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stealing power from overhead console

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Old Apr 14, 2014 | 04:06 PM
  #1  
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stealing power from overhead console

I'm installing a dash cam in my 2002 F150 and I'd like to get power for it from the overhead console. This will give me a switched power supply, which I want.

My question is,the dashcam draws 1000mA (1 amp) of power. Is there enough to spare in the overhead console? I'll have to step down the voltage from 12 VDC to 5 VDC, but I'm wondering if taking 1 amp from the OH console's power will interfere with its function.

Thanks
 
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Old Apr 14, 2014 | 05:08 PM
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What are you thinking about powering it off of? I guess I'm not thinking of anything other than interior lights in the overhead console. Either way, 1 amp isn't much so you'll most likely be OK. Especially if whatever circuit you're pulling power from is an intermittent use item.
 
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Old Apr 14, 2014 | 05:50 PM
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yeah, maybe... there are no map lights, just the led digital display for outside temp and compass, so it may only draw a small amount. The console is on a 10 amp fuse shared with a bunch of other things, so I suspect it will be ok...

Since I'm going to have to identify and splice into the 12 VDC power line and the ground wire, I'll be able to put my multimeter on it to measure the amps used by the console.

We'll see how it goes and I'll report back here.
 
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Old Apr 15, 2014 | 01:46 PM
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Well, I got the OH console cover off, and i see that the display is connected with a modular plug that holds six wires, The supply wires are colored red, white, blue, green and a couple of other pastel colors.

Do you guys have any clues as to which ones might be 12VDC and/or ground?

If i get my multimeter, or even a test light probe in there, will there likely be only one hot wire?

Is there by any chance wiring diagrams for this?

Thanks


 
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Old Apr 15, 2014 | 06:34 PM
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I can not help with your problem, but I would like some info on your dash cam please. Are you going to record? I am interested in installing a camera also.
 
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Old Apr 16, 2014 | 01:23 AM
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Originally Posted by first today
I can not help with your problem, but I would like some info on your dash cam please. Are you going to record? I am interested in installing a camera also.
The one I got is called OJOCAM, and you can find out all the info at ojocam.com. It seems like a sturdy, well built unit and so far it has worked fine.

It records to a mini-sd card which you can then insert into a PC, or you can transfer the file from the cam via a supplied USB cable.

Check it out, look at the videos, and check out the videos at techmoan.com. He's got a Youtube video for beginners information on dash cams and another review on the same type of dashcam as the ojocam.

As I progress with this installation, I'll post more info here, but feel free to ask questions here after you've seen the website.

See ya
 
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Old Apr 16, 2014 | 01:34 AM
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In the matter of tapping into the power in the OH console, I finally managed to find my flashlight, so I can now identify the color of the six wires.

And, in doing further research someone mentioned using the Hayes (Haynes?) books for the wiring diagrams, which he suggested would be available at the library.... so I'm going to see if i can find that wiring diagram at our local library.

What I need specifically, is a chart which shows the wire color and function of the six wires that feeds the OH console.

The console has a compass, a temperature display, a display on/off switch and so i want to be sure I tap into the right wires.

I need to identify which one is 12VDC and which one is ground. I probably could do trial and error with my multimeter, and identify them that way, but I'd prefer to have the docs.
 
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Old Apr 16, 2014 | 08:32 AM
  #8  
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Ok, so I got the color of the wires clearly identified.

There's six of them that feed the connector block, into two rows of three...

row 1
white
purple with black stripe
blue with orange stripe

row 2
black
blue with red stripe
red with black stripe.

I strongly suspect that the black and white wires are the 12VDC, but I'm going down to the library shortly to see if i can find a Haynes manual that has a wiring diagram, just to be sure.

If I can't find it, I'll try testing them with my multimeter and see what i can discover.

As you can probably tell, I'm no expert at this, so if you gyuys have any suggestions, I'd be glad to hear them.
 
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Old Apr 18, 2014 | 06:42 AM
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Well, I could not find a good wiring diagram at the library...

Any of you guys able to help?
 
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Old Apr 18, 2014 | 09:21 AM
  #10  
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Hmmmm over 140 views but no answers....

I've done a bit more research, but have been unable to find any wiring diagrams at the library.

I took my little test lamp and stuck it in the white wire jack and it is 12VDC and is switched from the ignition switch, so that is what i want... and it seems none of the other connections are live, although I have it disconnected from the console, so perhaps there's current there when connected.

But I pretty confident that the white wire is my 12VDC.

I also used my multimeter to check for continuity to a ground connection. The black wire WAS connected to ground but then so were many of the other pins, so I'm not sure that the black wire is the designated ground.

I'd be glad to hear from you if you have any suggestions.

Thanks
 
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