How to Install WiFi in your Vehicle
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- Опубліковано 9 лют 2025
- Note: Some people have reported flakiness with the SyncUp Drive. Mine used to be flaky too, but is working well now. Here's another alternative:
4K dashcam: geni.us/DR970X...
LTE module: geni.us/Blackv...
More integrated and easy to use option (LTE built into dashcam): geni.us/DR970X...
Here's the original components I used for this video:
TMobile SyncUp Drive 2: www.t-mobile.c...
USB to OBD II adapter: geni.us/USB-OB... [Amazon]
Cig. lighter splitter: geni.us/LR4Fw [Amazon]
Cellink Neo battery: geni.us/BBMC-C...
Mobile WiFi Hotspots:
AT&T: www.att.com/bu...
Verizon: www.verizon.co...
T-Mobile: www.t-mobile.c...
Dashcams (newest versions):
Blackvue DR970X Plus (4K): geni.us/DR970X...
Blackvue DR770X (1080p): geni.us/Blackv...
Battery Pack: geni.us/PowerC...
Expansion Battery: geni.us/Cellin...
Subscribe to Vortex Radar: www.youtube.co...
Best Radar Detectors: www.vortexrada...
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© 2020 Vortex Radar, LLC. All rights reserved.
#Tutorial #VortexRadar #WiFi #RadarDetectors #RadarDetector #Dashcam
I just wanted to let you know that your video on getting WI-FI in a vehicle. I was having a problem . I recently had retractable steps on my truck and they also use OBD to make them work. And the my steps started lowering and retracting driving. So after going back to the company that installed them and found out that they installed a spitter to they could install the OBD and my OBD for my T-Mobile wi-fi. So they temporarily disabled my T-Mobile OBD and that seemed to solve the problem..... So I went to the internet and search for how to get WI-FI back in my truck. And the first video I went was this video on how to get WI-FI. As it turned out your video helped solve my dilemma by getting the USB adapter to OBD and now it works great. I subscribed to start watching your video's. Thank's for the great post.
I started watching this during my 1st cup of coffee - had to rewind and make a 2nd cup to keep up 😏
Excellent video my friend, thank you 👍
On initial promotion, I put t-mobile's sync up and drive adapters in all 4 of our family cars. At the time there were no cables like you use. That's an excellent idea. My mechanic would not work on my cars with those adapters because of risk. He said it's direct access to the car computers buss, which puts the owner's life at the hands of the adapter maker. It was scary stuff.
I am not a gear head at all! And that is the reason I watch your videos... They amaze me. Might slowly turn around!... The present battle between a V1G2 and JBV1 is enough... [and yes, I am getting a lot of help from your videos and RRForum]
I wish providers let you use all of your data via hotspot instead of charging extra. I don't get what difference it makes for them whether you use all your data directly or through hotspot.
Just turn hotspot on and use the data, isn’t that how it works?
That’s how it is for me in Australia at least. We only get one data allotment and that’s it, and if you hotspot it very well can suck back all your data. I know it was different in your country (assuming USA)
One thing nobody seems to mention in any of these setup help videos, is temperature. If you plan on full time employment of your car's WiFi access (IOW connected 24/7), you need to consider temperature!
Many choices, such as the OBD2 connection, dedicated WiFi hotspot via cell phone or a stick, BUT they all need to be wired to a DC charging asset, AND most if not all of the devices you can consider are affected by a temperature controlled charging. The charge current will drop to zero if the device senses higher or lower temperatures than what its design perimeters allow for.
Just leave your cell phone in your car plugged into a 12V DC socket overnight in the cold, and in the morning you will find a message that the phone's battery was too cold to continue charging.
Keeping the car battery charged is easy with a small solar voltaic panel, but the temperature inside the car is the biggest pain in the ass......
would the method shown above work without a car so long as you had the battery and adapter and the device? like could you in theory do this on a side walk? just basically make it portable to move the internet connection inside when weather is too bad out in the car
Thanks for this! I've wanted to get that adapter but didn't want T-Mobile knowing all the info from my car computer but with that connector I can avoid that
That's a great point as well! Yeah there's some features (like tracking stuff that you may not want) that integrate with their app and some of the features will break when you go this route, but in some ways that's worth it, haha.
