Akiisolo / Ampace power stations for dash cam

[seaph03nix]

I saw Vortex Radar's YouTube video describing how lifepo4 power stations can work as great repurposed dashcam batteries with a few caveats. I'm interested in trying it, but instead of using the EcoFlow River 2, I want to try different brands at lower price points - also because river 2's price went up and you can get the 70mai battery pack for $190, so for it to be worth it, I figure it should be like $50 less or more. So, in my search, here's the criteria I understand I need to look for in order for it to work properly:

- lifepo4 chemistry to be safe in hot / cold that cars can be subject to. or liMnFePo4
- 100 watt fast charging, without a dc-dc charger. 100 watts is what the dedicated dash cam battery packs charge at anyway right?
- UPS (Uninterrupted Power Supply) so that, if an accident happens and alternator shuts off, battery doesn't cut off power to camera and camera doesn't corrupt the video file. also so that there isn't a delay for camera to start recording when you start the car.

I think those are all the criteria right? Am I missing anything or is UPS not needed?
my own criteria:
price point of $100 or less.

Following this criteria, I found two options:

- Akiisolo go10y - $80 - 192 Wh with UPS and 100w fast charging.
- Potential issue: I contacted Akiisolo to clarify about the fast charging and UPS function. Honestly, I'm a bit confused by their response. I can put the responses here if you want. They indicated that the fast charging is accessed by the single XT60 port in the rear, and only there. However, the UPS apparently also only functions for devices plugged into the XT60 port (or maybe through the AC ports, they also said?)
So if this is the case, I'm guessing it would be a really bad idea to just plug in an xt60 splitter and plug both the charging and the power output to the dashcam from the two outgoing ports of the xt60 splitter?

- Ampace Andes 300 - $100 - 266 Wh with UPS and 100w fast charging car charging from USB as standard, plus 300w super fast charging, although that would require a DC-DC charger in a car.
- drawbacks: bigger and heavier, might not fit in small spaces like under the car seat or similar, would have to be in the trunk. Would probably not charge fully from driving 30-60 minute commutes, but I guess that can be overlooked.

I need guidance as much as possible, so any advice would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[EricSan]

Welcome to DashCamTalk! The key with power stations is that they can 1) wake up and automatically provide power through the USB ports when they begin to charge, and 2) automatically turn themselves off after a few minutes of no power draw. These details are often not included in the product descriptions, so you would have to pick one up and test it yourself.

@GPak included a few criteria and some of the more useful/robust power stations in this thread. The EcoFlow and others that have been documented here are known to work well. For everything else, you're kind of on your own as far as testing. There is also something to be said to choosing a product from a well-known manufacturer. Some of the "others" pop up and disappear just as quickly a few weeks later.

 

[GPak]

@seaph03nix

I think @EricSan summarized it pretty well.
Check the link he provided, especially posts #2 and #4, for the requirements.
When I started that thread on power stations, there were only a few stations with LFP (LiFePo4) cels. Today, almost all of them are LFP.
Most other requirements for a good dashcam battery are usually not specified in the descriptions, so testing is the only way to find out.
Amazon makes it easy to return an item if it's not as described or as expected.

You mentioned a UPS several times. In power stations, that's usually an AC function, which we don't use.
Most if not all power stations have a pass-through DC input/output, and that's what we need.

I briefly looked at "Akiisolo" in Amazon, and couldn't find any reference to 100W charging, discharging yes but not charging.
BT speaker and wireless phone charger are bad signs, and may cause high self-discharge rate.

You also mentioned LiMnFePo4 and I thought you made a typo, but then this popped up on Amazon:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/B0DDT9DPWH

On paper, it looks much better than the Akiisolo.
It has a larger capacity, faster charging, much better USB ports, more accessories, and a more compact form factor, all for just $77 with coupon

And – it is LiMnFePo4 and that is not a typo! Scroll down and check their Q and A section.
Never heard about this type of battery, and here is quick Google search result:
https://www.google.com/search?q=LiM...d=chrome&ie=UTF-8#vhid=db5sbgeHuBenQM&vssid=l

Frankly I am puzzled and I wonder how good, reliable and safe this battery is.
So, out of curiosity, I just ordered one. Your post cost me $77 🤣
When it arrives in a couple of days I'm going to take it apart to inspect the LiMnFePo4 cells and components, but first I'll test to see if it's suitable for use with a dash cam.

 

[EricSan]

So, out of curiosity, I just ordered one. Your post cost me $77 🤣

Somehow, I was predicting you'd go there, @GPak ... 😉 🤣

 

[GPak]

Somehow, I was predicting you'd go there, @GPak ... 😉 🤣

My wife thinks I'm addicted.
I think she's right. 🙄

 

[EricSan]

My wife thinks I'm addicted.

