DashCam Parking Mode Solution - Need advice

sagrules on 21/01/2016 - 15:10

Dear All,

I am looking for a solution that would allow me to record “hit and run” incidents while the car is parked and unattended. (My new car recently got badly scratched)

So far, I am thinking about having 2x dashcams, like G1W or better one in front and one at the back.

I would like to connect the dashcam to a power bank instead of hardwiring it to the car battery to avoid messing with the car power system.

It would look like this: car cigarette lighter socket connected to powerbank charging port and then powerbank connected to dashcam using USB port. When I drive, the car would be charging powerbank and when the engine is off, the powerbank will power the dashcam.

My budget is around $200

Please let me know:
• Do you have any experience doing something similar? Would my idea work?
• Should I have the dashcam constantly operating or should I get a more expensive dashcam with motion detection or g-sensor?
• How long would a dashcam last in a car when it’s constantly powered?
• How long should I expect the memory card to last?
• Any other advice and device recommendations?

Automotive

Comments

  • supnigs super skids on 21/01/2016 - 15:56

    Buy a large power bank and power on the car cameras using usb cable. Check until it runs out of battery. Extend record time by increasing sd card size or reduce recording quality.

  • SnoozeAndLose on 21/01/2016 - 16:03
    +1

    Be careful of using a power bank to get a constant supply of power, even a large power bank will be enough for continue recording as 1. the car is not running 24/7 which the charge time for the power bank is less then it discharge time so every 2-3 days you need to take it out for recharge 2. when the car leaving out door it may get over heat and burn.

    the best way to do is to get a wire through the fuse with a constant power supply which may be the security or instead a rely.

    Also 32GB of memory car(which nowaday the max a dashcam) only can hold about 4 hours of HD video, you will need to get an more expansive dash ($100 may be) to accept 64gb or 128gb memory).

    Hope this help

    • sagrules on 21/01/2016 - 17:01

      what power supply would you recommend to use?

      • supnigs super skids on 21/01/2016 - 17:16

        QC 2.0 power bank charged from cigarette port. 2x video cams powered from charge bank via Accessories line (of car) switched relay.

        Setup will power cams and charge battery bank when car running from alternator. Will switch to power bank power when keys removed. You don't want the camera powered from car battery when not on. Will make your car not crank.

  • hayne on 21/01/2016 - 17:03

    LoveBargain15 is right - connect to the fuse. If you get the right gear, it can also cut out supply to the dashcam when your battery charge level gets below a certain level to prevent the dashcam from draining the battery so much that you can't start the car.

    • sagrules on 21/01/2016 - 17:19

      Do you mean, connecting to the actual fuse in the car fuse box under steering wheel?

      • SnoozeAndLose on 21/01/2016 - 17:21

        Yes you can give a youtube or google a search i am trying to do it before but too hard.

  • Shadowsfury on 21/01/2016 - 17:29

    That's actually an amazing idea, never thought of it

    Wouldn't bother with it when I'm parked at home on my driveway (car basically only used on weekends)

    However when at the shops or something it could come in handy (if its not too hot outside).

    I have 2 G1W-C cameras (facing front and facing back). The rear facing one I bought a USB cable to replace the cigarette lighter type power it used to require, so it is attached to my USB power port and thus easy enough to swap to a power bank.

    The front facing one is plugged into the cigarette lighter type port in the glove compartment so that would be much harder to fix with a power bank.

  • mattie on 22/01/2016 - 12:40

    I use and recommend the Mobius camera because of its small size and reliability
    https://dashcamtalk.com/compare/1/1,2/g1w-vs-mobius/

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