Dashcam install--FITCAMX

[Mikster]

I figured I would comment on a recent install. I installed on my Porsche 992 a dashcam, the FITCAMX model, hardwired to my fuse box and both front and rear.

Fitcamx's claim to fame is their OEM appearance, and that you don't NEED hardwiring—you can simply tap into the rain sensor. They include a harness just for that reason.

But in my case, I wanted hard wiring so that I could have "parking mode"--the car will awake and take video if the car is disturbed while ignition is off. Plus I also wanted the rear dash cam, while I was at it.

So...yeah...it really looks OEM. No one can tell you've got a dash cam!

There are several Youtube videos showing the actual steps for the install. I didn't take video or pix since I'm always distracted and focussed on the install itself, not the documentation of it!

I will note that for this particular model (the 992) it wasn't as easy as it seems in the FitcamX Youtube video. The steps were indeed the same but the act of removing the plastic rearview mirror adjacent pieces is delicate while trying not to break tabs. Twisting the rear-view mirror itself off is indeed a must on a 992--and it requires good firm pressure.

If you do get the hardwire version, be aware that you'll have one or two wires (2 if you also choose a rear-cam) that need to get positioned in such a way as to not interfere with the plastic pieces you have removed and need to put back in place. This is definitely a tight squeeze, versus simply plugging into the rain sensor.

Other than that, the remainder of the install is pretty straightforward. The optional fuse-box harness they sell you is very good and can be customized if you're handy with wiring and need to do something bespoke to connect it to the fuse box.

In my case, the rear dash cam also needed install onto tint. Since I didn't want to directly apply the rear dashcam's 3M VHB tape onto the tint, I first installed a small strip of clear cling-film, similar to this:
https://a.co/d/76En4MY

In turn, the dash cam 3M tape is applied to this cling film. Holds very securely.

The Fitcamx itself works very well. A nice bright picture, both front and back, and the requisite resolution needed. The software also works well, without any bells and complicated whistles.

At the end of the day, it's the OEM look you may be going for--and for this, FitcamX can't be beat.
And the customer service is very good--they respond quickly, despite being in China.

The middle rearview mirror piece can be delicate

IMG_0008.jpeg

Routing the wiring up the A-pillar, behind the air bag.

IMG_0009.jpeg

Before install

Porsche 992.jpeg

Installed FitcamX

IMG_5125.jpeg

IMG_5129.jpeg

Rear dash cam on clear cling film (hard to see the cling!)

IMG_5126.jpeg

M

[blueline]

@Mikster

Excellent and detailed feedback on your install - thanks for posting that as many of us are undecided on what to get, what looks good, and how to make it all work!


Btw, your pics did not publish. Are you using the "Attachments" tab and proceedure to attach locally stored photos? Here's Tom's guide for posting pics if needed.

viewtopic.php?t=410

Thanks again and please do post pics as I'm curious what your setup looks like - it sounds like it's top notch.

[blueline]

The pics came through and it all looks really good! The front camera fits its designated spot like a glove - as you said, looks OEM. Gonna consider this. Thanks again Mikster!

[signde]

fwiw there is a thread on the fitcamx on macanforums and there are numerous reports of folks having issues with interference from this dashcam. it seems to be causing issues with the kessy system / keyless starting.

[Mikster]

Interference? That's odd...how could it? It doesn't use NFC or Bluetooth. Unless people wired it to their fuse box and used the wrong fuse location.

M

[marin]

Fit and finish looks amazing! I'd get it just for that.

I have the porsche front and rear cam. The front is designed horribly, it takes up so much windshield space.

[blueline]

Fit and finish looks amazing! I'd get it just for that.

I have the porsche front and rear cam. The front is designed horribly, it takes up so much windshield space.

Yes. It's huge, relatively speaking. My dealer ordered one last year for me to see (with no obligation) and I passed when it came in. But, if it works well and does the job, then that counts too.

[signde]

Interference? That's odd...how could it? It doesn't use NFC or Bluetooth. Unless people wired it to their fuse box and used the wrong fuse location.

M

it is power interference and it was not from wiring it to the wrong fuse location.

people have resorted to adding ferrite beads to the power leads with some success.

[Matteo79]

Thanks for posting this. With the hardwire what is the impact on your battery if it is continually powered, etc. do you have the ability to disable the recording (beyond pulling the fuse) if you need/want to? I’m thinking about winter storage situations, etc.

[Mikster]

Yea indeed. In the software you can set parking mode to “off”.

M