Interesting. I will definitely check this out as well. Thanks
I’ve been touting these benefits for years now. I think I may have even planted the seed for you a while back ;)
What do you want …a cookie?
Would love an updated video with new technologies recommendations or how the TMobil connection is working currently? .
Useful info, it's probably worth mentioning, that the OBDII devices unless they have "smart" functionality to read car data, they won't even use (some literally won't have the physical connection) to the data bus in order to represent any real hacking danger. Moreover, OBDII port has constant 12V power, so not quite sure as to why this wouldn't work while the car is off, likely if not possible to enable as functionality, simple mod would solve the issue.
Was about to comment that
The Harmon spark that I used in my car would disconnect after 10 minutes of the car not running.. I was very happy with that service and they just discontinued it as of April 1st.
This was a pretty informative video, thank you!
Thank you for that idea and way to have wifi in your car. Now I can set things in my car for my future kids to do while I'm driving on a trip
Looks like the USB connector for your adapter just converts USB back into 12v. You can verify this with a multimeter on the output of the USB adapter. If that's the case, you're probably better off rewiring it so that the OBD2 adapter just runs straight off of 12v. You'll get more runtime without the efficiency loss of going from 12v -> 5v -> 12v.
very great info with no crap! right on my friend i wish everyone did videos like this . very informational , extremely useful , you are a professional !
Dude, you are the biggest car nerd ! purveyor of polytechnic paraphernalia....love your channel...
😂 isn’t he awesome 🤩
Of course he loves his channel.
i feel like you could explain anything to me...can you upload a video explaining something god-awful boring to prove me right? i love your enthusiasm
lol
I figured if anyone can help me it’s you watch your videos all the time very well done and informative.
Brilliant, thank you for getting this info out.
@Vortex Radar, I assume you are recording 24/7 365 days a year. In a 31 day month how much data are you using? I have my Thinkware U1000 and want to have it recording 27/7 365 days per year. I need to know what data package I should get. Everyone says different and you are the one that is doing it. What kind of data should I expect to use? I will be using a OBD2 adapter. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
This UA-cam video has done more for me in 8 minutes than I've seen seen police do for black citizens in over 100 years
You have to be the geekiest geek ever.😎 thanks for all the information.
lol
Excellent video - especially I can check where my car is!
I use the Netgear Unite hotspot powered off of a BlackVue battery pack. ATT $25/mo for 3gb. Hotspot is always on even when parked. I also use Cellink Neo for Parking mode on my Dr900s BlackVue dashcam.
Which exact model number of Netgear Unite are you using? I'm planning on building a similar setup as yours. Thanks.
I have the Thinkware U3000 and the Powercell 8 (hardwired; the u3000 is connected directly to my powercell 8). I got the SyncUp drive, connected it to OBD dongle (which is connected to my powercell) and activated the hotspot. The hotspot does not stay on for long (I know it doesnt since i cannot remote view "live" the camera via the thinkware connected app). How do i fix this issue? What's going on here?
Good video, just buy a hot spot and that's it, and forget about buying a lot of extra parts.
Lol😂
The possible security reasons were listed and I think people want their cars
Hotspot is too expensive 😅😅
I’d rather just have a device living in the car kore than having to keep bringing an extra phone or forgetting it
Hi, I have been following your expert advise which is very informative at
that and I thank you. I have bought BV cameras and installed them mi self.
Here is my question:
How are you connecting your BV battery without the possibility of draining the car’s core battery?
In the past I did buy the battery saver system you recommended and installed it in my former Ford F-250 King ranch and it worked well for
a time, but for some reason the Ford
Computer shot down my radio and the front and side view cameras.
Great video, the iPhone also allows for "family sharing" and when this is enabled, and your wife and daughter are registered as "family", then you don't have to manually enable it. In fact, family members can connect to your hotspot, even when your hotspot is turned "off". For me, this saves me the $20 a month of activating my in car wifi hotspot, since my phone works well without me even having to mess with it.
