Constant Power Cable OP100

[rcg530]

The verbiage on VIOFO's page for the OP100 does describe as optional two choices of cable for it - since I didn't order any separate, "optional" cable I assumed it was indeed different than the one that shipped with the OP100 I received. I asked VIOFO about this directly and never received a response.

The minimum time of 3 hrs for parking mode is longer than I'd prefer, and the 12 volt cutoff is lower than I'd prefer. I know the HK6 cable has shorter cut-off times and higher voltage cut-offs, but it would be nice to see the OP100 with those options. If I'm using parking mode for a quick run into a store, it's a difference without a difference, but I'd really prefer to have the voltage cutoff be higher.

Thanks again for helping clarify the above, I appreciate it.

You can still use the A329S "Cut-off Timer" feature to turn off the dash camera sooner than the 3-hour minimum time provided by the OP100. The only setting in the A329S that requires the HK6 hardwire kit is the "Cut-off Voltage" setting.

 

[Del_Griffith]

When the ACC signal turns off, the A329S enters the selected parking mode or it will power down if there is no parking mode enabled in the settings.

Would the "enter parking mode timer" affect this start if it was enabled here (e.g., 90 sec. delay)? If yes, I think I will make sure parking mode timer is OFF to prevent any delay in startup of parking mode.

In the OP100 manual p 6, it says "If using the original power cable, the dash cam can enter parking mode detecting no motion for five minutes" but immediately above that it says "the OBD-II power cable enables parking mode when it is connected with our optional cable accessory equipped with ACC detection..." It's unclear to me what they mean by "the original power cable" as it appears only "optional" cables with ACC detection ship with the OP-100. Are they saying that VIOFO dash cams using the cigarette lighter adapter power source ("the original power cable") would enter parking mode if it was ON in the app after detecting no motion for five minutes?

 

[rcg530]

Would the "enter parking mode timer" affect this start if it was enabled here (e.g., 90 sec. delay)? If yes, I think I will make sure parking mode timer is OFF to prevent any delay in startup of parking mode.

The dash camera based parking mode timer will delay the entry into parking mode for an additional 90-seconds after whatever VIOFO power source [HK4, HK6, OP100] has turned off the ACC power signal to the dash camera. The "enter parking mode timer" is an attempt to reduce any false positive impact events when you exit your vehicle. That only works if the ACC power signal is turned off at the same time as your vehicle's ignition system. Since the OP100 will delay the turning off of the ACC signal based on its firmware logic to determine it should switch to parking mode operatings, that is achieving the same thing as the dash camera "enter parking mode timer".

In the OP100 manual p 6, it says "If using the original power cable, the dash cam can enter parking mode detecting no motion for five minutes" but immediately above that it says "the OBD-II power cable enables parking mode when it is connected with our optional cable accessory equipped with ACC detection..." It's unclear to me what they mean by "the original power cable" as it appears only "optional" cables with ACC detection ship with the OP-100. Are they saying that VIOFO dash cams using the cigarette lighter adapter power source ("the original power cable") would enter parking mode if it was ON in the app after detecting no motion for five minutes?

It's unfortunate that VIOFO used the word "optional" to describe the two cables offered with the OP100. You must select either the USB-C or Mini-USB cable when purchasing the OP100. If you're using the power cable that [originally] came with the dash camera [HK4, HK6, CLA], you need to stop using that cable and use the cable you obtained with the OP100 to connect the OP100 to your dash camera.

 

[Del_Griffith]

If you're using the power cable that [originally] came with the dash camera [HK4, HK6, CLA], you need to stop using that cable and use the cable you obtained with the OP100 to connect the OP100 to your dash camera.

I'm definitely not using any of these simultaneously with the dash camera. But aren't the HK4 and HK6 both optional (not "original") as they can only be ordered separately from the dash cam?

I'm still wondering what does VIOFO mean by that gray-boxed statement on p 6 of the OP100 manual: "If using the original power cable, the dash cam can enter parking mode after detecting no motion for five minutes."

