Post by: Flapp_Jackson on June 15, 2023, 07:40:11 PM
This is one very good reason to get a dash cam apart from all the other good reasons: evidence to assign fault in actual wrecks, vandalism, hit and run, etc.
Wire the camera into the car's power (battery or fuse box) with a device to turn it off when the car battery drops to below 11.8v or so. Really cheap on Amazon or may be included with some cameras.
They also make external lithium dash cam batteries that charge when you turn the engine on and supply power to the camera when the car is off -- prevents any chance of killing the car battery and likely lasts longer, too. It allows "surveillance/parking mode" when not driving.
i'm thinking of upgrading my front-only camera and getting one with higher resolution, 360º coverage (front, interior, rear -- maybe side, too), and more channels for more cameras.
Teslas seem to have them already, and there are YT channels just for Tesla-recorded incidents.
I also want a telephoto camera in front to capture license plates. The wide angle lenses on dash cams don't have the frame rate and/or pixels to pick up license plates so they can be read easily especially in low light. Some newer models have the telephoto built into the front camera, or you can just add another single-use telephoto dash cam for this purpose. I notice many drivers will call out license plates when something happens, because they know the camera rarely gets the plates, but the audio will pick up the driver's voice.
It's possible to install a separate camera in each direction, but a dash cam with multiple cameras not only integrates them so you can view all the recordings simultaneously and in synch, but you can also view all the cameras live on the main unit. Good for parking, monitoring the camper or trailer while towing, etc.
https://youtu.be/QBlNAvqxTcg
Post by: oldfart on June 15, 2023, 09:07:05 PM
I've been dashcamming since 2016. Very amusing stuff.
I seen some winnaz
Post by: Flapp_Jackson on June 15, 2023, 09:32:15 PM
Isn't it sad that scams (of all sorts) are becoming such a problem for ordinary people just trying to live a decent happy life?
I've been dashcamming since 2016. Very amusing stuff.
I seen some winnaz
Yes. We live in a time where if there's no video, you can't convince others of the truth. People believe the "victims" stories because that's the way we've been programmed by politicians and the media.
We're also at a point where we need to have a body cam or phone constantly recording to keep from being accused of everything under the sun or to prove what others said or did.
Post by: ren on June 15, 2023, 09:33:43 PM
Post by: QUIETShooter on June 15, 2023, 09:52:46 PM
It's the new culture. Lie and believe your lie. And make others believe your lie. Your only defense as a victim is probably these devices. More and more people are becoming delusional liars.
From the highest government officials, Law Enforcement, the Media, all the way down to the inner city momma and deadbeat dad that claims their son was just a good boy, our nation has become a den of liars. Everybody in-between, whether yellow, black, white, brown, green, or purple are not exempt.
Post by: Flapp_Jackson on June 15, 2023, 09:54:58 PM
Mine just broke. Any recommendations?
When looking for a new dash cam, first decide how many lenses you want. They market the cameras with number of channels:
1 - forward facing
2 - forward & rear facing
3 - forward, rear & interior facing
I'm thinking of a 3 channel myself.
Thinkware and Blackvue brands are more expensive, but seem to have the most features and quality.
I've been watching some reviews, and this one seems to be a good mid-priced camera system with 2 or 3 channels offering new tech and features. You can get the number of channels you want to start with, then add more later if needed (same front camera for each 1/2/3 channel bundles):
VIOFO A139 PRO 3CH FIRST REAL 4K HDR 3 CHANNEL
FRONT+INTERIOR+REAR DASHCAM WITH
SONY STARVIS 2 IMX678 SENSOR
https://viofo.com/dash-cam/293-viofo-a139-pro-3ch-first-real-4k-hdr-3-channel-frontinteriorrear-dashcam-with-sony-starvis-2-imx678-sensor.html
Post by: hvybarrels on June 15, 2023, 10:03:14 PM
Post by: RSN172 on June 15, 2023, 10:03:56 PM
Post by: Flapp_Jackson on June 15, 2023, 10:09:21 PM
Dashcams and everything else associated with this topic is because the US as a nation has become a den of liars.
It's the new culture. Lie and believe your lie. And make others believe your lie. Your only defense as a victim is probably these devices. More and more people are becoming delusional liars.
