Struggling to figure out what’s up with your Rexing V1LG battery? Let’s get straight to it: the Rexing V1LG dash cam uses a 450mAh 3.7V rechargeable lithium-ion battery that’s actually designed for emergency use only, not for continuous recording or extended parking mode. If you’ve noticed your dash cam’s internal battery only holds a charge for a few minutes once you turn off your car, don’t worry, that’s completely normal and how it’s supposed to work. It’s a common misconception, but your V1LG is meant to be plugged into your car’s 12V charging port or hardwired all the time for it to function correctly.
This guide is going to walk you through everything about the Rexing V1LG battery, from what it does and how long it lasts, to how you can potentially replace it if it stops doing its emergency job. We’ll also clear up some common confusion about dash cam batteries versus supercapacitors, and help you understand why your V1LG behaves the way it does. Think of this as your go-to resource for keeping your Rexing V1LG running smoothly and reliably for all your driving adventures.
Why Your Rexing V1LG Battery Matters and Why It’s Not What You Think
Alright, let’s talk about dash cam power. When you first get a dash cam, you might assume its internal battery is like your phone’s — ready to power it for hours off the charger. But with the Rexing V1LG, and many other dash cams, that’s not really the case.
Understanding Dash Cam Power: Batteries vs. Capacitors
This is a big one, and it’s where a lot of the confusion comes from. Generally, dash cams use one of two main power sources internally: lithium-ion batteries or supercapacitors. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses.
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Lithium-ion Batteries Like in Your V1LG:
Your Rexing V1LG comes equipped with a lithium-ion battery. These batteries are great at storing a decent amount of energy in a small package, which is why they’re in almost every portable gadget we own. For dash cams, especially models like the V1LG, this internal battery is there for a very specific, limited purpose. It allows the camera to record for a short period around 5-10 minutes right after external power is cut, giving it enough juice to save your current recording file safely in the event of an accident or if the power connection is lost. This is super important because it prevents corrupted files that can happen if the camera just suddenly loses all power.
However, lithium-ion batteries have a few downsides, especially in a car environment. They are sensitive to extreme temperatures. Imagine your car sitting in direct sunlight all day in the summer. the inside can get seriously hot! These high temperatures can degrade lithium-ion batteries much faster, shortening their lifespan. The same goes for very cold temperatures. This constant exposure to charging and discharging cycles, combined with temperature extremes, means these batteries often have a shorter overall life compared to supercapacitors.
Supercapacitors:
Now, let’s talk about supercapacitors. You’ll find these in many higher-end dash cams, and for good reason. Supercapacitors store energy differently, relying on electrostatic principles rather than chemical reactions. What does that mean for you? Rexing M4 Dash Cam: Your Ultimate Road Guardian?
- Temperature Resilience: Supercapacitors can handle a much wider temperature range, typically from -20°C to 70°C, making them far more reliable in scorching summers or freezing winters. This is a huge advantage over lithium-ion batteries, which generally perform best between -10°C and 60°C.
- Longevity: They boast a significantly longer lifespan, often rated for hundreds of thousands of charge/discharge cycles, sometimes up to half a million cycles, compared to the 500-1000 cycles for a typical lithium-ion battery. This means a dash cam with a supercapacitor is likely to last longer without needing its internal power source replaced.
- Safety: Supercapacitors are also considered safer, with a much lower risk of overheating, swelling, or other hazards that can sometimes plague lithium-ion batteries.
The main trade-off with supercapacitors is that they store less energy than lithium-ion batteries. This means they can’t power a dash cam for extended periods like a traditional battery, especially for parking mode. They’re primarily there to safely shut down the device and save files, much like the V1LG’s battery, but with greater durability. If you want parking mode with a supercapacitor dash cam, you’ll almost always need a hardwire kit or an external battery pack to provide continuous power.
The Rexing V1LG’s Specific Role:
Since your Rexing V1LG uses a lithium-ion battery, it’s really important to understand that it’s not designed to be unplugged and used. The dash cam needs to be constantly connected to power through your car’s cigarette lighter adapter or a hardwire kit to record properly. That little internal battery is just a safety net, a last line of defense to make sure your important footage isn’t lost if power suddenly cuts out.
So, if you’ve ever gotten frustrated because your V1LG dies almost immediately after you turn off your car, know that it’s actually doing exactly what it’s supposed to do: saving your current recording and then shutting down, waiting for you to plug it back in.
