Xiaomi M365 electric scooters and their modifications, such as the Pro or 1S, are not originally equipped with DVRs or full-fledged cameras in the factory, but the growing popularity of these vehicles has spawned a huge market of accessories that allow you to integrate video directly into the design of the scooter. Owners often face the need to replace a regular or improperly installed camera, or with a desire to upgrade the device to a better model with support for night shooting.
The process of replacing the optics on this device requires not only accuracy in dismantling plastic elements, but also a deep understanding of the electrical circuitry. The main controller of the scooter has reserved ports that can theoretically be used to connect the peripherals, but standard firmware functionality often does not support displaying images on the display or in the application without further improvements, which is why a simple mechanical replacement may not give the expected result.
In this guide, we will look at the technical details of installing and replacing a video recording module, paying special attention to connector compatibility and on-board voltage. The standard voltage of the on-board network Xiaomi M365 is 36 volts, which is fatal for most miniature cameras requiring 5 volts, so the use of a high-quality voltage converter is a must. Ignoring this fact will lead to instantaneous combustion of the new device matrix.
Choosing compatible equipment and tools
The market offers two main ways to do this: install specialized cameras specifically designed for the Xiaomi M365 that connect to standard charging ports or sensors, or integrate universal action cameras and DVRs through an external power system. The first option is preferable from an aesthetic point of view, since the wiring is hidden inside the deck, and the camera itself fits into the design of the steering column.
To make a good replacement, you'll need a suite of specialized tools. The standard screwdriver suite is not always suitable because of the specific screws used by Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers. Torx screws are common, which require appropriate bits, as well as plastic blades to open the cases without damaging the latches. Using metal opening tools can lead to scratches on glossy surfaces.
- 🛠️ Torx bit screwdriver set T10, T15 cross-and-cross PZ2 for dismantling deck and steering column.
- 🔌 Multimeter to check voltage on contacts before connecting new equipment.
- 🔋 Voltage converter (DC-DC buck converter (c) 36V on 5V, If the camera does not have a built-in stabilizer.
- 🧵 Insulation or shrink tubes for insulation of the connection points of wires inside the deck.
Particular attention should be paid to the quality of the camera purchased. Cheap analogues often do not have vibration protection, which is a critical factor for an electric scooter. Constant shaking can lead to the collapse of contacts on the board or the destruction of the lens. It is recommended to choose models marked Anti-vibration or designed for installation on vehicles.
⚠️ Before buying, make sure that the camera model you choose is physically compatible with the seat on the Xiaomi steering column. M365. Some Chinese manufacturers change the geometry of mounts in different revisions of scooters, and the camera from the Pro version may not stand on the base model without reworking the body.
Dismantling the old camera and preparing the installation
The process of dismantling begins with the de-energization of the scooter, the power button device needs to be turned off and, ideally, the battery connector disconnected from the BMS controller to eliminate the risk of short circuit when working with the wiring inside the deck. Even when the state is off, some contacts may still have residual voltage.
Access to the camera's internal wiring requires, in most cases, partial disassembly of the steering rack or removal of the lower deck cover, depending on how the main line was laid. If the camera is connected to the charging port, it is often enough to gently tamper with the plastic port cap. However, with deep integration, you will have to unscrew the screws that lock the front of the deck.
☑️ Preparations for dismantling
When disconnecting an old module, it is important to fix the order of connection of the wires, especially if non-standard connectors are used or the colors of the insulation do not meet the generally accepted standards. In Xiaomi scooters, the color marking can vary depending on the assembly plant. Red wire usually means plus, black - minus, but you can not rely only on color.
Use a multimeter in vertebra or voltage measurement mode (if the battery is connected and the scooter is on, with care) to identify power lines and data transmissions. This will help avoid errors when connecting the new device. If the old camera was attached to adhesive base, it may require a dryer to soften the glue to neatly remove it, but you need to act carefully to avoid melting the plastic.
Connection scheme and connector sling
The most difficult step of replacing is to properly connect the new device to the electric network of the scooter. In the Xiaomi M365 model, the main controller has several free pins, but the most common way to connect the camera is by using branches from the battery or charging port. Standard power wiring usually includes VCC (power) and GND (ground) lines.
