12v for front camera

Komrade · Feb 7, 2022

Where do you reommend I use for source of 12v for a wireless camera when ignition is on? L3430

Tinhack · Feb 7, 2022

How about one of the key-on ignition circuits.

Komrade · Feb 8, 2022

Where do I look for those under the hood? Trial and error with voltmeter?

Roadworthy · Feb 8, 2022

I don't know how many switched positions there are. If you're not using it for anything the work light fuse (ten amps) would probably suffice. I don't know if you have that option but it does exist on my L2501. Try to lay hands on a schematic and see what fuses are on switched circuits and available. If you don't want the camera on whenever the ignition is on you'd have to add a switch.

Midniteoyl · Feb 8, 2022

Komrade said:
Where do I look for those under the hood? Trial and error with voltmeter?

Have a USB or lighter plug? Could try those.

If you go looking in the fuse box, mini fuses have little exposed metal bits for checking for power with a meter. Look for one that comes on/off with ignition.

When you find one, you can use a 'Add-a-circuit' fuse holder to tap into it:

Just make sure you get one for your type of fuse:

You might even find a slot not being used that you could tap as well.

RjCorazza · Feb 8, 2022

Midniteoyl said:
Have a USB or lighter plug? Could try those.

If you go looking in the fuse box, mini fuses have little exposed metal bits for checking for power with a meter. Look for one that comes on/off with ignition.

When you find one, you can use a 'Add-a-circuit' fuse holder to tap into it:

Just make sure you get one for your type of fuse:

You might even find a slot not being used that you could tap as well.

I used a fuse tap like this for my wired camera power. I used the circuit that powers the 12v cigarette style plug for "ignition on" power, and a second tap for the "always on" 12v.
The taps work well, but my fuse block cover had to be zip tied, as the clearance wouldn't allow it to snap on.

mikester · Feb 8, 2022

Run a fused wire from the cab fuse panel to the front. I'd recommend cable loom to protect it from abrasion.

Komrade · Feb 8, 2022

Thanks for all your advice, and even illustration. I was trying to avoid having to run it from the cab given the battery is right there, but obviously didn't want camera plugged directly to the battery.. I do have a fuse box with 4 (suspect large amp) fuses in it right above the battery (took a pic earlier, but blurry.. recall ignition, alternator on it). I think they're all in use, but I'd have to verify and study further.. The fuse tap is exactly the kind of gadget that might help (and why I asked this forum, wouldn't have thought to look for something like this myself). I may also just tap into one of the leads, and use an inline fuse (like they use on air pump gadgets) to avoid losing dust coverage.
The cig plug in cab will be used for monitor hook up most likely.

bdhsfz6 · Feb 8, 2022

Since I have several uses for a camera system and don't need it all the time on any particular vehicle, I made this truly portable wireless camera system powered by cordless tool batteries.