Dash Cam Power: Staying Charged And Ready

Dash cameras are designed to be powered by a car's battery. They are typically plugged into the cigarette lighter power outlet, which provides switched power, meaning the camera turns on and off with the engine. However, some dash cameras have internal batteries, though these are usually meant for backup power only and are not meant to be self-powered for extended periods. To keep a dash camera charged without a car, some users have suggested using a power bank or battery pack similar to those used for charging phones.

Dash cams with internal batteries

Some dash cams, like the Garmin 66w, offer a slightly longer internal battery life of 30 minutes. However, if you're looking for a dash cam with an internal battery that can last for an extended period while the car is parked, you may need to explore other options, such as external battery packs or hardwiring the dash cam to the car's fuse box.

It's worth noting that newer dash cams often don't have a battery at all; instead, they use a "capacitor" that holds a small amount of power for a few seconds when the car is turned off. Capacitors have the advantage of performing better in extreme temperatures and not wearing down over time like batteries.

If you're considering a dash cam with an internal battery, be sure to check the battery life specifications and determine if it aligns with your needs. Additionally, proper care and maintenance of the dash cam's internal battery can help extend its lifespan.

Using a capacitor instead of a battery

Dash cameras are an increasingly popular device to have in cars, but the batteries they use vary significantly between models. The two main types of batteries used in dash cams are capacitors and lithium-ion batteries.

A capacitor stores electrical charge between two metal plates and can discharge energy at any point. A supercapacitor, a type of capacitor used in dash cams, can be continuously charged and discharged. It has a large capacitance, which means more charge can be stored and provided faster.

A capacitor-based dash cam is less prone to high temperatures and is generally more reliable than a lithium-ion battery-powered dash cam. Capacitors are more resistant to heat and do not pose the risk of overheating and exploding. They are also more durable and perform better in extreme temperatures.

However, capacitors have the drawback of not being able to hold a charge for long. This means that a capacitor-based dash cam cannot be used to record an incident without being connected to a power source. This is an important consideration if you want to use your dashcam in parking mode, which requires the camera to stay on and keep recording when the car is parked and the engine is off.

To overcome this limitation, some capacitor-based dash cams are designed to be hardwired to the vehicle, drawing power from the car battery. Many of these dash cams have a low-voltage cutoff mechanism that stops drawing power from the car battery when it reaches a certain low-voltage threshold.

In summary, a capacitor-based dash cam is a better choice than a lithium-ion battery-powered dash cam if you prioritise reliability and temperature resistance. Capacitors are more resistant to heat and perform better in extreme temperatures. However, the inability to hold a charge for long means that capacitor-based dash cams need to be connected to a power source, such as the car battery, for continuous operation.

Charging a dash cam at home

Dash cams are designed to draw power from your vehicle's battery. They are typically plugged into a "cigarette lighter" power outlet, which provides "switched" power—meaning the dash cam turns on and off with the engine.

Some dash cams have internal batteries, but these are small and only meant to provide backup power for a few seconds, usually just long enough to save the last video file recorded before the camera shuts off.

If you want to charge your dash cam at home, there are a few options:

• Use an external power source: You can connect your dash cam to an external power source such as a power bank or battery pack. This option allows you to charge the dash cam at home and then connect it to your car when you're ready to drive. However, keep in mind that dash cams typically don't record for long on battery power alone.
• Charge your car battery: If your car doesn't have a working charger or USB port, you may need to charge your car battery separately. You can do this by replacing the fuse for the cigarette lighter port or by hardwiring the dash cam directly to your car's electrical panel.
• Use an adapter: There are adapters available that allow you to plug your dash cam into a standard wall outlet at home. However, this may not be the most sensible or recommended option.
• Consider a different power source: Depending on your car's features, you may be able to tap into a different power source within your vehicle. For example, some users recommend using the OBDII connector or adding a fuse to connect to your car's electrical panel.

It's important to note that charging a dash cam at home may not be as straightforward as charging other devices. Dash cams are designed to draw power from a vehicle's battery, so you may need to get creative or consult a professional for the best solution.

