If you’re looking to get continuous 24/7 surveillance for your car, even when it’s parked, then adding a Rexing Smart Hardwire Kit with 360° motion detection to your dash cam setup is a must. This kit helps unlock crucial features like parking monitoring and safeguards your car’s battery, so you never have to worry about waking up to a dead vehicle. We’re going to walk you through everything you need to know, from understanding what these kits do, figuring out which one is right for your dash cam, and getting it properly installed. By the time we’re done, you’ll have a much clearer picture of how to maximize your dash cam’s potential for all-around car protection.
What is a Rexing Smart Hardwire Kit?
Alright, let’s break it down. A Rexing Smart Hardwire Kit is essentially the lifeline for your dash cam when your car is off. Most dash cams power up through your car’s cigarette lighter, which usually cuts power the moment you turn off the ignition. That’s fine for recording while you’re driving, but what about when your car is sitting in a parking lot or on your driveway? That’s where a hardwire kit comes in.
This clever little accessory connects your dash cam directly to your car’s fuse box, providing a constant power supply. This means your dash cam can keep recording, even when your engine isn’t running. But it’s not just about constant power. it’s about smart power. These kits are designed with features that protect your car’s battery and enable advanced surveillance modes.
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Why You Absolutely Need a Hardwire Kit for Your Dash Cam
You might be thinking, “Do I really need to hardwire my dash cam?” And honestly, for true peace of mind and full functionality, the answer is a resounding yes. Here’s why:
24/7 Surveillance and Parking Mode
Imagine coming back to your car and finding a new ding or scratch, or worse, evidence of a break-in, with no idea what happened. That’s a gut-wrenching feeling. A hardwire kit lets your Rexing dash cam utilize its parking mode feature, turning your dash cam into a vigilant security guard for your vehicle around the clock. Rexing R316 4K Review: Your Ultimate Road Guardian
When parking mode is enabled with a hardwire kit, your dash cam can automatically switch to a low-power state when your car is turned off. If it detects an impact or motion, it “wakes up” and starts recording, capturing those crucial moments. Some kits even offer time-lapse recording for continuous coverage without taking up too much storage.
Low Voltage Protection No More Dead Batteries!
One of the biggest concerns people have about constant recording is draining their car battery. And it’s a valid one! Thankfully, Rexing’s Smart Hardwire Kits come with built-in low voltage protection. This smart system monitors your car’s battery voltage and will automatically cut off power to the dash cam if the voltage drops below a safe threshold. For most 12V car systems, this cut-off is typically around 11.8V, and for 24V systems, it’s about 23.5V. This ensures there’s always enough juice left to start your car. It’s like a guardian angel for your battery!
ACC Detection for Seamless Transitions
Another neat trick these kits offer is ACC detection. ACC stands for “Accessory.” This feature allows your dash cam to smartly recognize when your car’s engine is off and automatically switch into parking mode. When you start your car again, it seamlessly transitions back to normal recording. You don’t have to manually fuss with settings every time you get in or out of your vehicle. It’s all about set-it-and-forget-it convenience.
Diving into Rexing’s Hardwire Kits: Smart vs. Intelligent & USB Types
Rexing offers a couple of different hardwire kits, and it can get a little confusing, especially with names like “Smart” and “Intelligent” floating around. Let’s clear that up, and also talk about the different USB connections. Rexing V1P Plus 4K Review: Your Eyes on the Road, Front and Back
Rexing Smart Hardwire Kit Often Vibration-Based
The standard Rexing Smart Hardwire Kit typically relies on your dash cam’s built-in G-sensor to trigger parking mode recordings. This means it detects physical impacts or significant vibrations. If someone bumps your car, hits it, or even tries to break in, the G-sensor will pick up that impact and prompt the dash cam to record.
However, there’s a specific variant called the Rexing Smart Hardwire Kit with 360° Motion Detection. This one is a step up, designed to automatically start recording when it senses motion from any angle around your parked car. This is super helpful for catching things like someone keying your car or loitering nearby. It’s important to note that this particular kit is compatible with gasoline vehicles only and currently doesn’t support hybrid or pure electric vehicles. It’s also compatible with a wide range of Rexing dash cams, reportedly about 95% of them, with exceptions like 4G LTE, R4-RD, and Multimedia Receiver units.
