Power consumption requirements for the A119

Fyl

Member
Joined
Sep 10, 2014
Messages
39
Reaction score
2
Country
Malaysia
Hi anyone knows what is the power consumption in mA of the A119 when recording with display off?

Also what is the minimum / max operating voltage required?

Does it have a built-in power regulator?

Would like to know that I can find a suitable power source for it since it doesn't have a built in batt.

This may sound silly to some but thinking of piggy backing this cam on a drone for some test flights given its great picture quality.

Thanks.

@viofo
 
It require 5V 1A input, you can use the supplied charger and connect it with car cigarette adapter.
 
It require 5V 1A input, you can use the supplied charger and connect it with car cigarette adapter.

Thanks, not sure if you saw my reason for asking "This may sound silly to some but thinking of piggy backing this cam on a drone for some test flights given its great picture quality."
 
I managed to manage the current consumption of the A119 with GPS to be between 0.30 - 0.45A
 
I'll chime in with some more data points since I recently did some testing pre-installation.

I measured with a cheapie plug-in USB meter hooked up to a USB power block, sitting on my table inside. The MAX value registered was about 400 mA, which happened during startup. Steady recording figures with the screen ON were around 300 mA, and with the screen OFF were around 250 mA.

You'll need a 5V supply (standard USB) because to my knowledge there is no onboard converter. (for auto use, an external 12V converter is required)

To my thinking, the A119 would not be a good choice on a drone because it has a screen - which is relatively heavy, and will be of limited use.
 
I'll chime in with some more data points since I recently did some testing pre-installation.

I measured with a cheapie plug-in USB meter hooked up to a USB power block, sitting on my table inside. The MAX value registered was about 400 mA, which happened during startup. Steady recording figures with the screen ON were around 300 mA, and with the screen OFF were around 250 mA.

You'll need a 5V supply (standard USB) because to my knowledge there is no onboard converter. (for auto use, an external 12V converter is required)

To my thinking, the A119 would not be a good choice on a drone because it has a screen - which is relatively heavy, and will be of limited use.

Thanks for your feedback. Yes it does have some unnecessary components that adds to weight but still think it is relatively light.

I just wanted to give it a go since it has GPS and a great video and more importantly, I already have it rather than going out to get a new cam to try.

Thanks mate.
 
It require 5V 1A input, you can use the supplied charger and connect it with car cigarette adapter.
the original 2 USB ports adapter that comes with the camera provides 5.09v - 5.11v to the camera even it's connected to "BESTEK 3-Socket 12V/24V DC Cigarette Lighter Power Adapter with 5.2A 4-Port Car USB Splitter Charger" (I have one). however any USB port on the above mentioned Bestek power splitter provides 5.00v - 4.98v while the amperage varies during camera recording.
do we have a presence of "SpyTec" seller on the forum?
 
It require 5V 1A input, you can use the supplied charger and connect it with car cigarette adapter.

@viofo - Can you please post the average and maximum current draw for the camera A119? I am hardwiring mine to my rear view mirror power supply, along with a radar detector, and I want to make sure I am not overloading the mirror's power supply. Thank you!
 
See https://dashcamtalk.com/forum/threa...th-lcd-power-related.25614/page-2#post-300761 and other posts in that thread. Current draw will depend on the menu choices you make [Edit: and mode of operation]. I found the "Resolution" to have a significant effect on the current draw (highest current was for the 1440P30 setting) as well as LCD on/off. GPS didn't draw much power. The referenced tests were made at a resolution of 1440P30 I think, but I've seen instantaneous currents exceed 0.5A. [Edit: I can't say that the settings for these tests were absolutely the worse case conditions.] I also found that when the screen flickers, it is a good indication that the input voltage is too low. Get the voltage low enough and the A119 will start to regularly cycle power on and off, which gives you bad recordings. Several folks have reported this problem when not using the Viofo supplied cables and 12 to 5VDC cig adapter plug.

Regards,
 
Last edited:
See https://dashcamtalk.com/forum/threa...th-lcd-power-related.25614/page-2#post-300761 and other posts in that thread. Current draw will depend on the menu choices you make [Edit: and mode of operation]. I found the "Resolution" to have a significant effect on the current draw (highest current was for the 1440P30 setting) as well as LCD on/off. GPS didn't draw much power. The referenced tests were made at a resolution of 1440P30 I think, but I've seen instantaneous currents exceed 0.5A. [Edit: I can't say that the settings for these tests were absolutely the worse case conditions.] I also found that when the screen flickers, it is a good indication that the input voltage is too low. Get the voltage low enough and the A119 will start to regularly cycle power on and off, which gives you bad recordings. Several folks have reported this problem when not using the Viofo supplied cables and 12 to 5VDC cig adapter plug.

Regards,

@5Cowbells - Thank you for the link, that is exactly what I was looking for. I connected a Valentine1 radar detector and my A119 to my rear view mirror wiring and was guessing they would use less than 1A combined which should not be a issue, and that is the case. The V1 uses 225 mA on standby and 425 mA maximum during alarm. So even during alarm we're under 1A with the A119 consuming 0.459A average w/ the LCD on.
 
Sorry, posted in the wrong thread and removed the answer. My answer referred to the case of a A119 being plugged into a car for an extended period.
 
Last edited:
Hi.
I have Viofo A119 and one idea. I want to connect two power supplies: one to built in usb and the second to the usb on gps module. Also, one power supply will be powered with ignition ON and the second one will be to permanent 12V but with switch, so I will be able to disable power when I need or want. However, if I forget to turn it on, camera will record my driving because it will be powered from ignition.
What do you think about this idea? Will it work or I will burn my camera when both power supplies are on? Please share your ideas about this.

Thanks ;)
 
you don't need two power supplies, just use one power supply and use a SPDT switch wired to an accessory and a permanent power source to feed the positive side of the power supply, in one position you will feed accessory power so it will go on and off with ignition, flip the switch and you have a permanent power supply, a few dollars in parts and ten minutes work and you're done
 
Good idea, thanks.
What do you think about my idea? I already have two power supplies, got them with camera.
 
Good idea, thanks.
What do you think about my idea? I already have two power supplies, got them with camera.

IMG_0428a.JPG

2 cameras, 2 SPDT switches, 1 Bestek adapter, 2 RAVPower power banks, USB wires.
each camera powered through a switch either through Bestek (car's electricity) or a power bank.
when the engine is On I can also charge (connected manually) the power banks.
I start the engine, then using the switches start the cameras; before turning Off the engine I turn the cameras Off using the switches. in about 7-10sec. I can turn the cameras to run from power banks. and before I start the engine again I turn Off the cameras.
it looks creepy, but works for me and at any time I can turn Off any camera.
using this procedure I don't get any first or last corrupted files anymore. :)
 
Аs a dashboard in an airplane, there worked a specialist DIY high level (y);)
 
Back
Top