BlackboxMyCar PowerCell 8 Dash Cam Battery Pack - Full Review

[@monti409]

Could this battery be charged at home when not in use for extended periods, by the way best review by far on these battery packs. Thanks.

[@PanzerPlatform]

Yo Manvet, Thanks for stopping in, and the kind words. Yes, there are a lot of folks who don’t drive their cars long enough, or often enough to fully charge the Dash Cam Battery Pack. The official answer to your question is to purchase the $50 BlackboxMyCar Power Inverter. That’s it sitting on my bench to the right of the PC8 box. Here’s the link to check it out; www.blackboxmycar.com/products/blackboxmycar-power-inverter $50 may sound like a lot of money for a “specialized” charger that will most likely only be used for the PC8. So I went looking on Amazon, and sure enough I found similar Power Inverters for $15. However they may, or may not work because of the Voltage they are rated at. The official BBMC Power Inverter is rated 14.60 Volts at 5 Amps. The $15 ones on Amazon are only 12.60 Volts at 5 Amps. So I tried an experiment with my Variable Power Supply, (that’s the black box with knobs on the far right of my bench). I set it to 12.60 Volts at 5 Amps, and tried to initiate a 5 Amp charge cycle with the PC8, and it would not work. Here is video I filmed showing what happened; kzbin.info/www/bejne/eIqqfXyZlLtngNU Keep in mind BlackVue, and Thinkware just released their brand new Dash Cam Battery Packs that now have identical 96Wh capacity like the PC8. Depending on the brand of dash cam you have, or are planning to buy you may want to check those out. I’m currently testing the BlackVue B-130X, and my friend Robert @RetroCarGuy530 is currently testing all three, (PC8, B-130X, Thinkware BAB-95). Oh yeah, here is a link to my DashCamTalk Forum post about all my testing of the PC8 if you want more info; dashcamtalk.com/forum/threads/blackboxmycar-powercell-8-test-review-pp.47956/ Are you currently using a dash cam now, if so what kind? -Chuck

[@monti409]

I purchased the WolfBox G900 with 4k front and 2k rear, I have yet to install this since I am looking for a battery pack as not to hardwire the dash cam to the Maverick. I chose this unit because it also blends in as a rearview mirror. Thanks for the information I will look into this.

[@PanzerPlatform]

@@monti409 WOLFBOX G900; www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0B1B41WC9 If you’re within the 30-day Amazon return period you may want to return it for a refund. The WOLFBOX G900 is not 4K. It is one of the many fake / counterfeit 4K dash cams that have flooded the market. I just searched “4K dash cam” on Amazon and the first 37 dash cams shown that claim to be 4K are all fake / counterfeit. On the 3rd page, the 38th camera is a genuine, real, true 4K dash cam. I know this sounds crazy, but the reviews for all these fake 4K dash cams are also fake. Or are from folks who don’t understand the minimum requirements for 4K. Here is a video explaining what fake 4K dash cams are; kzbin.info/www/bejne/iojKaGqlbbutf7M In general true, real 4K dash cams are from well established, trusted brands like BlackVue, Thinkware, Viofo, and one or two others. You’re about to spend a sizable amount of money & time on dash cam equipment, and installation. You may want to do more research. -Chuck

[@monti409]

I. Should had seen your technical review on these Dash-cams before purchasing from Amazon , it’s not only. Amazon but certain channels on KZbin that promotes this equipment on its cosmetic features leaving out the technical aspects of the same. Thank so much for this most valuable information. I hope others may see this before making their purchase.

