Dash Cam: OBD VS Hardwire PMP

J Mysterio

Hi,

I know there is a dash cam thread somewhere but thought I might open this thread to cover this particular question - any advice gratefully received.

I have a DR650S-2CH Blackvue dash cam and am mentally preparing for the install but want to clarify a few things before going ahead.

My main question at the moment is whether to go for:

▪︎Power Magic Pro - this is a device hardwired into the fuse box

▪︎Power Magic EZ/ Connecta Cable - this is a device plugged into the OBD2 port.

Both devices would supply the power to the dash cam, and both are specifically for parking mode - they have a time or voltage cutoff to prevent the battery draining past a point of no return. I'm not interested in the 12v/ cigarette lighter option.

I have a guy provisionally booked in Halfords to do the install, but I think I'd rather do it myself as *my precious* is still brand new and no one loves my car like I love it. I would take my sweet time, rather than try and cram it in there. To be fair, they are probably quite professional, but whi knows? If it's the PMP option, I would probably let them do it, but I'd rather go with the OBD2 option, as it seems the more elegant solution and doesnt involve screwing with the fuse box.

Are there any downsides to using the OBD2 port?

Finally, I want to make sure I don't run the wires in front of any air bags. I'm not sure if Halfords consider this too deeply either. They would need to study each individual car.

colm_mcm

I’d sooner use the fuse box than the old port. The obd isn't really designed for powering things long term.

J Mysterio

colm_mcm wrote: »

I’d sooner use the fuse box than the old port. The obd isn't really designed for powering things long term.

Thanks for that. So you think it might cause some electrical damage or something?

colm_mcm

Unlikely to cause damage, but a fuse box is more suitable to tap into.

J Mysterio

The car is a Mk3 Skoda Octavia

GustavoFring

Had one on a mk3 Octavia and used a piggyback fuse for the dashcam without issue. Was into the rear window wiper as that only works with the ignition on.

Galway_guy_33

Avoid the Power Magic EZ which uses the OB2 port .... I tried it in my car didnt work as expected i.e. unable to turn if off via the off switch.

Sent it back 3 times to blackvue in end they agreed it wasnt suitable for my 2018 Mercedes eclass.... I ended up going with the standalone blackvue battery pack which plugged directly in a 12 volt socket in the boot.

vectra

Galway_guy_33 wrote: »

Avoid the Power Magic EZ which uses the OB2 port .... I tried it in my car didnt work as expected i.e. unable to turn if off via the off switch.

Sent it back 3 times to blackvue in end they agreed it wasnt suitable for my 2018 Mercedes eclass.... I ended up going with the standalone blackvue battery pack which plugged directly in a 12 volt socket in the boot.

I could be wrong, but as far as I am aware those OBD power supplies stay live for 30 minutes or something.!

OP
I always hardwire mine to a switched fuse.

J Mysterio

vectra wrote: »

I could be wrong, but as far as I am aware those OBD power supplies stay live for 30 minutes or something.!

OP
I always hardwire mine to a switched fuse.

Looks like I will do the hardwire, even though I'd rather not.

RE the OBD - the port is always live. The OBD plugs for the dashcam have on/off switches which are supposed to disable parking mode/ kill power to the camera once the ignition is off.

vectra

Just get the correct size piggy back fuse holder,
I connect a trailing cigarette lighter socket to this and plug in the dashcam lead to it behind the dash,
Has worked perfectly in the last 5 cars for me.

i_steal_sheep

Sorry to drag up an old post... great advice above about the OBD. Would one be better off hardwiring this https://www.micksgarage.com/d/dash-cam-accessories/products/3356663/power-magic-pro-battery-drainage-protector and then connecting the dashcam into it or just sufficient to hardwire the dashcap with a fuse tap

biko

Please use the main thread https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?p=117040678