Error,can you elaborate on that a bit more? Are you using something similar to the Power Magic Box? I ask because that PMB has a cig. lighter socket that must be used.
hmm. not sure how to answer that without showing an actual video. For me it looks surprisingly good. I expected much worse than that.
But search youtube and you'll find a bunch of videos posted by different people.
This looks like a good cam recorder to me. I believe the mount is one of the best out there and the size is very small. Looks like its an OEM and should not draw attention.
Like is so well I ordered one today from Amazon.com. Will be here Thursday.
This looks like a good cam recorder to me. I believe the mount is one of the best out there and the size is very small. Looks like its an OEM and should not draw attention.
OK, I'm hooked. :laugh: Couple of questions if you or anyone else can help me.
1: Is the "capacitor" unit the best?
2: Can it be wired into the rear view mirror power? (The one with auto dim and compass etc.)?
3: If it is wired to a permanent power source, do you have to manually turn it on & off, or does it have a programmable auto time-out function?
1. no idea what you mean.
2. everything can be done, but I wouldn't do it this way. it is powered by mini usb, so 5v dc. It's much easier to route it to the fuse box and hardwire it there.
3. as long as the power source is switched - you don't need to touch it. It turns on and off with the car. As soon as it turns on it starts recording. Turns off about 10 seconds after looses power.
OK, I'm hooked. :laugh: Couple of questions if you or anyone else can help me.
1: Is the "capacitor" unit the best?
2: Can it be wired into the rear view mirror power? (The one with auto dim and compass etc.)?
3: If it is wired to a permanent power source, do you have to manually turn it on & off, or does it have a programmable auto time-out function?
1. no idea what you mean.
2. everything can be done, but I wouldn't do it this way. it is powered by mini usb, so 5v dc. It's much easier to route it to the fuse box and hardwire it there.
3. as long as the power source is switched - you don't need to touch it. It turns on and off with the car. As soon as it turns on it starts recording. Turns off about 10 seconds after looses power.
Received my dash cam today, its actually an A118C camera, called the B40 A118 in prior post. The C denotes capacitor edition with full 1080P HD video.
1. The capacitor version is said to be for higher temperatures without shutting down due to heat. The capacitor serves as the battery in the cam.
2. The cam requires 5 volts to operate and comes with a lighter socket adapter that converts the autos 12 volts to 5. So, you cannot wire it to the mirror. Amazon sells a hardwire conversion kit that will provide the 5 volts needed by wiring the kit to the fuse box or another source of 12 volts.
3. The lighter socket in the Sonata is switched, meaning it shuts off when the auto shuts off, so the cam will shut off when the auto does. If hard wiring you would need to insure the power source is switched. The recording time at 1080P is 4 hours with a 32 GB card. The 32 GB is the largest card this cam will function with correctly.
I'm going to install my dash cam with the lighter socket for now. May hardwire it later. Looks like it will be a nice thing to have in the Sonata, the video is clear and sharp.
Since it gets really hot in this area in the summer, I'm guessing the capacitor version would be the safest way to go.
I was hoping there was an option to leave it recording for a set period of time after the key was shut off, if I chose to do that. I suppose an optional add-on electronic timer or some sort might work. I thought I read somewhere here on the forum that a unit would continue recording for 6 hours after turning the car off until it sensed a voltage drop down to a certain level. I was a little confused about what the poster meant. Apparently they were talking about a different unit.
Thanks for the info guys. Much appreciated. I'll be ordering one of these soon. I did look at the reviews and sample recordings. Pretty impressive for the size and price. And well worth having for liability reasons...
Since it gets really hot in this area in the summer, I'm guessing the capacitor version would be the safest way to go.
I was hoping there was an option to leave it recording for a set period of time after the key was shut off, if I chose to do that. I suppose an optional add-on electronic timer or some sort might work. I thought I read somewhere here on the forum that a unit would continue recording for 6 hours after turning the car off until it sensed a voltage drop down to a certain level. I was a little confused about what the poster meant. Apparently they were talking about a different unit.
Thanks for the info guys. Much appreciated. I'll be ordering one of these soon. I did look at the reviews and sample recordings. Pretty impressive for the size and price. And well worth having for liability reasons...
Danny,he probably had something like this in addition to the dash cam.
[ame]http://www.amazon.com/Blackvue-Power-Magic-Pro-Prevention/dp/B008B8ERIO[/ame]
As I said, I have it hardwired. Just not to the mirror wiring. It works fine. No issues.
You can't see the wiring at all. The camera itself is also very much hidden behind the mirror.
The video quality is good, although I noticed that the date was wrong and the windshield is very dirty. I really have no issues with it and never touch it. It just does its thing and has a few hours of the latest video in it.
I'm really not sure why you'd want to complicate things with switches and additional components. The whole point of it is simplicity and fully automatic function. Adding switches is simply unnecessary.
I'm really not sure why you'd want to complicate things with switches and additional components. The whole point of it is simplicity and fully automatic function. Adding switches is simply unnecessary.