From the highest government officials, Law Enforcement, the Media, all the way down to the inner city momma and deadbeat dad that claims their son was just a good boy, our nation has become a den of liars. Everybody in-between, whether yellow, black, white, brown, green, or purple are not exempt.
Unfortunately, that's true. Friend of mine was rear-ended while he and his wife sat behind a city bus. Lady hits them and asks to handle it without insurance. She was Navy, and he's retired Navy Chief, so he decided to cut her a break. next day he finds out she filed a report with her insurance saying he backed into her trying to go around the bus. Luckily he'd gotten the number of a witness at the scene, so he was able to refute the claim. After that, he called her supervisor and explained what she did. I bet she's sorry she lied now, but it didn't stop her then.
Too many stories i know of where the person at the scene was all apologetic and promised to take care of it. After a few hours, they tend to change their story because they convinced you to not call the cops. Better to file a police report before they get their lie figured out.
I had a woman hit my truck as I was turning left. She made a right turn on red, so it was obviously her fault. Next day her insurance company said the husband (who wasn't there until after the cops arrived) told them I was partially at fault because i turned into the far lane rather than into my left lane -- implying if we both turned into the proper lan the accident would not have happened. i told the adjuster that's funny since there's only one lane. They took pictures of the intersection and called me back to tell me i was right -- DUH. Even when the lies are demonstrably false, they still lied! :wtf:
When money is involved, people will throw all integrity out the window! It's the "You're lying!" -- "Yeah? Prove it!" situation over and over. Most times, there's no real penalty for lying. They just claim to have been mistaken..
Post by: Flapp_Jackson on June 15, 2023, 10:24:07 PM
My daughter drove the truck to HPU before they moved to Aloha Tower. After class, she got in and drove home. It wasn't until i was going to work next morning that we saw the damage on the passenger side. Someone really crushed the 2 doors on that side. Hit & run. Since it was not on the side she got in and out of, she never saw it until i asked about it.
If we'd had a dash cam in parking mode, we probably would have seen the vehicle and driver -- enough for a police report. instead, we had to pay the deductible and use our insurance.
With the advent of road rage today, you really need to protect yourself from the crazies, too. So many videos online of road rage idiots causing crashes and either blaming the victims or leaving the scene.
If I catch someone lying and know I should have it on video, i'm just going to keep my mouth shut. Better to call the cops and then watch the video than alert the liars so they can change their stories. Often they just leave the scene if you point out the camera rather than stick around and be charged with the accident. Let them dig their hole, then cover them up. :rofl:
Post by: macsak on June 16, 2023, 05:20:02 AM
starvis 2 just came out, and it's higher res than previous ones
When looking for a new dash cam, first decide how many lenses you want. They market the cameras with number of channels:
1 - forward facing
2 - forward & rear facing
3 - forward, rear & interior facing
I'm thinking of a 3 channel myself.
Thinkware and Blackvue brands are more expensive, but seem to have the most features and quality.
I've been watching some reviews, and this one seems to be a good mid-priced 2 channel with new tech and features. You can get the number of channels you want to start with, then add more later if needed (same front camera for each 1/2/3 channel bundles):
VIOFO A139 PRO 3CH FIRST REAL 4K HDR 3 CHANNEL
FRONT+INTERIOR+REAR DASHCAM WITH
SONY STARVIS 2 IMX678 SENSOR
https://viofo.com/dash-cam/293-viofo-a139-pro-3ch-first-real-4k-hdr-3-channel-frontinteriorrear-dashcam-with-sony-starvis-2-imx678-sensor.html
Post by: changemyoil66 on June 16, 2023, 09:18:38 AM
What makes the Tesla one good is that it comes with the car. So no needing to hide wires or tinkering with the electrical and risking a short for those who don't know how to DIY too well.
The camera is constantly rolling and when you honk the horn, it saves 30 mins prior to the honk. Also you can view your cameras when you're away from your car via the Tesla app. I often do this when I'm double parked or on a trip off island.
With the security system engaged, when someone walks by your parked car, the video records and from a few mins prior to the motion alert. This can be humbug though as my OCD kicks in and I clear my date the 1st of the month. But b4 I delete recordings, I make sure there's no damage to my car.
