What are the different ways to power your Thinkware Dash Cam?

BlackboxMyCar Updated by BlackboxMyCar

Powering your Thinkware Dash Cam

Since Thinkware Dash Cams do not feature a built-in Battery, they require a power source to function. 

The Car Charger

Thinkware dash cams come standard with a car charger which plugs into the 12V outlet in your vehicle. This cable powers the dash cam in Continuous Mode only.The Car Charger does not enable Parking mode as it is missing the necessary ACC Wire. Unlike the Car Charger, The Hardwiring and the OBD2 Cable have an ACC Wire which detects when the ignition is turned off, activating Parking Mode. 

Depending on the vehicle make, some vehicles may feature a 12V outlet which has power 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 Car Charger for an extended period of time while away from the vehicle 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. 

  • Powers the camera in Continuous Mode only
  • Provided with most Thinkware Dash Cams (depending on the bundle)
  • Easy to use
  • 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 which enables the Dash Cams 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. 

  • Connects to the Fuse Box directly
  • Enables Parking Mode
  • Professional Installation Recommended 
  • Optional Accessory sold separately
OBD-II Cable

Our newest power cable is the OBD-II Cable. This connects to the OBDII Port in your vehicle and provides power to the dash cam at all times. The OBDII Cable also provides a Passthrough Port in which another device can be connected to the OBDII port simultaneously with the dash cam. 

  • Powers the Dash Cam in Continuous and Parking Mode
  • OBDII Passthrough, in which the OBDII Port can be used by other accessories simultaneously.
  • Unlocks all Parking Settings and Features
  • Easy to install
  • Optional Accessory 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 Car Charger 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 Car Charger powers the dash cam while in Continuous Mode and does not enable the Parking Mode option. 

How did we do?

What are the requirements for creating a password on my Thinkware dash cam?

How does Parking Mode work?

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