[@PanzerPlatform]

@@monti409 Oh yeah, I totally forgot to mention the KZbinr's that are basically like Home Shopping Network, or QVC. They are charming, beautiful, people with wonderfully produced videos. However, they have very little understanding of the technology used, or the actual product itself. Who can you trust? Who is a commissioned salesmen? Well, that's the hard part weeding through all the BS. Check out the DashCamTalk Forum website. And retailers like BlabkboxMyCar for the real scoop. -Chuck

[@bstfordchannel923]

Chuck you go deep with the reviews ( this is yoyur style ) going to see what else you checking out.. GREAT review

[@PanzerPlatform]

Right on BST, Thanks for stopping by. -Chuck

[@musaadedibu9316]

Watching your review of this and going through all the comments confirms to me this is a channel I want to be part of (subscribed immediately). I will surely be taking a tour of your videos. Really amazing review 💯 👍

[@PanzerPlatform]

Thanks for watching. To answer your question; “When charging the battery with the cord from home, will the low voltage on the battery still be the option to select?” Yes, you can charge using the LOW, or HIGH setting just make sure your power supply is capable of 14 Volts @ 10-15 Amps. -Chuck

[@seekfactsnotfiction9056]

Hey Chuck I just finished watching the whole video! I paused probably more than 7 to 10 times! It took me more than 24 hrs to finish your video lol, cos i didn't have time to watch all in one setting, but it was worth spending quality time on such a professionally created content. It was also an opportunity for me to check on your channel and reading more about your work! I was impressed to know how much you are dedicated to create great contents to help others for free! Hats off Chuck, you deserve our almost respect, I am subscribing to you and Retroguy as well. Warning! Now be ready to read a long essay lol... Despite the high price of this battery, I am convinced to buy it after watching your video! But I have few questions: 1) Which way is more effective between using solar panel (like you mentioned) as an addition, or hardwire it to the car electric-battery system (as suggested by RetroCarGuy's old video). So which one is more effective and safe since I'll be using parking mode 24/7? (I learned my lesson through the hard way after some unknown criminals vandalized my GX460 couple days after buying it just a month ago! They didn't even wait until I install a dashcam! :( I don't wanna take anymore chances! 2) Which option of wiring should I choose along when buying this Powercell 8 battery? Blackboxmycar have many options to choose from which confused me! 3) I love Viofo dashcams video quality, but since they don't have cloud feature, is there any other way to have that feature while using Viofo? If not then I'll have to shop else where with other alternative brands... 4) I want dashcam coverage of all sides of the car, what's your opinion about having 4 to 5 channel dashcam like you've installed in your car previously, idk how it would work with this battery and multiple dashcams! I've been searching but couldn't find the final invisible smaller size dashcam choice! I am now thinking between GNET G-ON3 with cloud option which was mentioned to me by SafeDriveSolutions channel or the new Viofo 3channel 4K but no cloud or if I should wait for the upcoming dashcam from the Japanese company Carmate Razo d'Action 360 - DC3600RA the 2channel 360 dashcam which Vortex Radar discussed with their host during SEMA 2022... 5) Do I need something similar to Thinkware's "Multiplexer" to run 4 to 5 dashcams in one vehicle? 6) This final question is outside the dashcam world! From your experience, which vehicle is more safe, reliable, smooth ride, spacious and convenient for seniors to ride as a passenger 'in the backseat and able to get in and out easily despite their disability (knee problems) and their height issue (only 5ft). My search showed Subaru Forester which was recommended by some online folks! I am not familiar with that brand at all. Idk if that vehicle is the right one compared to Lexus RX 350 or if something like Towncar or Lincoln Mercury can be more convenient for seniors? What's your opinion on that? Right now, we have ES and GX460, none of them work for parents! One is too low and the other is too high for them! I am confused :( Help....

[@seekfactsnotfiction9056]

Btw your extensive testing reminded me of TVPizdys battery testing! Haven't seen him being active for a while now!

[@seekfactsnotfiction9056]

I saw negative reviews and ratings below 50% on Amazon about this battery! I wonder why!

