can't see how to get the wire into to fuse box though :-\

If you can find a convenient connection in the boot, can you get an extension/hard wire kit for your dash cam so that you can go above the headlining. When I wired up my rear dash cam I was surprised at how easy I could get a thin three metre piece of trim from the back to the front. I just pulled the headlining down a bit from the tailgate rubber, slid the trim over the headlining and pushed and wiggled it until it came out the front. I taped the cable to it and pulled it through. I then moved it across so that it came out right by the rear view mirror.  :y  Just thought that might be another option if you can hide the wire under the D Post trim.

I had thought of that, but the ODBII socket seems the eaiest solution, I would use a switched one that went off with the ignition.
Title: Re: ODBII power adaptor
Post by: YZ250 on 23 May 2021, 18:47:09
I can see why you'd be reluctant to start stripping a new car, as was I when I fitted the dash cam in my new cars. Audi fit metal A Post clips which are an absolute shit to get out without bending them.

This guy in the link did it from the fuse box but he did remove the trims. The easiest way is behind the dash and up the A Post door trim rubber, but be aware that doing it that way the cable will cross over the A Post airbag, hence why I removed my trims to get the cable under/in front off the airbag.

https://www.astrakforums.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=3672

If the switched OBD socket is the easiest option, then try that.  :-\

Title: Re: ODBII power adaptor
Post by: Auto Addict on 23 May 2021, 19:24:36
I can see why you'd be reluctant to start stripping a new car, as was I when I fitted the dash cam in my new cars. Audi fit metal A Post clips which are an absolute shit to get out without bending them.

This guy in the link did it from the fuse box but he did remove the trims. The easiest way is behind the dash and up the A Post door trim rubber, but be aware that doing it that way the cable will cross over the A Post airbag, hence why I removed my trims to get the cable under/in front off the airbag.

https://www.astrakforums.co.uk/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=3672

If the switched OBD socket is the easiest option, then try that.  :-\

Yes, I've seen those photos, I understand that you need to fit the cable under the airbag, which it appears he didn't.
Title: Re: ODBII power adaptor
Post by: deviator on 23 May 2021, 19:25:52
I used an inline cigarette lighter socket and then hardwired it to the back of the stereo. As long as you are careful, you can pick up a switched live pretty much anywhere. I'm not 100% on the output of the obd port having enough current.

EDIT I'm wrong, from a quick Google 5 amp output.
Title: Re: ODBII power adaptor
Post by: Auto Addict on 23 May 2021, 19:28:13
I used an inline cigarette lighter socket and then hardwired it to the back of the stereo. As long as you are careful, you can pick up a switched live pretty much anywhere. I'm not 100% on the output of the obd port having enough current.

The ODB socket has plenty of power to drive a dashcam.

Just mulling over options, at the minute.
Title: Re: ODBII power adaptor
Post by: VXL V6 on 24 May 2021, 07:45:08
I'd meter out the courtesy light feed as a starting point.  :y
Title: Re: ODBII power adaptor
Post by: Auto Addict on 24 May 2021, 08:05:48
I'd meter out the courtesy light feed as a starting point.  :y

I'm not confident enough to go down that route I'm afraid :'(
Title: Re: ODBII power adaptor
Post by: biggriffin on 24 May 2021, 10:14:47
Remove rear view mirror, find  a 12v ign controlled wire, join into that,, normally it's in the sunroof lead

Don't use interior lights they are earth switches. Only supplies when door is open
Title: Re: ODBII power adaptor
Post by: Auto Addict on 24 May 2021, 11:54:26
Remove rear view mirror, find  a 12v ign controlled wire, join into that,, normally it's in the sunroof lead

Don't use interior lights they are earth switches. Only supplies when door is open

I haven't got a sun roof.
Title: Re: ODBII power adaptor
Post by: Migv6 le Frog Fan on 24 May 2021, 12:31:33
Got an angle grinder ?  :D
Its difficult to help some people.  ;D ;D
Title: Re: ODBII power adaptor
Post by: deviator on 24 May 2021, 12:36:00
You may not have the sunroof, but that doesn't mean the loom isn't there. Might just need a fuse or bridged relay connection to activate.
Title: Re: ODBII power adaptor
Post by: GastronomicKleptomaniac on 24 May 2021, 12:44:59
You may not have the sunroof, but that doesn't mean the loom isn't there. Might just need a fuse or bridged relay connection to activate.