But this isn't a plug to buy a Tesla because of it's camera system. It's just my XP with it and I have no XP with other systems. And I am an indoor dog, so for me to DIY a camera system won't happen. I would pay a professional to do it, which means it will cost more and I won't do it.
Post by: Flapp_Jackson on June 16, 2023, 01:45:18 PM
The attempted kidnapping in Hawaii Kai, they're asking for a Tesla SUV to check their cameras since Tesla's come with 360 cameras and interior.
What makes the Tesla one good is that it comes with the car. So no needing to hide wires or tinkering with the electrical and risking a short for those who don't know how to DIY too well.
The camera is constantly rolling and when you honk the horn, it saves 30 mins prior to the honk. Also you can view your cameras when you're away from your car via the Tesla app. I often do this when I'm double parked or on a trip off island.
With the security system engaged, when someone walks by your parked car, the video records and from a few mins prior to the motion alert. This can be humbug though as my OCD kicks in and I clear my date the 1st of the month. But b4 I delete recordings, I make sure there's no damage to my car.
But this isn't a plug to buy a Tesla because of it's camera system. It's just my XP with it and I have no XP with other systems. And I am an indoor dog, so for me to DIY a camera system won't happen. I would pay a professional to do it, which means it will cost more and I won't do it.
Many cameras offer or include an installation kit that includes everything you need (or most everything -- might need to add fuse taps for your type of fuses) along with online videos for how-to. If you can change a fuse, find a ground, understand which fuses are switched and constant-on (1 for normal driving operation and 1 for parking mode) and can run a few wires, the process is painless. Sometimes figuring out where you want to mount the cameras takes longer than the actual connecting. These multi-channel cameras usually all connect to the base unit in the front windshield, so there's only one power connection to worry about.
The interior and rear facing cameras draw power from the main front facing unit, so you only have to deal with one power cord.
https://youtu.be/BktFxloLXis
Post by: mrgaf on June 16, 2023, 05:22:52 PM
Amazon has an ODB2 cable that can power your dash cam. Can be had with micro, mini and usb-c and has a switch that lets you select switched or constant power to the cam. I got one that also has the ability to sense when battery voltage drops below 11.8V and shuts power off to the cam.
Post by: ren on June 16, 2023, 05:36:42 PM
Many cameras offer or include an installation kit that includes everything you need (or most everything -- might need to add fuse taps for your type of fuses) along with online videos for how-to. If you can change a fuse, find a ground, understand which fuses are switched and constant-on (1 for normal driving operation and 1 for parking mode) and can run a few wires, the process is painless. Sometimes figuring out where you want to mount the cameras takes longer than the actual connecting. These multi-channel cameras usually all connect to the base unit in the front windshield, so there's only one power connection to worry about.
The interior and rear facing cameras draw power from the main front facing unit, so you only have to deal with one power cord.
https://youtu.be/BktFxloLXis
Don't use a light to probe for voltage! Tapping into the fuse box like that is so unprofessional. :-\
Post by: Flapp_Jackson on June 16, 2023, 05:40:12 PM
Don't use a light to probe for voltage! Tapping into the fuse box like that is so unprofessional. :-\
I thought the whole idea behind DIY is you aren't looking for "professional?"
:geekdanc: :thumbsup:
Post by: Sodie on June 16, 2023, 06:59:08 PM
If nothing else, you might capture something interesting like that guy that yeeted his truck over the guardrail on the Moanalua Freeway.
Post by: Flapp_Jackson on June 16, 2023, 10:29:39 PM
Admitting a guilty pleasure… I’ve been bingeing dash cam videos on YT lately. From my non-scientific sample, I see a lot of Viofos and Roves provide pretty good results. With the Rove R3 (front/back/cabin), you can get a kit to wire it into your fuse block, and it will do time lapse while parked and record video for a period of time after sensing acceleration (somebody bumps your car). I think the R2 (front only) will do the same thing.
If nothing else, you might capture something interesting like that guy that yeeted his truck over the guardrail on the Moanalua Freeway.
I copied this from the A139 manual:
Quote
Parking Mode
There are three options for parking mode.
1. Auto Event Detection
Including buffered parking mode, the camera will automatically record a
video sequence (from 15 seconds before the event to 30 seconds after the
event) while a moving object is detected during parking. It will stop
recording without new movements.
