Dash-cam and Power Source

[whizzard]

Hi all,

 

I would like to find out from those who have installed dash-cam for their Mercedes, what power source do you use? 

 

(1)  Do you use a rechargeable battery to power your dash-cam or you use one of those battery drainage prevention device (e.g. Power Magic Pro in the case of a BlackVue dash-cam)? 

(2)  Where do you tap the power from - from the cigarette socket or tap into your car's fuse box? 

 

I am using a rechargeable battery (T-Power) for my BlackVue dash-cam for my car (non-Mercedes).  I am now looking to install a dash-cam for my wife's car (a Mercedes) hence need advice from Mercedes-owners who have installed this before.

 

Thanks!

[arkaneslayer]

I use the cigarette lighter socket in the glove compartment.

[whizzard]

I use the cigarette lighter socket in the glove compartment.

 

Do you use a rechargeable battery or a battery drainage prevention device?

[arkaneslayer]

No. It gets switched off when the engine is off.

[whizzard]

Found this on the dash cam forum on how to resolve reflection

 

[giggss]

I have ITB-100 installed... with powersaver which can be set to cut off in 12hr, 24, 36, or 48hr interval. At the same time, another setting which detect the voltage flow, if below 12.2V it will cut off as well

[whizzard]

I have ITB-100 installed... with powersaver which can be set to cut off in 12hr, 24, 36, or 48hr interval. At the same time, another setting which detect the voltage flow, if below 12.2V it will cut off as well

 

Did you tap your power source from your car's fuse box (instead of the cigar lighter)?  Any problems doing this?

[giggss]

Did you tap your power source from your car's fuse box (instead of the cigar lighter)?  Any problems doing this?

no problem.. me not using cigar lighter power cause I want to record even when engine is off... the camera has motion sensor... should not have problem since the power saver should cut off power supply from battery to camera when certain conditions are met. but of course if i know i will not be driving for long period, i will unplug the camera power source

[whizzard]

Hi bro Giggss, 

 

Thanks for your feedback.  I am asking because I am thinking of tapping directly into the car's fuse box via a "power saver" instead of using a battery to be charged via the cigar lighter.  Just worried that the car's battery would drain flat or it could screw up the electronics.

 

Nowadays drive need to install dashcam ..... just in case!   

[kellogs]

I wanted to install rear and replace the front dash cam but CnC said if i use outside workshop it might void the warranty or messes up the internal wiring.

 

Itronics has external battery (charged through fuse box or something) which I am very keen to install ... total about SGD 1200 with both cams + external battery pack.

 

What do you guys think about it?

[whizzard]

I wanted to install rear and replace the front dash cam but CnC said if i use outside workshop it might void the warranty or messes up the internal wiring.

 

Itronics has external battery (charged through fuse box or something) which I am very keen to install ... total about SGD 1200 with both cams + external battery pack.

 

What do you guys think about it?

Hi Kellogs,

As long as you do not tap the car's fuse box, they cannot invalidate your car's warranty. So, if you intend to use a rechargeable battery to power your dash can which will be charged via your cigarette lighter, your warranty can't be voided. It will only be voided if you tap into your car's fuse box.

Anyway, should give BlackVue a consideration as well. I am using that.

[kellogs]

Hi Whizzard,

 

I read a lot of feedback that Balckvue has overheating issue in Singapore/hot  countries.

 

Do you face any problem so far?

 

If we were to use those car lighter batteries ... how is the wiring? is it gonna be messy?

 

I did a research before and on foreign dash cam forum ... they were talking about using this http://www.amazon.com/20000mAh-Multi-Voltage-External-Netbooks-Notebooks/dp/B00B45EOYS/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1409665751&sr=8-10&keywords=external+battery+anker

[whizzard]

Hi Kellogs,

 

I don't have any over-heating issue for my model.  Maybe the older models but mine (DR500GW-HD) has been operating fine so far and that's almost a year already.

 

My wires are all concealed along with the battery, etc all inside my centre console (which has a cigar outlet inside).  So, if you are inside the car, cannot see any wiring as the entire run is concealed and the battery itself is kept inside the centre console.

[whizzard]

A photo to illustrate what I meant

[giggss]

bros.. if i not wrong, itronics high end model is able to withstand heat better than blackvue (don't quote me.. i hearsay one).. anyway I am using itronics itb-100 on the front.. with powersaver as explained earlier..

 

don't think warranty is a main concern here.. main concern is don't have a camera installed!

 

btw I also have a taiwan model for my rear...

 

$1200 is too expensive for front and back including installation... 1 set Itronics ITB-100 + PowerSaver should be about $400+ including installation...