GTO Project - Part 16

Something that is becoming more and more prevalent, and more and more required for everyday driving, is a dashcam.  They can quickly settle an insurance claim, but are also handy for recording both recklessness, and amusing happenings on the road.   Techmoan, a youtube channel I follow, reviewed one of the few dual-cam dash cams a few months ago, and gave it good marks so i got one for the GTO.  

The unit is a Koonlung K1S, and comes with a whole host of features including:

• Dual cams (one front and one rear)
• Full 1080p HD resolution on both cams
• GPS tracking
• Remote emergency button
• PAL AV and HDMI output for use with a monitor as a reversing cam.

Unlike some of the cheaper suction-mount models, this one is intended to be semi-permanently installed into the car.  the cameras mount to the screens with sticky-pads.  Some cams that do this use generic white pads but Koonlung realised this would bring attention to the cameras so made the pads black.  When the units are installed you cann barely see them from outside the car.

The cable was run directly to the headliner in the roof, and then tucked out of the way.  It was then run along the window, over the passenger door and down behind the passenger seat.  This is where all the cables will terminate as it is close to the fuse box.

The rear unit was installed directly behind the driver seat so as not to obstruct and rear view.  I placed it just below the now-defunct AM antenna, and lined it up to cover the rear of the car.  My intention for long trips was to take a powered coolbox with us.  As it happens the camera fits *perfectly* in this location, clearing the top of the coolbox by about 1mm.

The cable for the camera were routed to the edge of the window using the mounting clips supplied with the unit, and then followed the same route as the CB antenna cable.  I have taped them together for now.  Longer term it would make sense to take a more tidy route but I installed the cam *after* getting all the internal boarding and trim back in place.

The emergency button was mounted to the dashboard in a convenient location for both driver and passenger.  When pushed this will archive off the current clip to a read-only folder for later reference.  The camera will also do this if it detects a sudden shock.

I neglected to get a shot of the GPS receiver.  This module is fitted to the very front of the dash, under where the tax disc would normally sit.

Lastly, all these modules plug into a central recorder box.  This will be located under the passenger seat (or nearby).  This location can be quickly accessed if needed, but is out of sight the rest of the time.

First impressions are pretty good.  Quality in both day and night shots are clear, although the rear is a little obscured by the tinted window liner.

Stay tuned for more mods :)