2. Time Lapse recording
Time lapse record a video at low frames at 1 / 2 / 3 / 5 / 10 fps, it keeps
recording continuously without audio recorded.
Note: Audio cannot be recorded in time-lapse mode
3. Low Bitrate Recording
This mode records video and audio continuously at low bitrate in
small file size.
Post by: Flapp_Jackson on June 18, 2023, 06:38:07 PM
https://youtu.be/4AnyhHl3_tE
Post by: Flapp_Jackson on June 20, 2023, 09:48:53 PM
The older A139 has the STARVIS 1 CCD, and the front-facing camera can do 2K resolution at up to 30 fps.
The newer A139 Pro is the one with STARVIS 2 CCDs, and can do 4K resloution at a 30 fps depending on how many channels (cameras) are used. or it can run at 60 fps but only at 2k quality.
:thumbsup: :shaka:
Post by: ren on June 20, 2023, 10:00:36 PM
Post by: Flapp_Jackson on June 20, 2023, 11:02:52 PM
thinking of something like this: https://www.instructables.com/DIY-Smart-Car-System/ (https://www.instructables.com/DIY-Smart-Car-System/)
$50? What are you waiting for?
What could possibly go wrong?
:shake: :popcorn:
Post by: RSN172 on June 21, 2023, 06:09:15 AM
$50? What are you waiting for?prices.
What could possibly go wrong?
:shake: :popcorn:
What's that saying, "Buy quality, cry once, buy cheap cry.....?"
Post by: mrgaf on June 21, 2023, 06:38:13 AM
$50? What are you waiting for?
What could possibly go wrong?
:shake: :popcorn:
Looks like a Rube Goldberg to me…. :wave:
Post by: ren on June 21, 2023, 08:55:01 AM
Post by: Flapp_Jackson on June 21, 2023, 11:22:04 AM
I already have a couple Rasp Pis 3s. With Pis are the GPIO pins which can be integrated into car alarms. It just needs a cellular connection to pass info to a user.
If you can find a strong enough WiFi signal nearby, you can connect when you park and have an internet connection for remote camera monitoring and alarm notifications.
I was able to connect to Tony Car Sales' customer WiFi from the Costco parking lot in Waipio. Once that's established, there's no need for a cellular connection for most apps.
Post by: Flapp_Jackson on June 21, 2023, 03:06:42 PM
One takeaway is that the STARVIS 2 is going to become the most used imager for dash and CCTV cameras in the coming years.
Another is how so many fake 4K dash cams are being advertised.
Given the features, technology and price point, I think this is the best quality camera I'd consider buying. You can get 3 channel cameras for half as much, but the image quality and features such as parking mode not as good.
To be honest, most people involved in a fender bender will not need license plate image quality in their dash cam videos. Aside from a hit & run, you're going to be stopping and exchanging information, and you can record the license on your cell along with any damage. But you never know when something will happen that involves the Cops, and having the license number would go a long way toward identifying the other driver.
https://youtu.be/kiyFyfa61Yo
Post by: Flapp_Jackson on June 21, 2023, 08:27:08 PM
Post by: macsak on June 22, 2023, 12:08:44 PM
Post by: macsak on June 22, 2023, 12:09:17 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SowUTOrhzOg
Post by: wirecounter on June 22, 2023, 01:33:18 PM
Post by: Flapp_Jackson on June 22, 2023, 02:35:46 PM
How about using the camera built into our smart phone? S21 Ultra has a 4k front facing camera . . .
As a dash cam?
S21 Ultra Camera Specs:
Quote
MAIN CAMERA Quadhttps://www.gsmarena.com/samsung_galaxy_s21_ultra_5g-10596.php
108 MP, f/1.8, 24mm (wide), 1/1.33", 0.8µm, PDAF, Laser AF, OIS
10 MP, f/4.9, 240mm (periscope telephoto), 1/3.24", 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS, 10x optical zoom
10 MP, f/2.4, 72mm (telephoto), 1/3.24", 1.22µm, dual pixel PDAF, OIS, 3x optical zoom
12 MP, f/2.2, 13mm (ultrawide), 1/2.55", 1.4µm, dual pixel PDAF, Super Steady video
Features LED flash, auto-HDR, panorama
Video
- 8K@24fps,
- 4K@30/60fps,
- 1080p@30/60/240fps,
- 720p@960fps,
- HDR10+, stereo sound rec., gyro-EIS
SELFIE CAMERA Single
40 MP, f/2.2, 26mm (wide), 1/2.8", 0.7µm, PDAF
Features Dual video call, Auto-HDR
Video 4K@30/60fps, 1080p@30fps
VIOFO A139 PRO Camera Specs
Quote
Image Sensor: Front: Sony STARVIS 2 Sensor 8MP 1/1.8 IMX678
Resolutions: 2160P(4K)
Video Resolution: 4K 3840*2160P 30fps
F1.6 Aperture 7 Elements Glass Lens
140° Wide Viewing Angle
i'm not a professional photographer, but I do know a little. Based on the capabilities of the imaging hardware, the S21 Ultra is comparable to the VIOFO A139 Pro hardware.
