Thinkware iVolt Battery Pack BAB-50 Operation

What is the Thinkware iVolt Battery Pack ?

The Thinkware iVolt battery pack is a Lithium Iron Phospate (LiFePO4) battery pack with a nominal output voltage of 12V @ 4.5Ah. It is used to run a Thinkware or other camera brand independently of the vehicle battery when using “Parking Mode”.

Why would I need to use this extra battery ?

All Thinkware dashcams have built in Parking Mode, so you can record movement or impacts when you are not there. When installing the Thinkware dashcam it will be typically wired into the fusebox and run from the vehicle battery.

The length of time the dashcam(s) can run is dependent on the state of charge of the vehicle battery. All Thinkware models have a feature that will turn the camera(s) off after a set period, say 48hrs or when the vehicle battery is below a certain voltage level. These features are designed to make sure that you can still start your car.

Having an extra separate battery (iVolt) means that the vehicle battery is not used for running the dahcam(s) and will not discharge the vehicle battery.

My BMW / Audi keeps moaning at me about the low battery level ?

Certain vehicle manufacturers aggressively monitor the vehicle battery discharge current. This is no bad thing and is the way the vehicle is designed. They will also shut vehicle systems down over time, to save power so that the battery can last longer when the vehicle is not is use – holidays anyone ?

BMW, Audi and Mercedes all exhibit battery discharge warnings when the discharge level exceeds what the manufacturer would normally expect. These warnings can generally be ignored assuming the car battery is in good condition. They can get irritating though.

The other way around the issue is to fit an iVolt battery pack so that the dashcam is powered from this rather than the car battery.

What versions of the iVolt battery pack are available ?

The iVolt is available in 2 versions:

• Cigarette lighter lead for temporary installations
• Hard-wire cable for permanent installations

How long does the iVolt last for between charges ?

Firstly, to attain full capacity the iVolt needs to be charged for approx 45 mins. If you don’t use your car frequently then the iVolt is not for you.

With a full charge, Thinkware Front and Rear dashcams will operate for about 16 hours from one charge. A Front camera on it’s own will run for approx 24 hours.

You can also extend camera operating time by connecting 2 iVolt battery packs in parallel.