Rexing Intelligent Hardwire Kit Dedicated Motion Sensor
Now, the Rexing Intelligent Hardwire Kit is a bit different. The key distinction here is that it often comes with a separate, dedicated motion sensor. While the Smart Hardwire Kit might use the dash cam’s internal G-sensor or an integrated motion detection for its 360° variant, the Intelligent Hardwire Kit uses this external sensor for its motion-activated recording. This can sometimes offer more precise motion detection.
When you install the Intelligent Hardwire Kit, Rexing recommends that you do NOT enable the parking monitor function in the settings of your dash cam. This is because the Intelligent Hardwire Kit’s motion sensing will automatically override and manage the parking mode functionality. It handles the powering up and recording until the motion clears, indicated by a blue light on the sensor.
USB Connection Types: Type-C vs. Mini-USB
Just like with your phones and other gadgets, dash cams come with different USB ports for power. Rexing offers hardwire kits for both Type-C and Mini-USB connections. Understanding the Rexing R316 Series: What’s the Difference?
- Type-C Port Kits: These are generally compatible with newer Rexing dash cam models like the R4, DT2, M3, M2 Max, M2-4, M4-4, and RH2 Series. They typically offer 5V/2A output.
- Mini-USB Port Kits: These are designed for Rexing’s supercapacitor models such as the V1 FHD, V3C, V55, V1PSE, V2 Pro AI, V1P 3rd Gen, V1P Pro, V1 MAX, and V1P MAX. These usually provide a 5V/1.5A or 5V/2A output.
It’s super important to check which type of USB port your Rexing dash cam has before purchasing a hardwire kit to ensure compatibility.
Your Pre-Installation Checklist: Gather Your Gear!
Before you start pulling panels off your car, it’s a good idea to get everything ready. Trust me, you don’t want to be halfway through and realize you’re missing a crucial tool.
- Your Rexing Hardwire Kit: Make sure you have the correct kit for your dash cam’s USB port Type-C or Mini-USB. Your kit should typically include the main hardwire cable, fuse tap cables, and an installation crowbar.
- Rexing Dash Cam: The camera you’ll be hardwiring.
- Car Owner’s Manual: This is your best friend for locating your car’s fuse box and understanding its fuse layout. Don’t skip this!
- Circuit Tester / Fuse Tester: Essential for identifying which fuses are “always on” constant power and which are “ignition-switched” ACC power. You can find these at any auto parts store, and they’re usually pretty inexpensive.
- Pliers or Fuse Puller: To safely remove and insert fuses.
- Socket Wrench Set: For loosening and tightening the ground bolt.
- Plastic Trim Removal Tools Pry Tools: These are invaluable for carefully prying open interior panels without damaging them. You can usually pick up a set for under $20.
- Zip Ties or Cable Hiding Clips: To keep your wiring neat and tidy. Some kits, like the Type-C Smart Hardwire Kit, even come with cable hiding clips.
- Microfiber Cloth: To keep your dash cam lens clean.
- Optional: Multimeter: If you want to be extra precise with voltage testing.
- Optional: Extra Fuse Taps/Fuses: While your kit comes with several, having a few extra on hand for different fuse types LP-mini, Mini, Micro2 is never a bad idea.
Safety First: Always disconnect your car’s negative battery terminal before working on electrical components. This prevents accidental short circuits and electric shocks.
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Step-by-Step Installation Guide: Hardwiring Your Rexing Dash Cam
let’s get your Rexing dash cam hardwired. This might seem a bit daunting if you haven’t done it before, but if you take it one step at a time, it’s totally doable. Many people find it quite straightforward, and some kits are even designed for simple DIY installation.
Step 1: Mount Your Dash Cam
Before you run any wires, decide on the best placement for your dash cam. Typically, it goes behind your rearview mirror to give you the best view of the road without obstructing your vision. Make sure it’s mounted securely. If your kit includes an external motion sensor like some Intelligent Hardwire Kits, place it a few inches from the dash cam at the top of the windshield, making sure it’s not blocked by anything, especially your rearview mirror.
Step 2: Locate Your Car’s Fuse Box
Your car generally has at least one fuse box inside the cabin, often under the dashboard on the driver’s or passenger’s side, or sometimes in the glove compartment. Consult your car’s owner’s manual to pinpoint its exact location and how to open it.
Step 3: Identify Constant and Ignition-Switched Fuses
This is a critical step. Your Rexing hardwire kit has three wires:
- Yellow Wire: This needs to connect to an “always on” or constant power fuse. This fuse provides power even when your car is turned off, which is essential for parking mode.
