Mk2 Modifications : Dash Cam - Always On

Author: merlinbrent
Subject: Dash Cam - Always On
Posted: 04 Apr 2018 at 6:39pm

Hi,

I've got a 2016 Kuga.

I've purchased a Blackvue dashcam, and I want it to be always on (so it can do parking mode), but I don't want it to flatten my battery.

Initially, I thought about purchasing the Blackvue battery pack. The dash cam connects to the battery pack, rather than the car, and this battery pack charges when the car is "on" and then when the car is "off" it is supposed to stop charging, and then the dash cam runs from the battery pack.

However, as with most Fords (I think!) the 12v cigarette socket stays on all the time, even when the car is off. Obviously this means that my battery pack idea won't be much use.

So, I've purchased the Blackvue hardwire kit (they call it the power magic pro), this can connect directly to the fuse box, and then you can either set a time limit, or a low voltage limit. When it reaches this limit, it cuts power to the cam.

So my questions are...

1) If I use the power magic pro, which fuse(s) would I connect it to? I want it to be on at all times, other than when the battery reaches a low voltage, also, what "low voltage" would I set this to?

2) If I decided on the battery pack method, is there somewhere I can connect this to that DOES go off when the car goes off?

3) Do I need to do any of the above, could I theoretically leave it connected via cigarette lighter socket at all times, how long would it take to flatten my battery? (I also have a very small tracker fitted that is connected via a 12v cigarette socket too, so this would be a drain too)

4) Is there some other better method to making this work?

Thanks in advance!