Rexing V1LG Battery Life: What to Expect and How to Extend It
We know the Rexing V1LG has a lithium-ion battery for emergencies. But how long should that emergency battery itself last? And what can you do to keep it in good shape? Decoding Your Level 2 EV Charger Time
Typical Lifespan
From what I’ve seen and heard from other users, the internal lithium-ion battery in a Rexing V1LG, or similar dash cams, typically has a lifespan of about 1 to 2 years. Some users have reported theirs dying even sooner, especially if the camera is regularly exposed to harsh conditions. This isn’t necessarily a fault of Rexing. it’s more about the nature of lithium-ion batteries and the demanding environment of a car. After this period, the battery might swell, stop holding any charge at all, or just fail to properly save files when power is disconnected. This is when you’d notice the camera not turning on for even those brief 5-10 minutes after you turn off the ignition.
Factors Affecting Battery Life
Several things can impact how long your V1LG’s internal battery will last:
- Heat: This is probably the biggest killer of dash cam batteries. Cars get incredibly hot, especially when parked in the sun. Lithium-ion batteries degrade much faster at high temperatures. If you live in a warm climate, or your car sits outside a lot, expect a shorter battery life.
- Constant Charging/Discharging: While the battery isn’t powering the device constantly, it’s always being trickle-charged when the car is on, and then slightly discharged when the car turns off and it performs its emergency shutdown. This constant topping off and slight usage contributes to wear and tear over time. Batteries, ideally, like to stay between 20% and 80% charge for maximum longevity, and a dash cam battery rarely gets that luxury.
- Usage Frequency: The more often your car is started and stopped, the more cycles the battery goes through charging, then discharging for shutdown. While it’s not a primary factor like heat, it still plays a role.
- Manufacturing Quality: Like any electronic component, there can be variations in the quality of individual battery cells.
Tips for Extension
Since the battery’s primary role is emergency shutdown, and it’s designed to be constantly powered externally, there isn’t a lot you can do to “extend” its operational life in the traditional sense of unplugging it and using it. However, you can try to preserve its health to ensure it’s there for those crucial emergency shutdowns:
- Parking in the Shade: Whenever possible, try to park your car in the shade. Reducing the internal temperature of your car will directly benefit your dash cam’s battery and overall electronics.
- Window Reflectors: Using a sunshade in your windshield can help keep the cabin temperature down, indirectly protecting your dash cam.
- Proper Power Connection: Always ensure your V1LG is properly connected to your car’s 12V power source when the car is on. Don’t rely on the internal battery for anything more than its intended emergency function. Using the approved Rexing charger is also important to prevent damage.
- Avoid USB Charging: Remember, the V1LG cannot be charged via a USB port, only through the 12V charging port. Trying to charge it incorrectly can damage the device.
Honestly, the best way to “extend” its life is to understand its limitations and accept that the internal battery is a consumable part that will likely need replacement after a couple of years.
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Rexing V1LG Battery Replacement: Is It Even Necessary?
So, your Rexing V1LG battery is probably showing its age. Maybe it’s not holding a charge at all, or perhaps you’ve even noticed the dash cam restarting or not saving files properly after you turn off your car. When that happens, you might wonder: is a battery replacement something I should even consider?
When to Consider a Replacement
You should definitely start thinking about replacing your Rexing V1LG battery if:
- It won’t save files: The most critical function of that internal battery is to provide enough power to safely finalize and save the current video file when external power is cut like when you turn off your car. If your camera is just shutting off abruptly or showing corrupted files, the battery is likely toast.
- It won’t turn on briefly: After you unplug the power, the camera should stay on for those 5-10 emergency minutes. If it dies instantly, the battery is no longer functional.
- The battery is swelling: This is a big one. If you can see or feel any bulging in the dash cam casing, it could be a swollen lithium-ion battery. This is a safety hazard and definitely means it’s time for a replacement.
- Error messages related to power: Some dash cams might display warnings if the internal battery is failing.
It’s worth noting that if your V1LG is still performing its core function recording when powered by the car, but the internal battery just isn’t giving you those few minutes of emergency power, you might decide a replacement isn’t critical for your needs. However, if file saving is compromised, it defeats a major safety purpose of the dash cam.
The Capacitor Alternative For Other Models, Not V1LG
Now, I know some of you might be thinking, “Why can’t I just put a supercapacitor in my V1LG?” That’s a great question, and it speaks to the durability benefits of capacitors we talked about earlier. However, the Rexing V1LG was designed with a lithium-ion battery. While some advanced users might attempt a capacitor conversion, it’s generally not a straightforward swap due to differences in charging circuits and power management. Most often, if you want a capacitor-based dash cam, it’s best to buy a model that was designed with one from the start. The V1LG is a battery-based model, and any replacement should stick to a compatible lithium-ion battery.
