Hardwire or Plug & Play? Looking to extend the duration of the dashcam’s parking mode, then install the iVolt into your vehicle. The Hardwired version wires directly into your vehicle’s fuse box, allowing the iVolt to charge while the vehicle’s ignition is on. This allows for the iVolt to be fully recharged in 45 minutes. The iVolt battery is also fully recharged in approximately 80 minutes while driving. Please note the 12V accessory socket must be ignition-controlled! Recommended for vehicles that use an intelligent battery system (IBS) like some models of BMW, as they often raise an error code detecting the additional power drain whilst in parking mode. Do I need to use a Dash Cam Battery Pack? Thinkware Dash Cams offer a few different methods in which the device is powered. All Thinkware Dash Cams come standard with a built-in voltmeter and battery protection settings to ensure you will not return to your vehicle with a dead battery. These Voltage Settings can be utilised with the Hardwiring Kit or OBD-II Harness to protect your battery when using Parking Mode. However, if you wish to record an extended amount of Parking Footage, or if you have a Luxury Vehicle/Small Vehicle Battery, the Thinkware iVolt Mini Battery Pack may be the right choice for you. The Benefits of using a Dash Cam Battery Pack Extended Parking ModeWhen Hardwired the Dash Cam will record in Parking Mode for approximately 8 hours (depending on vehicle’s battery and the voltage cut-off setting) before powering down to save power. With the iVolt Mini, your 1 Channel Dash Cam can run for 20 hours, or if you have a 2 Channel Dash Cam, 16 hours in Parking Mode before needing to recharge the battery pack. Safe for Luxury VehiclesIf you own a Luxury Vehicle such as a BMW, battery drainage not only means replacing the vehicle’s battery but it can also require the dealership to reset the vehicle’s electronics, which can turn into an extremely expensive fix. By using a Dash Cam Battery Pack, you will still be able to use our Advanced Parking Mode risk-free. Avoid Wear and TearWith a Hardwired Dash Cam, the constant discharge on the battery over a long period of time can cause wear and tear. The iVolt Mini Battery Pack only draws power to charge when you are driving the vehicle, which prevents damage to the vehicle’s battery over time. With the ignition off, the Dash Cam relies solely on the Battery Pack for power, eliminating the need to draw power from the vehicle’s battery completely. Why use a Dash Cam Battery Pack instead of a Portable USB Battery Pack? Portable USB Battery Packs feature different technology than a dedicated Dash Cam Battery Pack. Portable USB Battery Packs typically use Lithium-Ion batteries to provide power to the device. Our Thinkware iVolt Mini utilizes a LiFePo4 (Lithium iron phosphate) battery. The LiFePo4 battery is safer for in-vehicle use as it was designed to withhold extreme temperatures. Lithium-Ion Batteries used in these Portable USB Battery Packs have been known to combust under extreme heat. In addition, Portable USB Batteries typically have a long charging time (overnight) compared to our Thinkware iVolt Mini which fully recharges in 45 mins while driving. Companion App Accompanying iVolt PRO is its app, which allows you to check the battery’s status, performance, and temperature. The battery features built-in Bluetooth for easy pairing with your smartphone. Download the app from the Play Store or App Store and follow the instructions on the screen to connect to the battery.
