When you’re stepping away from your car, ever wonder what happens? I mean, who hasn’t had that little worry in the back of their mind about a ding, a bump, or something worse in a parking lot? That’s where a Rexing parking monitor kit steps in, acting like a silent guardian for your vehicle, keeping an eye out even when you’re not around. This isn’t just about recording your drives. it’s about extending that watchful eye to cover those vulnerable moments when your car is parked and the engine is off. Think of it as a crucial upgrade for peace of mind, especially with things like hit-and-runs and minor parking lot incidents on the rise.
The whole idea behind a dash cam’s parking mode, or parking monitor, is pretty neat. It lets your dash cam keep recording even when your car is turned off, providing 24/7 surveillance. This means if someone bumps your car, tries to break in, or even vandalizes it, your Rexing dash cam will catch it on video. It’s a must for vehicle security, offering you that vital evidence in case something goes wrong. And trust me, having that video proof can save you a lot of headaches, time, and money with insurance claims or identifying culprits. So, let’s break down everything you need to know about getting your Rexing parking monitor kit up and running, and how to get the most out of it.
At its core, a Rexing parking monitor kit is a combination of your Rexing dash cam and a specialized hardwire kit that allows the dash cam to operate when your vehicle’s engine is off. You see, most dash cams are designed to power on and record when your car starts, and then shut off when you turn the engine off. But incidents don’t just happen while you’re driving. Parking lots, garages, and even your own driveway can be prime spots for unexpected events.
A “parking monitor” or “parking mode” feature on a Rexing dash cam is what makes this continuous surveillance possible. You might hear it called “sentry mode,” “parking surveillance,” or “parking guard” by other brands, but they all serve the same purpose: giving your car an extra set of eyes and ears.
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How Parking Mode Works with Rexing Dash Cams
When your Rexing dash cam has parking mode enabled, it doesn’t just record constantly while parked though some modes do offer that. Instead, it typically enters a low-power “hibernation” state to conserve your car’s battery. It then springs to life and starts recording when triggered by specific events.
Rexing dash cams, like many other modern dash cams, use different sensors to detect these events:
G-Sensor Impact Detection
This is probably the most common way parking mode gets triggered. The G-sensor, or gravity sensor, inside your Rexing dash cam is designed to detect sudden movements or impacts. So, if someone dings your door, backs into your bumper, or even tries to break a window, the G-sensor will register that vibration or collision. Once detected, the camera automatically turns on, records a short video clip often 20-30 seconds, and then locks that footage into a separate “event” folder. This keeps it safe from being overwritten by the loop recording feature. For models like the Rexing V1 and V1P, this feature came with firmware updates, and you can find it in the “Video Menu” as “Parking Monitor.” For models like the R4 and M2, you’ll want to set the “Gravity Sensing” to high sensitivity for parking mode.
Motion Detection
Some Rexing dash cams also offer motion detection as part of their parking mode. This means the camera’s built-in video sensor looks for movement in its field of view, like a pedestrian walking by or another vehicle pulling into an adjacent spot. If motion is detected, the camera wakes up and starts recording. This can be useful for capturing activity around your car, but you might need to adjust the sensitivity to avoid too many false alarms from things like swaying trees or distant traffic. It’s worth noting that to use motion detection effectively, especially with some newer models, you might need an Intelligent Hardwire Kit that powers up the dash cam when motion is detected, rather than relying solely on the camera’s internal G-sensor.
Time-Lapse Recording
This is another fantastic option for continuous surveillance without hogging too much storage or power. In time-lapse mode, your dash cam records continuously at a very low frame rate e.g., 1 frame per second while parked. This condenses hours of footage into short, easily reviewable videos, giving you a comprehensive record of activity around your car. While it uses more power than G-sensor-only mode, it provides a more complete picture if you want to see everything that happened, not just triggered events. Rexing V3+: Your Ultimate On-Road Companion
Why Do You Need a Hardwire Kit?
This is a big one, and often where folks get a bit confused. For your Rexing dash cam’s parking mode to work, it absolutely needs a constant power supply even when your car is off. That’s where the hardwire kit comes in.
If you just plug your dash cam into the cigarette lighter socket, it typically loses power as soon as you turn off the engine. The internal battery in most dash cams is usually small, designed for emergency use or to save the last few seconds of a recording, not for extended parking surveillance.