If you install a camera with data transmission (for example, to display an image on a display or smartphone via a Wi-Fi module of a scooter), you will need to find the contacts TX (transmission) and RX (reception). However, it is worth noting that the M365 regular firmware does not have built-in functionality for working with video stream. Therefore, most users are limited to standalone cameras that record video to a memory card or broadcast it to a phone over Wi-Fi regardless of the scooter system.
| Color of wire | Function | Tension. | Appointment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Red. | Nutrition (+) | 36V - 42V | Power from the battery |
| Black. | Earth (GND) | 0V | Common minus |
| White/Yellow | Data (Data) | 3.3V - 5V | Signal transmission (UART) |
| Green. | Signal (Signal) | 3.3V - 5V | Additional channel |
When soldering, be sure to use flux and high-quality solder. Scooter twists quickly oxidize and lose contact, which can lead to sparking and heating. All soldering sites should be securely insulated by thermal shrinkage. Do not allow soldering to hit neighboring contacts of the controller board.
Nuances of UART connection
Installation of voltage converter and protection of the circuit
As mentioned, the on-board scooter network produces a voltage well above the electronics of the cameras. Directly connecting the 5-volt device to the 36-volt battery will cause instant failure. DC-DC The step-down converter (step-down converter).
Choose a converter with a margin of current. If the camera consumes 500 mA, the module must withstand a minimum of 1-2 Ampere. It is also important to consider the efficiency of the converter, as energy loss turns into heat. Small modules without radiators can overheat inside the enclosed deck space, especially in summer.
- 📉 Connect the input of the converter (Input) to the terminals of the scooter battery, observing polarity.
- 📈 Adjust the output voltage (Output) with a multimeter to an accurate 5.0 volts before connecting the camera.
- 🛡️ It is recommended to install a fuse in the break of the plus wire in front of the converter to protect against short circuit.
- 🌡️ Place the converter in a place with minimal heating, away from the controller and battery.
To further protect the circuit, you can use stabilizers with built-in protection against overload and overheating, which is especially true if you plan long trips. Unstable voltage can cause the camera to reboot while driving or artifacts in the video.
⚠️ Warning: Never connect the camera to the scooter charging port directly without the converter, even if the connectors match. The charging port is under high battery voltage. The polarity error when connected is guaranteed to disable both the camera and possibly the charging port of the scooter.
Construction and system testing
Once all the electrical connections are done and checked, you can start to reverse assemble. Lay the wires inside the deck so that they do not touch moving parts, brake cables and are not stretched. Vibration can rub the insulation against the sharp edges of the plastic, so use soft screeds or foam to fix the harnesses.
Place the camera in the seat, making sure the lens is clearly forward and not covered by the elements of the structure. Twisted all the screws, but do not drag them, so as not to break the thread in the aluminum case or plastic inserts. Plastic in the cold becomes brittle, so it is better to build at room temperature.
Before you finalize all the screws, do a primary test, plug in the battery, turn on the scooter, and check the camera. Make sure it's powered at the same time as the scooter (if connected to the main power) or has a separate power supply. Check the memory card record and the stability of the connection over Wi-Fi, if any.
If the camera has a display or indicators, check them. Lack of response may indicate a power connection error or a transducer malfunction. Use a multimeter to check the voltage at the entrance to the chamber immediately at the time of switching on.
Software configuration and troubleshooting
Most cameras for the Xiaomi M365 are controlled via mobile applications. Once installed, download the relevant software (often Xiaomi Home, Yi Home or specialized applications from third-party manufacturers). The pairing process is usually standard: turn on the camera, find it in the list of Wi-Fi networks or via Bluetooth and follow the instructions on the screen.
The settings recommend setting the maximum recording quality and cycling mode immediately so that the old video is overwritten with the new one. Also check the settings of the gravity sensor (G-sensor), if any, setting the sensitivity to a medium level so that the vibrations of the scooter do not block the memory by constantly storing "important" events.
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For stable Wi-Fi connection in motion, make sure that the camera antenna is not shielded by metal parts of the scooter deck.The metal significantly weakens the signal, which can lead to connection breaks when viewed in real time.
Possible faults and methods of their elimination:
- 📹 Camera not switched on: Check the voltage at the entrance to the chamber, the integrity of the fuse and the correctness of the connection of the converter.
- 📶 No phone connection: Make sure the scooter's Wi-Fi module is not jamming, and try resetting the camera settings to factory.
- 🎥 Video intermittent: The problem may be the speed of the memory card (need a class) U3/V30) or in poor contact of power wires.
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High-quality insulation and reliable fixation of all components inside the deck is the key to the long-term operation of the camera in conditions of constant vibration of the electric scooter.