@VortexRadar, i followed all the steps you mentioned to hookup the wifi. I'm having a problem. Not sure if its because I have the thinkware ivolt. I have the battery, the syncup drive, the $49 ODB cord, the USB splitter. I connected battery to USB splitter. Then I connected syncup drive to ODB cord and plugged the USB side into the splitter. Will the SyncUp Drive be powered through the USB splitter? It didn't look like that was working and there is no USB port on the Thinkware IVolt battery. So I'm wondering if this is thr way you connected yours or do I need to find another method?
Right if you don’t have a USB port built into your battery, you’ll need to choose a set of adapters to get power to your OBD device like cig. lighter to USB to OBD.
Thank you.. i ended up buying the powercell 8 which has a USB port & a port for camera. Finding an adapter was a little overwhelming for me, not so tech savvy.
you could buy a cradlepoint or a digi. the cradlepoint is often used in retail locations for redundancy. but i have one in my truck for internet.
Hi
Watched all your videos just wanted to ask how do ypu connect thinlware dashcam to wifi dongle or do i need a spare mobile to keep it connected to wifi
Putting WiFi in my Tahoe so I can play 2k on my lunch break 😂
WiFi in a car so convenient and essential
Great informative video. Can you further explain the auxiliary battery setup you have in the car? Maybe post links to the setup? Thx!!
You're such a gear head I love it I can relate.
lol
Can I connect to wifi when the vehicle isn't running? Will it draw lots power and drain my car battery?
I really enjoyed this. Though I didn't pull info from the wifi info, the dash camera insight was super clever. I would recommend you re-title this video. Something like, ways to keep your mechanic accountable come to mind. Super love how fast you talk, really cuts down on wasted video time. I subscribed to you and clicked the bell to notify me of future videos simply on this characteristic alone. Namaste, my friend.
Thank you for the kind words Christi and welcome aboard! Namaste. 🙏
Is two gbs sufficient for a month of viewing the dash cam away from the car? I have a similar model, considering a wireless hotspot to be able to see it when I'm not around!
Of course that depends on your dashcam, how much data it uses, how many cloud features you use, how often you use it, etc.
2GB is usually good for light usage and maybe 10’ish? uploads per month. For regular usage you’ll likely need more data.
Verizon has the Hum which does live vehicle tracking, speed alerts, wifi, roadside assistance
I bought the blackvue with the built in LTE a month ago and the wifi hot spot has been awful. Very slow. I wish I could replace it with a wifi model dashcam and get the setup you have with the syncup from T-Mobile.
Dude !! You got more batteries and cables running in that car then Radio Shack !!
Life of a tester/reviewer, lol
Why not simply use a portable hotspot with a battery on board? Some of them last for 8 hours and all of them can be connected to a source in a car with USB cable!
In Europe we also have SIM cards with ‚pay as you go’ plans - you pay 2.5 USD per 10 GB. Next 10 GB kicks in and additional 2.5 is changed... no monthly fee!
@Cuddly Cat well - I get confused all the time when it’s supposed to be a dot and when a comma ;) - a price for being multilingual- a bigger problem is with switching phone’s keyboard between languages when typing :)
this is very interesting and for what i do on my channel this would be very beneficial so thank you for posting this vid
Is there any other way of putting wifi in your vehicle? I want to use cloud feature.
Thank you
Do a video about all the stash of wires, devices etc, you have used, stopped using.
I had the T-Mobile SyncUP in my car for 4 yrs and I never had a problems. In fact all fir Honda’s I own has it. The only complain I have now is they’re charging me $27/ month. The units I got all of them for free and just paid $4/month for the 2Gb data. You can see the car in the app even if the car engine is off.
Phenomenal video, a little more technical explanation of your setup would be cool though. Have a great day and thanks!
I o
Oheppppo
Is this still the setup you use? I tried to look for an updated vid but man, you post a lot of vids. 😮💨
Unfortunately the setup has since died on me.
ua-cam.com/users/shorts7KDFETYrIM4?feature=share So now I’m using a Blackvue setup for the cloud.
