997 security and dash cams

[M5Sime]

Hi - my understanding is that 997s have Cat1 alarm systems already. Has anyone needed to fit a tracker or decided to have dash cams fitted for monitoring while parked as well as for other uses.

I found an installer online that seems to have fitted dual cams to quite a few Porsche models.

Happy to get a PM if you prefer to highlight what you have done off the public forum

Best

Simon

[gwsinc]

I’ve wired in a dash cam to my 987 CS. It’s a relatively easy DIY job (all you really need are some trim removal tools and the right electrical connections), you have a few options for power:

1. Hardwire into fuse box, depending on the fuse you piggyback onto the camera will be either always on or switched on when ignition is turned on (switched is what you want). Most cameras also have a vibration detection function and a small battery to detect movement and film when the ignition is off.

2. Connected to 12v, both 12v sockets are always in on my 987 so probably the same in your 997, this drains the battery and leaves you with lots of useless footage. Can be used if you’re happy to plug/unplug each time you use the car.

3. Use the USB port in the centre console. This is what I have done. It provides power when the car is unlocked and when the ignition is on, even better it provides power for a minute or so when the door handles are pulled, even if the car is locked. Coupled with a vibration detection function, this works really well (and doesn’t affect the Porsche warranty as it’s not hardwired).

Other than this it’s a case of working out the best cable route, normally through the a-pillar trim and roof lining, and also stuffed into the door rubber seals towards the fuse box.

Hope this helps.

[M5Sime]

Thank you for the detailed options! Have you installed this primarily for driving safety and insurance or as much for parked monitoring? I’m more thinking that protection while parked is my interest.

Does yours record while parked and locked? Reading some reviews. - I see some are using voltage sensing permanent install feeds to cut off the battery drain if too much/too long.

Any insurance requirements? Or is the standard alarm perfectly good for these purposes?

[gwsinc]

M5Sime said:

Thank you for the detailed options! Have you installed this primarily for driving safety and insurance or as much for parked monitoring? I’m more thinking that protection while parked is my interest.

Does yours record while parked and locked? Reading some reviews. - I see some are using voltage sensing permanent install feeds to cut off the battery drain if too much/too long.

Any insurance requirements? Or is the standard alarm perfectly good for these purposes?

Mainly for driving safety, and apportioning of blame should an incident occur, it proved useful in an accident I had last year in another car (I posted the details and video here last year, you can prob still find it). There isn't any effect on my insurance premium but this may be different dependant on driving history/car/age/value/etc..

I'd have liked to have it record permanently when parked for peace of mind but I found this wasn't practical when battery and memory are concerned, a voltage cut-off may be an option, but with my Porsche warranty I shouldn't hard wire anything in. These voltage cut offs can also be bought separately so you don't have to buy a high end camera!

My one records when parked and locked when the camera senses movement (built in accelerometer) or when a door handle is pulled (USB is powered on when door handle pulled) which covers most eventualities of attempted theft or damage. I've also activated the car's built in tracker (which should be built in to any car that came of the production line worth £50,000 or more) which again, doesn't affect my insurance premium, but serves for further peace of mind. The factory alarm is perfectly good IMO.

In summary, my car is protected by:
Dashcam - activated when parked on movement or door handle being pulled
Built in tracker
Factory Alarm

:-)


I guess yours is parked on the road, hence the concern?

[M5Sime]

gwsinc said:

In summary, my car is protected by:
Dashcam - activated when parked on movement or door handle being pulled
Built in tracker
Factory Alarm

:-)


I guess yours is parked on the road, hence the concern?

Hi- thanks again! Mine will be on a drive but mainly concerned about when parked as a daily for the little bits and bobs.

[gwsinc]

M5Sime said:

Hi- thanks again! Mine will be on a drive but mainly concerned about when parked as a daily for the little bits and bobs.

No problem. I was worried about this too so ended up spending £1400 on a 2005 Mini Cooper as a daily - it's surprisingly liberating parking up an not really caring if someone gives it a bash!