Ensuring your dash cam is consistently powered is crucial for continuous recording, especially when you’re not in your vehicle. Many dash cam users face the dilemma of how to keep their devices running, particularly for parking surveillance. While direct wiring to your car’s battery is an option, it can be complex and may void warranties. This is where solutions like cigarette lighter adapters and, more pertinently, Dash Cam Obd2 Cables come into play. Let’s delve into these methods to find the best power solution for your dash cam.
Utilizing Cigarette Lighter Adapters for Dash Cam Power
One of the simplest methods to power your dash cam is using your car’s cigarette lighter socket. If your cigarette lighter socket is always powered, even when the ignition is off, you have a straightforward option. You can employ a male-to-female cigarette lighter adapter equipped with a low voltage cut-off switch. A popular example of this is the “battery saver” by Koolatron, readily available online. Coupled with a cigarette lighter to USB adapter, this setup efficiently powers your dash cam. The low voltage cut-off is a vital feature, as it automatically cuts power to your dash cam if your car battery voltage drops below a certain threshold, typically around 11.6 volts. This prevents excessive battery drain and ensures your car can start.
However, if your cigarette lighter socket only receives power when the engine is running, this method is limited for parking mode recording. In such cases, you might consider alternative solutions like dash cam OBD2 cables.
Exploring Dash Cam OBD2 Cable Power Solutions
For vehicles where the cigarette lighter is only powered when the engine is on, dash cam OBD2 cables offer a convenient alternative. These adapters draw power directly from your car’s OBD2 port, which is typically always powered. Similar to cigarette lighter adapters, you can find OBD2 power supplies on platforms like Amazon that include a low voltage cut-off switch. These are often very affordable and provide a clean power source without the need for complex wiring.
It’s important to dispel any concerns about “kludging” wires into your OBD port. Using a dedicated dash cam OBD2 cable is a safe and designed solution. The OBD2 port is capable of supplying a reasonable amount of power (up to 4 amps), which is more than sufficient for most dash cams, even dual-channel models that generally spec out at 2 amps or less.
Dash Cam OBD2 Cable for Parking Surveillance Mode
When parked, you likely want your dash cam to operate in standby or surveillance mode, recording only when triggered by motion or a G-sensor. Using a dash cam OBD2 cable allows for this functionality, providing continuous power for parking mode even when your engine is off and cigarette lighter is unpowered.
Combining Power Methods for Flexibility
Depending on your needs and vehicle setup, you could even combine power methods for maximum flexibility. For instance, if your cigarette lighter is engine-powered, you could run a USB cable from your dash cam to a point under your dash. Then, you could use a dash cam OBD2 cable adapter for parking surveillance when the engine is off, and switch to a cigarette lighter adapter when driving.
If your cigarette lighter is always on, you could utilize a heavy-duty splitter (rated at least 10 amps). Plug the Koolatron battery saver into one port, and a quality cigarette lighter to USB adapter into the Koolatron. This powers your dash cam and retains the other port for charging phones or other devices while driving.
OBD2 Port Access and Power Considerations
A significant advantage of using a dash cam OBD2 cable is that it’s easily removable. If you need to use your OBD2 port for diagnostics with a scanner, simply unplug the adapter. You won’t be overloading the OBD2 port’s power capabilities, as it’s designed to handle devices drawing similar power levels.
In conclusion, whether you choose a cigarette lighter adapter with a low voltage cut-off or a dash cam OBD2 cable, both offer viable solutions for powering your dash cam. The best choice depends on your vehicle’s power setup and your specific needs for continuous recording and parking surveillance. Exploring these options will ensure your dash cam is always ready to capture critical moments on the road.