Both are capable of 4K at 30 fps. The VIOFO can also do 4K@24fps to allow for 3 channels, but the S21 can do 8K at 24 fps as well as 4K@60fps. The phone has better specs in these areas, but given the cost of the phone is about 4 times that of the front A139 Pro camera, it follows that the specs might be better.
What i also notice is the Aperture of the VIOFO is F1.6, while the wide angle lens of the S21 is F1.8. Doesn't seem like a big difference, but when recording in very low light, you want the lowest F-Stop spec you can afford (i.e. largest aperture opening). In addition, the higher the F-Stop, the longer the exposure needs to be, so the 60 fps might introduce more image blur than the F1.6 lens at the same fps.
I think if you can obtain an app for the S21 that can do the same things as the dash cam (turn on when the car starts & off when it stops), loop the video files so you are overwriting the oldest ones as new video is captured, and protecting specific video clips when an event happens (manually or based on sudden braking, impact, etc.), then the phone would be a viable dash cam. One problem is leaving it to record when you might also need to see the screen for GPS/map directions.
The first time I was interested in a dash cam, I toyed with my GoPro 3+ Hero camera. Besides the battery always needing to be charged, having to start and stop recording, making sure it was properly positioned and no parking mode made it okay but not great. The image quality was very good, and since GoPros have a wide angle lens, the view of the road was comparable to a dash cam.
Most of the better/best dash cameras list all of their features. Maybe walk through the list for a dash cam you might like and see if the S21 can do the same or similar functions/features. If not, you need to decide if those are necessary or not regarding your specific needs.
Post by: Flapp_Jackson on June 22, 2023, 03:45:56 PM
i just wish everyone who took cell videos to post to YT could remember to hold it the right way -- landscape mode (sideways). :wtf: :popcorn:
Another "plus" I remembered over a cell phone is a dash cam with GPS will record the location and speed of your car. So, if you review the footage and see that a traffic ticket is bogus, you have the evidence to fight it. Cell phones do collect meta data if you enable it in the camera settings, but nothing like speed -- only location.
Post by: wirecounter on June 22, 2023, 04:56:22 PM
Sent from my SM-S908U using Tapatalk
Post by: Flapp_Jackson on June 22, 2023, 06:29:35 PM
Mahalos for the detailed analysis FJ!!
No problem.
Some tools are versatile.
You can use an adjustable wrench as a hammer.
Just don't expect full hammer functionality.
:geekdanc: :thumbsup: :shaka:
Post by: Flapp_Jackson on June 23, 2023, 04:21:44 PM
It uses RADAR to capture pre-damage and post-damage video in parking mode with reduced power consumption. Motion detection in other cameras requires the cameras be on. For the U3000, the cameras are off until the radar detects motion.
MSRP during the current promo is $550 for the front alone, and $700 for front & rear. Add an external battery, and the front/rear bundle is $1000.
I think the A139 Pro is still my top pick. The 2 channel kit on Amazon is $330 which includes front & rear cameras, the hardwire kit, and the bluetooth remote button.
https://www.amazon.com/%E3%80%90Bundle-A139PRO-Hardwire-Bluetooth-Remote%E3%80%91/dp/B0C3M5R9CZ
The same bundle with 3 channels (Front/Rear/Interior) with hardwire kit and BT button is $390.
https://www.amazon.com/%E3%80%90Bundle-A139PRO-Hardwire-Bluetooth-Interior/dp/B0C5CT8NKD
The BT button is about $20, and the HW kit is $18. I don't see any discounts for bundling with those, so you could buy the number of cameras you want and add the HW kit and/or BT button separately if you can find the camera cheaper. Looks like VIOFO is having a promo now.