And here I thought it was only my wife that said such things 😉 . I keep hearing things like "how much longer are you going to be reviewing that dashcam?" I usually respond with something like "Until they send me the next one!" I'm not sure she likes that answer.

 

[GPak]

I briefly checked the "Newsmy” Power Station:

Based on specs, inside are LiMnFePO4 (LMFP) cells in 3S*P configuration, total 24Ah, 11.25V nominal, with full range of 9.45V-12.45V.
Rated capacity 270Wh, usable about 216Wh estimated.
Nominal cell voltage is 3.75V, full cell voltage range 2.7V-4.2V (limited in power statio to 3.15V-4.15Vas measured), EDIT 1: This is similar to Li-Ion cell, so I will definitely check to verify the cell type.
EDIT 1a: So, the "Newsmy" does indeed use three LMFP prismatic cells in a 3S1P configuration. Each cell has a capacity of 24Ah at a nominal voltage of 3.75V.
Check out my disassembly photos, screenshots from the manufacturer's website, and couple of links to the manufacturer's website showing 17119 LMFP prismatic battery cells 3.7-3.75V, 24Ah.
https://faithbattery.com/battery-cell/17119-24ah-lmfp-cell
https://faithbattery.com/battery-cell/17119-lmfp-battery-cell

- It turns on with charging – good
- It supports pass through charging discharging – good
- Time-out – EDIT 4:
Without a load, the time-out will activate in a 2 hours - good.
With the Viofo A229 Plus in a single channel and low-bitrate mode, the power consumption is about 2.36W or (0.21A x11.25), the time-out is not activated - good.
According to the manual, you can disable the time-out (sleep mode) by pressing the power and LED buttons - very good for a new low-power parking modes.
- Low and high temperature protections - EDIT 5:
The manual lists common fault codes, including those for too high and too low temperatures, indicating high and low temperature protection that automatically resets once normal conditions return.
Precise limits require testing, which is beyond the scope of this review.
LiMnFePO4 (LMFP) Battery supposed to be safe to charge up to -10°C (14°F) !! EDIT 7: This isn't confirmed on the manufacturer's website. The temperature range shown is similar to that of LFP cells.

Charging ports:
- 3.5mm DC port - charging current is limited to 5A and up to 100W max, depending on input voltage.
From the car’s cigarette lighter socket (CLS) with about 13V output, the power station will charge at 65W – ok.
- 2 x USB-CPD in/out bi-directional ports - will charge up to 100W each, total up to 200W - good

Discharging ports:
- 5521 DC port - output up to 10A 120W
This port automatically turns-on with power station (if station is not completely flat) and is the best option to power the dash cam – (OK).
It is unregulated 9.5V-12.3V depending on battery state of the chart – good (this means no idle consumption and efficiency losses, but it requires hardwire kit with no low-voltage protection.
EDIT 2: Unfortunately, the 5521 DC port does not automatically activate from a dead battery state once charging has been initiated via the ignition and requires pressing the on/off button on the station. This is inconvenient - not good
- 2 x USB-A QC3.0 ports rated at 5V, 3A, but only one port will automatically turn-on with the power station and can be used for a 5V dash cam - good
EDIT 3: That one USB-A QC3.0 port actually does automatically activate from a dead battery state once charging has been initiated via the ignition almost immediately - this is good for a 5V dashcam wiring system.
- 2 x USB-CPD in/out bi-directional ports - will discharge up to 100W each, but will not automatically turn-on with power station, so they cannot be used to power the dash cam, however, with a very good 5521 DC port, I see no need to use USB-C ports.

Dimensions:
75mm x 157mm x 170mm (2.95in x 6.18in x 6.7in) – very small given 270Wh energy capacity – excellent (see images next to I-phone 12 Max Pro)

Verdict:
So far looks a good power station (with only one real drawback - see EDIT 2 on 5521 DC port), very affordable, high capacity dashcam battery option using LMFP cells.

EDIT 6: Port usage:
- The USB1 (USB-A QC3.0) port I the best for the 5V system when voltage regulator is removed from the hardwire kit, it maintains stable 5V output up to 18W power and works automatically hands free all the time.
- The 5521 12VDC port is the best for 12V system, it works automatically all the time, except when battery is dead, in which case manual activation will be required.

The regular price on Amazon is $110, often on sale between $72-$77.