Using a power bank

When choosing a power bank, consider its power capacity, charging speed, and the number of ports it offers. You'll want a power bank with a high power capacity that can last for several days or even weeks without needing to be recharged. Look for power banks with a charging speed of 5V/2.0A or higher for efficient charging. Additionally, having multiple ports will allow you to charge your dashcam and other devices simultaneously.

• Anker PowerCore 20100 Portable Charger: This power bank offers a high power capacity of 20,100mAh, which can last for a week or more. It has two USB-A ports, each with a charging speed of 5V/2.4A, and a max output of 4.8A. It comes with a Micro-USB cable but does not include a wall charger.
• RAVPower 22,000mAh Power Bank: With a slightly higher power capacity than the Anker PowerCore, this power bank has three USB-A charging ports, each delivering a charging speed of 5V/2.4A and a max output of 5.8A. It also recharges at 2.4A. This power bank comes with two Micro-USB cables but does not include a wall charger.
• EasyAcc 26,000mAh Monster Power Bank: This power bank boasts an impressive 26,000mAh power capacity and four USB-A charging ports, each capable of charging at 5V/2.4A with a max output of 4.8A. It has two Micro-USB input ports for faster recharging and comes with two Micro-USB cables. It also features an LED flashlight but does not include a wall charger.
• RAVPower 32,000mAh Power Bank: With an extremely high power capacity of 32,000mAh, this power bank can power your dashcam for several weeks. It has three USB-A ports, each delivering a charging speed of 5V/2.4A and a max output of 6A. It recharges through a single Micro-USB input port at 5V/2.4A. This power bank comes with two Micro-USB cables but does not include a wall charger.
• Anker PowerCore 26800 Portable Charger: This power bank offers a high power capacity of 26,800mAh and three USB-A charging ports, each with a charging speed of 5V/2.4A and a max output of 6A. It has two Micro-USB input ports for faster recharging at 4A speed and comes with two Micro-USB cables. However, it does not include a wall charger.
• Aukey 30,000mAh Power Bank: This power bank provides a massive 30,000mAh power capacity and features two USB-A output charging ports, each delivering a charging speed of 5V/2.4A and a max output of 4.8A. It has a Lightning and Micro-USB input port for recharging and comes with a Micro-USB cable. It also includes an LED flashlight, but a wall charger is not included.

When using a power bank to charge your dashcam, there are a few important considerations to keep in mind. First, avoid charging and discharging the power bank simultaneously, as this can put a strain on its electronics. Second, try to avoid exposing the power bank to extreme temperatures, physical shock, or vibration, as these factors can impact its performance and longevity. Third, always follow proper charging practices and allow the power bank to stabilize at room temperature before charging it. By following these guidelines, you can ensure the safe and effective use of a power bank to keep your dashcam charged and operational.

Dash cams with motion detection

To activate motion detection on a dash cam, you'll need to access the device's settings. Look for a button or icon that indicates settings or a gear symbol. Once in the settings menu, navigate to an option related to motion detection, which could be labelled as "Motion Detection" or "Parking Mode". Enable the motion detection feature and customise any additional settings related to motion sensitivity or detection zones as per your requirements. Remember to save your changes and exit the settings menu.

Some dash cams with motion detection also offer a parking mode feature. This allows the dash cam to remain connected to a constant power source and continue recording even when your vehicle is parked and the engine is off. The motion detection feature, along with impact sensors, helps to detect activity around the vehicle, providing added security and surveillance.

When purchasing a dash cam with motion detection, it's important to consider the power source. While some dash cams come with a power cord that plugs into your car's cigarette lighter power outlet, others may require an external battery pack or a hardwire kit to connect directly to your car's battery.

• REDTIGER Dash Cam Front Rear, 4K/2.5K Full HD with Built-in Wi-Fi, GPS, and Night Vision
• AZDOME WiFi 4K Dash Cam Front and Rear, 4K+1080P Dual Dash Camera with Motion Detection and Built-in GPS
• VIOFO Dual Dash Cam, 2K 1440P 60fps+1080P 30fps Front and Rear with Wi-Fi, GPS, Parking Mode, and Motion Detection
• BlackVue DR750X/900X with CM100LTE module, a popular choice for cloud notifications and reliable parking mode
• Garmin Mini 2, a smaller and more discrete option with Wi-fi and LTE hotspot connectivity for parking-related cloud features

Frequently asked questions