So many questions... so 1) is there a fuse box in the trunk/rear of your vehicle? I'm assuming you don't connect the dashcam battery directly to your car battery. Seems the point is to only recharge when driving (connected on accessory lead, not charging when car is off). 2) with the dashcam battery stored in the back/rear of the vehicle (looks like spare wheel well), does this mean you run power from this area up through the header and to the camera to power it? Is there any special wire or lead you recommend? Standard AWG 16 or something more specific to the dashcam? 3) If there are no fuses toward the back/rear of vehicle, are there any ideas for installing this way -- locating the dashcam battery in the back/rear of the vehicle? Would a lead run from fuse box at the front to the rear, and then the lead from rear (connected to dashcam battery) back to front for powering the dashcam? Seems many of the install guides mention placing the dashcam battery under the front seat though that doesn't seem ideal to me. I can see that being an easy way to do it though I can imagine some issues with it being under the front seat. Thanks...
I'm referring to this point in the video: ua-cam.com/video/BNVFvs4Vx7U/v-deo.html
Wish this video was updated for 2024 offerings’ 🤷♂️
Where do I purchase the battery packs that you have in the rear of your car and are they hooked up to your car battery or NO? Thanks
Love to see actual install.
Like this? ua-cam.com/video/IVUVmDXU6FU/v-deo.html
I deliver for Favor, so I need constant internet connection. Your video is pretty helpful.
I did the same set up as you did.
Have you noticed though that the WiFi tends to randomly turn off? It happens often with mine. Then once I touch it, pick it up, give it a shake, then the WiFi turns back on. Wondering if you get the same thing happening?
Do you have a video on how you set up your batteries for the dashcams and wifi
AT&T Harman Spark is the best one to get. It turns off when you turn off your vehicle and it connects automatically when you turn it back on. I use it for my Redline 360c and it’s only 15$ a month
I just order the setup, went with TMobile as you did and ordered a new BlackVue DR900 with OB2 connector you got. I did pass on the battery pack for the moment. I want to see if it affects my battery. I drive a 4X4 F150 so I think my battery should be ok and just need to make sure everything stay on 24/7. Thanks and will report back on how everything goes
How bad?
why did you go with the OBD vs a mobile hot spot?
Ariel, is it possible to directly plug in the USB OBD-2 adapter into one of the USB slots in your expansion battery pack and also connect a dashcam (e.g., Thinkware U3000)?
Easier approach would be just to hardwire it directly to the battery without having to do anything with OBD II.
I have Verizon Unlimited and teether it to my phone. My Cadillac CTS had 4G wireless but why pay $15 a month when I have it for free through my phone.
my phone could not and not handle it for my needs
Yeah that doesn't work for me cause i need to access things in my car when i am not there. Plus if my whole family connects to my phones wifi it often ends up getting hot, which is awful for the battery.
Not exactly free... If I travel for a a few hours with my two kids and wife using my wifi as a hotspot, my data will drain like a jug of water upside down on a sink
I got set up my automatic connection via hot spot for my Radar detector as well iPad pro on magnetic mounts in my car
I bought the cable but cannot connect T-Mobile SyncUP to the thinkware when using it
Just like any other traditional WiFi network can you password protect your WiFi network? Great content by the way. Thank you.
You bet
This is a great video lots of info 👍🏻
That's dope great info 👌
What would be a good option for rental cars?
Is your wifi connect to the car ? Meaning like can I update my apps through my car
Cheap option: Wyze cam ($25) works the same, though I wouldn't recommend it as a replacement for a dashcam due to its encoding optmized for still scenes. Add a power bank with pass-through power to allow the bank to recharge when the car is running and charging the battery. I use a dedicated hotspot with a Mint Sim $15/month 3GB plan, also connected to the same power bank.
The draw off the Wyze cam on sentry mode (only record movement or sound) is about 200ma each and the hotspot itself about the same or less so in sunny places, a solar-powered battery pack could be used without requiring a car battery connection.
The only issue I have found is to find a logic-based solution to turn off the Wyze cam while the vehicle is in motion and I don't need the "parking mode" to run, otherwise it will keep generating 12s cloud uploads every 5 minutes (Wyze's cool down period between triggered captures).
How do you keep your T-Mobile hotspot from going to sleep? I have tried the same set up you have and I can’t get the hotspot to stay on.
Any options to have wifi in the car with the T-Mobile sync up drive? I just bought it and learned it will turn off wifi when it is off.
I have a ThinkWare U1000 and not a Blackvue.