Finding the Right Rexing V1LG Battery Replacement
If you’ve decided to go ahead with a replacement, here’s what you need to look for: Rexing V1 Loop Recording: Your Ultimate Guide to Never Missing a Moment
- Battery Specifications: The Rexing V1LG uses a 450mAh 3.7V rechargeable lithium-ion battery. You’ll want to find a replacement with similar voltage 3.7V and capacity mAh. A slightly higher mAh, like 500mAh, might offer a tiny bit more emergency time, but don’t go too crazy, as physical size can become an issue. One user noted replacing a 320mAh with a 350mAh, finding it thicker but still fitting.
- Physical Size: This is crucial. Dash cams are compact, and there’s often very little wiggle room inside. Make sure the dimensions of your replacement battery match the original as closely as possible. You might need to open your dash cam first to measure the existing battery accurately before ordering a new one.
- Connector Type: The battery will likely have a small, specific connector that plugs into the dash cam’s circuit board. Ideally, you want a replacement battery that comes with the same connector. If not, you’ll need to carefully cut and solder the wires from your old connector onto the new battery, which adds a bit more complexity. Some users have opted to cut the wires from the old battery and solder them directly to the new one, avoiding the need for matching connectors on the new battery.
- Where to Buy: Many users find suitable replacement batteries on online marketplaces like eBay or AliExpress by searching for the battery’s specific numbers and dimensions. Just make sure you’re buying from a reputable seller and check reviews.
Remember, always prioritize safety when dealing with batteries. Don’t use damaged or leaking batteries, and dispose of them properly.
How to Change Your Rexing V1LG Battery or Capacitor if it was one
Alright, if you’re feeling a bit handy and have decided to tackle a Rexing V1LG battery replacement yourself, I’m going to walk you through the general steps. Just a heads-up: this process often involves soldering, and it requires a steady hand and some basic tools. If you’re not comfortable with soldering, it might be worth asking a friend who is, or looking for a local electronics repair shop. Rexing’s manual also suggests taking it to an authorized service center for repairs, as disassembling it can void your warranty.
Disclaimer: Proceed with caution. Opening your dash cam can void your warranty, and improper handling of lithium-ion batteries can be dangerous. This guide is for informational purposes. if you’re unsure, seek professional help.
Tools Needed
Before you start, gather these: Unlock More with Rexing: Your Essential Guide to Product Registration
- Small Phillips head screwdriver: For opening the dash cam casing.
- Prying tool plastic spudger: To gently separate the casing halves without scratching.
- Replacement battery: Make sure it matches the specifications and size of your original 450mAh 3.7V lithium-ion, or close.
- Soldering iron and solder: Essential if your new battery doesn’t have the exact same connector as the old one, or if you prefer to solder directly to the board.
- Wire strippers: For stripping insulation if you’re soldering new wires.
- Electrical tape or heat shrink tubing: For insulating soldered connections.
- Flux optional but recommended: Helps solder flow better.
- Tweezers or small pliers: For handling small wires.
- Magnifying glass optional: Can help with precision work.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Power Down and Disconnect: First things first, make sure your Rexing V1LG is completely powered off and disconnected from all power sources. No car charger, no USB cables, nothing.
- Remove SD Card: Pop out your Micro SD card. You don’t want to damage it during the process.
- Disassemble the Casing:
- Look for small Phillips head screws on the casing, usually around the edges or under stickers/feet. The V1LG typically has four small screws.
- Carefully remove these screws and keep them somewhere safe, they are tiny!
- Once the screws are out, gently use your plastic prying tool to separate the two halves of the dash cam’s casing. Take your time and be gentle. there might be internal clips holding it together. Watch out for any ribbon cables connecting the display to the main board. you don’t want to accidentally rip those.
- You might need to remove the camera holders/positioners first.
- Locate the Battery: Inside, you’ll see the main circuit board and the lithium-ion battery. It’s usually a small, rectangular pouch or cylinder, often wrapped in yellow or black insulation, with two wires red and black leading to the circuit board.
- Inspect the Old Battery: Check if the old battery is swollen or leaking. If it is, handle it with extra care.
- Disconnect the Old Battery:
- If your new battery has the same connector: Carefully unplug the old battery’s connector from the circuit board.
