This provides essential information on the power sources available for Nexar Connected dash cams, focusing on their compatibility, usage, installation requirements, and potential issues.
Power Sources Compatibility and Usage
1. CLA (Cigarette Lighter Adapter)
The CLA is widely compatible with most vehicles and offers a simple installation process. Users only need to plug the adapter into the vehicle’s cigarette lighter port for easy setup. In addition to powering the dashcam, the CLA includes an extra USB socket, allowing for the charging of other accessories.
Usage
While the CLA is easy to use, its performance can vary depending on the vehicle’s power port behavior.
It works optimally in vehicles where the power port remains active even when the engine is turned off. However, if the power port becomes inactive when the engine is off, the dashcam may experience issues with waking up.
For vehicles with an always-on power port, the responsibility of shutting down the port to protect the car battery falls on the vehicle itself. This safeguard helps prevent battery depletion by the dashcam.
2. OBD (OBD-II Adapter)
The OBD adapter connects to the vehicle's OBD-II port and is suitable for most vehicles, though it is generally not recommended for trucks unless an additional adapter is used.
OBD installation is typically easy, provided that the location of the OBD-II port does not interfere with the driver’s comfort or accessibility.
Nexar’s OBD kit uses pass-through, allowing Nexar dash cams to connect without blocking the OBD port. This ensures users can still use their other OBD devices without needing splitters or modifications.
Usage
One of the key advantages of the OBD adapter is its ability to supply continuous power to the dashcam, even when the engine is off. This adapter also includes a hardware-based protection mechanism designed to prevent the dashcam from draining the vehicle’s battery when it reaches a low charge level.
Additionally, the OBD adapter features a mechanism to detect the engine state, allowing for relatively accurate control over the dashcam’s power on and off functions based on the engine’s status.
3. HWK (Hardwiring Kit)
The HWK is designed for hardwiring the dashcam directly to the vehicle’s battery, typically through one of the fuse boxes.
Due to the complexity and sensitivity of the installation process, Nexar recommends, and in some cases, may require, that this kit be installed by a professional.
Usage
The HWK is considered the best option for customers who need their dashcams to continue operating in low-power mode even when the engine is off, such as with models like the Nexar One, beam2, and beam2 mini.
The engine state detection in the HWK is more robust than in other power sources, as it relies on an additional wire connected to the fuse box. This setup ensures more reliable performance when detecting the engine’s status.
Like the OBDK adapter, the HWK includes hardware-based protection to prevent the dashcam from depleting the vehicle’s battery at a low charge level.
Parking mode and streaming from parking mode work more reliably with OBD and HWK power sources since these features don’t work when the battery runs out.
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