- Red Wire: This connects to an “ignition-switched” or ACC power fuse. This fuse only receives power when your car’s ignition is on. This tells your dash cam when the car is running.
- Black Wire: This is your ground wire.
Use your circuit tester to find the right fuses: Mastering Your Rexing W1 Multimedia Receiver: A Complete Guide
- For the Red ACC wire: With your car engine off, test fuses with the circuit tester. Look for a fuse that does not light up the tester. Then, turn your car’s ignition on without starting the engine and test the same fuse. If it now lights up, you’ve found an ignition-switched fuse. This is for your red wire.
- For the Yellow Constant wire: Turn your car’s engine off and remove the key. Test fuses with the circuit tester. Look for a fuse that always lights up the tester, even with the car off and key removed. This is your constant power fuse.
Pro Tip: Choose fuses that aren’t critical safety components, like your radio, sunroof, or cigarette lighter, rather than airbags or engine controls. Also, check your owner’s manual for fuse functions.
Step 4: Connect the Fuse Taps
Your Rexing hardwire kit comes with fuse tap cables. These are designed to allow you to “tap” into an existing fuse without cutting or splicing wires.
- Carefully remove the original fuse from the slot you identified for constant power.
- Insert that original fuse into the bottom slot of a fuse tap.
- Insert the small fuse usually a 2A or 5A fuse provided with the hardwire kit into the top slot of the fuse tap. This protects the new circuit for your dash cam.
- Connect the yellow wire from the hardwire kit to this fuse tap.
- Repeat this process for the ignition-switched fuse, connecting the red wire to its respective fuse tap.
Step 5: Ground the Black Wire
Find a metal bolt or screw on the car’s chassis near the fuse box. This needs to be bare metal, not painted, to ensure a good connection. Use your socket wrench to loosen the bolt, slip the C-shaped connector of the black wire under it, and then tighten the bolt back up securely. Make sure it’s tight and not touching any plastic parts.
Step 6: Route and Hide the Cables
Once your connections are made, it’s time to hide those wires for a clean, professional look. Use the included crowbar or trim tools to gently pry open gaps in your car’s headliner, A-pillar trim, and door sills. Route the hardwire cable from your dash cam, down the A-pillar, and towards the fuse box. Tuck the wires neatly behind the trim. Use zip ties or cable clips to secure any loose sections.
Step 7: Connect to Your Dash Cam
Finally, connect the USB end of the hardwire kit to your Rexing dash cam. How Fast Is CHAdeMO Charging? Your Quick Guide to This Pioneering EV Standard
Step 8: Test and Enable Parking Mode
- Reconnect your car’s negative battery terminal.
- Start your car. Your dash cam should power on and begin recording normally.
- Turn off your car. Your dash cam should either enter parking mode automatically if you have an Intelligent Hardwire Kit or, if you have a Smart Hardwire Kit, you might need to enable “Parking Monitor” in your dash cam’s settings.
- Test the parking mode by leaving your car off for a few minutes, then gently tapping the dash cam or shaking the car if it’s vibration-triggered or walking past it if it has motion detection. It should power on and record.
Troubleshooting Common Rexing Hardwire Kit Issues
Sometimes, things don’t go exactly as planned. Here are a few common issues and how to tackle them:
- Dash Cam Stays On Even When Car is Off and Parking Mode is Disabled: This usually means your red ACC and yellow constant wires might be swapped, or the fuse you chose for the red wire is also a constant power source. Double-check your fuse testing and ensure the red wire is definitely connected to a fuse that only gets power when the ignition is on. Some users have found success by reversing the red and yellow wires if the camera stays on incorrectly.
- Parking Mode Not Working:
- Check connections: Make sure all three wires red, yellow, black are securely connected.
- Firmware Update: Ensure your dash cam’s firmware is up to date, as parking mode features can sometimes be enabled or improved with the latest firmware.
- Dash Cam Settings: For Smart Hardwire Kits, make sure “Parking Monitor” or “Parking Mode” is enabled in your dash cam’s menu. For Intelligent Hardwire Kits, remember that its external sensor overrides the dash cam’s internal setting, so you typically should NOT enable parking mode in the dash cam’s settings itself.
- Power Source: Confirm the constant fuse you tapped is actually constant.
