How to Install the Multiplexer box

What is the Multiplexer Accessory? 

Get total coverage by transforming your Thinkware Dash Cam into a multi-channel surveillance system with the Multiplexer Box accessory. Thanks to the modular design of the multiplexer, a combination of side, interior, and rearview cameras can be paired together with the main forward-facing dash cam.

You can achieve 3, 4, or 5-channel setups with the Multiplexer Accessory.

Compatible Dash Cams

Q200, F200 PRO, F790, X800, and X700 Dash Cams only.

Disclaimer

Please note that we strongly recommend professional installation of the multiplexer box and its accompanying accessories. You are free to attempt the installation yourself, however, Thinkware and our affiliates will not be held liable for any product and vehicle damage, or personal injuries sustained by you or others during the installation.

Items Required for Installation

• Multiplexer Box Accessory
• Exterior Side View Cameras
• Rear View Camera
• Interior Infrared Camera
• Hardwiring Cable with the Installation kit
• Glass Cleaner & Microfiber Cloth

How to Install the Multiplexer Box

Step 1: Hardwire the Multiplexer Box and the Dash Cam

• First, locate the fuse box in your vehicle to hardwire the multiplexer box and the dash cam. The location of the fuse box will vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle. For details on where to find your fuse box, refer to the instruction manual supplied with the vehicle.
• To enable Parking Surveillance Mode, connect the yellow cable of the multiplexer box to a constant power fuse slot.

• If you do not wish to enable Parking Surveillance Mode at all, then connect the yellow cable to an ACC fuse slot instead. Ground the black cable.

• To enable Parking surveillance mode, we need to hardwire the dash cam as well. For this, connect the yellow wire of the hardwiring cable to a constant battery fuse slot, the red wire to an ACC fuse slot, and finally, ground the black cable.

For more details on how to hardwire the multiplexer box accessory and dash cams, please click HERE.

Step 2: Connect the Dash Cam and Additional Cameras to the Multiplexer

• Start by connecting the side cameras to the multiplexer box. You will notice that we do not offer separate camera models for the left and right side views. Instead, all exterior side view cameras record the left-side view by default.
• The exterior side view cameras come with two cables, the side view camera cable which has a small protruding white wire, and a connecting cable that will be used to connect the exterior side view camera to the multiplexer box.

• Connect one end of the connecting cable to the side view camera and the other end to the port marked Cam 1 on the multiplexer box. Repeat the same steps for the other side camera and connect it to the port marked Cam 2.

• Similarly, connect the rearview camera and the interior infrared camera to the ports marked Cam 3 and Cam 4 on the multiplexer.

• Next, connect the dash cam to the multiplexer box. Connect one side of the V-out cable to the multiplexer at the port marked V-out. Connect the other side of the V-out cable to the rearview camera port on the dash cam.

• You will find a toggle switch located on the bottom of the multiplexer box as you can see here.

*The toggle switch determines the number of recording channels that need to be merged and sent to the dash cam for video storage.

• There will be a different toggle switch setting for each 2,3,4 or 5-channel setup. These settings can also be found at the bottom of the multiplexer box.
• For 5-channel recording, switch numbers 1 and 2 to off and numbers 3,4, and 5 to on.

Step 3: Check the Video Feed

To ensure that all cameras have been properly connected, we will power up the dash cam and check the live video.

• First, turn on the ignition and connect your smartphone to the dash cam’s Wi-Fi. Go and select Live View and check if you can see all channels.

• Examine the camera feeds 1,2,3,4, clockwise starting from the top left. You’ll notice in this video that channels 1 and 2 are captured by the exterior side view cameras, channel 3 is captured by the rearview camera, and channel 4 is captured by the interior infrared camera.

*Please note that your setup doesn’t have to include these specific cameras. You can use any combination of Thinkware cameras that are compatible with the multiplexer box to meet your surveillance needs. For example, you could have 4 Interior Infrared Cameras or 4 exterior infrared cameras. Additionally, the numbered ports are for indication purposes only and indicate the placement of the footage in the recorded video clip. For instance, instead of connecting to Cam 1 and Cam 2, which are shown in the top left and right-hand side corners, you could connect the cameras to Cam 3 and Cam 4 ports so that their footage is shown in the bottom right and left corners respectively.

Step 4: Position and Install Additional Cameras

Now that we’ve verified that all cameras have been properly connected to the multiplexer box, we can proceed with their installation.

• Install the exterior side view cameras first. As we explained earlier in this video, the side cameras are left-view by default.
• To use it as a right-side view camera, you will need to cut the white wire on the side camera cable as shown here.

*Make sure to cut the white wire of only the side view camera that will be installed on the right side.

• The side view camera is advised to be installed on the front fender of the vehicle. This will allow the best capture angle and conform to the dash cam's view. 

Installing the side cameras in a different location other than the front fender will yield a different view and will not provide the optimal view of the side camera. Please ensure to install the side camera on the vehicle's front fender as seen above.

*Improper way of installing the side camera*

• To ensure the best placement, position the side view cameras horizontally with the lens facing the rear of the vehicle and check the height and angle on the live view. If you’re satisfied with the viewing angle, clean the surface with glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth, and finish mounting the side cameras.

• The interior infrared camera can be installed similarly to the rear camera. It can be positioned either at the front or the rear windshield.

*Interior Infrared camera installed on the front windshield beside the front camera 

• Repeat the same steps to install the dash cam and the other cameras. For more details on how to install your dash cam, please click HERE.

Step 5: Conceal all Visible Cables

*Please note that we strongly recommend professional installation as concealing the cables requires carefully removing trim panels, headliners, and other components inside the car. The following steps to hide the cables are only suggestions and can vary from vehicle to vehicle and on the optional cameras that you choose to install.

• To conceal the exposed cables, you may tuck them inside the headliner, remove the weather strips, and tuck the wires inside. You can also remove some trim panels of the car and hide the cables inside.

For more hints on how to conceal the cables, please check out more information HERE.

• Wrap insulation tape around the cable connectors to prevent them from coming off. Make sure the cables are not loose or easy to pull out. You can use a cable tie to bind all the wires for a cleaner look.

• Ensure all the cables are connected to the multiplexer box, turn on the power, and test the video output once again on your smartphone. Adjust any camera angles if necessary. Check if the camera works correctly in parking surveillance mode if it is enabled.
• Once all checks are complete, tuck the multiplexer box under the driver’s seat.

*Make sure to position the cables properly to avoid entangling cables when the seat is moved/adjusted.

You have successfully installed the Multiplexer Accessory!

If you have any questions or concerns regarding the Multi-channel installation please contact our team at support@thinkware.com or 1-844-865-9273.