A hardwire kit connects your dash cam directly to your car’s fuse box. This allows it to draw power continuously from your car’s battery, even when the ignition is off. But don’t worry, a good hardwire kit, especially Rexing’s Smart or Intelligent Hardwire Kits, includes voltage cut-off protection. This feature monitors your car’s battery voltage and will automatically cut power to the dash cam if the voltage drops below a certain safe level. This prevents your dash cam from draining your car battery completely, ensuring you can still start your engine.
There are generally two types of hardwire kits from Rexing, and understanding the difference is key: How to Connect with Rexing: Your Ultimate Guide to Their Phone Numbers and Support
- Smart Hardwire Kit: This is your standard kit, usually with three wires: one for a constant power source always on fuse, one for a switched power source ignition only fuse, and a ground wire. This setup allows the dash cam to know when the car is on or off and switch into parking mode. However, some users have reported issues where the dash cam continuously records even after selecting G-sensor or time-lapse, or that the parking monitor function won’t activate without a message prompting them to connect a “Smart Hardwire Kit” even when it’s already installed.
- Intelligent Hardwire Kit: Some newer Rexing models, like the M2, might benefit more from an Intelligent Hardwire Kit which can include more advanced features like motion sensing to power up the dash cam, and better battery protection. If you’re encountering problems with parking mode on a newer model, it might be worth checking if this kit is recommended.
Installing Your Rexing Parking Monitor Kit Hardwire Kit
you’ve got your Rexing dash cam and your hardwire kit. Now for the installation. While the idea of messing with your car’s fuse box might sound intimidating, it’s a pretty straightforward process if you take your time. However, if you’re not comfortable with electrical work, getting it professionally installed by an audio shop or mechanic is always a good idea. Some Best Buy locations also offer installation services for dash cams.
Here’s a general rundown, but always refer to your specific Rexing hardwire kit’s instructions and your car’s fuse box diagram.
What You’ll Need:
- Your Rexing Dash Cam
- Rexing Smart or Intelligent Hardwire Kit
- Fuse Taps usually come with the hardwire kit, or you might need to buy them separately, ensure they match your car’s fuse type
- Wire Crimpers/Strippers
- Multimeter or Fuse Tester highly recommended!
- Zip Ties or Electrical Tape
- Plastic Trim Removal Tools optional, but helpful
- Clean Cloth and Alcohol Wipes for mounting surfaces
Step-by-Step Installation:
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Mount Your Dash Cam: First things first, decide where you want your dash cam. Typically, it’s mounted behind your rearview mirror, keeping it out of your direct line of sight but still able to capture a clear view of the road ahead. If you have a rear camera, figure out its routing too. Make sure the area is clean and dry before applying any adhesive mounts. Revkingz OBD: Unleash Your Car’s Inner Supercar
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Locate Your Fuse Box: Your car’s fuse box can usually be found in one of a few places: under the dashboard on the driver’s or passenger’s side, in the glove compartment, or under the hood. Consult your car’s owner’s manual for the exact location.
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Identify Constant and Switched Fuses: This is the most critical part for parking mode. You need two types of power:
- Constant Power Yellow Wire on Rexing Kits: This fuse provides power even when your car is off. Good candidates are fuses for interior lights, power windows some stay active for a short period, or the car’s clock.
- Switched Power Red Wire on Rexing Kits: This fuse only provides power when your car’s ignition is on. Fuses for your radio, wipers, or cigarette lighter are usually good options.
- Ground Wire Black Wire on Rexing Kits: This needs to be connected to an unpainted metal bolt or screw on the car’s chassis to complete the electrical circuit.
Pro Tip: Use a multimeter or a fuse tester! This tool will let you safely test which fuses are constant and which are switched. Just insert the tester into a fuse slot – if it lights up with the car off, it’s constant. If it only lights up with the car on, it’s switched. This takes out all the guesswork and prevents potential issues.
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Connect the Hardwire Kit:
- Attach the yellow wire constant power to a fuse tap, and insert it into your chosen constant fuse slot.
- Attach the red wire switched power to another fuse tap, and insert it into your chosen switched fuse slot.
- Secure the black wire ground to a metal bolt or screw.
Rexing provides helpful video tutorials for hardwire kit installation on their website and YouTube channel, which can be super useful. Why Your Dash Cam Hardwire Kit Might Be Giving You Trouble
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Route the Cables: Carefully tuck and route the hardwire kit’s cable along your car’s interior trim, headliner, and A-pillar down to the fuse box. Use trim removal tools to gently pry open panels and hide the wires for a clean, factory-like look. Zip ties can help secure excess wire.
