Will my dashcam/radar detector/device work with a Dongar?Updated 6 days ago
The Dongar adapter is intended to provide generic power via USB (5V-12V or 5V from older devices). This design intention is supposed to give you the same versatility you get when using one power block on a wall outlet to power different devices. But while we aspire to create a universal power source for multiple devices, a device manufacturer may not be as universal in letting you power their device. The below are a collection of popular manufacturers and devices of theirs that require additional consideration:
Garmin
pre-2020 Dash cams (45/55/65W and older)
Proprietary Garmin cable required for power
These devices require the Garmin proprietary USB cable to see power. This cable also requires a USB-A port. Most Dongar adapters have a USB-C port and therefore will not be compatible with this cable. If your vehicle uses an older Dongar adapter with a USB-A port, then these older Garmins can be used with our Dongar with the Garmin cable. But this will also entail managing the length of the cable.
Mini2, Garmin 57, 67 and others
Additional cable purchase required
This generation of dashcams require a microUSB cable for power. Not every Dongar kit includes a microUSB shorty cable, and so an additional purchase may be necessary. Please reach out to Dongar support to see if your kit will include a microUSB cable.
x110/x210/x310
Error message shows when using Dongar power
When powered with the Dongar shorty cable, these dashcams will show an error message stating that the camera will not charge. However, these cameras see power and work normally. Users reporting needing to clear the message manually if they prefer.
Nextbase (Non-PiQo)
Additional cable purchase required
The majority of Nextbase dashcams require a mini USB cable for power. The only exception is the Nextbase PiQo which use USB-C for power. Most Dongar kits do not include a miniUSB cable, so this must be purchased separately if you want to use a shorty cable with your Dongar adapter. Please contact support to verify if your kit will include this cable or if you need to purchase separately.
Viofo/Rove/RedTiger/70Mai
Camera-specific Parking Mode unavailable with Dongar Pro
The above cameras do not switch to “parking mode” when powered with a Dongar Pro and the vehicle is switched off. This is a power-saving mode in which the devices go into low power mode where the camera uses sensors to trigger recording on when noise and motion are detected and saves lower resolution video. The manufacturer engineered their product to look for their proprietary hardwire kit to use this mode. If a user uses a Dongar Pro to power these devices, these cameras will instead continue constant recording as if the vehicle is still powered on. This means users will still be able to capture video with their camera and Dongar Pro, just without the device’s power mode. Users who want to be able to use the cameras’ Parking Mode should consider the Pro+ instead.
Blackvue/Thinkware
Additional cable purchase required
These devices require a 12V power source with a DC barrel plug cable. Dongar adapters can provide this power when using a USB-C to DC barrel plug cable. A short version of these cables are available for purchase on our website.
Uniden/Valentine/Escort
Additional cable purchase required
These devices require a 12V power source with a RJ11 cable. Dongar adapters can provide this power when using a USB-C to RJ11 cable. A short version of these cables are available for purchase on our website.
If you have a question about any device, whether mentioned here or not, please contact Dongar Support for any additional information.