I didn't want it to just record when the key was on. I want it to record when I tell it to, either full time, or in an auto timeout mode. Your way is fine too. I just wanted another option. "Different strokes for different folks" :laugh:
Thanks for the tip on the camera. Its pretty neat for its size and cost.
An update on my Spy Tec B40 A118C purchased from Amazon.com. Its been installed a week now so I removed it yesterday and downloaded the files to my laptop. The video is very good and its amazing how smooth it shows everything when the auto is in motion. I found the files are 3 minutes long and the software starts another 3 minute file. In the menu the video can be set to 1, 3, or 5 minutes. It comes set at 3 minutes so I left it there. The video is continuous, just broken up into 3 minute segments.
I installed the dash cam using the socket but the wires are hidden. Maybe someday I will hardwire it but not now. If you purchase a dash cam from Amazon.com insurance can be had for $8 that will cover 2 years. 10% of cost.
In the package there is a usb cord that will connect to the laptop and the dash cam. The laptop connection has to be a power usb port. It would not work on my laptop but I was able to use an ipad power supply to run the dash cam. This will enable operating the cam connected to the computer without removing the auto wiring. One defect noted was that the time on the recorded videos did not match the actual time? I rechecked the time setting and it was only off one hour, (daylight saving change) so I reset it to the correct time. Will recheck next removal.
This dash cam is not a good cam if you plan to run it continuous to detect break-ins or damage when away. With the max recommended memory card (32) the recording time is 4 hours and it starts over. Most break-ins are by way of a side window so it would not record the intruder.
The mounting of this cam is very good and no suction cup involved, I like that feature over many of the more expensive cams.
Thanks for taking the time for that write up Bob. Great point on recording while away from the car on a 32mb card.You just swayed me to not set it up like that......for now anyway. Still decidnig on a cam,but,may just get a basic cam,hope it lasts 2 years while technology marches on. In that time cams should get better with more storage and options and hopefull be on par with todays pricing.
i'd also recommend the Spy Tec B40 A118C. Just switched to 2 weeks ago and haven't had any problems so far. Not obstructing your view but hidden away well. Able to capture the entire front windshield POV if placed correctly. Bought the capacitor version just to have the extra safety of not having the dashcam die on me on a hot summer day. All in all, good device for the price.
Danny Wrote>>>>"I might be wrong, but I have a feeling you didn’t really see the camera when error666 posted the photo of his “new toy”. You came back and replied later that you thought it was a radar detector. I think what you saw was actually a radar detector. But tucked up tightly above it behind the mirror, is a tiny little dashcam. This is the one all of us have been looking at. It’s the same one I bought.
Hope this helps..."
You are always a help and you are right.Initially,I did not see it,but,I went back and looked closer as the thread got longer. For an entry level camera,I liked it ,but,I really wanted one that attached to the mirror,so,I ordered the one in the link below. I will let you guys know my thoughts on it when its in.
I emailed the seller today,he replied that its built into the charger which you will get with the cam.You can just plug it into the lighter.
Heres his reply>>>>>"The voltage step-down reg is located in the cig adapter which ships with the item. iT CONVERTS THE 12-24V CAR BATTERY VOLTAGE DOWN TO STANDARD usb 5V.
-dOUG (WOOPS, CAPS LOCK ON ACCIDENT. sorry about that!)
Danny wrote>>>>"Very cool. Is your OEM mirror a Blue Link, or auto-dim with compass? Will you be covering up any buttons that you normally use? I have 3 buttons on mine used as remote controls for garage door openers. I use 2 of those buttons for my 2 garage doors. I couldn’t really use that type of mirror-cam on mine. I have to also wonder with it being that far away from the windshield if it will pickup a mirrored reflection of the vehicles interior under certain lighting conditions. "
My car is a GLS,I do not have the compass or auto dimming mirror,I think I have Blue Link and SOS which I do not use,so,I will not be losing those functions that others have.
Heres a quick vid from the seller,looks decent enough.We shall find out soon enough.
Ok yeah since he says it steps down from 12V to 5V, you'll need a converter if you're going to hardwire it. In the fuse panel, there's no 5V present, so we'll have to tap into the "power outlet", which is 12V.
Actually I think all of them are 12V..
I used this converter before and I'm going to get another one since I just ordered the dashcam you posted above. Sonatas use the mini sized fuses.
Since we're hardwiring it, we will cut off the adapter (which is the converter the seller is referring to) and will need to supply our own 5V to the dash cam. If we don't converter the voltage and use the 12V, too much current will run through the dash cam and ruin it. I did it with my first dash cam hehe.
Ok yeah since he says it steps down from 12V to 5V, you'll need a converter if you're going to hardwire it. In the fuse panel, there's no 5V present, so we'll have to tap into the "power outlet", which is 12V.
Actually I think all of them are 12V..
I used this converter before and I'm going to get another one since I just ordered the dashcam you posted above. Sonatas use the mini sized fuses.
Since we're hardwiring it, we will cut off the adapter (which is the converter the seller is referring to) and will need to supply our own 5V to the dash cam. If we don't converter the voltage and use the 12V, too much current will run through the dash cam and ruin it. I did it with my first dash cam hehe.
