Car DVR: hidden installation

The technique of hidden installation of devices in the car's interior has been used for a long time and is recommended by manufacturers as a way to prevent the threat of breaking. This is explained by the fact that potential intruders are often attracted to things left in the car that have value. Obviously, expensive equipment with electronic devices can become a good prey. To this technique it is quite possible to include a DVR. The hidden installation, in turn, will allow to disguise the device and thus eliminate the unnecessary effect of attracting criminals.

General information about the hidden video recorder

The concept of flush mounting initially determines a number of design features that distinguish DVRs of this type. First of all, all models without exception are characterized by small dimensions. A typical video recorder with a hidden camera is a set consisting of several components. Video cameras often have a miniature size, which allows them to integrate into the most secluded areas. In particular, as in the case of a rear-view camera, a central mirror can be used for such needs. Some kits assume the integration into it of a single or one of the complete cameras.

As for the head unit, it is completely hidden from the open space. Usually it is installed in the glove compartment, but there may be other options for accommodation, depending on the capabilities of the particular saloon. Despite the obvious limitations on the design that are imposed on such devices, in most cases they fully comply with the current performance requirements in the characteristics of video recording. The same applies to the functional support that the DVR receives. Hidden installation is realized with the help of HDMI cables, so you can count on providing high-quality video material and photographs.

Features of models with remote cameras

Standard DVRs are offered in the form of devices that initially provide everything needed to effectively fix the material. But to implement a hidden installation, this scheme does not work, because it is simply impossible to disguise a massive device with a controller and a remote camera. Therefore, a separate installation scheme is applied, that is, one or more cameras are installed in the place from which the happening on the road is best monitored, and the main control unit is completely hidden from sight in a safe place. At the same time, the DVR with its hidden camera has its technological advantages. For example, many manufacturers supply such models with more reliable construction materials - the elemental technical base is also developing, which, incidentally, also affects the cost of such devices.

Preparing for silent installation

Before installing the camera and the control unit directly, the location of the equipment is determined. Actually, suitable points will be obvious after the purchase of the kit - usually the design of the same cameras involves installation in specific areas. For example, it could be the above-mentioned interior rearview mirror, windshield or center panel. The main thing is that the hidden installation of the cameras of the car DVR does provide the masking effect or, at least, do not allow visually open presence of equipment in the cabin.

After the installation points have been determined, these locations must be prepared for installation. Surfaces should be cleaned of dirt, traces of grease and, if possible, fix defects with sealants and silicone solutions. This will make it possible to fix the DVR more durable and reliable. Hidden installation, by the way, involves not only masking the main functional components of the system. The wiring is also carefully hidden, otherwise the main principle of such installation will be violated. HDMI cables are laid in the sub-ceiling niches and openings. Sometimes it is not possible to make such installation on their own and the installation of electrical wiring is trusted by specialists.

Mounting the DVR

If the points for installing cameras can be 3-4, then the editing variations are many times greater. Only one rear view mirror allows you to mount the camera in several ways. The most reliable solution is the direct integration of a miniature video camera into the mirror housing. To do this, it is necessary to make a suitable hole in the plastic construction and insert a miniature camera into it so that it has a good view. Another scheme, according to which the DVR is hidden in the car, involves an external installation in relation to the same mirror. That is, a small body with a camera is installed in front of the body with a mirror.

The very same fixation is carried out in different ways - from mechanical fasteners in the form of staples, clamps and brackets to adhesive compositions. It will also be superfluous to provide the means of anti-script. These are compounds designed for plastic parts that are freely placed with each other. Practice and open installation on the main panel in the cabin. In this case, a small camera is mechanically fixed, but in such a way that during operation the user can fold the device into a specially prepared niche on leaving the car without dismantling. At the same time, modern manufacturers offer many solutions that make it easier to connect. In particular, the wireless data transmission module, which partially makes the DVR independent, is becoming increasingly popular. A hidden installation in this case does not require the laying of wires, since the data is broadcast through a radio channel.

General configuration of the DVR connection

The technology of wireless connection with all its advantages does not always fit into the concept of hidden installation of DVRs. This is due to the fact that this type of camera must necessarily be supplied with the battery and the radio transmitter mentioned. Consequently, the size of the device design will be increased, which does not go to him in terms of masking tasks. Therefore, the standard connection scheme with cables is also popular. To connect wiring that includes an HDMI cable, you need several components. The base set will contain a controller, that is, a central processing unit, a monitor, a camera and a control button. Also it is necessary to take into account that the DVR for the hidden installation in the car can be powered by both a cigarette lighter and an autonomous battery.