I'd agree with this, it's how I fitted the one in mine.
Title: Re: ODBII power adaptor
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 24 May 2021, 14:06:34
Even plod Omegas had sunroof wiring. Which was really handy for fitting a taxi meter up there.

A sharp tap from one of these Trim tool (https://www.amazon.com/ArtCreativity-Squeaking-Pounding-Carnival-Birthday/dp/B082LRQPR2) will remove the trim. Everything else is torx screws.

An easy weekend's work start to finish. Especially on a new car where everything is nice and clean :y

Title: Re: ODBII power adaptor
Post by: Nick W on 24 May 2021, 14:15:17
Even plod Omegas had sunroof wiring. Which was really handy for fitting a taxi meter up there.

A sharp tap from one of these Trim tool (https://www.amazon.com/ArtCreativity-Squeaking-Pounding-Carnival-Birthday/dp/B082LRQPR2) will remove the trim. Everything else is torx screws.

An easy weekend's work start to finish. Especially on a new car where everything is nice and clean :y


Fitting a dashcam using existing wiring is an easy hour's work
Title: Re: ODBII power adaptor
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 24 May 2021, 14:54:16
There's that, but it is worth taking a bit of time to get it right and nice ;)
Title: Re: ODBII power adaptor
Post by: YZ250 on 24 May 2021, 15:15:05
There's that, but it is worth taking a bit of time to get it right and nice ;)

All you can see on mine is about two inches of cable as it enters the dash cam from the headlining, hidden from my view by the rear view mirror, and hidden by the dark screen band from outside.
By contrast, when I drive my sister-in-laws Mercedes, her dash cam cable runs from the 12V dash socket, up past (and in the way of) the heater controls and radio and over the dash to the low down screen suction fixing (it's a convertible so she can't make use of the headlining). Combine this with her phone charger cable (older Merc so no wireless charging) and my hand gets tangled up in the cables when selecting a gear. It looks a pigging mess like that.  ::)  She's waiting for me to tidy it up apparently.  :)
Title: Re: ODBII power adaptor
Post by: Nick W on 24 May 2021, 16:48:10

All you can see on mine is about two inches of cable as it enters the dash cam from the headlining, hidden from my view by the rear view mirror, and hidden by the dark screen band from outside.



By contrast, when I drive my sister-in-laws Mercedes, her dash cam cable runs from the 12V dash socket, up past (and in the way of) the heater controls and radio and over the dash to the low down screen suction fixing (it's a convertible so she can't make use of the headlining). Combine this with her phone charger cable (older Merc so no wireless charging) and my hand gets tangled up in the cables when selecting a gear. It looks a pigging mess like that.  ::)  She's waiting for me to tidy it up apparently.  :)


Mine was the same; the camera and wiring were only visible if you looked for them.


I hate seeing charger cables and wiring all over the place so it's worth spending an hour tidying it all so you can't see any of them
Title: Re: ODBII power adaptor
Post by: deviator on 24 May 2021, 18:35:28
I have a camera in my MX-5 convertible, you can see about 1.5inch of cable, the rest is behind the trim. The camera is so small (no screen) that you have to look hard to notice it. It's about an inch diameter and round and about 3-4 inches wide.
Title: Re: ODBII power adaptor
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 24 May 2021, 21:03:07
I have to fit one in the Ftype at some point, that will be from a nominated courtesy light supply
Title: Re: ODBII power adaptor
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 24 May 2021, 21:06:57
First thing I did when I got my first Insignificant (bought new) home, was rip the dash out :D
Title: Re: ODBII power adaptor
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 25 May 2021, 15:53:35
Remove rear view mirror, find  a 12v ign controlled wire, join into that,, normally it's in the sunroof lead

Don't use interior lights they are earth switches. Only supplies when door is open

I haven't got a sun roof.

