Windshield and Interior Camera
Vehicle –2007-2018 Jeep Wrangler JK
Camera – Blackvue DR650GW-2CH
Installation – Front Windshield and Interior View Camera
Click on any photo to enlarge
Both camera’s are hard wired to the vehicle and provide 24hr loop recording. The camera has built in Wi-fi that connects to the internet hot-spot in the vehicle. This provides access to watch videos and change camera setting remotely.
One feature I really like is the notifications you can receive. There are many to choose from, I selected only to receive a notifications when the camera is in parking mode and detects an event (ie. motion or impact).
When parked and motion or impact is detected, it will send a message letting me know. Using the app, I can view the video, download it or choose “live View” to see and listen to what’s happening around the car in real time. It’s basically a web connected nanny cam or baby monitor for you car.
You can change to sensitivity to your liking. I ended up turning the motion sensor off when in parking mode. Passing cars will set it off and I was getting notifications every minute.
The impact sensor uses a g-force accelerometer. The sensitivity can be adjusted on a scale of 1-99. I found around 90 to fit my needs. Any more and an acorn will set it off, but sensitive enough that anyone reaching in and touching anything will send the notification.
The installation is actually quite easy and only take about an hour.
First, you need to decide where to mount the forward facing camera.
There are really only four spots that work well for this particular camera setup on a Jeep Wrangler windshield.
Using painters tape (Blue masking tape) I secured the camera in each position. Then sat in the driver’s seat and evaluated the pro’s and con’s of each position.
1. Left of the rear-view mirror flush with the headliner
2. Directly under the mirror
3. Right of the rear-view mirror flush with the headliner
4. Above the rear-view mirror
On this vehicle when mounted under the mirror the camera is rather distracting. It ends up sitting rather low and in the drivers line of sight.
I chose to mount it above the mirror. This keeps it tucked out of the way and does not impair your vision.
TIP: Make sure your windshield wipers clean in front of the lens. If I would have mounted it any further to the left, the wipers would have been an issue.
There are two cable from the main camera (front windshield), one for power and one for the second camera.
The second or interior view camera is usually used as a rear facing camera mounted to the back glass looking out. The issue is had is with the top removed you lose the camera completely. I thought about mounting to the rear roll bar.
Ultimately, deciding that having a motion camera facing the interior would be the most beneficial. Parking topless and doorless the camera give a nice sense of security, knowing I’ll get notified in real-time if someone decides to poke around looking for goodies. The system even has 2-way voice communication. I’ve used it to scare my neighbors cat that decided to take a nap in the back seat.
I opted to use a Power Magic pro unit that has a automatic shut-off if the battery reaches a predetermined level.
You need two sources of power for this type of install.
- Constant power
- ACC Power
Run the power cable along the windshield header and down the A-pillar. I mounted the Power Magic control module in the passenger side dash compartment. Fished the constant power and ACC power to the fuse box.
Please let me know what you think and I’m happy to answer any questions. Just comment below!
How did you get the rear camera to stay on the plastic above the mirror? I have a 2019 JLUR and using the 3M tape that came with my Blackvue camera, I can’t get it to hold in that position. I’ve cleaned it with alcohol but it won’t hold for more than a day.
I was having the same problem. After a few days in the heat the tape would fail. A single drop of super glue on top of the tape solved the problem. Hasn’t moved all summer.