[@PanzerPlatform]

@@seekfactsnotfiction9056 Right on Seek, Thanks for watching, and the kind words. I’m sorry the video is 26 minutes long, I bet a professional reviewer could cover all the info in ten minutes. lol NOT monetizing my KZbin channel, and NOT being an Amazon Associate is kind of my secret sauce. It means I only make videos that I think are fun, and I only review products that I really like, or would buy with my own money. RetroCarGuy530 is a great guy. He’s helped me out so much recently with dash cam testing. He’s also my neighbor, he lives right down the street. Lol 1.) If you want true 24/7 surveillance of your car you’re probably better off installing a home security camera system with multiple cameras. In order to charge the PowerCell 8 with a solar panel you will need one big enough to deliver 5 Amps @ 14.6 Volts. This would be a minimum 100 Watt panel. I tried it with my 50 Watt panel and it could only provide 3 Amps @ 14.6 Volts so it could enable the PC8’s BMS to start a charge cycle. A 100 Watt solar panel would be so huge it woul be as big as the roof of a car, so not very practical. The PC8 takes 60 minutes to fully charge when hardwired charging with the HIGH 9 Amp setting. So you would need to drive your car 1 hour everyday to keep it charged. 2.) It depends on the dash cam, and if you will run the dash cam in parking mode, or normal recording mode. Just get both Output Cables, (unspliced and CLA) so you can decide how to wire it up as needed. 3.) Viofo does not, and will most likely never offer Cloud Recording. And I hope they never do either. The only two things I look for in a dash cam are reliability, and image quality. Everything else like fancy features takes a back seat for my application. Iy you want the Cloud you’re going to need to spend more that twice the money of Viofo, and look at BlackVue, or Thinkware or similar. I’ve tested the GNET G-ON2 which is a premium Korean cloud dash cam, and GNET is geared toward commercial applications like fleet vehicles. 4.) I think the current “best” 4-Channel Cloud dash cam is what Ari from Vortex Radar runs, (two BlackVue 2-Channel cams); kzbin.info/www/bejne/nYSpqaR-p6tliNE 5.) Thinkware’s Multiplexer only works with Thinkware cameras, and does not have cloud recording. 6.) This is the easiest question ever. Lol 2003 - 2012 Lincoln Town Car Executive L (long wheel base version). The L has 6 extra inches for the rear passengers. This make getting in, and out of the back seat easy as pie. When you’re trying to locate one of these cars, the model year, and mileage is not that important because you can replace the entire engine, transmission, and drivetrain relatively cheaply, and it will last another 20 years, 500,000 Miles. So the most important thing to look for is a straight, and clean rust free body. Body shop repairs are expensive, difficult, and never look as good as original condition. 7.) Based on my experience Amazon “customer” product reviews are the absolute least reliable. Usually 1 star review are left by people who have no idea how tech gadgets work, and are frustrated by their own lack of understanding what they are buying. On the other hand most 5 start reviews are left by fake spam bots, or my someone who received the product for free in exchange for leaving a 5 star review. Not that KZbin is any better. Some KZbin review channels are simply unboxings, and provide zero testing & evaluation, and basically like Home Shopping Network, or QVC. lol So who can you trust? Well, trust no one. Do your own research, confirm & verify, use your best judgement, do what’s best for your application. -Chuck

[@papillon5537]

Thank you such an excellent contents, just ordered pc8.

[@PanzerPlatform]

Thanks for watching. -Chuck

[@SlipFitGarage]

That's pretty cool! I didn't even know a product like this existed. I can see where a dedicated battery pack for dash cams would come in very handy. Just last night, around 2am I heard a police call (on my Unication voice pager that I use as a P25 800MHz digital radio scanner) about a guy who was watching someone breaking into his work van live via his dash cam. Somehow this dash cam had it's own network connection and sent the owner an alert with live video of the "bad guy" cleaning out his van. The owner called the local police and they were on-scene within about 2 minutes and caught the guy red handed. Happy Thanksgiving, Chuck!