- If your new battery does NOT have the same connector most common scenario: This is where soldering comes in. You’ll need to cut the wires close to the old battery. Crucially, cut only one wire at a time e.g., black, then red to avoid accidentally short-circuiting the battery. This can cause sparks or damage.
- Many users recommend cutting the wires near the old battery and then soldering the new battery’s wires directly to the existing wires that are still attached to the board. This avoids needing to desolder from the main board, which can be trickier.
- Prepare the New Battery Wires:
- If you’ve cut the old wires, gently strip a small amount of insulation about 1/8 to 1/4 inch from the ends of the red and black wires coming from the main board, and from the red and black wires of your new battery.
- Twist the exposed copper strands of each wire to prevent fraying.
- Solder the New Battery:
- Always match red to red and black to black. Polarity is extremely important.
- Apply a small amount of flux to the exposed wire ends if you’re using it.
- Heat the exposed wire ends with your soldering iron, then apply a small amount of solder to “tin” them.
- Carefully twist the tinned red wire from the board with the tinned red wire from the new battery. Heat them together with your soldering iron and apply a tiny bit more solder to create a solid connection. Do the same for the black wires.
- After each connection, slide a piece of heat shrink tubing over the soldered joint and heat it gently with a heat gun or the side of your soldering iron, carefully to insulate the connection. If you don’t have heat shrink, wrap it securely with electrical tape.
- Secure the New Battery: Once the connections are solid and insulated, carefully position the new battery inside the casing. Use double-sided adhesive tape if necessary to keep it from moving around. Ensure no wires are pinched or obstructing the reassembly.
- Test Before Full Reassembly: Before putting all the screws back in, you might want to briefly connect the dash cam to your car’s power to see if it turns on. If it does, disconnect it and see if the new battery provides power for the emergency shutdown. If everything looks good, proceed.
- Reassemble the Casing: Carefully align the two halves of the dash cam casing and snap them back together. Reinsert all the small screws you removed earlier.
- Final Test: Plug the dash cam back into your car and confirm it’s working as expected.
This whole process can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on your experience with small electronics and soldering. Take your time, be patient, and prioritize safety.
Rexing V1LG Battery Size and Specifications
Knowing the exact specs of your Rexing V1LG battery is super important, especially if you’re looking for a replacement. Let’s break down what you need to know.
The Rexing V1LG comes with an internal 450mAh milliampere-hour 3.7V volt rechargeable lithium-ion battery.
Let’s unpack those numbers: What is a J1772 Adapter? Your Essential Guide to EV Charging
- mAh milliampere-hour: This is a measure of the battery’s capacity, essentially how much “fuel” it holds. A 450mAh battery means it can theoretically deliver 450 milliamps of current for one hour. For the V1LG, this small capacity is why it only provides 5-10 minutes of emergency power. If you find a slightly higher mAh battery e.g., 500mAh that fits physically, it might give you a tiny bit more buffer time, but it won’t magically turn your dash cam into a portable video recorder.
- V Volts: This is the battery’s voltage. Most single-cell lithium-ion batteries operate at a nominal voltage of 3.7V. It’s crucial that any replacement battery matches this voltage exactly. Using a battery with a different voltage could damage your dash cam’s internal electronics.
- Lithium-ion: This describes the chemical composition of the battery. As discussed, these batteries are common but sensitive to temperature extremes and have a limited lifespan compared to capacitors.
- Physical Dimensions: While the exact dimensions aren’t usually listed in the general specifications, you’ll definitely want to measure your original battery once you’ve opened the casing. You’ll need to consider length, width, and thickness to ensure your replacement battery fits snugly inside the dash cam’s compact housing. Remember that slight variations in mAh can sometimes lead to slight differences in physical size, as one user found when replacing a 320mAh battery with a thicker 350mAh one.
When searching for a “Rexing V1LG battery replacement” online, make sure to cross-reference these specifications. Often, you’ll find generic “dash cam batteries” that match the 3.7V and similar mAh ratings. Pay close attention to the product images and any listed dimensions.
Rexing V1LG Battery Pack vs. Internal Battery
Sometimes people get confused between the internal battery in their V1LG and what a “battery pack” for a dash cam might mean. Let’s clarify that.
Internal Battery what your V1LG has:
As we’ve covered, the Rexing V1LG has an internal 450mAh lithium-ion battery permanently installed inside its casing. Its sole purpose is to provide those crucial 5-10 minutes of power for emergency file saving when your car’s engine is turned off or external power is disconnected. It’s not meant to power the dash cam for extended periods, and it’s not something you regularly remove or swap out like you would with a camera or phone battery.