 

[Mavgi]

GPak
Can I use the"Newsmy” as an extended backup for the PowerCell 8? If so, what type of cable do you recommend for connecting the PowerCell 8 to it, and which port should I use?
Additionally, can I connect the "Newsmy” to the 12-volt cigarette outlet in my car to keep it charged?
Will this setup maintain LBR parking mode with the HK6, or do I need to configure the wiring for that?
The PowerCell 8 hardly lasts eight hours in LBR mode, and I want to extend the battery life.
I plan to place the "Newsmy" in my trunk since there’s no space under my seat or inside the car cabin, or under the seats.

Thanks
Michael

 

[GPak]

@Mavgi
No, you cannot use the ‘Newsmy’ as an extended battery for the PowerCell 8.
I remember the PowerCell 8 requires at list 12.8V and 10A to charge.
The Newsmy 5521 DC port outputs a 12.4V max, and since the voltage is not regulated, it sags significantly at high current.

 

[Mavgi]

@Mavgi
No, you cannot use the ‘Newsmy’ as an extended battery for the PowerCell 8.
I remember the PowerCell 8 requires at list 12.8V and 10A to charge.
The Newsmy 5521 DC port outputs a 12.3V max, and since the voltage is not regulated, it sags significantly at high current.

Thank you for your reply.
I will receive the item today and will test whether I can run it directly to the camera to gain more time compared to what I got from the Powercell 8.
Based on your experience, which battery would you recommend as a better option to run the A329s 3CH?
1. EcoFlow River 3 Plus River 3
2. Anker Solix C300 Anker

Again thanks for your time and support .

Best
Michael

 

[Mavgi]

USER=95076]@Mavgi[/USER]
No, you cannot use the ‘Newsmy’ as an extended battery for the PowerCell 8.
I remember the PowerCell 8 requires at list 12.8V and 10A to charge.
The Newsmy 5521 DC port outputs a 12.3V max, and since the voltage is not regulated, it sags significantly at high current.

Gpak

I connected the "Newsmy" to the HK6 using the PowerCell 8. I plugged the cigarette female adapter into the output and connected the supply cigarette cable to the input of my car's cigarette socket.
It is charging both the PowerCell 8 and the "Newsmy" from my car's cigarette socket. The great part is that I don't need to push the "Newsmy" power button to turn it on or off.
When the car starts, the "Newsmy" automatically begins charging, and when I turn off the vehicle, it continues to charge the powercell 8. Now, I just need to monitor whether it will keep charging for more than an hour without stopping and verify how much time (in hours) it's adding to my PowerCell 8 while in LBR parking mode.



Below are some photos for connection and the charged status when the car is on/off .

 

[GPak]

Thank you for your reply.
I will receive the item today and will test whether I can run it directly to the camera to gain more time compared to what I got from the Powercell 8.
Based on your experience, which battery would you recommend as a better option to run the A329s 3CH?
1. EcoFlow River 3 Plus River 3
2. Anker Solix C300 Anker

Again thanks for your time and support .

Best
Michael

I prefer the River3 because it offers a good balance between capacity, size, and price.
I like the app and its functionality.
The River3 Plus has a 41Wh more capacity (33Wh usable), but is noticeably larger and more expensive.
The capacity you need depends on your daily driving and parking patterns.
Keep in mind that usable capacity is about 80% of the rated capacity.
I assume you're familiar with the threads where we discuss how to connect them.

 

[GPak]

Gpak
I connected the "Newsmy" to the HK6 using the PowerCell 8. I plugged the cigarette female adapter into the output and connected the supply cigarette cable to the input of my car's cigarette socket.
It is charging both the PowerCell 8 and the "Newsmy" from my car's cigarette socket. The great part is that I don't need to push the "Newsmy" power button to turn it on or off.
When the car starts, the "Newsmy" automatically begins charging, and when I turn off the vehicle, it continues to charge the powercell 8. Now, I just need to monitor whether it will keep charging for more than an hour without stopping and verify how much time (in hours) it's adding to my PowerCell 8 while in LBR parking mode.
Below are some photos for connection and the charged status when the car is on/off .

It's good to know it works.
I was under the impression that the PowerCell 8 required higher voltage and current.
I see you've reduced the PowerCell 8's current to the minimum (4.5A), which may have helped.
As I mentioned, Newsmy's DC voltage range is 9.5 to 12.4V. Hopefully, the PowerCell 8 will continue to charge with this low voltage down to 9.5V.

Note the EDITs I made to my post #7, especially EDIT 2, highlighted in red.

Also, with the DC input the Newsmy charging rate is only 65W, but with a 12VDC to 100W USB-C adapter, you can charge it at 100W, given that your ACC-controlled cigarette lighter port is rated for 10A.