[@PanzerPlatform]

Right on Brian, Thanks for stopping in. That's one of the reasons these things exist. The van owner's dash cam is called a Cloud Enabled dash cam. It either has an LTE module built in, or he has a separate mobile Wi-Fi hotspot in the van too. These dash cams are made by BlackVue, or Thinkware. They are top of the line premium Korean made units. They cost around $500. I guess the van owner's just paid for itself. Lol -Chuck

[@SlipFitGarage]

@@PanzerPlatform Spendy.... but like you said, it probably just paid for itself in that guy's situation. If I had a nice vehicle that sat outside on a regular basis, I would probably get one of those just for security reasons..... let alone the legal protection you get when someone smashed into you and them claims it's your fault. Thanks, Chuck!

[@danielmcqueen1024]

Happy Thanksgiving, Chuck! I love the details that you cover on any subject... But seeing phones 'Going Off' like in a Wile E Coyote cartoon scared the crap out of me! 🤣😂😆

[@PanzerPlatform]

Right on DMQ, Gobble, gobble. 4:06 That's my favorite part of the whole video. lol -Chuck

[@RetroCarGuy530]

Nice job Chuck!

[@PanzerPlatform]

THE GREAT ONE VISITS.

[@xe-xx8vu]

I just got mine in the mail i'll set it up this weekend nice review thank you.

[@PanzerPlatform]

Thanks for watching. -Chuck

[@MikeTrieu]

Never be sorry for making people do math. Be sorry people don't do it enough.

[@PanzerPlatform]

Thanks for watching. -Chuck

[@B_L]

Now I understand it very well thanks to your effort, totally appreciate it

[@PanzerPlatform]

Right on BL, Btw, I'm currently testing the just released BlackVue B-130X Battery Pack. Along with the DR900X Plus. I should be getting the all new DR970X LTE on Jan 5. What dash cam are you using, or thinking about getting? -Chuck

[@B_L]

@@PanzerPlatform awesome, will wait for that. I’m actually considering a 3-ch dash cam, viofo is my to go so far because of buffered parking mode and still researching specs and comparisons

[@PanzerPlatform]

@@B_L I'm currently testing the A139 Pro, and I like the 1-Channel configuration the best. -Chuck

[@فيصلالجهني-غ4ح]

I have a 2004 Ford Crown Victoria Old gauge Can be replaced with a new gauge 2011with rbm

[@PanzerPlatform]

Right on Faisal, Thanks for stopping in. I'm not sure you can install an instrument cluster from a 2011 into a 2004. But check out this video; kzbin.info/www/bejne/j4K3p59tjJiDgbc -Chuck

[@WJHandyDad]

Happy Thanksgiving

[@PanzerPlatform]

Let me guess; Goodbye black jeans, hello sweatpants. lol

[@midwestpanther98]

Do you guys know each other in real life outside of KZbin?

[@PanzerPlatform]

@@midwestpanther98 Handy Dad said he would give me a job in his shop fixing all his cars for a cot in the back room, and all the french fried taters & biscuits I can eat. Mmhmm, I reckon that's a fair trade; kzbin.info/www/bejne/aoGxq5udn92Ga80

[@KeystoneProdsPA]

Hey Chuck, finally getting around to catching up on some of your videos I missed. So this box would be good for parking mode but is there currently any solutions for dash cams in vehicles that are stored long term (like 6 months at a time, per say)?

[@PanzerPlatform]

Yo Big Ed, Well of course there is. Lol They're called Cloud dash cams. There's only two brands I can recommend BlackVue & Thinkware. And you may want to get a solar panel too. There is a new flagship model from BlackVue being released on Jan 5. And a new flagship model from Thinkware in the next month or so. -Chuck

[@PanzerPlatform]

Oh yeah, you might be better off with a regular CCTV security camera watching the car instead.

[@KeystoneProdsPA]

@Panzer Platform good to know thank you, Chuck! Do the cameras require an active internet connection for the cloud storage to work, or do they have that built in?