It will have the forward facing ADAS camera and probably auto dimming rear view camera  :y
Title: Re: ODBII power adaptor
Post by: Auto Addict on 25 May 2021, 16:28:11
Remove rear view mirror, find  a 12v ign controlled wire, join into that,, normally it's in the sunroof lead

Don't use interior lights they are earth switches. Only supplies when door is open

I haven't got a sun roof.

It will have the forward facing ADAS camera and probably auto dimming rear view camera  :y

Only the Sri came with a forward facing camera, the Elite doesn't.
Title: Re: ODBII power adaptor
Post by: STEMO on 25 May 2021, 16:28:52
Remove rear view mirror, find  a 12v ign controlled wire, join into that,, normally it's in the sunroof lead

Don't use interior lights they are earth switches. Only supplies when door is open

I haven't got a sun roof.

It will have the forward facing ADAS camera and probably auto dimming rear view mirror  :y
Fixed  :P
Title: Re: ODBII power adaptor
Post by: Auto Addict on 25 May 2021, 16:36:27
Remove rear view mirror, find  a 12v ign controlled wire, join into that,, normally it's in the sunroof lead

Don't use interior lights they are earth switches. Only supplies when door is open

I haven't got a sun roof.

It will have the forward facing ADAS camera and probably auto dimming rear view mirror  :y
Fixed  :P

? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Title: Re: ODBII power adaptor
Post by: STEMO on 25 May 2021, 16:42:02
Remove rear view mirror, find  a 12v ign controlled wire, join into that,, normally it's in the sunroof lead

Don't use interior lights they are earth switches. Only supplies when door is open

I haven't got a sun roof.

It will have the forward facing ADAS camera and probably auto dimming rear view mirror  :y
Fixed  :P

? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Do you have an auto dimming rear view camera?
Title: Re: ODBII power adaptor
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 25 May 2021, 16:44:03
As a thought, why does the camera have to go by the mirror?

What’s to stop it getting mounted bottom centre? Hard wired to the fuse box an run the lead out the back of the display trim and have the camera just there :-\
Title: Re: ODBII power adaptor
Post by: STEMO on 25 May 2021, 16:45:24
As a thought, why does the camera have to go by the mirror?

What’s to stop it getting mounted bottom centre? Hard wired to the fuse box an run the lead out the back of the display trim and have the camera just there :-\
You can't see as far from down there  ;D
Title: Re: ODBII power adaptor
Post by: Nick W on 25 May 2021, 16:51:21
As a thought, why does the camera have to go by the mirror?

What’s to stop it getting mounted bottom centre? Hard wired to the fuse box an run the lead out the back of the display trim and have the camera just there :-\


It would be easier to just take a photo of the reflections in the bonnet. Easier, but not as useful.
Title: Re: ODBII power adaptor
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 25 May 2021, 17:04:05
Sounds like an improvement over some dashcam footage that barely distinguishes between day and night :D
Title: Re: ODBII power adaptor
Post by: STEMO on 25 May 2021, 17:05:23
Sounds like an improvement over some dashcam footage that barely distinguishes between day and night :D
Nick Knowles says we've all got to have one, or he'll be out of a job on morning tv.
Title: Re: ODBII power adaptor
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 25 May 2021, 17:06:41
Oh well, he'd best get a hobby then ;D
Title: Re: ODBII power adaptor
Post by: Auto Addict on 25 May 2021, 17:11:41
Remove rear view mirror, find  a 12v ign controlled wire, join into that,, normally it's in the sunroof lead

Don't use interior lights they are earth switches. Only supplies when door is open

I haven't got a sun roof.

It will have the forward facing ADAS camera and probably auto dimming rear view mirror  :y
Fixed  :P

? ? ? ? ? ? ?
Do you have an auto dimming rear view camera?