Hi, thank you for this video. I am trying to do the same setup as you mentioned, but I am having a problem. Thr question is how are you getting power to the wifi. Is the USB staying connected to the cigarette lighter?
Also, I have the thinkware ivolt. Does your battery have a USB port? Also, is your cigarette lighter always providing power or does it shut off with the key?
good video, been watching your video on think ware dashcam. so i end up buying the u1000 kit but i can't set it up to my dilacated hotspot which I got from Tmobile Franklin T10 2339, but i can't set it up to my dashcam app?? is there a video on how to set it up
Great video. You mentioned other ways people connect 4g hotspots. I have a Tesla model 3, do you know of a specific usb stick that works well as an access point. Not a fan of odb2.
Hey! I’d like to be able to use google maps from my iPhone for a trip. My iPhone is already in the Bluetooth in my car. But I don’t know how to make google maps work. Somehow I don’t have sounds. Of course the volume is turn on on my iPhone and on my car. Can you help me ? 🇨🇦
The T-Mobile sync up drive. When connected to battery pack via usb. Does it monitor battery health in the sync up drive mobile app ?
Him trying to avoid car being hacked and then he buys the special obd connector that has a special chip that allows remote hacking.
Which connector?
Hello, does the syncup drive 2 t mobile have 5g wifi connection??
4:46 since you have the SyncUp Drive connected to a dash cam battery and NOT your vehicle’s actual ODB port, are you able to get use of the other features it offers? Such as vehicle status notifications?
Nope
@@VortexRadarthanks
Hi Vortex, Hi, I own a device called the T-Mobil "SyncUP DRIVE ". It plugs into the car's ODB-II port and provides several feature. One of the features is the "In-Car Wi-Fi Hotspot" for up to 5 devices. I want to take advantage of having the DR750X-1CH Communicate with the "SyncUP DRIVE" device, to make available live footage of what's going on around my car at any time. I don't necessarily want to use the BlackVue paid Cloud service. So my question is can I use my own T-Mobile WiFi Hotspot setup, using the DR750X-1CH and configure a "Cloud" feature coming from the T-Mobil "SyncUP Drive" device? Again, I want to take advantage Of T-Mobil WiFi Hotspot without paying for additional Cloud service fees. Thanks, Tony.
Sure that’ll work, but only for driving mode. You’ll need another solution for internet while parked. Blackvue has a free cloud option available regardless of how you connect to the internet.
@@VortexRadar would you know if the Blackvue dr750x works with Onstar's hotspot internet service? I'm thinking it should Its built into my car. I know they have different plans. Hope these two can talk to each other
I loved this video and I want it in India. Looks like this for T-mobile carrier only and not unlocked for any other carrier. Do you know any other devices that works for any carrier? Please share me.
I’m sure there’s many similar devices all around the world. This video just shares some ideas. You’ll need to do some research for what works in India.
Currently have a BlackVue 900 2ch with rear camera. Wanting to add an IR camera up front to capture video of inside the my Tundra Crew Max. Do you recommend a setup for it? Thanks.
I put a deposit down on a C8 9 months ago was wondering Is it possible in the new C8, to disable wifi? I don't want to get into it too much but I have a sensitivity to wireless , yes I can be around wifi and all but sitting right next to a router for long periods does give me severe headaches so was hoping to disable it . I know in a 2020 Camaro I was able to through the infotainment center Some are telling me you may not be able to in new 2022 cars . I really hope there is a way even if I have to go into the dash ..Any info or advice is greatly appreciated
Thanks
Hey could you PLEASE go over the BATTERIES to use when car is not in use?
This is the one I use: ua-cam.com/video/9yfVUDcNniI/v-deo.html
I also use the Cellink Neo discussed here: ua-cam.com/video/WU-kC8WO8KQ/v-deo.html
There's an updated new battery coming out soon that I'll be doing a video on when it's released as well.
Does the sync up drive 2 work with any sim internationally?
I’m trying to find a good hotspot device for a setup like this any new recommendations?
Great video. Great info. You never really did show how to do whatever the install was.
Yeah this video is really meant to go over several ways to do it on a higher level, not really a step-by-step “buy this, plug it in like this, configure it like this, etc.” I can understand where you’re coming from though.