[@KeystoneProdsPA]

@@PanzerPlatform haha yes a dedicated camera system watching the car is definitely something that will be happening

[@PanzerPlatform]

@@KeystoneProdsPA Yes, the new models have built in LTE internet, you just need to pop in a sim card. Very convenient. Once loaded up the dash cam can provide Wi-Fi for up to 5 additional devices.

[@smokinjoes9383]

Hello Maybe you could help me out with my question on what fuse’s would I use. Thank you What fuses would be used to install the PowerCell 8 Dash Cam Battery Pack in a 2021’ Buick Envision Fuse Box Diagrams Instrument Panel Fuse Box Diagram Instrument panel fuse box diagram: Buick Envision (2021, 2022) Assignment of the fuses in the Instrument Panel Fuse Box № Amps Usage F1 40A Direct current to direct current converter 2 (DC-DC) F2 30A Body control module 4 F3 - - F4 - - F5 25A Body control module 2 F6 20A Body control module 3 F7 - - F8 20A Exterior lighting module 5 F9 - - F10 5A Steering column lock F11 10A Body control module 1 F12 - - F13 - - F14 - - F15 15A Auxiliary power outlet rear cargo F16 - - F17 20A Exterior lighting module 7 F18 10A Uplevel tail lamp F19 10A 2021: Steering column lock assembly 2022: Overhead Console Module/ Universal Garage Door Opener/Rain Sensor/Electronic Toll Collector F20 10A Sensing diagnostic module/Automatic occupant sensing/ Data link connection/ Wireless charger F21 5A 2021: Central gateway module/ Telematics control platform module 2022: Central Gateway Module/ OnStar F22 10A External object calculating module/ Long range radar/ Park assist/front camera module/ Side blind zone alert F23 10A Video processing module F24 - - F25 10A AC power outlet/ Auxiliary USB F26 - - F27 30A Amplifier F28 60A 2021: Jumper 2022: Heated Steering Wheel Module/ Exterior Lighting Module Battery 2/ Direct Current/ AC Inverter F29 10A Instrument duster/ Heads up display/ Air quality ionizer module/ Center stack display/ Heating ventilation air conditioning display F30 - - F31 - 2022: Run/Crank Auxiliary Power Module/ Battery System Manager/ Motor Control Unit F32 10A Run crank for misc. 3 humidity sensor/ Exterior lighting module/ Electronic brake control module/ Air quality sensor exterior/ Headlamp manual leveling left Right/ Inside rear view mirror/ lnterior particulate matter sensor/ Seat fan control cushion and back driver co driver F33 - - F34 10A Run crank for misc. 1 & 2 shifter interface board module/ Instrument panel cluster/ Transmission control module/ Sensing & diagnostic module/Headlamp manual leveling switch/Reflective light auxiliary display F35 15A Run crank for engine control module F36 10A Electric park brake switch/ Shifter interface board F37 15A Radio/Center stack module/ Auxiliary jack F38 - - F39 2A Steering wheel clock spring F40 20A Exterior lighting module 2 F41 7.5A Heated steering wheel module F42 20A Direct current to alternate current inverter module CB1 - - CB2 15A Auxiliary power outlet console Relays K01 Retained accessory power accessory K02 Run/crank K03 - K04

[@PanzerPlatform]

I do not recommend charging any dash cam battery pack from the fuse box. It draws too much current. Instead use a new dedicated circuit with a relay. Like this; kzbin.info/www/bejne/gKDEYZmfgL-MY9Efeature=shared&t=745 -Chuck

[@monti409]

Do you plan on utilizing a 30 amp 4 pin relay for your battery pack.? If you are considering this option I would like to see this installation, it’s much safer then using the fuse block.

