Do I need to use a Dash Cam Battery Pack?
Thinkware Dash Cams offer a few different methods in which the device is powered.
All Thinkware Dash Cams come standard with a built-in voltmeter and battery protection settings to ensure you will not return to your vehicle with a dead battery. These Voltage Settings can be utilized with the Hardwiring Kit or OBD-II Harness to protect your battery when using Parking Mode.
However, If you wish to record an extended amount of Parking Footage, or if you have a Luxury Vehicle/Small Vehicle Battery the Thinkware iVolt Mini Battery Pack may be the right choice for you.
The Benefits of using a Dash Cam Battery Pack
Extended Parking Mode
When Hardwired the Dash Cam will record in Parking Mode for approximately 8 hours (depending on vehicle’s battery and the voltage cut-off setting) before powering down to save power. With the iVolt Mini, your 1 Channel Dash Cam can run for 20 hours, or if you have a 2 Channel Dash Cam, 16 hours in Parking Mode before needing to recharge the battery pack.
Safe for Luxury Vehicles
If you own a Luxury Vehicle such as a BMW, battery drainage not only means replacing the vehicle’s battery but it can also require the dealership to reset the vehicle’s electronics, which can turn into an extremely expensive fix.
By using a Dash Cam Battery Pack, you will still be able to use our Advanced Parking Mode risk-free.
Avoid Wear and Tear
With a Hardwired Dash Cam, the constant discharge on the battery over a long period of time can cause wear and tear. The iVolt Mini Battery Pack only draws power to charge when you are driving the vehicle, which prevents damage to the vehicle’s battery over time. With the ignition off, the Dash Cam relies solely on the Battery Pack for power, eliminating the need to draw power from the vehicle’s battery completely.
iVolt Mini Installation
General Installation Schematic
The iVolt Mini Battery Pack is a hardwired product. This means that the battery pack itself will be attached to the Fuse Box directly, to charge while driving.
When you open your iVolt Mini Package, you will be provided with 3 Cables; a standard Thinkware Hardwiring Cable, Output Cable, and Input Cable.
Connecting the Input Cable to the Fuse Box
1. With the Battery Packs switch in the OFF position, plug in the Input Cable to Battery Pack.
2. Next, open the vehicle’s interior fuse box and locate and remove the fuse for the accessory power supply.
***The Accessory Power (ACC) supplies power when the vehicle is on only. Use a Fuse 20A or larger.
3. Insert the input cable into the sleeve at the end of the fuse tap, and then secure it by squeezing on the sleeve using appropriate tools, such as pliers.
4. Install the Add-a-fuse to a Fuse which is 20A or larger into the accessory power (ACC) contacts in the fuse box.
5. Secure the Black Cable (Ground) connection to the body or another metal surface of the vehicle.
***If the vehicle’s bolt is coated, The power may not be supplied correctly due to the coating.
Connecting the Dash Cam
The Output Cable will have 3 wire ends, Black (GND), B+ (Yellow), and ACC (Red). Splice and connect the 3 ends of the Output Cable to the corresponding colours on the Thinkware Hardwiring Cable. Use Electrical Tape to secure.
Secure the Battery Pack either under the driver/passenger seat, glove box or trunk with the velcro tape provided.
Switch the Battery Pack to the “HIGH” setting, and turn on the vehicle’s ignition. Check the indicators on the Battery Pack. Charging begins when the “CHARGE” indicator flashes Red for 10 seconds and remains solid. The Dash Cam will now power on in Continuous Mode.
Lastly, turn off the ignition and ensure the dashcam switches to Parking Surveillance Mode.
*Ensure to disable Battery Protection in the Dash Cams Record Settings.