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Connect to Dash Cam and Test: Plug the hardwire kit’s mini USB or Type-C, depending on your Rexing model connector into your dash cam. Start your car to ensure the dash cam powers on. Then, turn your car off. After a few seconds, the dash cam should indicate it’s entering parking mode you might see a “P” icon on some models like the V1P. Gently shake the car or tap the dash cam if using G-sensor to test if it records a parking mode event.
Rexing Models and Hardwire Kits
Different Rexing models might use different hardwire kits. For instance:
- Rexing V1 and V1P typically use a Smart Hardwire Kit.
- Rexing R4 often uses a Type-C Smart Hardwire Kit.
- Rexing M2 models might recommend an Intelligent Hardwire Kit for optimal parking mode.
- Rexing V5 is also compatible with hardwire kits for parking monitor functionality.
Always double-check the compatibility of your hardwire kit with your specific Rexing dash cam model. Rexing vs. Wolfbox: Which Dash Cam Is the Right Co-Pilot for Your Ride?
Troubleshooting Rexing Parking Mode Issues
Even with everything set up correctly, sometimes parking mode can be a bit finicky. Here are some common issues and what you can do about them:
“To use parking monitor, please make sure Smart Hardwire Kit is connected” Message
This is a common one that can be confusing. Many Rexing users, especially with V1P models, report seeing this message even when their hardwire kit is properly installed.
- The Fix: Often, this is just an informational message. After you hit “OK” which might be the only option, you should be presented with options like “G-sensor” or “Time Lapse” for parking mode. Once you select one, parking mode should be enabled. Don’t let the message deter you. proceed with selecting your desired parking mode setting.
Parking Mode Not Activating or Recording
If your Rexing dash cam’s parking mode isn’t kicking in as expected, here’s a checklist: Rexing B1 Night Vision Goggles Binoculars Review: Your Ultimate Guide to Seeing in the Dark
- Hardwire Kit Connection: Double-check all your hardwire kit connections: constant power, switched power, and ground. A loose connection is a frequent culprit. Use your multimeter to confirm continuous power to the dash cam even when the car is off.
- Firmware Update: Always make sure your Rexing dash cam has the latest firmware. Rexing often releases updates that improve parking mode functionality and fix bugs. Check the Rexing USA website for your specific model’s firmware.
- G-Sensor Sensitivity: If your dash cam isn’t reacting to bumps or shakes, the G-sensor sensitivity might be set too low. Go into your dash cam’s settings and increase the “Gravity Sensing” or “G-sensor” sensitivity e.g., to “High”. However, be mindful that setting it too high can lead to false triggers from strong winds or slight vibrations. Some users have reported issues where even significant car movement doesn’t trigger recording, but a light tap on the camera does, suggesting a potentially sensitive G-sensor.
- Supercapacitor Charge: Rexing dash cams often use supercapacitors instead of traditional batteries, which are great for extreme temperatures and longevity. However, they need to be charged. If your dash cam is brand new or hasn’t been powered for a while, the supercapacitor might be depleted. Drive your car for a good amount of time e.g., 90 minutes or connect the dash cam to a phone charger overnight to ensure the supercapacitor is fully charged.
- Memory Card Issues: An old, slow, or corrupted SD card can cause recording problems. Make sure you’re using a high-quality, Class 10 / UHS-I or higher MicroSD/SDHC/SDXC memory card, and format it regularly in-camera is best.
- Incorrect Fuse Wiring Rare but possible: While Rexing’s instructions are generally clear, sometimes confusion can arise if the red and yellow wires are swapped, leading to the dash cam continuously recording or not going into parking mode properly. If you suspect this, re-check your wiring against the instructions carefully.
Battery Drain Concerns
One of the biggest worries with parking mode is draining your car’s battery.
- Voltage Cut-off Protection: Rexing’s Smart and Intelligent Hardwire Kits are designed with low-voltage cut-off protection. This means the kit will stop providing power to the dash cam if your car’s battery voltage drops to a preset safe level e.g., 11.6V or higher, though 11.8V-12.4V is often recommended to avoid deep cycling the battery.
