Reuse the 4 stock cameras for a 4 stream dashcam

[mg4]

So i watched few dashcam videos lately and sometimes i see people posting the same situation from different angles or sides of their car. And i know Teslas have something like that as well.

So it got me to thinking that maybe there exists already an aftermarket solution that instead of installing more cameras, it can reuse (splice into) the existing ones. I imagine that at the least it would require a video recorder that can record 4 streams, one for each of the 4 stock cameras i have on my MG4.

Has anyone done this?

 

[Roger001]

The cameras are going to be directly connected to whatever controlling device is deployed in the MG4's infotainment system, so unless MG makes their output available, it can not be accessed. It is also unlikely that the design of the system has the processing power required to take the camera outputs and store it all (compressed) to, say, a flash drive plugged into one of the 2 available ports under the central console as an ongoing task while the car is operating.

 

[mg4]

I would not add more tax to the existing infotainment or whatever system. And i am thinking it should be possible technically to intercept the raw video feeds and simply record them. But all this is highly theoretical at this point, hence me asking if any one did it

 

[ReintjeWA]

I guess in terms of hardware it would be possible to splice into the wires transmitting image, and then route them to a secondary device that handles the incoming data and records it to a flash drive. I don’t know if the cameras are always powered though, as they perhaps don’t “generate” any data unless the car is asking for an image (like when you put the car in reverse, or ask for the camera feed through the infotainment)

 

[haloweenhamster]

Do you know what type of cameras they are?
Analogue vs digital
Video feed vs ip
Etc
You need to know what you're working with before attempting anything

 

[mg4]

I guess in terms of hardware it would be possible to splice into the wires transmitting image, and then route them to a secondary device that handles the incoming data and records it to a flash drive. I don’t know if the cameras are always powered though, as they perhaps don’t “generate” any data unless the car is asking for an image (like when you put the car in reverse, or ask for the camera feed through the infotainment)

Makes sense that,the cameras would indeed be off unless needed, so that might be the first thing to check. Also good addition to see what is transmitted and how.

 

[haloweenhamster]

Easy to check voltage when cameras are & aren't on screen, I personally think they'll stay powered

 

[Chrisdriving]

The Tesla system is really good for when driving and also sentry when parked, such a shame it cannot be replicated by other manufacturers. Tesla uses 6 camera’s.

 

[HolbornBlue]

Good but not a panacea. Tesla’s system keeps the whole car computer running to record. 24/7/365 @ 300wh = 2.6kWh per year (or £200 odd in electricity). The Tesla system introduces gaps between recording files and sometimes at inoppertune moments (problem being car insurance if that happens to be the crash- and that has happened). The camera colour filters are optimised for autopilot and not humans. I do like the angle from repeater lights though. Overall, not bad but not the perfect example it’s held up to be. There is a minority of Tesla drivers that fit aftermarket dashcams.

The wiring diagram posted above suggest you might be able to tap the signal. 12v NVR might do it. E.g. Mini 4 Channel Vehicle Car Mobile DVR MDVR Video Recorder Support 1080P 720P AHD CVBS PAL/NTSC Camera for Truck Bus Van RV: Amazon.co.uk: DIY & Tools

 

[siteguru]

How are you calculating 300Wh and 2.6kWh? And 2.6kWh is certainly not £200 in leccy - more like 65p at standard variable/price cap rate. £200 would equate to more like 800kWh.

 

[mg4]

How are you calculating 300Wh and 2.6kWh? And 2.6kWh is certainly not £200 in leccy - more like 65p at standard variable/price cap rate. £200 would equate to more like 800kWh.

I get 630 eur, so it makes sense right?

0.3(kwh)×24(hours in a day)×365(days in a year)×0.24(price per kwh)=630.72 eur per year.

 

[siteguru]

If 300W is the standing power draw of tesla then ...

0.3kWh x 24 hours x 365 days = 2,628kWh per year. At 25p per kWh that would be £657 per year.

So our calculations make sense ... those of @HolbornBlue don't (to me).

 

[HolbornBlue]

Octopus Go or IOG. Tesla has improved the efficiency over the years so it may now be 200W. The point is, it’s not trivial sums of energy or money.

Crudely, to get 300W, I left Tesla Sentry on 24h and calculated the change in SOC. Google will corroborate.

 

[mg4]

But to go back to the original idea, it seems possible.

Thanks for the diagram and the link to the DVR. Next would be getting some time tocsee if the cameras emit video non stop.

 

[mg4]

Also, i would not keep any aditional system on except for the DVR (camera recorder).

Hope that clears up the concerns.

 

[Chrisdriving]

Tesla cams use nothing like that amount 24 hours a day? Sentry is not used all the time of course,
When at home the car shuts right down, any extra processing power the computers may use at any time is more than made up for by the efficiency of the drive train compared to some EVs.
Camera’s cost nothing in real world to run.

And if it does drop SOC say after running 24 hours, it is drivers option to run it and if it helps you out with some car park ding damage it is priceless.
I have left my Tesla at home for 3 weeks and the SOC has not moved when asleep.
If i run sentry all day and lose a couple of percent max big deal.