How to Backup DashCam > Tesla DashCam Backup Utility

I first started using the Tesla 128GB USB device for recording DashCam events in my Model Y, that was included with the vehicle. Then I upgraded to the Tesla 1TB SSD device, but it would often overheat in the glovebox, and fail to save important DashCam footage. It would have to be removed from the USB port, so that it could cool down, before it could be used again.

Then, I looked for a better way, to be able to store more data, without having to backup often, or without the overheating issues. That's when I found out about the Jowua 3 Port USB Hub with DashCam Reader, and ordered two right away. Then ordered a few more of the Tesla 128GB USB devices. When everything arrived, I plugged all 3 of the USB devices into the Jowua hub, and plugged the hub into the Model Y USB port in the glovebox. To date, I haven't had anymore overheating issues (that the Tesla 1TB SSD had), and I'm able to record more DashCam contents without issues.

Though, with all this storage capacity, it was time-consuming to transfer all the video footage from the individual devices, to a single backup storage location, manually.

After repeatedly copying the contents from drive after drive, I decided it was time to write a utility, to do that process for me. That's when I spent the day, writing and then improving, a script. That could copy all the combined USB devices, to a single backup drive, in one step.

All you have do is provide the path to the destination backup device, and it will automatically copy the contents from all the devices connected to the hub, in sequence.

The script is available on GitHub: https://github.com/xeokeri/tesla-utilities

How to Use the Tesla DashCam Backup Utility

This utility simplifies the process of transferring Tesla DashCam footage from multiple USB devices to a single backup location. Follow the steps below to ensure compatibility with your operating system and to learn how to use the script effectively.

Compatibility

• MacOS: Fully supported. Use the /Volumes directory to locate your drives.
• Linux: Supported. Use the /mnt/ directory or other standard mount points.
• Windows: Compatibility not verified yet. Proceed with caution or test in a controlled environment.

Prerequisites

1. Install Python 3 if it's not already installed on your computer.
2. Download the script from the GitHub repository: Tesla Utilities GitHub.
3. Ensure the USB drives containing Tesla DashCam footage are properly connected to your computer.

Instructions

1. Locate Drives:

• On MacOS, open the Terminal and type: ls -l /Volumes
• This will list all connected drives. Look for the ones prefixed with TESLADRIVE (e.g., TESLADRIVE 1, TESLADRIVE 2).Identify the destination drive for the backup (e.g., TeslaBackup)

2. Run the Script:

• Open the Terminal and navigate to the directory where the script is stored.
• Execute the following command:
  python3 scripts/dashcam-backup.py -d=/Volumes/TeslaBackup
  Replace /Volumes/TeslaBackup with the path to your backup drive.

3. Automate the Process:

• The script will copy all video footage from the connected USB devices sequentially to the backup drive.

4. Get Help:

• For detailed usage options, run the following command to access the help menu: python3 scripts/dashcam-backup.py -h

Notes

• If using Linux, replace /Volumes/ with /mnt/ or the appropriate mount directory for your system.
• Windows users should test compatibility or consider using a Mac/Linux system for this utility.

By following these steps, you can easily streamline the process of backing up Tesla DashCam footage, saving time and effort.