 

[rcg530]

I'm definitely not using any of these simultaneously with the dash camera. But aren't the HK4 and HK6 both optional (not "original") as they can only be ordered separately from the dash cam?

I'm still wondering what does VIOFO mean by that gray-boxed statement on p 6 of the OP100 manual: "If using the original power cable, the dash cam can enter parking mode after detecting no motion for five minutes."

I believe the "original power cable" statement is referring to the USB cable provided with the dash camera that is meant to be used with the cigarette lighter adapter [CLA] provided with the dash camera. If you use the CLA to power the dash camera, the dash camera should enter parking mode when the dash camera detects no movement/impacts for five consecutive minutes. Powering the dash camera with the CLA means there is no toggling of an ACC power signal to the dash camera, so the dash camera must figure out by itself when to enter/exit parking mode. The level of success using the CLA power method to enter parking mode varies per VIOFO dash camera model [in my experience]. Some users report that it works well, while others report that it is inconsistent. That approach also requires that the GPS feature remain enabled while in parking mode [don't disable it in parking mode in the settings to save power]. As long as I've used VIOFO products [since 2017], VIOFO has recommended using a VIOFO hardwire kit to power the dash camera if consistent / predictable parking mode support is required.

All VIOFO hardwire kits [all HK'n' models, and now the OP100] are optional/alternative ways of powering the VIOFO dash camera. The hardwire kit determines when the ACC power signal sent to the dash camera is turned off [go into parking mode] and turned on [exit parking mode]. The USB cable from the VIOFO hardwire kit to the dash camera has a wire/pin in the USB connector that the dash camera monitors for the ACC power signal. If you're switching from the CLA powering method to the OP100 powering method, you shouldn't use the USB cable you used with the CLA since it's not necessarily internally wired to support the toggling of the ACC signal to the dash camera. All of the VIOFO hardwire kits up to the HK5 [HK3, HK4, HK5] all have a USB cable that powers the dash camera that is not detachable from the hardwire kit. The HK6 hardwire kit is the first in the HK series of hardwire kits with modular connectors on the input power cable and output USB cable. If you use the HK6 to power your VIOFO dash camea, you still must use the provided HK6 USB cable due to its unique module connector.

The OP100 offers two different USB cables [USB-C / Mini-USB]. When you order the OP100, you must select the correct USB cable type for the VIOFO dash camera you plan to power it with in your vehicle. You must use USB cable provided with the OP100 to power the dash camera to have the full functionality of the OP100 available to the dash camera.

 

[Del_Griffith]

Thanks for the detailed and thorough reply.
I was under the impression that most 12v outlets into which one would plug the VIOFO CLA were not constant power, turned off when car turned off, thus weren't an option for powering parking mode. In my car ('26 Toyota) there is just one 12v CLA outlet and it is not powered when car is off ... but on some cars it remains powered?

 

[rcg530]

Thanks for the detailed and thorough reply.
I was under the impression that most 12v outlets into which one would plug the VIOFO CLA were not constant power, turned off when car turned off, thus weren't an option for powering parking mode. In my car ('26 Toyota) there is just one 12v CLA outlet and it is not powered when car is off ... but on some cars it remains powered?

I guess I should refine my statement about the 5-minute transition into parking mode. In theory, if any USB power source is used to power a VIOFO dash camera [CLA, power bank {not a good idea in a vehicle}, or from a dash camera battery pack {in some configurations}], the VIOFO dash camera should enter parking mode after 5-minutes of no detectable motion and no impacts. Some vehicles will continue to power their CLA power ports when the ignition system is off [several GM models behave this way - I've owned two GM models like this]. Powering anything via a CLA power port that doesn't turn off when the vehicle's charging system is not active is asking for a dead vehicle battery.

Before VIOFO started selling their own dash camera battery packs, you could purchase a dash camera battery pack that likely included a 2-wire output power cable adapter to provide a CLA power port. This made it simple to use a a dash camera provided CLA to provide power to the dash camera without much difficulty. You're still using the VIOFO CLA to power it, but the power source is the dash camera battery pack which can safely be drained down a zero percent charge level.

