Thinkware U3000 Pro Dashcam in Macan EV

[bbmertz]

After prolonged research I decided to purchase the Thinkware U3000 Pro 2-channel dashcam with the new Thinkware Connected LTE module. I had initially considered getting the Blackview DR970X 2-CH LTE plus since they were the only full-feature cloud enabled remote viewing Dashcam with an effective parking mode until the U3000 Pro was recently released. Reviews of the U3000 Pro highlight high-quality images and night vision along with a parking mode with very low battery drain. I’ve read that the Thinkware Connected app is not as robust as the Blackvue app, however I like that it does not require a paid subscription for the first three years not a SIM card/hotspot from a wireless carrier.

For those of you considering a dashcam purchase, I highly recommend contacting Blackboxmycar since they were extremely responsive and thorough in replying to all my questions. One useful piece of advice from them is that the U3000 Pro should be installed using the iRoad OBD2 IM300 power cable rather than included OBD2 cable. I’ll update you on the dashcam functionality after it arrives and is installed during the first week of February.

In the meantime, I’d be happy to hear others thoughts, suggestions and experiences regarding the Thinkware U3000 Pro.

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[PrudentOcean]

One useful piece of advice from them is that the U3000 Pro should be installed using the iRoad OBD2 IM300 power cable rather than included OBD2 cable.

Can you elaborate on why that is?

 

[bbmertz]

I don’t know the technical reason since I’m not savvy about vehicle electronics. The Blackboxmycar rep just mentioned that the U3000 Pro didn’t work with the Thinkware OBD cable (which is included with the dashcam) when installed in the Macan EV.

Fwiw, he also mentioned that the Blackvue DR970X is a safer option than the newer Blackvue Elite 9/10 in the Macan EV since it can switch into parking mode automatically after the vehicle has been stationary for a few minutes.

 

[platypus]

I also have a Thinkware U3000 with an external battery, and have been happy with it. Main reason I got it is because it was the only one with an extended parking mode (~10-15 days), which I need because my car is parked in a shared underground garage.

I remember my installer struggled to find the correct power supply at the time. And I do want to say that my car is having the 1% daily battery drain issue that others have experienced (and currently at the dealership for this reason), but they've tried disconnecting everything dashcam related and it didn't change anything.

 

[bbmertz]

Glad to hear that you’ve been happy with the Thinkware U3000. The extended parking mode with a low power draw was definitely a feature that interested me.

I was informed that using the U3000 Pro with the iRoad IM300 OBD2 power cable would make an external battery unnecessary. I’ll let you know how it goes with the installer next week.

 

[platypus]

Good to know, and indeed I'm not quite sure how they installed mine. I believe they didn't use the OBD port, but I may be wrong. I went with the battery because that's the only way you can get to 10-15 days of parking mode, which you may not need?

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