BP-100 HK vs HK6 (No Cut-Off Version)

[SC@AU]

So whilst waiting for Viofo to finally push the Go button on their BP-100 battery, I was pondering on hardwire connection options…

I have a HK6 ‘No Cut-Off Version’ in hand and obviously the BP-100 comes with its own hardwire/power module kit….
Is there any reason to use the HK6 instead of the cable/module that’s supplied with the BP-100…?
I can’t really see any large benefit, but something may have escaped me…?

Some thoughts:

– Guess the main drawback (no pun!) of the HK6 would be the minor constant power consumption due to its BT, therefore reducing total battery capacity, however small…​

– Voltage status of the battery could be checked, if required, via Viofo App (If it’s a BP-100 installed), so no need for HK6?​

– Would lose Voltage Cut-off option setting in Hybrid Parking Mode if using BP-100 HW (?), but is this an issue when using dedicated battery…?​

– BP-100 HK module easier* to hide away behind trim..? *I’m presuming it may not be as heat sensitive..?​

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– Cabling: I think, from pics that Chuck posted, that they both have the same 18AWG on the 12v side..? I’m almost certainly going to need to extend/replace this for longer overall length – not sure there’s anything different between the two modules in this aspect? Does the white BP-100 12v plug accept a larger gauge than 18AWG or same as the HK6 plug..?​

– Future proofing: Not sure which (if) is better in the event of potential future camera or battery change(s)..? I believe they both have the same plug on the 5v Output side…Though the 12v Input plug does differ between them – I guess this would be an issue in the event of a module change, say if there was a future HK7 etc that had any new functionality….Obviously a plug could be chopped and spliced etc, but I’d like to keep any future work in situ on the car to a minimum, same for re-cabling and lifting trim across the car.​

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I’m thinking the main reason to choose the HK6, even if set to No Cut-Off, would be to retain the option of voltage setting as a trigger within Hybrid Parking Mode….Not sure if there’s any advantage in that over Timer when using a battery, but I guess the option would be there…perhaps useful if you are not familiar with how long the battery sustains etc…?

Appreciate any thoughts…
Perhaps one for @Chuck McCoy ?

Cheers,

 

[Nigel]

Not sure if there’s any advantage in that over Timer when using a battery, but I guess the option would be there…perhaps useful if you are not familiar with how long the battery sustains etc…?

The advantage over a timer is that if you make short journeys, then your battery may not be 100% charged when you park, which means that every time you park, you need to check your battery SoC and set your timer appropriately. With the HK6, you just set it once to switch to low power parking mode when the battery gets low and then forget about it, then you will always have at least low power parking protection, while with the timer, you will sometimes run out of battery power and have zero protection.

I imagine that a most people do not 100% charge their battery on every drive, so the HK6 is the better option?

It would be even better, if the BP-100 reported SoC to the dashcam, instead of having to use voltage. Voltage is a bit inconsistent, especially in very cold weather.

 

[SC@AU]

That’s a good point re HK6 actually Nigel…and fairly relevant to how we mostly use the car….smaller journeys and certainly not used every day….
The upcoming Geofence option on the A329x will take care of auto switching off at home and perhaps a couple additional regular locations, but otherwise the voltage based switch over perhaps would be the better safety net setting….

Agree re better communication between battery and dashcam, would make much more sense…..I’m not sure, but perhaps it’s something that Viofo could implement in the near future all under the hood of the App – if the BP-100 is to be able to report its status within the App, then a logical use would be to use that info and communicate and control the connected dashcam – though I guess this is only viable if the App is within proximity to the devices, in light of there being no Viofo cloud…..

Thanks for the thoughts..!