While it is possible to get a VIOFO dash camera to enter/exit parking mode when powered by a non-hardwire kit USB power source, it's never been what I would call reliable. The only surefire way to make a VIOFO dash camera enter/exit parking mode is to use one of their non-CLA powering options which now includes the OP100.

 

[Del_Griffith]

Is the A329S via OP100 recognizing car power/ operating status through voltage changes or via its GPS mount? I had noticed the OP100 plugged into a 2026 Toyota (drawing power from pin 16 of the OBD2 port, which is constant) shuts off 200 seconds after car is turned off. Why does it take that long?
Then today I noticed the A329S turned on and started recording when I opened driver door but without turning on or starting the car. Is the OP100 picking up a voltage blip or does the vibration from opening the door trigger it or the camera to start?

 

[rcg530]

Is the A329S via OP100 recognizing car power/ operating status through voltage changes or via its GPS mount? I had noticed the OP100 plugged into a 2026 Toyota (drawing power from pin 16 of the OBD2 port, which is constant) shuts off 200 seconds after car is turned off. Why does it take that long?

All VIOFO dash cameras monitor the ACC power signal sent over the USB-C cable from the OP100 [or any other VIOFO hardwire kit] to know when to transition from normal/driving recording mode to parking mode and when to exit parking mode and return to normal/driving recording mode. I'm not a fan of OBD-II dash camera power adapters because they must make an educated "guess" when it's appropriate to turn dash camera ACC power signal on/off.

OBD-II dash camera power adapters that support parking mode operations [all brands] use a set rules in their firmware logic to determine when the vehicle is parked and when it is not parked. That firmware logic is attempting to make an educated guess when it is appropriate to turn off the dash camera ACC signal [enter parking mode] and when to turn on the dash camera ACC signal [power up or exit parking mode]. The OBD-II port specification does not define a pin that provides a vehicle switched ACC power signal, but some manufacturers have added a pin for that purpose [small number of makes/models]. Since the OP100 cannot rely on a vehicle provided ACC signal via a pin in the OBD-II data link connector port, the firmware monitors various "things" to make an educated guess of when to turn the dash camera ACC signal on or off.

• The "things" an OBD-II dash camera power adapter monitors falls into two main functionality types:
  • Type 1: Monitor vehicle voltage levels and vehicle motion [g-sensor] [the VIOFO OP100 is this type of power adapter]
    • This type of power adapter will only have pins in its connector for the vehicle's OBD-II data link connector that access the constant power and ground pins
      • Pin 16 - Constant Power
      • Pins 4/5 - Ground(s)
  • Type 2: In addition to the "type 1" items, the OBD-II dash camera power adapter will attempt to monitor additional pins in the OBD-II data link connector that have CANBUS signals available from the vehicle.
    • For example pin 6 & 14 and sometimes other pins related to other CANBUS networks that may or may not be present in the vehicle
    • There are times that the vehicle's various CANBUS networks may have network activity while the vehicle is parked.
      • Open / Close vehicle doors/windows/lift gates
      • Engine or body control modules may periodically monitor [ping] other modules to check their state of health and the quickly go back to sleep [no CANBUS activity]
      • Passive vehicle entry systems may detect a compatible FOB that is located near one of the vehicle FOB antennas resulting in CANBUS messages being generated
      • There may be more times than what's in this list as well.
    • If the OBD-II dash camera power adapter is monitoring for activity/voltage on the various CANBUS pins it has in its connector, that temporary CANBUS activity may result in the OBD-II power adapter turning on the dash camera ACC signal while the vehicle is parked. When the CANBUS activity subsides, the OBD-II firmware logic will turn off the dash camera ACC signal to have the dash camera go back into parking mode.

The VIOFO OP100 [type 1 device] uses the following criteria to make its "best guess" for when the dash camera's ACC power signal should be turned off to have the dash camera enter parking mode:

From recent VIOFO video about the OP100:

While the OP100 has placed the dash camera into parking mode [ACC signal off to the dash camera], the OP100 will monitor for a low voltage cut-off situation [on its own]:

The VIOFO video doesn't discuss the firmware logic used by the OP100 to turn the dash camera ACC signal on so it exits parking mode. I don't remember the minimum voltage threshold that the OP100 must see from pin 16, before it determines the vehicle is being started and ready for driving.

