What are the different ways to power your Thinkware Dash Cam?Updated 20 hours ago
Powering your Thinkware Dash Cam
Since Thinkware Dash Cams do not feature a built-in battery, they require a power source to function.
The Cigarette Lighter Adapter
Thinkware dash cams come standard with a cigarette lighter adapter (CLA), which plugs into the 12V outlet in your vehicle. This cable powers the dash cam in Continuous Mode only. The CLA does not enable Parking mode as it is missing the necessary ACC Wire. Unlike the CLA, the Hardwiring and the OBD2 Cable have an ACC Wire, which detects when the ignition is turned off, activating Parking Mode.
Some vehicles may feature a 12V outlet which supplies power even when the vehicle is off. Even with an outlet which has constant power, the dash cam will not switch over to Parking Mode. Running the Dash Cam with the CLA on one of those outlets for an extended time while the vehicle is off risks draining the vehicle's battery completely. If your vehicle has a 12V Outlet with constant power, the dash cam has to be manually disconnected to prevent drainage.
Pros:
- Powers the camera in Continuous Mode only
- Provided with most Thinkware Dash Cams (depending on the bundle)
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Does not provide access to parking mode features and settings
- Can drain battery if used with a constant 12V Outlet
Hardwiring Cable
The Hardwiring Cable is an optional accessory, included standard with most new Thinkware dash cams, which enables Parking Mode. The Hardwiring Cable has a constant wire to provide constant power to the Dash Cam at all times. It also has an Accessory Wire, which loses power once the ignition is off, and a Ground Wire. When the Accessory wire detects that the ignition is off, the dash cam will switch to Parking Mode automatically.
Pros:
- Connects to the Fuse Box or Battery Pack directly
- Enables Parking Mode
Cons:
- Professional Installation Recommended
- Not included with some models (sold separately)
OBD-II Cable
The OBD-II Cable is the best of both worlds. This plugs into the OBDII Port in your vehicle, just like a CLA, but works just like the Hardwiring Cable. It comes standard with the U3000-2CH (in lieu of a Hardwiring Cable) and is available as an optional accessory for the rest of the Thinkware lineup.
Pros:
- Powers the Dash Cam in Continuous and Parking Mode
- Unlocks all Parking Settings and Features
- Easy to install
Cons:
- Not compatible with Battery Packs
- Not compatible with all vehicles
- Not included with some models (sold separately)
Which Cable do I choose?
When choosing the best way to power your Thinkware Dash Cam, a main point to consider is if you want the Dash Cam to go into Parking Mode.
Both the OBDII and Hardwiring Cables enable Parking Mode and the corresponding Parking Settings. The easiest wiring to install, which enables Parking Mode, is the OBDII Cable. This is a plug-and-play cord which is very simple and quick to install yourself.
The Hardwiring Cable has a more complex installation than that of the OBDII. We highly recommend professional installation to prevent incorrect wiring.
The CLA is a safe option if you do not wish to use the Parking Mode. This cable easily plugs into the 12V outlet in the vehicle’s cabin. The CLA only powers the dash cam while in Continuous Mode and does not enable the Parking Mode option.
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