Dashcam - BlackVue - permanent power

[Redtail]

So ... I jumped in an bought the new BlackVue DR900S-2CH. Probably paid too much, but it's on its way.

To make sure I was getting all the right bits, I rang the supplier. Especially about the permanent power situation. I want to use it for parking monitoring, and given I've got a Traxide system already (https://www.aulro.com/afvb/l319-discovery-3-and-4-a/261810-permanent-power-traxide-back-accessories-dash-design.html), they confirmed there's no need for their Power Magic Pro.

But ... I was advised by them to make sure I used the supplied BlackVue power cord, with the cig lighter thingo attached, as it has the circuitry for the correct voltage and current. This would mean joining the power cable behind the dash to a hidden cig lighter socket that I'd wire to my 12V supply, because I want to have all the wiring tucked away, and not use a front acc socket.

I'm thinking that the BlackVue power cord and plug steps it down to 5V and to whatever current is needed. Surely that's it? Not rocket surgery?

Has anyone wired one in, without arsing about with cig lighter couplings, and if so, did you need to sort out a step-down circuit?

[Dorian]

I've installed my Blackvue using the concealed cig connector. IIRC your warranty relies on having the OEM power supply.
There are heaps of 12 > 5 Vdc converters on flea bay for around the $10 mark. I had one installed to power USB ports, found out that these things will happily drain your battery down to 5V. The Blackvue one did this also but I installed mine around 4 years ago.
I've now installed a magic pro between the house battery and the camera gives me 10 hours on the camera and doesn't drain my house battery below 11.8V.

Cheers Glen

[Redtail]

I've installed my Blackvue using the concealed cig connector. IIRC your warranty relies on having the OEM power supply.
There are heaps of 12 > 5 Vdc converters on flea bay for around the $10 mark. I had one installed to power USB ports, found out that these things will happily drain your battery down to 5V. The Blackvue one did this also but I installed mine around 4 years ago.
I've now installed a magic pro between the house battery and the camera gives me 10 hours on the camera and doesn't drain my house battery below 11.8V.

Cheers Glen

Thanks, Glen.
I seem to recall something about warranty being mentioned, too.[bighmmm]
I have seen the 12>5V step-downs in various configurations on that site. Maybe later, after warranty expires.
Although I am thinking I'll wait for the unit to arrive and see what the specs are.

Draining down to 5V would ruin a battery, wouldn't it? I'm expecting my Traxide ABG-25 will kick in w-a-y before my aux battery gets to that level.

Just got a message the unit's been delayed. It should still be here by our (WA Day) long weekend.

[Ancient Mariner]

So ... I jumped in an bought the new BlackVue DR900S-2CH. Probably paid too much, but it's on its way.

To make sure I was getting all the right bits, I rang the supplier. Especially about the permanent power situation. I want to use it for parking monitoring, and given I've got a Traxide system already (Permanent power from Traxide back to accessories and dash - design? (https://www.aulro.com/afvb/l319-discovery-3-and-4-a/261810-permanent-power-traxide-back-accessories-dash-design.html)), they confirmed there's no need for their Power Magic Pro.

But ... I was advised by them to make sure I used the supplied BlackVue power cord, with the cig lighter thingo attached, as it has the circuitry for the correct voltage and current. This would mean joining the power cable behind the dash to a hidden cig lighter socket that I'd wire to my 12V supply, because I want to have all the wiring tucked away, and not use a front acc socket.

I'm thinking that the BlackVue power cord and plug steps it down to 5V and to whatever current is needed. Surely that's it? Not rocket surgery?

Has anyone wired one in, without arsing about with cig lighter couplings, and if so, did you need to sort out a step-down circuit?
I have a blackvue DR650s and the cord supplied is straight 12 v I used another cord and wired it up to the battery via a switch so I can have it on or off.Had it about 6 months and no probs so maybe check the voltage of cord supplied 900 different ?

AM

[Redtail]

I have a blackvue DR650s and the cord supplied is straight 12 v I used another cord and wired it up to the battery via a switch so I can have it on or off.Had it about 6 months and no probs so maybe check the voltage of cord supplied 900 different ?

AM
The unit's spec states 12V/1A, but the supplier was clear about not doing what you've done.
as this large sticker is on the cig cord reinforces ...
140706
So for now, I'll be connecting mine via an inline cig socket hidden behind the dash.

I do like the idea of a hard on/off switch. I may put one in.

[Ancient Mariner]

The unit's spec states 12V/1A, but the supplier was clear about not doing what you've done.
as this large sticker is on the cig cord reinforces ...
140706
So for now, I'll be connecting mine via an inline cig socket hidden behind the dash.

I do like the idea of a hard on/off switch. I may put one in.
The usual supplier bull**** there is a fuse thats all .Cig sockets are a fault waiting to happen:(


AM

[Redtail]

The usual supplier bull**** there is a fuse thats all .Cig sockets are a fault waiting to happen:(


AM
Thanks! You saved me pulling mine apart.

I notice they sell the hardwiring kits on BlackVue's overseas website, but not here.

Now I'm wondering if I can replace that fuse with a blade type in the junction box, or is that asking for trouble?

[Tombie]

Thanks! You saved me pulling mine apart.

I notice they sell the hardwiring kits on BlackVue's overseas website, but not here.

Now I'm wondering if I can replace that fuse with a blade type in the junction box, or is that asking for trouble?

As long as it’s the same rating there won’t be a problem.

[Ancient Mariner]

As Tombie said but use it for a week or two with the supplied lead incase the unit has a problem

AM