 

[Mavgi]

It's good to know it works.
I was under the impression that the PowerCell 8 required higher voltage and current.
I see you've reduced the PowerCell 8's current to the minimum (4.5A), which may have helped.
As I mentioned, Newsmy's DC voltage range is 9.5 to 12.4V. Hopefully, the PowerCell 8 will continue to charge with this low voltage down to 9.5V.

Note the EDITs I made to my post #7, especially EDIT 2, highlighted in red.

Also, with the DC input the Newsmy charging rate is only 65W, but with a 12VDC to 100W USB-C adapter, you can charge it at 100W, given that your ACC-controlled cigarette lighter port is rated for 10A.

Thank you for all the support and information.

I will follow your suggestions and monitor how everything works over the next few days. In the meantime, I've connected the Viofo A139 2CH, the Uniden R8 radar detector, and the Viofo A329S 3CH to the same cigarette lighter socket. If everything runs well, I plan to move the devices to the trunk and will run a separate line to the back cigarette socket. If the camera will not run more than 8 hours on the battery backup, I will get the River 3 as you suggested and proceed with the wiring you mentioned.

Thanks
Best
Michael

 

[GPak]

So, the "Newsmy" does indeed use three LMFP prismatic cells in a 3S1P configuration. Each cell has a capacity of 24Ah at a nominal voltage of 3.75V.
Check out my disassembly photos, screenshots from the manufacturer's website, and couple of links to the manufacturer's website showing 17119 LMFP prismatic battery cells 3.7-3.75V, 24Ah.
https://faithbattery.com/battery-cell/17119-24ah-lmfp-cell
https://faithbattery.com/battery-cell/17119-lmfp-battery-cell

I have updated post #7 accordingly.

 

[Mavgi]

So, the "Newsmy" does indeed use three LMFP prismatic cells in a 3S1P configuration. Each cell has a capacity of 24Ah at a nominal voltage of 3.75V.
Check out my disassembly photos, screenshots from the manufacturer's website, and couple of links to the manufacturer's website showing 17119 LMFP prismatic battery cells 3.7-3.75V, 24Ah.
https://faithbattery.com/battery-cell/17119-24ah-lmfp-cell
https://faithbattery.com/battery-cell/17119-lmfp-battery-cell

I have updated post #7 accordingly.

GPak

I connected the "Newsmy" to a fast USB-C port, and you're right—it charged at 98 watts. However, when I connected another camera or my radar detector to the same car cigarette adapter, the power was unstable. The radar detector kept rebooting, and the wattage displayed on the "Newsmy" screen fluctuated.

Additionally, once the Powercell 8 is fully charged and then drained, it doesn't automatically trigger the "Newsmy" to recharge the Powercell 8 again, like the EF River 3.

I've ordered a new XT60 to USB-C cable to connect the Powercell 8 to the "Newsmy." I'm unsure if this will successfully trigger and recharge the Powercell 8 once it drains ("Newsmy" has more than 70% on it).

I am also considering connecting the camera directly to the "Newsmy" battery pack to see how long I can get in LBR parking mode without using the Powercell 8, hoping the "Newsmy" will not shut off auto and close the camera.

If I can get more than 24 hours of parking mode, that would be ideal. In that case, I would connect the Powercell 8 to the other dash cam. If not, I might consider buying a larger power station and running a cable directly from the camera.

I'd like to know if you have figured out how long the "Newsmy" can run in parking mode with 3 channels active.

Thanks again for your help!

 

[GPak]

GPak
I connected the "Newsmy" to a fast USB-C port, and you're right—it charged at 98 watts. However, when I connected another camera or my radar detector to the same car cigarette adapter, the power was unstable. The radar detector kept rebooting, and the wattage displayed on the "Newsmy" screen fluctuated.

There appears to be a problem with the CL adapter. Which one did you use?
Try a different one or split the CL 12V output to use a separate adapter for the radar detector.

Additionally, once the Powercell 8 is fully charged and then drained, it doesn't automatically trigger the "Newsmy" to recharge the Powercell 8 again, like the EF River 3.

Newsmy shuts off after 2 hours without a load (sleep mode), then turns on when the ignition is turned on and charging.
Connecting only the load (PC8) will not turn on Newsmy (all stations are like this).
You can disable sleep mode as described in manual.
The Newsmy's 12V DC output is always on when it’s on (except when completely discharged).

I've ordered a new XT60 to USB-C cable to connect the Powercell 8 to the "Newsmy." I'm unsure if this will successfully trigger and recharge the Powercell 8 once it drains ("Newsmy" has more than 70% on it).

