Panzer Platform
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Jun 9, 2022
- Messages
- 2,646
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- Location
- California
- Country
- United States
- Dash Cam
- 2024 Minimum Requirements: STARVIS 2 & HDR
Broseph from @BlackboxMyCar sent me their newest 14.6 Volt / 8 Amp AC/DC Power Inverter for test & review. These are marketed toward folks who may not drive long enough, or often enough to fully charge their battery pack to 100% to utilize the full capacity for operating their dash cam in parking mode. Or, if they want to make sure the battery pack is fully charged before leaving home. This is usually accomplished by unplugging the battery pack, bringing it inside, and plugging it into the home charger. It’s an easy plug & play solution for the average consumer with little to no technical ability. If you can charge a cell phone, you can use this thing.
The current price for this unit is $55 which sounds like a lot considering it will most likely serve as a dedicated single purpose device. Also, Amazon sells similar units starting around $15. However, the Amazon units are usually only rated at 12.6 Volts. Depending on the type of battery pack you have the $15 units may, or may not function properly. The BBMC unit is rated at 14.6 Volts to “match” system voltage of an automobile with engine running, (12.6 Volts is the usual system voltage engine off).
It’s been my criticism of dash cam battery pack manufacturers they should swap the usual USB-A Output intended to operate Wi-Fi Hotspots to USB Type-C IN/OUT. That way you could charge the battery pack without the need of an expensive, specialized / dedicated AC/DC Power Inverter. Because almost all consumers already have a fast charge / quick charge USB Type-C Charger that is used for their laptops, cell phones, power banks, etc. The current maximum power capability of USB Type-C is 100 Watts, and is scheduled to be increased. 100 Watts is more than adequate for charging a dash cam battery pack at home.
For testing purposes I’ll be comparing the new BBMC 8 Amp unit with the older BBMC 5 Amp unit that was sent to me November 2022. For battery packs I have a BBMC PowerCell 8, and a BlackVue B-130X on hand for testing. @rcg530 also has the new Thinkware BAB-95 battery pack, and he should be testing the new BBMC 8 Amp home charger too.
In my testing I’ll be using the following equipment;
1.) Generic Kill-A-Watt Meter to confirm total power draw from the wall outlet.
2.) UNI-T UT210E Pro Amp Clamp to confirm how much Amperage is being delivered to the battery pack.
3.) TOPDON TC004 Thermal Camera to check for overheating conditions of the power inverter, and wiring.
4.) Homemade 12AWG CLA Charge Cable 5ft.
It’s also been my criticism battery pack manufacturers cheap out by providing the lowest quality, and smallest gauge wiring necessary to operate the device. This means using inferior CCA (copper clad aluminum), or Tinned Copper. It doesn’t make sense to me they produce top of line $400 battery packs but include the absolute cheapest, and poorest quality wiring. I think it would only increase the cost of the product $5-$10 to include top quality 100% Pure Copper Wiring in 12AWG size for all connections. If not, I wish they would not include any wiring at all, and leave it up to the consumer, or installer to choose the proper size / gauge wiring, and wire material. The same way Car Audio Amplifiers are sold, (with no wiring). OK, OK, I’m starting to rant. lol
The current price for this unit is $55 which sounds like a lot considering it will most likely serve as a dedicated single purpose device. Also, Amazon sells similar units starting around $15. However, the Amazon units are usually only rated at 12.6 Volts. Depending on the type of battery pack you have the $15 units may, or may not function properly. The BBMC unit is rated at 14.6 Volts to “match” system voltage of an automobile with engine running, (12.6 Volts is the usual system voltage engine off).
It’s been my criticism of dash cam battery pack manufacturers they should swap the usual USB-A Output intended to operate Wi-Fi Hotspots to USB Type-C IN/OUT. That way you could charge the battery pack without the need of an expensive, specialized / dedicated AC/DC Power Inverter. Because almost all consumers already have a fast charge / quick charge USB Type-C Charger that is used for their laptops, cell phones, power banks, etc. The current maximum power capability of USB Type-C is 100 Watts, and is scheduled to be increased. 100 Watts is more than adequate for charging a dash cam battery pack at home.
For testing purposes I’ll be comparing the new BBMC 8 Amp unit with the older BBMC 5 Amp unit that was sent to me November 2022. For battery packs I have a BBMC PowerCell 8, and a BlackVue B-130X on hand for testing. @rcg530 also has the new Thinkware BAB-95 battery pack, and he should be testing the new BBMC 8 Amp home charger too.
In my testing I’ll be using the following equipment;
1.) Generic Kill-A-Watt Meter to confirm total power draw from the wall outlet.
2.) UNI-T UT210E Pro Amp Clamp to confirm how much Amperage is being delivered to the battery pack.
3.) TOPDON TC004 Thermal Camera to check for overheating conditions of the power inverter, and wiring.
4.) Homemade 12AWG CLA Charge Cable 5ft.
It’s also been my criticism battery pack manufacturers cheap out by providing the lowest quality, and smallest gauge wiring necessary to operate the device. This means using inferior CCA (copper clad aluminum), or Tinned Copper. It doesn’t make sense to me they produce top of line $400 battery packs but include the absolute cheapest, and poorest quality wiring. I think it would only increase the cost of the product $5-$10 to include top quality 100% Pure Copper Wiring in 12AWG size for all connections. If not, I wish they would not include any wiring at all, and leave it up to the consumer, or installer to choose the proper size / gauge wiring, and wire material. The same way Car Audio Amplifiers are sold, (with no wiring). OK, OK, I’m starting to rant. lol
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