Saturday, January 23, 2016

Build a dash camera and back up/rearview camera using an old Android Phone for about $15 CAD

Using an old Android phone as a dashcam is not a new idea. There are plenty of options available in Google Play. Backup cameras can reduce the risks of accidents.  In reality, only once has either camera has ever really been useful to me, but with the intention of using my Android phone that I put aside as I returned to my BlackBerry Curve, I was thinking of how could I make the lowest cost dashcam/rearview camera/Offline GPS.


Here is what you need to get from the Google Play on your phone :

GPS - Sygic ( there are other options if you look around )
Dash Camera - CaroO
Web Camera - CameraFi

Parts :


$3 Windshield phone holder http://forums.redflagdeals.com/dollarama-gps-cell-phone-windshield-mount-3-00-a-1455931/

$3 Webcam as the rearview camera http://dollarablog.blogspot.ca/2013/12/gadgets-dordi-clavier-et-webcam.html
( Verdict: Acheter )
There will be no OSD (On-Screen Display) of the distances using a regular webcam. The camera is fine according to the review so it can give you an image of what is behind you.You could use some silicone caulk around the camera to make it waterproof. You do not need infrared LEDs as the brake lights give off plenty of light.


$4 USB 2.0 A to USB A female cable  http://www.aliexpress.com/store/product/High-quality-10FT-3M-USB-2-0-Male-To-Female-Extension-Cable-Line-For-Computer-Laptop/712587_32400410442.html 
It may be some distance from your trunk to the dash. It may be possible to find a cheaper cable, or a camera with a longer cable.


$2 OTG Cable with Power http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Universal-1pc-Micro-USB-Host-OTG-Cable-With-USB-Plug-Power-Adapter-For-Sumgsung-Galaxy-U/32571526812.html
You will want to power your phone all the time to record video. It will also allow you to power the USB camera.
 
$1.25 USB 12V output  http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Micro-Auto-Universal-Dual-2-Port-USB-Car-Charger-For-iPhone-For-iPad-Mini-Car-Charger/32444018162.html

How to hide your cables :
http://www.roadlens.com/#!how-to-conceal-power-cord/cahc



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