Genesis GV80 Dash Cam Installation Review

Is a Dash Cam and Battery Pack Essential for Your Genesis GV80?

With colder weather approaching, many Genesis GV80 owners are considering upgrading their dash cams and adding a dedicated battery pack. If you're using your vehicle's original battery to power your dash cam, especially for parking mode recording, you might be concerned about battery drain during winter. A specialized dash cam battery pack can protect your car's main battery and ensure continuous recording, which is crucial for preventing hit-and-run incidents. While not strictly necessary for every driver, if you frequently park for extended periods or require high-definition footage, a dash cam battery pack is a worthwhile investment. It allows for long parking recordings without stressing your car's battery, ensuring you have vital evidence if an accident occurs.

Glossary:

• Original Battery: The standard lead-acid battery installed by the vehicle manufacturer.
• Parking Mode Recording: Dash cam feature that records video even when the car's engine is off, consuming significant battery power.

A Closer Look at the Thinkware QXD1000 Dash Cam

In this installation, the Genesis GV80 owner opted to upgrade from a previous dash cam to the Thinkware QXD1000. This model offers impressive clarity with front QHD (2560x1440) and rear QHD (2560x1440) recording capabilities. Such high resolution ensures that license plates and road details are clearly visible, day or night, and even in adverse weather conditions. This clarity is invaluable for accurately assessing any incidents. The owner was already well-informed about the product's specifications and expressed satisfaction with the choice. A high-definition dash cam does more than just record; it acts as a vital tool for driver safety and asset protection.

Glossary:

• QHD (Quad High Definition): A resolution of 2560x1440 pixels, offering 77% more detail than Full HD (1920x1080).

Cellstar ES135 Battery Pack: Reliable Parking Mode

Alongside the dash cam upgrade, a Cellstar ES135 battery pack was installed. This unit is designed to power the dash cam during parking mode, preventing the vehicle's original battery from being drained. It charges while the car is being driven and then supplies power to the dash cam when the engine is off, ensuring uninterrupted recording without compromising your car's starting power. This setup is particularly beneficial for drivers who need continuous surveillance, such as those concerned about vandalism or needing to document parking lot incidents.

Dash Cam and Battery Pack Installation Process:

1. Component Placement: The dash cam units (front and rear) are carefully mounted on the windshield and rear window, respectively. The battery pack is typically concealed in a less visible area, such as under the dashboard or near the fuse box.
2. Wiring: Power and ground wires are run discreetly through the vehicle's interior trim panels. The dash cam's power cable connects to the battery pack, and the battery pack is hardwired into the vehicle's fuse box, often using an add-a-circuit fuse tap for a clean connection.
3. Parking Mode Setup: The system is configured to activate parking mode when the vehicle's ignition is turned off. The battery pack's charging and discharging parameters are set to optimize performance and battery longevity.
4. Testing: All functions are tested, including recording quality (day and night), parking mode activation, and battery pack charging/discharging cycles, to ensure everything operates correctly.

This comprehensive installation ensures your Genesis GV80 is equipped with advanced recording capabilities, providing peace of mind whether you're driving or parked. The combination of a high-resolution dash cam and a dedicated battery pack offers robust protection against unexpected events.