What aux power gizmo do I need?

Quartz · 23 Apr 2017 at 16:45

I flattened my car's battery AGAIN. I had left my dashcam plugged in AGAIN. On my Skoda Yeti the 12v cigarette lighter socket is always on. So I need something that will plug into that socket into which I can plug my dashcam's power which will cut the power when the battery's power drops below a certain level. Something like this, except it cuts the power.

ShiWarrior · 23 Apr 2017 at 17:26

cant you just switch off the camera ?

what dashcam is it?

EDIT//

maybe something like this ?
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Universal-...eywords=cigarette+lighter+adapter+with+switch

lordrobs · 23 Apr 2017 at 17:38

Personally I'd hardwire it into a switched 12V supply rather than a permanent using a fuse tap.

Installation will be much neater and you can buy the kits to do it for £12 for one with the terminals pre crimped or a few quid less if you are happy to crimp them on yourself.

Here is an example that would power a mini USB. Micro USB versions are also available - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Nextbase-...377396?hash=item43dfca2b74:g:JpUAAOSwB-1Y5mIf

Howard · 23 Apr 2017 at 17:40

How long are you leaving it for it to go flat? If we're talking a couple of days then I'd suggest your battery is knackered. My old car's cigarette lighter was permanently live and I left it with the dashcam running for a week once with no ill effects.

Quartz · 23 Apr 2017 at 17:42

ShiWarrior said:
cant you just switch off the camera ?

I want something as a backup for when I forget.

Howard said:
How long are you leaving it for it to go flat? If we're talking a couple of days then I'd suggest your battery is knackered.

It was at least a week, probably 10 days. I don't drive a lot right now.

MichaelAwkward · 23 Apr 2017 at 19:36

Is it normal for the 12v cigarette lighter to always be on? Mine certainly isn't... seems like an odd feature.

Quartz · 23 Apr 2017 at 20:16

MichaelAwkward said:
Is it normal for the 12v cigarette lighter to always be on? Mine certainly isn't... seems like an odd feature.

It seems to be the standard on Skodas and VWs.

Snookums · 23 Apr 2017 at 22:28

Quartz said:
It seems to be the standard on Skodas and VWs.

Same on my fiesta.

azibux1 · 23 Apr 2017 at 23:51

Haven't seen if it has already been suggested.

But I would hardwire it and add a power magic pro device

Quartz · 24 Apr 2017 at 00:31

azibux1 said:
But I would hardwire it and add a power magic pro device

I've got one of those and haven't been able to wire it in to my car. I just want a simple plug and go device.

azibux1 · 24 Apr 2017 at 00:51

Quartz said:
I've got one of those and haven't been able to wire it in to my car. I just want a simple plug and go device.

Oh right OK

In that case then I'm out of suggestions I'm afraid ha, the PMP is the only device I've got experience with

bremen1874 · 24 Apr 2017 at 01:28

If you already have the power magic pro couldn't just plug it into the cigarette lighter socket?

You just need to buy a suitable plug and connect the wires to that instead of the car's wiring loom.

bledd · 24 Apr 2017 at 01:45

On some cars (maybe all cars), you can move a fuse in the fusebox which will let you pick which 'mode' your cigarette lighter runs on.

It has the choice of '12v on ignition' or '12v constant'.

See this that I nabbed from imgur..

http://i.imgur.com/2asiW2g.png

[TW]Fox · 24 Apr 2017 at 08:17

Use it as a car rather than a mobile surveillance van and the problem will go away

ShiWarrior · 24 Apr 2017 at 08:50

[TW]Fox said:
Use it as a car rather than a mobile surveillance van and the problem will go away

LOL

True though fox

encephalopathy · 24 Apr 2017 at 09:34

much better to have it wired into a switched live. it's not hugely tricky to do - http://www.yetiownersclub.co.uk/forum/fitting-a-dashboard-camera_topic1046.html

there are plenty of howto threads on briskoda as well