External Battery Pack typically for parking mode with capacitor dash cams:
An “external battery pack” or “dash cam battery pack” is a completely different beast. These are separate devices, usually much larger than the V1LG’s internal battery, that you buy as an accessory. They are designed to: Does tesla come with j1772 adapter
- Provide extended parking mode: Dash cams with supercapacitors which can’t hold a charge for long often rely on these external battery packs to power them for hours, or even days, after the car’s engine is off, enabling continuous parking surveillance without draining your car’s main battery.
- Protect your car battery: Instead of drawing power directly from your car’s 12V battery in parking mode, the dash cam draws from the external battery pack, which is then recharged when you drive. This prevents wear and tear on your car’s battery.
- Offer higher capacity: These packs typically have capacities ranging from thousands to tens of thousands of mAh, far more than the tiny internal battery in your V1LG.
Does the Rexing V1LG use an external battery pack?
No, the Rexing V1LG, by default, is not designed to connect to an external battery pack in the same way some capacitor-based dash cams are for extended parking mode. It’s meant to be hardwired or continuously plugged into your car’s 12V cigarette lighter. If you want parking mode functionality with a V1LG, you would typically use a hardwire kit that connects directly to your car’s fuse box, providing constant power even when the engine is off and often includes a low-voltage cut-off to prevent draining your car battery. Rexing sells various hardwire kits for their dash cams, which are more applicable to the V1LG for parking mode than an external battery pack.
So, if you’re looking to upgrade your V1LG’s power storage for longer recording while parked, you’re generally looking at a hardwire kit installation, not an external battery pack for the internal battery. The internal battery serves its specific emergency function, and that’s it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of battery does the Rexing V1LG use?
The Rexing V1LG dash cam uses a 450mAh 3.7V rechargeable lithium-ion battery internally. This battery is specifically for emergency power off functions, allowing the camera to save the current recording before shutting down when external power is lost.
How long should the Rexing V1LG battery last on a full charge?
The internal battery in the Rexing V1LG is not designed for continuous operation or long-term power. On a full charge, it’s intended to provide power for only 5-10 minutes to safely finalize and save video files after your car’s engine is turned off or power is disconnected. It will not power the dash cam for extended periods like a phone battery. Who is Jason Rexilius? A Modern Architect of Innovation
Can I replace the Rexing V1LG battery myself?
Yes, it is possible to replace the Rexing V1LG battery yourself, but it usually involves opening the dash cam casing and performing some soldering to connect the new battery. This process requires small tools like screwdrivers, a soldering iron, and wire strippers. If you’re not comfortable with soldering or working with small electronics, it might be best to seek assistance from someone experienced or consider professional repair.
Why is my Rexing V1LG battery dying so quickly?
It’s common for the internal lithium-ion battery in the Rexing V1LG to degrade and show a shorter life or no life at all after about 1 to 2 years of use. This is largely due to factors like exposure to high temperatures inside a parked car, and the constant charging/discharging cycles. The battery might swell or fail to hold any charge, preventing it from saving files properly during emergency shutdowns.
Where can I buy a replacement battery for my Rexing V1LG?
You can often find suitable replacement batteries on online marketplaces such as eBay or AliExpress. When searching, look for a 450mAh 3.7V lithium-ion battery with similar physical dimensions to the original. It’s recommended to open your dash cam first to measure the existing battery and note any specific part numbers or connector types to ensure compatibility.
Is the Rexing V1LG battery a capacitor or a traditional battery?
The Rexing V1LG specifically uses a traditional 450mAh 3.7V lithium-ion battery, not a supercapacitor. While many newer or higher-end dash cams use supercapacitors for better durability and temperature resistance, the V1LG relies on a standard rechargeable battery for its emergency power functions.
Can I use an external battery pack with my Rexing V1LG for parking mode?
The Rexing V1LG’s internal battery is only for emergency shutdowns, not extended parking mode. For parking mode functionality, you would typically need to hardwire your V1LG to your car’s fuse box using a dedicated hardwire kit. This provides continuous power and usually includes a low-voltage cut-off feature to protect your car’s battery. The V1LG is not designed to connect directly to an external, high-capacity dash cam battery pack for extended power. Rexing Motorized Wireless Charging Car Mount: Your Ultimate Road Companion
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