The DataCam2 was design with ease of installation in mind. Simply follow these steps and you’ll be recording data in no time. Figure 1 (below) shows a schematic of the DataCam2 connections to your car and your video equipment.
Step 1: Locate the DLC connector which is found somewhere under the dashboard. The DLC connector location varies from manufacturer to manufacturer but it is required to be within 1 meter of the driver. This usually means that it is located on the driver’s side of the dashboard between the center console and the A pillar, usually beneath the dashboard. To help in your search for the DLC connector, remember that it has to be accessible to shop mechanics so start near the driver’s door and work your way in. DO NOT plug in the DLC plug just yet.
Step 2: Locate a switched, 12 volt line that goes to the brake lights. On most cars, the brake switch line is controlled by a switch that is operated by the brake pedal. Using a volt ohm meter, find the line that is switched, not the 12 volt supply line. It should go high (12 volts) when the brake pedal is depressed and go low (ground – 0 volts) when the pedal is released.
Step 3: Connect the black brake sense wire to the switched brake line using the supplied line splice. The brake sense line is the wire that runs along the OBD connector cable.
Step 4: Mount the DataCam2 on a flat surface in your car where the driver can reach the DataCam2 power switch. If you have purchased the Accelerometer Option, mount the DataCam2 so that the 'Front' label is pointing toward the front of the car and make sure that the box is level. If the DataCam2 is not oriented correctly, the accelerometer will not give accurate readings. Remember to secure the DataCam2 in such a way that it won’t become flying debris during an uncontrolled deceleration and stop, some times called a crash. The DataCam2 is light but it’s not indestructible. If you disregard this warning, call us – we have more boxes.
Step 5: Connect the video line from your video camera to the red Vin plug and connect the video line to you video recorder to the white Vout line. Connect the camera audio line directly to your video recorder. The DataCam2 doesn't use the audio line.
Step 6: If you have installed a PA3 mike, connect 12 volt power to the mike.
Step 7: If you have purchased the StopWatch option, connect the modular cable to the modular jack on the side of the DataCam2 as shown in the HotLap Connection instructions.
Step 8: Power up the camera and video recorder and connect the OBD plug into the OBD connector. The DataCam2 gets its power from the OBD connector so the is no DataCam2 power line for you to connect. Finally, turn the DataCam2 power switch to On before you start the car. We're done and you're in the video data business.
Corvette and other GM installations: When starting the DataCam2 in GM vehicles, ALWAYS connect the DataCam2 to the vehicle with the ignition switch TURNED OFF. Then turn on the DataCam2 BEFORE turning on the ignition. GM systems appear to sense a change in status on the DLC connector and go into an "open loop" condition. You can detect an "open loop" condition by erratic behavior of the vehicle's dash instrumentation. To prevent this, ALWAYS connect and turn on the DataCam2 before turning on the ignition.
Corvette C5 installations: We have received reports of the DataCam2 discharging the battery on C5's when the DataCam2 is left connected for long periods of time with the ignition turned off. The OBDII spec requires that the power to the DLC be turned off when the igition is turned off. Apparently, at least on some C5's, the DLC stays hot when the ignition is turned off. Check your vehicle and if you vehicle does this, either turn off the power switch on the DataCam2 or disconnect the the OBDII plug from the DLC tp prevent the DataCam2 from discharging the C5's battery.