Thinkware Universal OBD2 Power Cable for all Dashcams - Allows for Parking Mode Activation within your Dash cam

The Thinkware Universal OBD2 Power Cable is designed to make installing a dash cam simple by drawing power directly from your car's OBD2 port. This method eliminates the need for complicated wiring or hard wiring kits, making it a convenient option for most users, especially for those who don’t want to mess around with their vehicle’s fuse box.Key Features:Ease of Installation:The standout feature of this cable is its plug-and-play design. Connecting to the OBD2 port, usually located under the dashboard, makes it easy to install without professional help. It's especially helpful for those who want a hassle-free setup.Continuous Power:The cable supports continuous power, meaning it enables parking mode for the dashcam, allowing your camera to stay on while the car is parked to record any incidents or suspicious activity.Universal Compatibility:As it’s designed for all Thinkware dash cams and works with most vehicles that have an OBD2 port, it adds flexibility if you have different car models. Compatibility with a range of dash cam models is a big plus.Compact and Discreet:The cable itself is quite discreet, so it doesn’t clutter the car’s interior. It can be routed easily to hide the wires along the trim, keeping everything looking neat.No Need for Fuse Tapping:If you are uncomfortable with traditional dash cam hard wiring that involves tapping into the car's fuse box, this cable eliminates that hassle, making it a safer option for non-technical users.Pros:Easy Setup: Installation takes minutes, without requiring technical skills.Non-Intrusive: No need to modify your car's wiring or access the fuse box.Parking Mode: Allows dash cam to monitor your vehicle while parked, giving you peace of mind.Compatibility: Works with all Thinkware dash cams and most vehicles with an OBD2 port.Cons:OBD2 Port Usage: Since it uses the OBD2 port, you might not be able to use that port for diagnostics or other devices without unplugging the cable. However, most users rarely need frequent access to the OBD2 port.Power Drain: Depending on your car, leaving the dashcam connected through the OBD2 port for extended periods might drain the battery, especially if parking mode is frequently used in older vehicles with weaker batteries.Ideal For:Users who want an easy, tool-free installation for their dashcam.People who frequently use parking mode on their dashcams.Those who don’t want to deal with fuse taps or modifying their car’s electrical system.Final Verdict:The Thinkware Universal OBD2 Power Cable is a practical solution for anyone looking to simplify their dash cam installation. With its ease of use, compatibility, and parking mode functionality, it’s a great option, especially for users who aren’t comfortable hard wiring or altering their car’s setup. While it does occupy the OBD2 port, the convenience of installation and reliable power source it offers makes it a worthy addition to your dash cam setup.

I used this to install a T700 camera in my Golf, much simpler than messing with fuse board connections, and the parking functions work really well. Worth the extra cost over the included Thinkware wiring.

Though it’s mentioned it may not working in all hybrid models. But I got the parking mode worked perfectly on Mitsubishi Outlander 2017 PHEV with Thinkware Q800Pro

This item was one of a few deciding factors to install a Thinkware dash cam, and having purchased it, it was easy to install and works well on a Lexus ES 300h. Not sure why other dash cam manufacturers don’t use this method for connecting power to their equipment.One minor downside is that it doesn’t use a pass through connector, so would have to be disconnected should the vehicle’s OBD2 port need to be used for its main purpose. That said, I’d rather use this method of connection than the alternatives.

Whilst it didn’t work on my Volvo EX30 (wouldn’t power off when on charge), this is more due to the car design than the power cable. On an ICE I’m sure it would work perfectly. Build quality is good and will fit a whole range of Thinkware dashcams.Had to return but it wasn’t the products fault.

If your afraid to take your car apart to hardwire your dash cam this is for you. Very easy plug & play. Just feed the cable along your pillar and down to the obd connector and your done

This is way easier and faster than wiring your thinkware dashcam into the fusebox. I had previously tried to hardwire a dashcam into my fusebox, but my BMW has an intelligent battery system. This means it had detected the abnormal power draw when the car was off (from my dashcam) and 'turned off' that fuse.This OBD2 adapter is just like hardwiring a dashcam into your car, but easier! As the OBD2 port is mostly used for diagnosis, it is usually classed as essential by many cars' intelligent battery systems. This then means that it leaves it alone and constant power will remain, which therefore means parking mode for your dashcam!You can adjust the power cutoff functionality in the thinkware app, but that's on the dashcam and not associated with this cable. This means that if you leave the car parked for a very long time (probably 5 weeks+ on most cars) it will drain the battery as the cable will always have minimal power draw.The only bad thing about it this cable is there looks to be two ferrite cores on the cable. If you want a clean install (which you probably do if you are looking at this), it's impossible to fit these into the door seals! I could remove the trim around the OBD2 port but that requires dismantling the upper dashboard and trims which I don't wish to do.Again, this is an easy enough workaround, but for my car, it would have resulted in dismantling the majority of the trim to gain access to the necessary area to hide it.

Much better than using the 12V supply. This goes into parking record mode perfectly every time now, well worth the money. Running my thinkware off a battery has always been a problem in the Wifes Mini Cooper S. This works perfect, good purchase.