Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 with Dongar mirror adapter

[ericpullen]

Just a quick review of my Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 install using a Dongar mirror adapter:
Positives:

• Super small camera is totally out of sight and I forget it is even there
• The Dongar adapter was super easy to install and feels like it is a good quality
• Discovered today that the Dongar apater powers up when you remote start the truck, so you can record the whole time it is remotely started.
• SD Card is easy to access and files are organized in 1 min chunks.
• Found out you can turn off all beeping and now it just works and I never have to think about it.

Negatives:

• Camera quality still feels soft even with a polarized lens cover.
• Only records front facing, but I’m fine with that for now
• Certainly passable for insurance purposes, but seems about as good as cameras from 2005 timeframe.
• Setup of the app was as bit odd and it took several attempts to get it connected

I’d love to get the camera feeds off the outside cameras like a Tesla, but I’m not holding my breath that will happen, so this will do for now.

 

[broncoaz]

I’m looking at the same camera for my Bronco and Lightning because it fits behind the mirror so well. I’m not sure if I will use the Dongar adapter on the Lightning or Bronco though. I had an issue with the Dongar adapter on the Tacoma this week. The radar detector suction cup failed sending it to the floor. The sharp pull on the Dongar adapter pulled two pins out of the factory Toyota mirror harness. I need to see if they will just push back in and stay secured or if the pin tabs broke inside.

 

[kbuicker]

Just a quick review of my Garmin Dash Cam Mini 2 install using a Dongar mirror adapter:
Positives:

• Super small camera is totally out of sight and I forget it is even there
• The Dongar adapter was super easy to install and feels like it is a good quality
• Discovered today that the Dongar apater powers up when you remote start the truck, so you can record the whole time it is remotely started.
• SD Card is easy to access and files are organized in 1 min chunks.
• Found out you can turn off all beeping and now it just works and I never have to think about it.

Negatives:

• Camera quality still feels soft even with a polarized lens cover.
• Only records front facing, but I’m fine with that for now
• Certainly passable for insurance purposes, but seems about as good as cameras from 2005 timeframe.
• Setup of the app was as bit odd and it took several attempts to get it connected

I’d love to get the camera feeds off the outside cameras like a Tesla, but I’m not holding my breath that will happen, so this will do for now.

I have the exact same set up. Last night I was a bit concerned, I don't know if my rearview mirror was dimming or not? This is the 1st night drive I've taken with the Dongar installed with my Mini 2. You can turn off the chimes? I will have to check the app to see how to do that! nice! I did notice, when I had the OBD2 plug powering the camera, that it recorded for 2-hours after I turned off the truck which was nice. Unfortunately, it was touch and go whether it even powered the camera or not.

 

[kbuicker]

Confirmed, the mirror is working just fine. I have noticed the Dongar comes on and turns off with the truck, so, no after power to record anyone parking near you. The OBD2 plug to power it did stay on for the allotted 2 hours of parking. Not sure which idea I like better.

 

[ericpullen]

For the pure fact I didn't have to run a wire down the pillars, I'll take not having the parking lot camera action. If I feel really worried about where I've parked, I'll probably just remote start or leave it "running" but locked.

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