Ultimate Guide to Dash Cam Battery Packs
Ultimate Guide to Dash Cam Battery Packs
When it comes to enhancing your dash cam's performance, selecting the right battery pack is crucial. In this guide, we will explore four popular battery packs: the IROAD Power Pack Pro 12, Thinkware IVOLT Xtra, BlackBox MyCar Power Cell 8, and the Thinkware IVOLT Mini. Each of these battery packs has its unique features, pros, and cons, making it essential to understand which one fits your needs best.
Thinkware IVOLT Mini
The Thinkware IVOLT Mini is the smallest dash cam battery pack we have on our list. With a capacity of 4500 milliamp hours and rated at 57.6 watt hours, it is designed for compact installations.
- Charging Time: It takes approximately 45 minutes to fully charge when hardwired, and 90 minutes if using a cigarette lighter adapter.
- Size: The dimensions are 6.51 in x 5.17 in x 1.45 in.
- Smartphone App: There is no smartphone app available for monitoring battery status.
- Installation: The battery pack connects via a simple plug-in system and includes three wires (black, red, yellow) for enabling parking mode.
One of the significant drawbacks of the IVOLT Mini is the lack of a separate ignition input. This means you may face challenges finding a high current ignition output in newer vehicles. If you do not have access to a high current ignition, you may need a relay to connect it properly.
BlackBox MyCar Power Cell 8
The BlackBox MyCar Power Cell 8 is a step up in terms of capacity, rated at 7500 milliamp hours and 96 watt hours. This battery pack provides more flexibility and features, making it a popular choice among users.
- Charging Time: Fully charges in approximately 50 minutes when hardwired at 9 amps, or 80 minutes using a cigarette lighter.
- Smartphone App: Yes, it has a smartphone app that allows you to change the charging current between 4.5 and 9 amps, providing real-time battery percentage and output voltage.
- Size: The dimensions are 5.95 in x 8.06 in x 1.28 in.
- Expandable: You can add a Cell Link Neo extended battery pack for additional power.
This battery pack is an excellent choice for those who want more control over their power management. However, like the IVOLT Mini, it does not have a separate ignition input. This can pose challenges during installation in newer vehicles that may lack a high current ignition output.
Thinkware IVOLT Xtra
The Thinkware IVOLT Xtra offers a balance between performance and features, rated at 7500 milliamp hours and 96 watt hours. It's designed for users who need a reliable power source for their dash cam.
- Charging Time: Takes about 55 minutes to charge on high and 110 minutes on low settings.
- Smartphone App: Yes, it has a basic app that provides charging capacity and average remaining time based on current draw.
- Size: The dimensions are 6.10 in x 8.46 in x 1.38 in.
- Installation: Connects to constant power and ground, with an ignition wire to monitor vehicle ignition status.
This battery pack stands out due to its ignition monitoring feature, which allows the dash cam to draw power only when the vehicle is running. However, the smartphone app could use some improvements for better functionality.
IROAD Power Pack Pro 12
The IROAD Power Pack Pro 12 is the heavyweight champion of our lineup, boasting a massive capacity of 12,000 milliamp hours and rated at 153 watt hours. This makes it ideal for extended recording sessions.
- Charging Time: Approximately 90 minutes on high and 80 minutes on low settings.
- Smartphone App: No app available, but it features a digital display that shows voltage and current draw.
- Size: Measures 6.29 in x 10 in x 1.69 in.
- Installation: Connects to constant power, ground, and ignition, similar to the Thinkware IVOLT Xtra.
This battery pack can provide up to 50 days of recording time with low-current dash cameras, making it perfect for long trips or extended parking situations. However, the lack of a smartphone app may be a drawback for some users who prefer to monitor their battery status remotely.
Comparative Summary of Battery Packs
Here's a quick overview of the specifications and pricing of each battery pack:
| Battery Pack | Capacity (mAh) | Watt Hours | Charging Time (Hardwired) | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thinkware IVOLT Mini | 4500 | 57.6 | 45 mins | $209 |
| BlackBox MyCar Power Cell 8 | 7500 | 96 | 50 mins | $349 |
| Thinkware IVOLT Xtra | 7500 | 96 | 55 mins | $349 |
| IROAD Power Pack Pro 12 | 12000 | 153 | 90 mins | $399 |
Conclusion
Choosing the right dash cam battery pack depends on your specific needs and the type of vehicle you drive. The Thinkware IVOLT Mini is perfect for those seeking a compact solution, while the BlackBox MyCar Power Cell 8 offers a good balance of features and performance. For optimal performance, the Thinkware IVOLT Xtra is a great choice, especially with its ignition monitoring feature. Finally, if you're looking for the longest recording times, the IROAD Power Pack Pro 12 has got you covered.
For more information about dash cams and installation, visit Safe Drive Solutions: Dash Cam And Installation Specialists. If you're ready to get your dash cam installed, check out our Dash Cam Installation Service.