Dash cams have become increasingly popular for their ability to capture important moments on the road. However, one common limitation is their reliance on the vehicle’s battery, which can be a problem when the car is parked and the engine is off. Fortunately, there is a solution: External battery for dash cam packs. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore everything you need to know about dash cam battery packs, including their benefits, how they work, and the best options on the market.
Benefits of External Battery for Dash Cam Packs
Extended Parking Mode
One of the key benefits of using a dash cam battery pack is the ability to utilize parking mode for extended periods of time. Parking mode is a feature that allows the dash cam to continue recording even when the vehicle is parked and the engine is off. This is especially useful for situations where you want to monitor your vehicle for potential accidents, vandalism, or theft. With a dash cam battery pack, you can ensure that your dash cam remains powered and records any incidents that may occur during parking.
Longer Dash Cam Battery Life
The internal battery of a dash cam is typically limited in terms of its capacity. This means that when the vehicle’s battery is not supplying power, the dash cam’s internal battery may drain quickly. By using a dash cam battery pack, you can extend the life of your dash cam’s battery and ensure that it lasts longer when you need it the most.
Protection for Your Car Battery
Hardwiring a dash cam directly to your car’s battery can lead to battery drain and potentially shorten its lifespan. Using a dash cam battery pack eliminates the need to tap into your car’s battery, protecting it from unnecessary wear and tear. This not only ensures the longevity of your car battery but also gives you peace of mind knowing that your vehicle’s battery is not being compromised.
Easy and Versatile Installation
Dash cam battery packs offer an easy and versatile installation process. They can be simply plugged into your car’s cigarette lighter socket or hardwired to your fuse box, depending on your preference. This versatility allows for seamless integration into any vehicle, making it a convenient option for all dash cam users.
Extended Power Options
Dash cam battery packs come with various power options depending on the model. Some battery packs can provide power for up to 12-72 hours, depending on the specific model and power settings. This extended power capability allows for longer recording time in parking mode, ensuring that you have continuous coverage even during extended periods of parking.
How External Battery for Dash Cam Packs Work
Dash cam battery packs function as standalone power sources for your dash cam. They are typically powered by lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries, known for their high energy density and long lifespan. These batteries store power during the charging phase and release it to the dash cam when needed.
The battery pack can be charged in two ways: through a wall charger or by charging it in your vehicle while driving. Once charged, the battery pack is ready to provide continuous power to your dash cam, whether the engine is running or not. The battery pack is designed with sophisticated circuitry that manages the charging and releasing phases, ensuring a seamless power supply to your dash cam.
To connect the battery pack to your dash cam, simply plug one end of the provided cord into the dash cam and the other end into the battery pack. For installation, you have the option to either plug the battery pack into your car’s cigarette lighter socket or hardwire it to your fuse box. Both methods provide a constant flow of power between the battery pack and the dash cam, ensuring uninterrupted recording and protection for your vehicle.
The Best Dash Cam Battery Packs on the Market
When it comes to choosing the right dash cam battery pack for your needs, there are several options available on the market. Here are some of the top-rated battery packs that offer great performance and reliability:
BlackboxMyCar PowerCell 8 Dash Cam Battery Pack
If you’re looking for an External battery for dash cam, we highly recommend the BlackboxMyCar PowerCell 8 Dash Cam Battery Pack. It’s a great investment for anyone who wants to ensure that their dash cam is always recording, even when their car is off.
Pros
- The BlackboxMyCar PowerCell 8 Dash Cam Battery Pack has a higher capacity of 96Wh/7500mAh, which gives you 25% more power than the Cellink NEO.
- Despite its higher capacity, the PowerCell 8 reaches a full charge in as little as 50 minutes, making it a faster charging option.
- You can easily check the battery status, change settings, and check remaining capacity or time to full charge with the app that comes with the PowerCell 8.
Cons
- Some customers have reported a noise on their radio sound when the battery is charging, but this noise goes away once the battery is fully charged.
- The BlackboxMyCar PowerCell 8 Dash Cam Battery Pack is a bit heavier than some other options on the market, weighing in at 4.93 pounds.
- The PowerCell 8 comes with multiple input cables and options, which can be overwhelming for some users.
The BlackboxMyCar PowerCell 8 Dash Cam Battery Pack is a reliable and efficient option for anyone who wants to ensure that their dash cam is always recording. The higher capacity and faster charging time make it a great investment, and the ability to check the battery status and change settings with the app is a convenient feature.
One potential downside is that some customers have reported a noise on their radio sound when the battery is charging, but this noise goes away once the battery is fully charged. Additionally, the PowerCell 8 is a bit heavier than some other options on the market, but the added weight is worth it for the increased capacity.
Overall, we highly recommend the BlackboxMyCar PowerCell 8 Dash Cam Battery Pack for anyone who wants to ensure that their dash cam is always recording, even when their car is off.
Blackvue B-124X Power Magic Ultra Battery Pack
If you are looking for a reliable and long-lasting external battery for your dash cam, the Blackvue B-124X Power Magic Ultra Battery Pack might be the perfect solution for you.
Pros
- Extended Parking Mode – The B124X offers up to 20 hours of parking mode runtime, which is double the runtime of previous-generation BlackVue battery packs. This means you can park your car for longer periods without worrying about your dash cam running out of battery.
