How to install a dash cam with a battery pack
We believe that having a dash cam offers maximum security. And if you want to add that with more peace of mind, a dash cam battery pack is a must have.
A dash cam battery pack is a highly recommended accessory for those who value parking-mode recording - which is a non-negotiable feature in our dash cams. Aside from extending parking modes, a dash cam battery pack also provides greater recording duration, eliminating wear-and-tear on the car’s battery.
For additional convenience, a dash cam battery pack also allows a simple connection to just the vehicle’s 12V cigarette socket with a cigarette lighter adapter (CLA) and still achieving parking-mode recording.
We currently offer three batteries: the BlackboxMyCar PowerCell 8 Battery Pack, the BlackVue B-130X and the Thinkware iVOLT BAB-50 Battery Pack.
The PowerCell 8 is a dash cam battery designed, tested and backed by your most trusted dash cam name, BlackboxMyCar. Sporting a slimmer design, the PowerCell 8 carries 25% more power than the previous Cellink NEO, giving you up to 35 hours of parking mode protection for a dual-channel system.
The BlackboxMyCar PowerCell 8 can be charged fully within 50 minutes of driving with the rapid and safe charging control circuit. It works with the Cellink Neo Extended Battery Pack, giving you the option to expand for more power whenever you need.
Additionally, with the popularity of Cloud dash cams such as from BlackVue and Thinkware, PowerCell 8 comes with a 5V USB 3.0 power outlet, simplifying the setup of mobile routers in the vehicles.
Although slightly slimmer and more compact, the Power Magic Ultra Battery is a 7,500mAh/96Wh battery pack and offers 25% more power than its predecessor, the B-124X, to give you up to 30 hours of parking mode protection for a 1-channel BlackVue DR970X (or approximately 19 hours for the dual-channel version).
The Power Magic Ultra Battery (B-130X) supports 12V and 24V electrical systems. It is compatible with most individual and commercial/heavy-duty vehicles. It also comes with a 5V USB (2A max) power output that you can use to charge any accessories, such as a phone or a WiFi hotspot, to keep your Cloud dash cam connected while in Parking Mode.
Designed for Thinkware Dash Cams, the BAB-50 is an excellent solution to enhancing the parking mode features of the dash cam and eliminate wear and tear on the vehicle’s battery. When your vehicle is powered off, the BAB-50 will provide power to your dash cam for parking mode recording.
The BAB-50 is compact-sized, making it easy to hide inside the vehicle, especially in smaller vehicles. The BAB-50 takes approximately 45 minutes to fully charge (7A Speed Charge) and can power a dual-channel dash cam system for up to 16 hours.
Installation for all the battery packs are generally the same, though keep in mind the output cable that you need on all battery packs differs depending on the dash cam you're installing, so we will make sure you have the right cables during your purchase.
Hardwiring a dash cam battery pack with your vehicle is very similar to the traditional regular hardwire method. Please read our hardwiring guide if you are unfamiliar.
The traditional method of hardwiring involves connecting a hardwiring kit to the vehicle's fuse box. You have to connect one wire from your hardwiring kit to a constant fuse (typically red), whereas the other wire will go into an ACC/ignition-switched fuse (typically yellow). Your last wire (in the shape of a ring or a C) will go to the metal ground bolt.
In hardwiring a battery pack, you will be using a Power Input Hardwire Cable, where you only have to connect the ACC (ignition-switched) fuse, and the other wire to a ground bolt. The last outlet will specifically be for your dash cam battery pack.
For a simple installation, a dash cam battery pack can also be connected to the vehicle’s cigarette socket, for those who do not wish to hardwire. Please read our cigarette lighter adapter installation guide if you are unfamiliar.
For a simple cigarette socket installation, you would simply need to insert the included 12V cigarette adapter into your vehicle’s cigarette socket. Ensure that your vehicle’s cigarette socket does turn off when the vehicle is off, otherwise the battery pack will continue to draw power until your vehicle’s battery is dead (as there is no voltage cutoff protection).
Ensure that you have the battery set to the “LOW” input selection so as to not blow the cigarette socket fuse due to high power draw. A full charge from empty will take about 90 minutes.
Whichever method you choose to install with, the final installation processes after installing remains the same. Make sure your dash cam is working properly prior to this.
You would need to tuck wires into panels, seams and headlining of the vehicle. The only difference is that the battery packs must be hidden somewhere safe, preferably under the driver's or front passenger's seats, or areas in the trunk or in the glove box compartment. We also recommend taping or zip tying the excess wires out of the way (included in our Essential Install Package) in your vehicle so it doesn't block any access to your fuse box.
We typically recommend under the driver’s or front passenger’s seats, areas in the trunk or in the glove box compartment. The BlackVue B-130X and PowerCell 8 both include velcro-sided adhesives, making them useful when mounting onto carpets.
