Wanting to Charge Dash Cam 55 with External Power Bank

Mike789

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Hi,

I've read a few threads about charging the DC 55 and getting the message: "The attached cable cannot currently charge your device".

I am planning to use and charge the DC with the included Garmin cigarette lighter charger in the car. No problems here.

When I bring the dash cam inside the house - and connect it to a DC power bank providing either (5V - 1A) - or - providing (5V - 2A) - this is when I get the message. I want to add that - I AM using the short Garmin USB cable (appr.12").

I've also tried connecting to various PC/laptop USB ports. For some ports - it's fine, no message. For other ports - I get the same message.

Here's another interesting thing - after displaying the message, the camera may OR may not get fully charged afterwards. It just depends - on what? I'm not sure yet...

So - I'm just wondering how "USB port charging work" in general.

I thought all USB ports provide either (5V - 1A) or (5V - 2A). I know there are different specs - like usb1, usb2, usb3, etc. But for the more part - I understood that they are interchangeable for charging.

For example - there are many other devices that use the voltage from a usb port for charging, such as wireless speakers, wireless mini-keyboards, LED lights, cell phones, tablets, headphones, etc.

I sent an email to Garmin support, they told me to use ONLY Garmin cables and Garmin chargers. This link was provided: https://support.garmin.com/en-US/?f...3&tab=topics&topicTag=region_powerandcharging

I've not had this problem before - having to use a brand specific charger or cables for their devices. I'm not upset that I have to do that - I just question if they are technically correct. I guess they can't nor don't want to troubleshoot a dash cam charging problem - with other brands of chargers and cables. So - stick to Garmin brand cables and chargers.

But - I guess I'm wondering: What's really (ie. technically) happening with usb port charging?

Any insights, comments would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Mike
 
As far as I know Garmin just want to sell you their cables and chargers so they build the device to require a non-standard cable.
Instead of just a four wire USB cable (5V, 0V, Data+, Data-) they use a 5th pin where the device expects to find a particular value of resistance. I think the resistor is moulded into the plug.
Have a read here:-
https://dashcamtalk.com/forum/threads/homebrew-power-lead-for-garmin.34822/
 
Thanks buggies.

I have tried powering the DC with different cables (Garmin labelled usb cable vs. generic (non-Garmin) cables. It seems non-Garmin cables can still charge the DC, despite the fact that it shows the error message. Maybe there's a 17K ohm resistor on those cables too.

BTW- Someone from another thread asked how to add a 17K resistor to pins 4 & 5 on the micro-usb. I found this useful link: https://www.instructables.com/id/Garmin-Samsung-Charger-Reverse-Engineering/

Not complicated, but I don't think it's for everyone to do though.
 
Dunno why some other cables would work - think its just a Garmin thing.
Thanks for the url of the instructable - might get one of those shells next time I order some bits and do one myself.
For charging in the house when I first bought the dashcam, I used the car cable plugged into a 12 volt wall wart with a cigar lighter socket. Not this one - but similar:-
https://gavshop.co.uk/plug-in-ac-ad...-car-cigar-lighter-socket---p006ab-4782-p.asp
 
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