The USB-CPD ports do not automatically turn on with power station.
To activate them, you need to disconnect and reconnect them, therefore they can't be used to power the dash cam, or PC 8 in your case (I mentioned this in post #7). It's just inconvenient and requires manual interaction
Additionally PC 8 may overload USB-C port and/or USB-C to XT60 cable which is usually rated up to 3A.

I am also considering connecting the camera directly to the "Newsmy" battery pack to see how long I can get in LBR parking mode without using the Powercell 8, hoping the "Newsmy" will not shut off auto and close the camera.

This is a good idea.
Personally, I'm not a fan of combining power stations and dedicated batteries.
I tested the A229 Plus on a single channel in LBR mode for over 10 hours, and "sleep mode" didn't trigger.
Therefore, three channels in LBR mode definitely won't trigger "sleep mode".
In any case, "sleep mode" can be disabled, if needed.

If I can get more than 24 hours of parking mode, that would be ideal. In that case, I would connect the Powercell 8 to the other dash cam. If not, I might consider buying a larger power station and running a cable directly from the camera.
I'd like to know if you have figured out how long the "Newsmy" can run in parking mode with 3 channels active.
Thanks again for your help!

The three-channel A329S in LBR mode consumes up to 7.7W.
Assuming Newsmy's efficiency is 80%, the usable capacity is 270Wh x 0.8 = 216Wh.
So we can estimate how long Newsmy can power the three-channel A329S in LBR mode as:
216 Wh / 7.7 W = 28 hours.

****************
Finally, I noticed that while charging the Newsmy, after the indicator shows full charge and the display stops showing incoming data, the Newsmy actually continues charging for about an hour.
Keep this in mind.

 

[EricSan]

after the indicator shows full charge and the display stops showing incoming data, the Newsmy actually continues charging for about an hour.

This is an interesting finding...

Of course, I'm a fan of the tear-down images as well! Great stuff!

 

[Mavgi]

Thanks for all your time, support, and effort.

There appears to be a problem with the CL adapter. Which one did you use?
Try a different one or split the CL 12V output to use a separate adapter for the radar detector.

I can use the same car's cigarette port for a normal charge with both a 2-3CH dash cam and a radar detector. However, if I want to use the 100-watt fast charging option, only one device can be connected to the same port.

Newsmy shuts off after 2 hours without a load (sleep mode), then turns on when the ignition is turned on and charging.
Connecting only the load (PC8) will not turn on Newsmy (all stations are like this).
You can disable sleep mode as described in manual.
The Newsmy's 12V DC output is always on when it’s on (except when completely discharged).

You are right; I think I saw a video by Vortex on River 3, it can stay on until you close it.

The USB-CPD ports do not automatically turn on with power station.
To activate them, you need to disconnect and reconnect them, therefore they cright an't be used to power the dash cam, or PC 8 in your case (I mentioned this in post #7). It's just inconvenient and requires manual interaction
Additionally PC 8 may overload USB-C port and/or USB-C to XT60 cable which is usually rated up to 3A.

You're right about that; it was overloaded, so I stopped using it for the PC8

This is a good idea.
Personally, I'm not a fan of combining power stations and dedicated batteries.
I tested the A229 Plus on a single channel in LBR mode for over 10 hours, and "sleep mode" didn't trigger.
Therefore, three channels in LBR mode definitely won't trigger "sleep mode".
In any case, "sleep mode" can be disabled, if needed.

Interestingly, companies offer the option to use an extended battery pack, but it may have different effects depending on the brand compatibility. Additionally, I might test connecting the PC8 power inverter to a DC port on the River 3. I'm not sure if it will work, but it could trigger if the port stays active

The three-channel A329S in LBR mode consumes up to 7.7W.
Assuming Newsmy's efficiency is 80%, the usable capacity is 270Wh x 0.8 = 216Wh.
So we can estimate how long Newsmy can power the three-channel A329S in LBR mode as:
216 Wh / 7.7 W = 28 hours.

Thanks

****************
Finally, I noticed that while charging the Newsmy, after the indicator shows full charge and the display stops showing incoming data, the Newsmy actually continues charging for about an hour.
Keep this in mind.

Yesterday, I attempted to charge the "Newsmy" battery, but after three hours, it still hadn't reached a full charge. The 67-watt charger became extremely hot and started to emit a foul smell, so I decided to stop charging. I'm considering ordering the River 3 or another better unit to test. I hope it can stay in the trunk without overheating while I'm in NYC. I want to get the best option available, but I need to ensure it is safe to use. The "Newsmy" was the perfect size for my car cabin; I just wish it would work for my needs with the PC 8 to provide more runtime and allow me to turn on the dashcam quickly.


Best