- Parking Mode Settings: If you find your battery draining too quickly, consider adjusting your parking mode settings. Using G-sensor only impact detection is generally more power-efficient than continuous time-lapse recording.
- External Battery Packs: For ultimate protection against battery drain, or if you need very long parking surveillance like a week at the airport, you might consider an external dash cam battery pack. These charge while you drive and then power the dash cam independently when parked, putting no strain on your car’s main battery.
Benefits of a Rexing Parking Monitor Kit
Having a Rexing parking monitor kit isn’t just a cool gadget. it offers some serious practical advantages:
- 24/7 Vehicle Protection: This is the big one. Your car is constantly monitored, even when you’re away, providing an invaluable layer of security against a variety of incidents.
- Evidence for Accidents and Incidents: Whether it’s a hit-and-run in a parking lot, vandalism, or someone trying to break into your car, the recorded footage is crucial evidence for police and insurance claims. According to some studies, a significant percentage of vehicle-related thefts happen at night. Dash cams with parking mode are your eyes in the dark.
- Deterrent for Criminals: The visible presence of a dash cam, especially one known to have parking mode, can act as a deterrent for potential thieves or vandals.
- Peace of Mind: Knowing that your vehicle is being watched, even when you’re not there, brings a significant level of peace of mind.
- Monitoring While Away: Some advanced systems, especially when combined with cloud features though Rexing’s app is primarily for local playback and settings, can even offer remote viewing or alerts to your phone if an event occurs, keeping you connected to your car.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between “Parking Monitor” and “Motion Detection” on Rexing dash cams?
“Parking Monitor” often refers to the overarching feature that enables surveillance when your car is off. Within this, you typically have options. For many Rexing models, “Parking Monitor” primarily uses the G-sensor impact detection to record when a collision or significant vibration is detected. “Motion Detection,” on the other hand, specifically triggers recording when the camera’s lens detects movement in its field of view. Some newer Rexing models or Intelligent Hardwire Kits might offer more refined motion detection features.
Do all Rexing dash cams have parking mode?
Most modern Rexing dash cams are designed with parking mode capabilities. However, to fully utilize this feature, nearly all Rexing dash cams require a Smart Hardwire Kit or Intelligent Hardwire Kit to provide continuous power to the dash cam when the vehicle is off. Without hardwiring, the dash cam will typically power off with the car’s engine. Rexing Night Vision Binoculars Review: Your Guide to Seeing in the Dark
How do I enable parking mode on my Rexing dash cam?
To enable parking mode, you first need to have your Rexing dash cam properly hardwired using a compatible Smart or Intelligent Hardwire Kit. Once hardwired, access your dash cam’s menu you usually need to stop recording first. Look for a setting like “Parking Monitor,” “Parking Mode,” or “G-sensor.” Select your preferred detection method e.g., G-sensor for impact detection, or time-lapse if available and adjust sensitivity as needed.
Will a Rexing parking monitor kit drain my car battery?
Rexing’s Smart and Intelligent Hardwire Kits include low-voltage cut-off protection. This crucial feature monitors your car battery’s voltage and will automatically cut power to the dash cam if the voltage drops below a safe threshold, preventing excessive drain and ensuring you can still start your vehicle. However, factors like your battery’s age, outdoor temperature, and how long your car is parked can affect how long the dash cam can record in parking mode.
What should I do if my Rexing parking mode is not working?
First, ensure your dash cam’s firmware is up to date and that you’re using a compatible, properly formatted, high-speed SD card. Double-check all connections of your hardwire kit, ensuring the constant and switched power lines are correctly identified and connected to the fuse box. Verify the G-sensor sensitivity is set appropriately in your dash cam’s settings. If the issue persists, ensure the internal supercapacitor has had enough time to charge a long drive or overnight charging with a phone charger can help. If all else fails, contact Rexing customer support. they can often provide specific troubleshooting for your model.
Can I install the Rexing hardwire kit myself, or should I get it professionally installed?
Many people successfully install Rexing hardwire kits themselves. The process involves identifying fuse box locations, testing fuses with a multimeter, and routing wires. Rexing provides tutorial videos that can guide you. However, if you’re not comfortable working with your car’s electrical system, or if you want a guaranteed clean and correct installation, it’s always a good idea to have it professionally installed by a car audio specialist or an auto electrician. This ensures proper functionality and avoids potential issues like battery drain or damage to your vehicle’s electronics.
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