Yes, not your usual pancake thread, but there are no forums that cut across models, so here I am. I put in a couple of dashcams. Parking mode would be a nicety, and so, the need for a battery. Dashcam batteries are still pretty expensive. I just tried a Duracell power pack I had laying around. Wouldn't work. Not passthrough charging. Only does one thing at a time. I was hoping to plug a battery pack into the car's usb-c connection and the dashcam into the battery. I suppose there are li-ion safety concerns, but not sure how realistic they are in my use case, here in upstate NY. LiFePo could be an option I suppose. The power stations get too bulky, and no need for 120VAC. Thoughts?
Why not tap into your 12V battery? That is what the Toyota sold camera on the 2025 Camry does. IMO DashCam should be included in the packages that include the panoramic view cameras since most all the hardware is already there for 260 monitoring. Perhaps your Prius has the camera connector behind the rear view mirror roof panel.
I have two cameras already installed. No, on the LE, nothing to hook up to. I don't want to put any stress on the small 12v battery when parked. Hence, the external battery. If I unplugged and replugged to the Duracell power pack mentioned above, it would work but be a pain. I have a mini UPS by Talent Cell that would work. It needs 12v input.
Easy answer.... Prius. Talent Cells are popular in the amateur radio community's crazy preppers corner. "I'm told" that many TalentCell rechargeable lithium-ion battery packs support pass-through charging, allowing them to power devices while simultaneously being charged. TWO dashcams? Couldn't you just get ONE good one? Good Luck!
Less complex, for me, wiring. Not hardwired. There are usb-c power ports for the rear passengers as well as the front.
The 2025 Camry has the same anemic battery issue but the Toyota Webcam accessory uses it. All 2025 and newer Camry are Hybrid only.
If you are using the 12V outlet, nearly all cars cut power to that when off. Probably the same with the USB outlets. Do these dash cams not have their own battery?
The concept is that the external battery gets charged while driving, with usb power passing through to power the dash cam. External battery only when parked.
There's lots of threads on here about adding a second 12v battery to the system... That's your solution, but sounds like you don't want to do that. Also what type of Dashcam system did you buy? There should be a battery management settings for parking security. As in I think your solution is going to learn from people who are using the same system as you. Priuschat can't provide that help, but do report back to us and let us know what you come up with.