- Supercapacitor Charging: If your dash cam has a supercapacitor, it might need a good charge first to properly engage parking mode. A long drive or even charging it with a phone charger overnight via its USB port can help.
- Dash Cam Turns Off with the Car, Even with Hardwire Kit: This means your yellow constant wire isn’t connected to an “always on” fuse, or it’s connected incorrectly. Re-test your constant fuse with the circuit tester while the car is off and the key is removed.
- Kit Not Compatible: Double-check the USB type Type-C or Mini-USB and ensure it matches your dash cam. Also, remember that the Rexing Smart Hardwire Kit with 360° Motion Detection is for gasoline vehicles only.
If you’re still stuck, don’t hesitate to reach out to Rexing’s customer support. They’re usually pretty responsive and can guide you through specific issues.
The Big Payoff: Benefits of the Rexing Smart Hardwire Kit
So, why go through all this trouble? The benefits of properly hardwiring your Rexing dash cam with a Smart Hardwire Kit are significant: Rexing Dash Cam Quality: Everything You Need to Know
- Enhanced Security: With 24/7 surveillance and motion detection, you significantly increase your car’s security against hit-and-runs, vandalism, and potential theft attempts while parked.
- Complete Incident Capture: You’re more likely to capture footage of incidents that happen when you’re not in the car, providing crucial evidence for insurance claims or legal situations.
- Clean Installation: No more dangling wires or occupied cigarette lighter ports. A hardwired setup looks tidy and professional.
- Battery Protection: The built-in low voltage protection means you get continuous recording without the constant worry of a drained car battery.
- Automatic Operation: ACC detection ensures seamless switching between driving and parking modes, making it truly a set-it-and-forget-it solution.
Investing in a Rexing Smart Hardwire Kit with 360° motion detection is a smart move for any dash cam owner who wants comprehensive protection and peace of mind. It unlocks the full potential of your dash cam, turning it into an always-on guardian for your vehicle.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main difference between the Rexing Smart Hardwire Kit and the Intelligent Hardwire Kit?
The key difference usually comes down to how they detect events for parking mode. The standard Smart Hardwire Kit often relies on the dash cam’s G-sensor vibration detection. However, the specific Rexing Smart Hardwire Kit with 360° Motion Detection directly senses motion from any angle. The Intelligent Hardwire Kit, on the other hand, typically includes a separate, dedicated motion sensor for its parking mode functions, and it often overrides the dash cam’s internal parking mode settings.
Is the Rexing Smart Hardwire Kit with 360° motion detection compatible with all Rexing dash cams?
While many Rexing hardwire kits are widely compatible, the “Smart Hardwire Kit with 360° Motion Detection” specifically states compatibility with 95% of Rexing dash cams, but notes exceptions like 4G LTE, R4-RD, and Multimedia Receiver units. It’s also important to remember this specific kit is only compatible with gasoline vehicles, not hybrids or pure electric cars. Always double-check your dash cam model’s specific requirements and the hardwire kit’s compatibility list before purchasing.
What voltage does the low voltage protection cut off at?
Rexing Smart Hardwire Kits typically feature a built-in low voltage protection system that cuts off power to the dash cam when your car battery’s voltage drops to a specific level. For 12V vehicle systems, this is usually around 11.8V, and for 24V systems, it’s approximately 23.5V. This ensures you have enough battery power left to start your vehicle. The Ultimate Guide to the Rexing P2 Body Camera: Everything You Need to Know
What kind of fuses do I need for installation, and does the kit include them?
The Rexing hardwire kits usually come with fuse tap cables and several common fuse types e.g., LP-mini, Mini, Micro2 blade fuse adapters. These fuse taps allow you to add the hardwire kit without cutting your car’s existing wiring. You’ll use your car’s original fuse in one slot of the fuse tap, and a new, smaller fuse usually 2A or 5A, often included for the dash cam’s circuit in the other slot. Always refer to your car’s owner’s manual to identify the correct fuse types and locations in your vehicle.
Can I install the Rexing Smart Hardwire Kit myself, or do I need professional help?
Many people successfully install the Rexing Smart Hardwire Kit themselves, and it’s designed with a “Simple DIY” option in mind. The instructions generally involve identifying constant and ignition-switched fuses, grounding a wire, and routing cables. However, if you’re uncomfortable working with your car’s electrical system, professional installation is always an option. Places like Best Buy AutoTech Garages offer installation services.
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