Question about backup power options for security cam

[Aisle2]

Hey -

I bought and installed a Boyo VTR-300 Black Box recorder , and 2 cameras (front and back). I have the system setup to record all the time, rather than just when the vehicle is on. So that it doesn't run down the battery, I've installed a "Wiring harness" from GPSskytracker . com ; I have no idea how it works but what it does is cuts the power to the system after the vehicle battery drops below 12V.

Everything works well and as expected. However, currently the battery only lasts 3-4 hours after a drive before reaching the 12V point that kills power to the system. I was wondering if there's a way to extend the power to closer to 12 hours of life.

Preferences:

-Lightweight (not just adding another full-sized car batt)

-Relatively easy to install

-Self sustaining (i.e. recharges on its own so I don't need to separately charge)

Any thoughts or ideas?

Here is the power usage info:

-Front Cam: "Power Source DC12V, Operating current 90mA w/regulated 12VDC in"

-Rear Cam: "Power Source DC12V (tolerance: 7V-28V), Operating current 90mA w/regulated power in"

-Recorder: "Power consumption: With 12V; 570mA, with 24V; 285mA"

Click to read more...

 

[Dj-torn 10+ year member]

Here's your two best solutions;

1) use solar panel to recharge battery

2) install trickle charger and and connect the vehcile to an outlet after use.

You could purchase a different battery for your vehicle one with a higher Ah rating, optima yellow top or kinetik power cel, there are many out there.

 

[keep_hope_alive Premium Member]

why do you need to record all of the time? why not set to trigger upon an event (movement or sensor)?

start by replacing your battery. you have less than 800mA of draw, which will certainly drain a battery, but it should be able to last for several days before dropping below 12V. it's all about the reserve capacity of the battery.

i recommend a good AGM battery as you main/starting battery. get the highest Reserve Capacity you can fit in the stock location.

from there, i fully support the idea of a few small solar panels. a 5W panel would almost cover your needs, but 10W would be perfect.

 

[kramer_212 10+ year member]

an agm battery with high reserve capacity would be the way to go.

ive always had good luck with the kinetiks

 

[keep_hope_alive Premium Member]

Die Hard Platinum is a re-badged Odyssey with the best warranty around. I saw a decent AGM at Batteries Plus the other day, never heard of it before but had a very high RC.

 

[Aisle2]

Thanks guys. Unfortunately solar panels or trickle chargers aren't an option; I park outside with a cover most of the time. My current battery is an Odyssey PC925, with a 52 min reserve capacity. That doesn't seem low on the range available from batteries, especially considering keep_hope_alive's estimate of several days. Am I missing something? You can see the other specs of this battery here.

If I need to swap batteries, any recommendations for one with a much higher RC without adding weight (I'm already at 25lb and weight is important in my vehicle).

Thanks,

Colin