[@PanzerPlatform]

Yo Manvet, That's a great point. I would not connect the included 16AWG hardwire charging cable using the included fuse tap to the fuse box. I would connect it with 12AWG 100% OFC pure copper wire on its own dedicated circuit for added safety. I would install it similar to installing a car stereo amplifier. And yes, I would use a heavy duty 12AWG 4-Pin relay. Check out the diagram on Robert's video here; kzbin.info/www/bejne/gKDEYZmfgL-MY9E -Chuck

[@monti409]

Thanks ! It’s great to be subscribed to your channel, if you go the route of the relay installation I would be looking forward to it. The hard wiring of the power pack to the fuse box is not healthy it’s better an independent installation with the added 20 fuse and relay. Thanks again.

[@monti409]

Just reviewed “ Retroguy530, relay option” found it very informative, seems later on down the line he will install the relay switch for thedash cam battery pack. I did noticed pin 85 on the relay is connected to the fuse box but did not show the fuse amperage used here. I left him a message . By the way I am taking your suggestion on the 12 AWG pure copper wiring . Thanks for the tip on retroguy.

[@PanzerPlatform]

@@monti409 The amount of current used by the relay "trigger circuit" is less than 100mA on the relays I've tested. The smallest fuse I think I have in my garage in 1 Amp.

[@davidluong5651]

Nice video! I just bought one recently for my U3000. Question: The Cellink Neo software has a setting “Charging stop” that basically won’t charge the battery even when plugged in (Cigarette Socket or Hard wired). Do you recommend to enable this feature and let the batter go down like 20 - 40% and then disable the setting to allow it to re-charge back to 100%? I don’t know if it’s beneficial to constantly charging it (hence there’s a setting to disable charging) for battery longevity sake. Thanks.

[@PanzerPlatform]

Thanks for watching. The internal BMS (battery management system) is in control of charging the battery pack. Just leave it be, and the BMS will continually turn on/off charging power to the battery pack as needed to keep it fully topped up. The "Charging Stop" setting in the APP is a diagnostic aid for various other scenarios. -Chuck

[@seekfactsnotfiction9056]

Hey Chuck, can this be used for dashcams? -> GOLABS R150 Portable Power Station, 204Wh LiFePO4

[@PanzerPlatform]

www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08NSYCZD4 Yes. No. Maybe. It's complicated. lol Buy one, try it out for 30 days, and let us know how it works out. -Chuck

[@seekfactsnotfiction9056]

@@PanzerPlatform lol I am not a tech savy but I'll give it a try

[@CaptainCJ97]

Another good vid, I wish the dashcam world were more popular so there's more products imagine if Sony or Samsung joined. I own the powercell 8 cause my bi750 stopped work for some reason 2 months right when I bought extended battery pack :/. I get 16 hours for my blackvue 900x plus it don't make sense why out of voifo,thinkware &blackvue the 900x gets the worst hours when it's the smallest & has no screen that really makes me mad

[@PanzerPlatform]

Right on Capn’ Thanks for stopping in. 16 hours of parking mode run time with your BlackVue DR900x does not sound right. RetroCarGuy530 has that same camera, and he got 24 hours 17 minutes. You can see it here; kzbin.info/www/bejne/gKDEYZmfgL-MY9E Are you also running the BlackVue WiFi Router module off the PowerCell 8? If so, that may account for the decreased run time. If not, you may have an issue that needs to be diagnosed. -Chuck

[@CaptainCJ97]

@@PanzerPlatform Yea I'm using the wifi and cloud features that could be it

[@PanzerPlatform]

@@CaptainCJ97 Do you run your parking mode during the day, or the night? What if you could plug in a small $20 solar panel to the PowerCell 8 so it would power the dash cam & wi-fi during the day. That means your 16 hour battery life would last all through the night. Would you be interested in that?

[@CaptainCJ97]

@@PanzerPlatform both I live in a apartments and not taking anything risk. As for the solar panel I'm not sure. Before I bought BlackboxMyCar first battery pack i had a solar panel battery pack for a few days then returned it I used to charge my a129 duo but didnt feel safe living it see able