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Dashcam powering question

Discussion in 'Newbie Forum' started by 2013C, May 21, 2019.

  1. 2013C

    2013C New Member

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    Hey, what’s up everyone,

    New Prius owner here. Only had it a few days but I love it

    My question is related to powering a dashcam for parking mode. I didn’t ask in the Prius C section since it seemed like something that could apply to any Prius (correct me if I’m wrong?)

    On my old car, the 12v port would power whatever was plugged into it indefinitely... (even if it caused the battery to drain to the point where the car needed to be jumped)

    On my Prius C the power to the 12v port is cut as soon as I shut off the car. I’m looking to keep providing power so the dashcam can work in parking mode. It’s important because I park on the street in a city.

    I don’t want to accidentally discharge the Prius too much. Has anyone used those dashcam hard wire kits that connect into your fuse box on the 12v and prevent discharge below 12v?

    If the hard wire kits are a no go in the Prius, is the next best thing something like a USB battery bank? I’ve seen the LiFePo4 battery packs for this purpose, but at almost $200 for those I’d probably be better off just getting a pair of USB battery banks and plugging the camera into that when I’m not driving?

    Sorry for the long rambling message, I’m sure some of you have good insight on powering a dashcam consistently in your Priuses!

    Thanks in advance everyone!
     
  2. Skibob

    Skibob Senior Member

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    So I’m guessing you like the camera to run so if someone hits your car you have a video. The problem with a Prius is the battery isn’t that big amp hour wise. You can drain it much faster than a normal car. Some type of battery pack that recharges when the car is running would be the best idea. They have ones that you can actually use to jump start your car now.

     
  3. 2013C

    2013C New Member

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    Sounds good, thank you. For the time being I am using a USB battery pack, but I will keep looking into other options to keep the load off the Prius' battery. It also reminds me that i should find out if i'll ever need to jump the Prius' 12v battery and how to do that properly if so. (I know I should never let the Prius battery fully discharge, but i'd rather find these things out before i have to do them if need be ;))
     
  4. kenmce

    kenmce High Voltage Member

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    Which camera did you get? Where are you installing it?
     
  5. Leadfoot J. McCoalroller

    Leadfoot J. McCoalroller Senior Member

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    For after-hours video you want something like the power magic pro box with the ultra add-on.

    It's expensive, but it works right out of the box. You can probably come up with another way to do it for less money, but it's going to take a bit of work and research. And every time it doesn't work is a chance at a dead battery. It won't take many of those to get you eager to buy the expensive ultra box.

    I considered these when I got a blackvue camera for our Prius, but quickly realized it wouldn't be worth it. The car is often parked at the airport for 3-4 days at a time, and even the biggest battery pack would only go for the first 24 hours.
     
    #5 Leadfoot J. McCoalroller, May 23, 2019
    Last edited: May 23, 2019
  6. Fostel

    Fostel Member

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