[Frenetic]

I still want to install my dash cam, but I need to know if those ports are always on or ignition controlled. I’m really hoping it’s the latter.

[LexxM3]

Originally Posted by Frenetic

I still want to install my dash cam, but I need to know if those ports are always on or ignition controlled. I’m really hoping it’s the latter.

They are not exactly *ignition* controlled, but they are switched. I believe both will remain on for 5-10 min after car lock, but they do eventually turn off. Need to retest each to verify as I am going from memory of previous tests.

[thereef510]

Yeah I have a second gen iPod touch plugged into the usb a slot. As soon as I open the door I can hear the Apple charging chime as power flows through the usb slot. I also have seen the car continue to charge my phone after I push the volume off button at the end of my trip. It continues to charge the phone for a predetermined number of minutes before shutting off

[Frenetic]

Interesting. Anyone know precisely how long it will remain energized?

Also, what about the rear USB ports? Same thing?

[Unit]

You’re best wiring the cam to the car using one of the spare fuses. That’s what I did on my M4. Or install a secondary battery if you want 24/7 recording vs ignition linked power.

[LexxM3]

Originally Posted by Frenetic

Interesting. Anyone know precisely how long it will remain energized?

Also, what about the rear USB ports? Same thing?

I believe all 12V power and all USB ports in my car (without RSES) behave the same way. IIRC during my previous testing, the exact time varied a bit and depended on other factors not fully enumerated (such as whether there is anyone else in the car, whether someone with a key walks by, phase of the moon, etc.). And I think I misspoke — it's not normally as long as 10min, it's "a couple of minutes" if no one is around the car.

You don't have your car yet? Because if you do, testing yourself is the way to go.

[Frenetic]

Yeah, I’ll likely test it myself, but I was hoping someone already knew.

[Frenetic]

So I just tested it and it stayed on exactly for a minute after I activated the alarm. Strangely, the auto start/stop indicator light and hazard button remained illuminated for approximately six minutes then turned off.

[Frenetic]

I just measured the 12 Volt outlets and they stay on a staggering six minutes after the alarm is engaged. The same duration as the hazard and shifter light.

Also, the same outlets will turn on the minute you open the door, you don't even have to start the car. That means if I just open the door then lock it back up, it's going to record for six minutes.

I know these cameras really don't have much of a draw in amperage, but hey, with everything else that stays alive after the car is off, I'm kind of leery using these outlets to power the cam.

Anyone have any battery issues using the 12 Volt outlets for dash cams or radar detectors?

[doctorttt]

I'm very paranoid about this. I always take out the dash cam cigarette plug out of the socket just to be safe, not because of any hazards but to prevent battery drain.

Owned a Lexus before and left the plug in the socket.
Even though the dash cam was off, the battery ran out the next day. Since that incident, I never left the plug in the socket when I exited and shut off the vehicle.

I had a blackview back then and Im now using Violo