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09-13-2023, 04:00 PM | #1 |
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Easiest way to add a key on power circuit for a dash cam
I tried searching the forum but didn't come up with much
What is the best way to add a key on auxiliary 12v power circuit in our trucks. Are there any open spaces in the stock fuse box or is it possible an external fuse adapter that plugs into a spot and makes an extra lead? I'm looking to add a dashcam to my truck but want it hard wired so it's reliable and always on when I'm driving. Thx
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1971 Chev C10 - 250ci L6 w/3 speed on the floor Upgrades: Power Steering 3 Core Radiator 7 Hole Gauge Cluster Power Brakes (Incoming!!..) 1971 350 (Incoming!!..) |
09-13-2023, 05:14 PM | #2 | |
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Re: Easiest way to add a key on power circuit for a dash cam
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09-13-2023, 05:37 PM | #3 | |
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Re: Easiest way to add a key on power circuit for a dash cam
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09-13-2023, 07:29 PM | #4 |
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Re: Easiest way to add a key on power circuit for a dash cam
Dash cams pull very little power. I don't think a relay is needed. Pull a line from the fuse block and put a 5 amp inline fuse on it. You will be fine.
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09-13-2023, 08:10 PM | #5 |
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Re: Easiest way to add a key on power circuit for a dash cam
There is already a key-on fused position. Just plug in to the Radio terminal. If necessary, make your wire for dash cam that plugs in have a piggyback male packard 56 connector, if you're already using the radio terminal for a radio. Or you can plug in to the IGN UNFUSED if you put an inline fuse holder on the dash cam wire.
fuse panel positions example piggyback |
09-13-2023, 08:46 PM | #6 |
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Re: Easiest way to add a key on power circuit for a dash cam
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09-13-2023, 09:36 PM | #7 |
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Re: Easiest way to add a key on power circuit for a dash cam
I know that but it's still not a bad idea. I added one with 6 separately fused circuits. I think many ignition switches have been killed by hanging accessories on them.
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09-13-2023, 09:51 PM | #8 |
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Re: Easiest way to add a key on power circuit for a dash cam
Sounds a little more complicated than I was hoping :S
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1971 Chev C10 - 250ci L6 w/3 speed on the floor Upgrades: Power Steering 3 Core Radiator 7 Hole Gauge Cluster Power Brakes (Incoming!!..) 1971 350 (Incoming!!..) |
09-13-2023, 09:54 PM | #9 | |
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Re: Easiest way to add a key on power circuit for a dash cam
Quote:
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1971 Chev C10 - 250ci L6 w/3 speed on the floor Upgrades: Power Steering 3 Core Radiator 7 Hole Gauge Cluster Power Brakes (Incoming!!..) 1971 350 (Incoming!!..) |
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09-13-2023, 10:06 PM | #10 |
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Re: Easiest way to add a key on power circuit for a dash cam
That is interesting. I really like the fuse panels of these trucks and other 60's and early 70's cars, with their recessed glass fuse holders. Especially when the entire panel accepts uniform and common 3AG fuses in all positions. I've never seen an aftermarket fuse panel as good as these OEM ones. I don't care much for modern plastic fuses. I've considered buying an OEM panel and using it as an add-on panel for extra circuits, and relay switching it. The ones from old Dodge Chargers look ideal, like this one from eBay.
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09-13-2023, 10:24 PM | #11 | |
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Re: Easiest way to add a key on power circuit for a dash cam
Quote:
https://www.delcity.net/store/Packar...nectors/p_9108 |
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09-13-2023, 10:26 PM | #12 |
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Re: Easiest way to add a key on power circuit for a dash cam
I didn't change the panel. I added two 6 circuit fuse boxes under the hood by the battery, one switched and one unswitched. The switched feeds the CB radios and the HEI. Right now the unswitched feeds a relay that controls the A/C clutch to insure it sees a solid 12V I've burned up a couple of A/C clutches which I blame on low coil voltage causing the clutch to slip. The unswitched will eventually also feed the headlights when I put in that relay harness.
That Chrysler box looks pretty good. I don't mind the blade fuses as these days they're easier to find. Last edited by body bolt; 09-13-2023 at 10:34 PM. |
09-13-2023, 10:36 PM | #13 | |
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Re: Easiest way to add a key on power circuit for a dash cam
Quote:
https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/NW_725147
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1971 Chev C10 - 250ci L6 w/3 speed on the floor Upgrades: Power Steering 3 Core Radiator 7 Hole Gauge Cluster Power Brakes (Incoming!!..) 1971 350 (Incoming!!..) |
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09-13-2023, 10:40 PM | #14 |
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Re: Easiest way to add a key on power circuit for a dash cam
Yes it is a Packard 56. That is the terminal. That one is for 14 to 16 gauge wire. I like to use those with the matching plastic connector, show in the picture I posted in post #9 above.
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09-13-2023, 10:43 PM | #15 | |
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Re: Easiest way to add a key on power circuit for a dash cam
Quote:
What size inline fuse would be best for a dashcam? I'm guessing pretty small? https://www.napacanada.com/en/p/NWA725146
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1971 Chev C10 - 250ci L6 w/3 speed on the floor Upgrades: Power Steering 3 Core Radiator 7 Hole Gauge Cluster Power Brakes (Incoming!!..) 1971 350 (Incoming!!..) |
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09-13-2023, 11:56 PM | #16 |
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Re: Easiest way to add a key on power circuit for a dash cam
You're a Napa online wizard! The dashcam instructions will tell you fuse size or it may come with an inline fuse holder with a fuse in it. Probably 2 or 3 amp, just guessing.
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09-14-2023, 10:29 AM | #17 |
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Re: Easiest way to add a key on power circuit for a dash cam
Awesome, thank for all the help!
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1971 Chev C10 - 250ci L6 w/3 speed on the floor Upgrades: Power Steering 3 Core Radiator 7 Hole Gauge Cluster Power Brakes (Incoming!!..) 1971 350 (Incoming!!..) |
09-14-2023, 03:50 PM | #18 | |
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Re: Easiest way to add a key on power circuit for a dash cam
Quote:
https://www.sierraparts.com/en-us/po...fs40900-319689
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