 :y
Title: Re: ODBII power adaptor
Post by: Auto Addict on 25 May 2021, 17:52:58
Right, I've sussed how to feed the wire.

Which fuse would you tap into, the Astra K forum suggests fuse 31, I would have though fuse 26?

No.

Circuit

 
1



 
2

Climate control system, fan

 
3

Power seat driver side

 
4

Cigarette lighter/Power outlet front

 
5



 
6

Power window front

 
7

ABS

 
8

Heated steering wheel

 
9

Body control module

 
10

Power window rear

 
11

Sunroof

 
12

Body control module

 
13

Seat heating (only on vehicles without alarm horn)

 
14

Exterior mirror

 
15

Body control module

 
16

Body control module

 
17

Body control module

 
18

Body control module

 
19

Data link connector

 
20

Airbag system

 
21

Climate control system

 
22

Central locking system, tailgate

 
23

Electronic key system

 
24

Power seat memory function

 
25

Airbag system steering wheel

 
26

Ignition switch/Steering column lock

 
27

Body control module

 
28

USB socket

 
29



 
30

Selector lever

 
31

Rear window wiper

 
32

Transmission control module

 
33

Anti-theft alarm system/Power sounder

 
34

Parking assist/Side blind spot alert/Infotainment system/USB socket

 
35

OnStar

 
36

Info display/Instrument cluster/CD player

 
37

Infotainment system, radio
Title: Re: ODBII power adaptor
Post by: TheBoy on 25 May 2021, 18:16:50
I have to fit one in the Ftype at some point, that will be from a nominated courtesy light supply
So you can catch it's "thermal events" on camera?
Title: Re: ODBII power adaptor
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 25 May 2021, 20:14:10
Circuit #1 with an appropriate fuse ;)
Title: Re: ODBII power adaptor
Post by: VXL V6 on 25 May 2021, 20:17:30
Quote from: Auto Addict
Right, I've sussed how to feed the wire.

Which fuse would you tap into, the Astra K forum suggests fuse 31, I would have though fuse 26?

28        USB socket

Assuming it's ignition switched
Title: Re: ODBII power adaptor
Post by: Auto Addict on 26 May 2021, 07:36:18
Quote from: Auto Addict
Right, I've sussed how to feed the wire.

Which fuse would you tap into, the Astra K forum suggests fuse 31, I would have though fuse 26?

28        USB socket

Assuming it's ignition switched

I'll test it out :y
Title: Re: ODBII power adaptor
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 26 May 2021, 12:31:19
Quote from: Auto Addict
Right, I've sussed how to feed the wire.

Which fuse would you tap into, the Astra K forum suggests fuse 31, I would have though fuse 26?

28        USB socket

Assuming it's ignition switched

I'll test it out :y
Also consider the impact of adding extras to a circuit. Slapping in a bigger fuse isn't a solution. At least the empty circuit keeps it straightforward.
Title: Re: ODBII power adaptor
Post by: Auto Addict on 26 May 2021, 17:23:02
Quote from: Auto Addict
Right, I've sussed how to feed the wire.

Which fuse would you tap into, the Astra K forum suggests fuse 31, I would have though fuse 26?

28        USB socket

Assuming it's ignition switched

I'll test it out :y
Also consider the impact of adding extras to a circuit. Slapping in a bigger fuse isn't a solution. At least the empty circuit keeps it straightforward.

The empty circuit was a constant live.

All fitted and working now :y
Title: Re: ODBII power adaptor
Post by: Doctor Gollum on 26 May 2021, 17:38:34
Surely it needs a permanent feed :-\

Current draw in sleep mode should be negligible.

Anyhoo...
Title: Re: ODBII power adaptor
Post by: Auto Addict on 26 May 2021, 18:27:44
Surely it needs a permanent feed :-\

Current draw in sleep mode should be negligible.

Anyhoo...

I understand what you mean but I don't really need it on all the time, car is parked safely at night'