There was a refinement to the OP100 firmware logic near the end of the prototype testing phase, because my Chevy HHR A329S installation was having the A329S exit parking mode when a simple impact event took place in parking mode. Instead of letting the dash camera handle the parking mode impact event fully, the prototype OP100's firmware logic was being very aggressive as to when it wanted to turn on the dash camera ACC signal. There was a logic change in the production OP100 firmware to account for the situation I discovered with my vehicle. I can now open/close a vehicle door and the A329S handles that impact event instead of the OP100 forcing on the dash camera ACC signal to the A329S causing it transition from parking mode to normal/driving recording mode for a door open/close event while parked.

Then today I noticed the A329S turned on and started recording when I opened driver door but without turning on or starting the car. Is the OP100 picking up a voltage blip or does the vibration from opening the door trigger it or the camera to start?

If the A329S is handling this as a parking mode impact event, that is to be expected. If the A329S is returning to normal/driving recording mode due to the parking mode impact event, that's a problem that needs to be reported to VIOFO. I mentioned a similar situation I had with a prototype OP100 that resulted in the production firmware logic being changed to account for this situation.

 

[Del_Griffith]

In the above scenarios, the car is parked but I don't have parking mode enabled. I have noted that after a drive has ended and car is stationary, the A329S / OP100 combo keeps recording for 200 seconds after car has been turned off, then cam shuts off. So it's not a parking mode condition but a post-drive/power down one. Is VIOFO turning the cam off based on fixed GPS status or a a voltage blip caught by the OP100?

The second scenario also was not during parking mode. I unlocked the parked car at the driver's door and was sweeping the footwell - I had not turned on the car nor started it - when the A329S announced it had started recording. Same voice message as when I do start the car and get ready to or actually start driving.

What criteria does the OP100/A329S use to:
1: keep recording for 200 seconds after driven car is stopped and turned off. The first time I used the dash cam after installing the OP100 I noticed this sequence was different than on my other car that was using the HK6, where the dash cam shut down within seconds of car being turned off while parked.
2: start recording in regular mode - the car apparently doesn't need to be running or moving but to either detect a power event including but limited to starting. Possibly the door opening triggered temporary CANBUS activity, which was picked up by the VIOFO components?

 

[rcg530]

In the above scenarios, the car is parked but I don't have parking mode enabled. I have noted that after a drive has ended and car is stationary, the A329S / OP100 combo keeps recording for 200 seconds after car has been turned off, then cam shuts off. So it's not a parking mode condition but a post-drive/power down one. Is VIOFO turning the cam off based on fixed GPS status or a a voltage blip caught by the OP100?

The second scenario also was not during parking mode. I unlocked the parked car at the driver's door and was sweeping the footwell - I had not turned on the car nor started it - when the A329S announced it had started recording. Same voice message as when I do start the car and get ready to or actually start driving.

What criteria does the OP100/A329S use to:
1: keep recording for 200 seconds after driven car is stopped and turned off. The first time I used the dash cam after installing the OP100 I noticed this sequence was different than on my other car that was using the HK6, where the dash cam shut down within seconds of car being turned off while parked.

The OP100 can only monitor vehicle voltage levels [via pin 16 in the OBD-II data link connector] and whether impacts/motion have been detected by OP100 internal g-sensor. VIOFO stated that if the vehicle voltage level [pin 16] is in the 12V to 13.5V range and there's no detectable motion or impacts for 200-seconds, it turns off the dash camera ACC power signal to the A329S.

With parking mode being disabled in your A329S configuration, when the OP100 turns off the dash camera ACC signal to the A329S, the A329S turns off.

2: start recording in regular mode - the car apparently doesn't need to be running or moving but to either detect a power event including but limited to starting. Possibly the door opening triggered temporary CANBUS activity, which was picked up by the VIOFO components?