- Fast Charging – With the B124X, you can reach a full charge in approximately 40 minutes when hardwired, or 80 minutes if connected to the cigarette lighter socket. This means you can quickly charge your battery pack while on the go.
- Free Bluetooth Battery Manager App – The B124X supports Bluetooth and comes with a free dedicated BlackVue Battery App, available on both iOS and Android. The app displays real-time battery stats like charge level, charge rate, discharge rate, etc.
Cons
- Price – The Blackvue B-124X Power Magic Ultra Battery Pack is not the cheapest external battery pack available on the market. However, its high-quality features and long-lasting performance make it worth the investment.
- Installation – Hardwiring the battery pack to your car’s battery can be challenging if you are not familiar with car electronics. It is recommended to have a professional install the battery pack for you.
- Compatibility – The Blackvue B-124X Power Magic Ultra Battery Pack is designed specifically for BlackVue dash cams and may not be compatible with other brands.
We recently purchased the Blackvue B-124X Power Magic Ultra Battery Pack for our BlackVue DR900S-2CH camera set, and we have been impressed with its performance. The extended parking mode is a game-changer, allowing us to park our car for longer periods without worrying about our dash cam running out of battery. The fast charging feature is also a great bonus, allowing us to quickly charge the battery pack while on the go.
The free Bluetooth Battery Manager App is also a nice touch, allowing us to monitor the battery’s performance in real-time. However, we did find the installation process to be a bit challenging, and it took us some time to figure out the hardwiring. Overall, we highly recommend the Blackvue B-124X Power Magic Ultra Battery Pack for anyone looking for a reliable and long-lasting external battery for their BlackVue dash cam.
BlackVue B-112 Power Magic Battery Pack
If you’re looking for a reliable external battery for your dash cam, the BlackVue B-112 Power Magic Battery Pack is a great option.
Pros
- Easy and simple installation
- Saves your vehicle’s battery
- Enables your dashcam’s Parking Mode
Cons
- Internal battery doesn’t charge in cold weather
- No on/off switch
- Takes an hour to charge
We found the BlackVue B-112 Power Magic Battery Pack very easy to install. It’s also a great way to save your vehicle’s battery while still enabling your dashcam’s Parking Mode. Plus, it’s very simple to use.
However, we did notice that the internal battery doesn’t charge in cold weather. Additionally, there’s no on/off switch, so the battery always runs the camera even if you don’t need it to. Finally, it takes an hour to charge, which might be a bit longer than some people would like.
Overall, we recommend the BlackVue B-112 Power Magic Battery Pack for anyone looking for a reliable external battery for their dash cam. Just be aware of the few downsides we mentioned.
Installation and Tips for External Battery for Dash Cam
Installing a dash cam battery pack is a straightforward process that can be done by most car owners. Here are some general steps to guide you through the installation:
Step 1: Choose the Installation Method
Decide whether you want to plug the battery pack into your car’s cigarette lighter socket or hardwire it to your fuse box. Both methods have their advantages and considerations, so choose the one that suits your needs best.
Step 2: Prepare the Battery Pack
If your battery pack requires charging before installation, ensure that it is fully charged according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This will ensure optimal performance and longevity.
Step 3: Locate the Cigarette Lighter Socket or Fuse Box
Depending on your chosen installation method, locate the cigarette lighter socket or fuse box in your vehicle. These are typically found in the front dashboard area.
Step 4: Connect the Battery Pack
If you’re using the cigarette lighter socket method, simply plug the battery pack into the socket. If you’re hardwiring the battery pack, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to connect the necessary wires to the fuse box.
Step 5: Test the Installation
Once the battery pack is connected, test the installation by starting your vehicle and ensuring that the dash cam is receiving power from the battery pack. Check the dash cam’s settings to confirm that it is in parking mode and recording properly.
Frequently Asked Questions about External Battery for Dash Cam Packs
Q: Do I need an External battery for dash cam pack?
A: While most dash cams can be hardwired to your vehicle’s battery, a battery pack offers several advantages such as extended parking mode, longer dash cam battery life, and protection for your car battery. It is a worthwhile investment for those who want continuous recording and peace of mind.
Q: How long do dash cam battery packs last?
A: The lifespan of dash cam battery packs varies depending on the model and usage. Most battery packs can last for at least 48 hours of parking mode recording on a full charge. With proper maintenance and usage, they can last for several years before requiring replacement.
Q: Can I use a dash cam battery pack with any dash cam?
A: Dash cam battery packs are generally compatible with a wide range of dash cam models. However, it is always recommended to check the manufacturer’s specifications and compatibility before purchasing a battery pack for your specific dash cam.
Q: Can I combine multiple battery packs for extended power?
A: Yes, some battery packs offer the option to combine multiple packs for extended power. By connecting an additional External battery for dash cam pack, you can significantly increase the length of parking mode recording for your dash cam.
Conclusion
External battery for Dash Cam packs are an excellent solution for extending the power of your dash cam, especially during parking mode. With the ability to provide extended recording time, protect your car battery, and offer easy installation, they are a must-have accessory for any pack dash cam user. By choosing the right battery pack for your needs and following the proper installation steps, you can enjoy continuous recording and peace of mind while on the road. Invest in a dash cam battery pack today and never miss a moment on your journey.
Doreen