Question 🙋♀️. Will this work for an area with no to little ATT signal ?
Maybe consider getting one from another provider with better reception?
Check out the reviews on the devices he is talking about @3:10
THANK YOU!
Very intelligent review. 👍
Do you necessary have to have the Battery pack to be able to watch your car while you not around?
Nope, you can use your car battery, but I prefer a dedicated battery.
that rear end sounded like it hit you pretty hard
Hello... so I'm really set to buy the thinkware u1000... now... could i use a blackvue CM100 LTE to connect my car permanently to the internet so I can view real-time when i am far away from my car?
Also I assume the CM100 LTE takes its power from the front camera... what I mean is does the port of the CM100 LTE fit into the u1000 from dash cam?
The CM100LTE only works with some of Blackvue’s newest dashcams. It doesn’t work with the U1000.
@@VortexRadar ok thanks... I just thought it might be a generic Wi-Fi adaptor with a blackvue stamp on the box....
I am buying a wireless rechargeable 15 GB mobil hot spot from Verizon to use with a blackvue 750x dr 2ch, wich I am having install in a few days, do you know if this model constantly uses data while on park mode or only when motion is detected.
Is it not always power in the OBD2 port? I am using a Nighthawk M1 4G router and if i need always power to it i can connect it to a 24/7 power cigarett lighter in the trunk, and from there i can have power to the dashcam.
So using wifi hotspot I'm I able to to view live view without sim card when away?
Here is my question i was looking at buying a momento m6 or any dual channel cam.I need motion sensor in front and rear cam why you ask.Well if im parked facing frontwards and someone steals everything in my truck bed the front camera is not going to record anything.I cant believe they dont make this standard.So what dual camera setup has motion activated cams to catch a thief stealing everything in the bed of your truck.While im at it if im away from the car will i also need a wifi hotspot installed in the vehicle to bwe notified of someone stealing out of the bed.WIthout the g sensor activating.
Is there a way to keep the cars built-in hotspot on? For the camera park mode .. Need help with that
Generally no unfortunately
@@VortexRadar Hello Vortex, I purchased all the WiFi equipment in this video. Unfortunately my T-Mobile OBD unit goes to sleep every 5 minutes. I contacted the adapter manufacturer and followed his directions, but it still didn’t help. My only question, did you plug the OBD unit into your car first, maybe to initiate it? I only plugged it into the adapter, have not tried the car OBD port. If that doesn’t work, have you heard of any other method for always on WiFi in a vehicle? I have the Thinkware U1000 dash am for which I want to use parking mode. I also have the Redline 360c and want to use it with WiFi Thanks for any tips you can give
I go camping alot what do you recommend if I want to turn the car of and have wifi. Where i usually go there is no service so can the wifi give service?
It doesn’t work that way. “Wifi” is just converting cell service (which you won’t have) to another form that devices can connect to.
Connect the USB/odb2 cable to the ODB2 t-mobile device and then connect the other end of the USB/ods2 cable to a USB port in the laptop when you want to connect the laptop to the network
I replicated your setup using the SyncUP drive. I am noticing that the module is interfering with the car remote.
The car fails to lock even after multiple presses; and when it does it’s like the doors lock but the side mirrors do not fold. Similar behavior for unlocking. Also, I need to literally be beside the car to eventually lock the car.
Disconnecting the module leads to the car lock/unlock behavior coming back to normal
Have you seen this behavior? Do you happen to know if I can switch the WiFi bands for the syncup module ?
You know what? I have seen reduced key fob range as well and had no idea why, though it does otherwise work properly. What car do you drive? I have a 2018 Audi Q5. I just uninstalled the SyncUP drive and can retest to see if that was the culprit.
@@VortexRadar Oh okay. I am positive that once you plug it back in your remote range would go down. It’s good that the range is the only issue for you. Mine is like opening a Pandora’s box.
I drive a 2017 Lexus RX350
Hi VR,
What about placing a sticky plastic bumper pad (normally for use under table top glass sheet) on each corner of the middle dashcam battery? This will create an air gap between the three batteries to minimise the (unknown) loss to battery life due to heat not being disappated on four of the six battery sides?