In the case of power supply from the cigarette lighter, it is necessary to initially connect the corresponding 12 V wire to the installation site of the main unit. Then the 5 V cable will go to the monitor, and the camera supply is realized through the third channel of the wiring. But in this case, the recorder with a hidden installation, equipped with its own battery, will justify itself. Unlike a miniature camera, the addition of a controller with its own power supply will not affect its disguise and installation technique - in any glovebox it is quite possible to organize a small section for placing such a combination.

Installing models with two cameras

The need for the use of two cameras does not always appear, but such functional will not be superfluous. Differences in the chambers are in the performance characteristics and nuances of installation. Today there are two basic configurations for placing such models. The most popular scheme involves installing the main module near the mirror. It will also provide basic information about what is happening in front of the car. The second camera can be integrated next to the main video recording device, but it will not be facing forward in the direction of travel, but in the interior - that is, back. Thus, a two-way video surveillance system is implemented. But that's not all. As a rule, the DVR with two remote cameras of the hidden installation, due to the excess in the size of the complex, is deprived of the display.

If necessary, this flaw can be corrected by completing the kit with a separate monitor or by implementing a connection to the multimedia system. But manufacturers recommend a more modern solution. Such kits are initially provided with support for the Wi-Fi interface. This means that the user can receive data from surveillance cameras to a portable device, including a smartphone.

Pros and cons of hidden installation

Advantages of hidden in the installation of DVRs include the possibility of unobtrusive placement of electronics while preserving the function of signal transmission from the observed zone. This approach to installation has an advantage not only from the point of view of safety. Compact placement is beneficial and because of room savings in the cabin. Many users often note the inconvenience of using dimensional structures with massive fasteners. Miniature cameras with a retracted controller are devoid of such drawbacks. But in return the user gets a lot of negative factors of this choice.

The drawbacks include, for example, the complexity of installation. If in work with conventional models it is enough only to fix one device and bring the necessary wiring to it, then the DVR with the remote camera of the concealed installation requires a separate approach to each component. Moreover, when integrating a miniature camera into the niche of the rear-view mirror, it may even be necessary to use a special tool to drill a hole in the plastic casing. The same applies to electrical installation operations associated with the need for concealed wiring under the lining in the cabin.

Manufacturers of concealed recorders

One of the leaders of the segment is the company Axiom, representing the line of Car Vision with different modifications. The assortment contains several solutions that presuppose remote installation of CCTV cameras. They differ in operational capabilities, advanced software, mechanical strength and advanced functionality.

The iRoad company also offers desirably the same sets. In the family of this brand, you can find compact models equipped with Wi-Fi and GPS modules. If you need a DVR with an anti-radar hidden installation, then the choice should be made in favor of the products of this manufacturer. As the owners of the V9 modification note, the device stably tracks the location parameters, registering data on the positions of all modern radars.

BlackVue also offers interesting options. If you need a kit with two cameras, then the modification of the DR650-2CH will help to get out of the situation. This version includes the main and rear camera, equipped with an infrared emitter. That is, the driver can get a high-quality image even at night.

How to choose a DVR with hidden installation?

In the selection process, different characteristics should be taken into account - from the structural device and the installation method to the method of controlling the device. It is important to initially calculate how the interaction with the registrar will be carried out. This can be a classical scheme, which assumes the formation of a camera-monitor set, and a more technological configuration, which involves the use of wireless data transfer modules, including mobile devices in remote mode.

As for price tags, the car DVR of a hidden installation is on average available for 10-15 thousand rubles. This is the optimal board size for models that offer standard feature sets. However, the exacting and demanding quality of car owners should look at the equipment available for 20-25 thousand. In this technique, filling is provided with advanced sensors and motion sensors, navigation models and other auxiliary options.

Conclusion

A hidden installation as such, of course, does not guarantee the safety of property located in the cabin. Moreover, often such equipment is acquired not for protection reasons. This function is still assigned to signaling and security systems. The most technologically advanced DVR in this segment is a two-camera DVR that can not be installed with sufficient coverage to avoid being visible to the attacker.

Why are such models so popular? In itself, the optimization of equipment is an attractive factor. This trend can be traced not only in the niche of DVRs. Electronic devices for cars in the main directions of development are increasingly gravitating towards mobility, compactness and the same technologies of wireless data transmission.