The OP100 can only monitor voltage levels and impacts/motion via an internal g-sensor. No CANBUS activity will trigger the OP100 to turn on the dash camera ACC signal. If the A329S is being powered up/on by a door opening/closing event, then your OP100 is seeing a high enough vehicle voltage [pin 16] at that point in time to believe the impact event from the door opening/closing qualifies as a vehicle start event. VIOFO refined that firmware logic in the production OP100 product.

I just found the email from VIOFO while I was testing the prototype OP100. When the production OP100 detects an impact event while in "parking mode" [dash camera ACC signal is off - doesn't matter if the A329S has parking mode disabled or not] and if the vehicle voltage [pin 16] is below 13.5V, the OP100 will leave the dash camera ACC signal off. If the vehicle voltage level is above 13.5V and an impact event is detected by the OP100 internal g-sensor, the OP100 will turn on the dash camera ACC signal, which results in the dash camera switching from parking mode [if enabled] and starting normal/driving recording mode. I don't have any follow-up emails stating if VIOFO settled on the 13.5V value for this OP100 firmware logic adjustment or not. Most companies won't fully divulge the firmware logic for this type of device.

Before the OP100 firmware logic was adjusted [using a prototype OP100], I would open/close any vehicle door and that impact caused the OP100 to turn on dash camera ACC power signal to the A329S. Since my A329S was in low power impact detection parking mode, the A329S would start to handle the door closure impact event on its own, but the OP100 would turn on the ACC power signal to the A329S resulting in the A329S switching from parking mode to normal/driving recording mode. Instead of the less than 1-second unbuffered recordings from LPID parking mode, there was a several second gap between the impact event and when the A329S resumed normal/driving recording mode which takes longer to start fully. When I had the A329S configured for low bitrate parking mode, the OP100 behavior would cause the A329S to switch from low bitrate parking mode to normal/driving recording mode which left a several second gap of time not captured in any low bitrate video files nor normal/driving mode video files due to the time it takes to switch modes.

After VIOFO made the stated firmware logic change, my production OP100 hasn't been turning on the dash camera ACC signal when I open/close a vehicle door since my vehicle's voltage level is below 13.5V with the engine off.

I assume you have a production OP100 unit. You may want to report your OP100 / A329S behavior to VIOFO to see if further refinement of the firmware logic is required. For your report to VIOFO, it would be helpful to know the vehicle voltage when this occurs. That may or may not an easy thing to track depending on what devices/tools you have for monitoring voltage levels [DMM, Voltage Monitor, etc].

 

[Del_Griffith]

I assume you have a production OP100 unit. You may want to report your OP100 / A329S behavior to VIOFO to see if further refinement of the firmware logic is required. For your report to VIOFO, it would be helpful to know the vehicle voltage when this occurs. That may or may not an easy thing to track depending on what devices/tools you have for monitoring voltage levels [DMM, Voltage Monitor, etc].

Yes, retail purchase with latest firmware installed this week. I am considering installing an Ancel BM200 battery monitor and learning how to use its reporting functions. Little bit leery of it privacy implications though (why does a battery monitor need location info?)... or I could get a second person to recreate the scenario while I monitor battery with a multimeter.

 

[rcg530]

Yes, retail purchase with latest firmware installed this week. I am considering installing an Ancel BM200 battery monitor and learning how to use its reporting functions. Little bit leery of it privacy implications though (why does a battery monitor need location info?)... or I could get a second person to recreate the scenario while I monitor battery with a multimeter.

The firmware I mentioned is the OP100 firmware which cannot be updated by the user. You can monitor it with a multimeter if it's convenient for you. You just need to see what the vehicle voltage level is before you open/close the door and then you can then open/close the door yourself.

If your vehicle has a cigarette lighter power port that remains powered while parked, you can monitor the voltage level with a device I've used for similar tests: INNOVA 3721 Battery and Charging System Monitor

I used the INNOVA 3721 when I first started testing the OP100. I later obtained a data logger voltage monitor Triplett VDL48 DC Voltage Data Logger. You can download the captured data over a USB Type-A connection [mounts the storage drive inside of the VDL48]. Their Windows program allows you to download/graph/save the data.