It looks like 2 channel is the max for the U3000 on its own. You can make it 3-5 channels with a separate multiplexer unit.
Post by: Flapp_Jackson on June 24, 2023, 09:30:18 PM
The unit might run too hot with the power and images traversing the coaxial cables through the main unit. Some reviewers commented that the unit runs warm, which might be an issue if leaving the camera in parking mode while sitting in the hot Hawaii Sun.
Hopefully more testers it will be able to gather some data on that. If VIOFO can get that problem solved, then the camera could go to 4K @ 30fps with 3 channels.
Post by: macsak on August 24, 2023, 12:26:26 PM
Post by: Flapp_Jackson on August 24, 2023, 07:56:47 PM
https://youtu.be/lzdxCOvPq5Q
Post by: macsak on August 25, 2023, 09:06:56 AM
Post by: Flapp_Jackson on August 25, 2023, 10:12:17 AM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-vj61bb5DQ
For that one specific test, the Thinkware U3000 obviously wins.
But, #1 is cost. The single channel VIOFO A139 Pro is about $229, and the Thinkware U3000 is over $400.
If money is not a concern, then I think basing your purchase on parking mode versus driving mode (where the U3000 loses) would be a question for the person's individual needs or preferences.
Thinkware has some other features the cheaper ones don't, so it needs to be a total/overall comparison choice. Like most electronic products, the choice is never as easy as it ought to be. Seems to always be a trade-off.
The extreme person would buy one dashcam for license plate recording, one for parking mode, and one for driving mode based on the best one for each situation. He'd also invest $2000 in battery packs so the parking camera never loses power and never drains the car's battery.
I believe the Thinkware products have cloud capability, but you need a WiFi connection. That normally means purchasing a hotspot device and monthly service from a cellular provider. if you travel on the mainland a lot, good luck finding the one cellular provider that has complete coverage all across the lower 48.
Cellular -- one more cost to factor in.
One thing the U3000 has the others don't is front & rear radar for parking mode. it can detect a potential problem as it approaches, start recording earlier than most motion detection versions, and then go back to sleep. By using low power-draw radar, it saves the car/supplemental battery by keeping the camera/s off until the radar "sees" something to record. The radar feature helped the U3000 be rated as probably the best parking mode device if you don't want to miss an image you might need AND longer operating time before the dashcam shuts down completely to save your car battery while parked.
Post by: macsak on August 26, 2023, 06:00:13 AM
initial quick comparo...
edited for no focus
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJXhN3rfFlA
For that one specific test, the Thinkware U3000 obviously wins.
But, #1 is cost. The single channel VIOFO A139 Pro is about $229, and the Thinkware U3000 is over $400.
If money is not a concern, then I think basing your purchase on parking mode versus driving mode (where the U3000 loses) would be a question for the person's individual needs or preferences.
Thinkware has some other features the cheaper ones don't, so it needs to be a total/overall comparison choice. Like most electronic products, the choice is never as easy as it ought to be. Seems to always be a trade-off.
The extreme person would buy one dashcam for license plate recording, one for parking mode, and one for driving mode based on the best one for each situation. He'd also invest $2000 in battery packs so the parking camera never loses power and never drains the car's battery.
I believe the Thinkware products have cloud capability, but you need a WiFi connection. That normally means purchasing a hotspot device and monthly service from a cellular provider. if you travel on the mainland a lot, good luck finding the one cellular provider that has complete coverage all across the lower 48.
Cellular -- one more cost to factor in.
One thing the U3000 has the others don't is front & rear radar for parking mode. it can detect a potential problem as it approaches, start recording earlier than most motion detection versions, and then go back to sleep. By using low power-draw radar, it saves the car/supplemental battery by keeping the camera/s off until the radar "sees" something to record. The radar feature helped the U3000 be rated as probably the best parking mode device if you don't want to miss an image you might need AND longer operating time before the dashcam shuts down completely to save your car battery while parked.
Post by: macsak on September 03, 2023, 09:57:06 AM
Post by: macsak on September 21, 2026, 06:57:54 AM