That product in your link is nice and probably the easiest way to do it since the add a fuse is already attached.The end that plugs into the cam looks like its a mini usb plug. All dash cams may not be although I am not certain on that. Because of that I am going to do it another way which will only cost like $5 as I have a spare add a fuse around. I am gong to buy a female cig. socket adapter ,attach the add a fuse,ground one end and plug the male end of the charging adapter into this will be hidden under the dash.
I saw the female cig, socket at pep boys but here is something similar on Ebay.Error did it like this,so,I am stealing it from him...:grin2:
From a previous post>>>" Because of that I am going to do it another way which will only cost like $5 as I have a spare add a fuse around. I am gong to buy a female cig. socket adapter ,attach the add a fuse,ground one end and plug the male end of the charging adapter into this will be hidden under the dash. "
Went to Pep Boys and picked the socket up. Ends will be cut off and battery ends will be used to test electrical connections. For those who choose to go this route here are the specs.
Price was $4.99. Battery Clip Power Adapter..........Part#39011-8
I see you got the dash cam I had initially. It's a good one, I hope it's to your liking. I liked the bigger view with the mirror and imo there seems to be less glare than OEM mirror.
The cigarette charger that came with the kit in mine was very weak. This meaning when I started the car, in the cold 20 degrees Fahrenheit and below, it would take about 10 minutes to send power to the dash cam. As I was too lazy to hook it directly to my fuse for instant ignition start-up, I decided to use a aftermarket cigarette charger + micro usb cable. Fixed the problem and been good ever since. At first I thought it was the dash cam that had a malfunction.....lol
I see you got the dash cam I had initially. It's a good one, I hope it's to your liking. I liked the bigger view with the mirror and imo there seems to be less glare than OEM mirror.
The cigarette charger that came with the kit in mine was very weak. This meaning when I started the car, in the cold 20 degrees Fahrenheit and below, it would take about 10 minutes to send power to the dash cam. As I was too lazy to hook it directly to my fuse for instant ignition start-up, I decided to use a aftermarket cigarette charger + micro usb cable. Fixed the problem and been good ever since. At first I thought it was the dash cam that had a malfunction.....lol
You had initially? You switched to another one now?
Mine did not come with a micro sd card.Directions say that a class 4 card will work much better than a class 10 card. I am just trying to decide if I shold get a 16 GB or a 32 GB card.
Anyone know if ALL dash cams use the micro sd cards? If they do,I will get the biggest one in case I get another cam down the road.
Just two of many reasons where a dash cam will wind up being your friend.First vid is of a guy in the GTA of the heavily driven 401 who had been scamming people by acking into them.This vid went viral,the guy was fined $5000 and received numerous death threats.
Second vid shows a driver hittng the car with the cam,he gets out,inspects the car,and takes off.
Took the car for a drive today with the cam.So far,so good,turns on and off as it should. I found myself putting the cam display onto the mirror at time just for kicks.Doing that does not interfere with what you can see in the rear view mirror.Cam mirror is kind of big,but,you quickly get used to it and its a non issue.
Another thing,this cam was most likely made for foreign cars where the driver is on the right hand side. Placing the camera on the drivers side will interfere with the visor when fully extended against the windshield. Turning the camera upside down as I did will fix ths,but,now,the passenger visor will hit if fully extended. Doing this will also have the time and date stamp upside down when the display is on.Not really a big deal for me,but,nontheless,it is a quirk that some may not be willing to live with.The benefit of doing that is that the camera never needs to be removed as the micro sd card is now at the bottom,so,its a good trade off IMO.
I was asked for a pic of the cam attached,so,here it is.
Just to give you guys an idea of what the video is like,these vids are from yesterday with wife driving in NYC. I think they are good,but,have nothing else to compare them with. Anyway,I am very happy with this cam and how it works. Plans are to get them in all vehecles at later dates,but, will let technology march on and make todays cams even better.:smile:
First vid is in NYC,second vid is in the Lincoln Tunnel.
AARGH! Thanks for ruining my day. After watching those videos I started having flashbacks of the 30 years I spent driving a service truck all over the St Louis and surrounding area. I hated every minute of it. I just thank God that I got to spend my last 15 years servicing 250 square miles of rural southeast Missouri. I STILL hate going up there in that traffic.
On a side note, now I have a crick in my neck. can't you rotate your lens a tad right so the videos are level? >
LOL. Pretty decent picture. Nice job! I'll bet it will come in handy one day. :wink:
Both videos look good. Nice. I'm glad I don't have to drive in New York City. Too many people on the street.[/QUOTE]
Yeah,sometmes it sucks and it gets a lot crazier than what you see in those vids. Definitely have to atay alert. If you are the lead car at a light and you do not move for a few seconds when it turns green,be prepared for blaring horns.:grin2:
I used to get pissed but am used to it now,but,I swear if it were legal to carry and shoot bazookas there would be a long trail of wrecked cars all over the place...:laugh:
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