Dash Cam's

[billz]

The length of recording depends on the size of the SD card and also wether you are running it in HD mode or less. I have 2x 32g SD cards and i just swap them out and copy them to my Laptop. The more advanced Dash cams can be either over written at 1,3 or 5 min intervals or you can turn the ovewrite off. I have been using the Dash cams for around 3 years but i only use them for runs out, i do keep meaning to put one in my works vehicle but that might get me in trouble

 

[Redline]

I've had a Nextbase camera in the LR for 2 years - its plugged into the power socket but on the LR that is ignition switched.
I use a 32Gbyte SD card giving about 4 hours of video and set up to overwrite and set up for 3 minute files. The camera has a button that you press to write protect a given file and has an accelerometer that will automatically protect the file if it detects a bump.

It has GPS - that's a double edged sword. If you drive like a nutter all the time, probably best you don't have it. But, its there to show the speed, direction and location. The video on its own doesn't easily show how you're driving. Most of the time if you're hit, it will be from behind or the side. The video won't prove much. Although I've twice recently been hit from behind while stationary.

Even if you don't have GPS and you're involved in an accident at speed, the police have the ability to assess your speed to within 1-3 mph. Just having the video is sufficient for them to assess your speed and confirm their calculations. Its actually very easy just involving some basic maths. If you're concerned about the camera giving evidence against you at any point, better you don't have it at all whether or not it has GPS.

 

[littlefeller]

while were on the gps bit, some insurance companies lately will only accept video/cam footage if it is supported by gps. dont know how much truth there is in this but it seems reasonable for both motion and location/time.

 

[littlefeller]

though if i were taking a tour of Europe i would set the cam to keep recording in one long file, would be great to keep, you could watch your favorite parts on tv at any time

 

[Jack Ratt]

though if i were taking a tour of Europe i would set the cam to keep recording in one long file, would be great to keep, you could watch your favorite parts on tv at any time

That's behind my reasoning to install one

 

[Redline]

though if i were taking a tour of Europe i would set the cam to keep recording in one long file, would be great to keep, you could watch your favorite parts on tv at any time

You don't one long file - if it corrupts you've lost the whole lot.

I'd use my GoPro for that also - much better lens for recording decent footage.

 

[littlefeller]

@Redline is correct about getting rear ended being the most likely, its happened to me. But a friend of mine had a cam in his work van and was invaluable in a crash for cash scam, he was driving along with his 6 year old daughter in the van and he had an accident, there were two cars in the scam, one car in front and one behind.
the car behind overtakes the van and falls in line between his van and the car in front, then a little later the car in front overtakes the lead car while the lead car applies his handbrake and crunch, he was so distracted trying to protect his little girl he didnt realise what had actually happened till he watched the footage back when he got home, the police wre called and took the footage away.
the worrying though is the police say they targeted him because of his daughter in the van, knowing full well he wouldnt want to hag about after the incident.

 

[Redline]

while were on the gps bit, some insurance companies lately will only accept video/cam footage if it is supported by gps. dont know how much truth there is in this but it seems reasonable for both motion and location/time.

I can see that happening if it doesn't now. Insurance is just a scam nowadays. You don't get the protection that you used to. They are all out to rip you off and not there to protect you and put you back in the same position before you claim. I think there should be a competition commission investigation into the workings of the insurance industry. The majority end-consumers are now badly served by the whole sector (unless of course you know some decent morally sound insurers!). Knock-for-knock acts entirely against the majority of safe drivers.

Perversely, I am told, the police won't accept your dash cam video against others even with GPS because its not a calibrated device. If thats the case, I don't see how they can use it against you either.

 

[t-tony]

That's behind my reasoning to install one

Here's what I used to hardwire mine in Garry. Firstly I get one of these,

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/311523067514?_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT

I cut the plug off and shorten it as required. Split the cable and attach an earth ring terminal to the black wire (about 3/16" dia. is good). Next I used an "Add-a-fuse" connector and replace an ignition fed fuse from the fuse box and fit the "Add-a-fuse" in it's place. I've actually used two of these extensions and spliced them together as one feeds my dash cam and one feeds my HUD unit.

Below you can see the red wire connected into the "Add-a-fuse" tail and the black wire grounded on the steel work.

When I've plugged the charger cable into the cig. lighter extension I give them a couple of wraps of insulation tape to keep the joint secure.

Finally secure the connectors with some cable ties to prevent any chaffing from vibration..

Job done very cheaply and securely.

Tony.

 

[littlefeller]

the calibration is quite correct, in fact if you get a ticket from a mobile cam or hand held device you can some times get away with it if the device was not calibrated that same day. a bit different for fixed cams though but the hand held devices are notoriously inaccurate. there was an incident where a roadside speed trap clocked a car at over 600mph, it had locked onto a nato plane over the north sea, ironically the euro fighter had also picked up the stray radar and had locked its missiles onto the speed trap as a threat it wad a nato exercise going on over the north sea.

 

[TWO]

As already said.....you get what you pay for to a certain degree.

In the early days I bought a couple of Chinese low value dash cams, and within a few months the in built batteries started to play up. One even started to discharge so that it was effecting the engine management

Things may have improved; but I would recommend the Nextbase Unit.

I have been using the Nextbase 402G for the last 12 months with absolutely no problems, great quality, plus you've got a UK base (Halfords) to take up any issues

 

[Twin Turbo]

Well this is what I have installed - bit more expensive but you can see the results quite good.

1. Speed camera notification
2. collision warning
3. lane changing

https://zroadster.org/threads/thinkware-f750-dash-cam-samples-and-issues.10458/

 

[billz]

This is the software you get with the Dodd I find it very good to help remember which roads and areas you were in

 

[miller1098]

This is the software you get with the Dodd I find it very good to help remember which roads and areas you were in
View attachment 29430

That's a lovely piece of road,one of my favourites

 

[billz]

Thats what i love about the Dodd i can track the roads for future use. If i replay them and there is a particular place i want to revisit it puts the small map at the side and i can work out which road it is on

 

[Twin Turbo]

Thats what i love about the Dodd i can track the roads for future use. If i replay them and there is a particular place i want to revisit it puts the small map at the side and i can work out which road it is on

The think view offers similar feature but having front and rear camera running I only have about 2 hours driving.

Need to upgrade my memory card from 32gb - as I look forward looking at my rear view camera action for the 24th

 

[billz]

Not many of the Dashcams will run an SD Card higher than 32g

 

[zedwheels]

I have tried a few bought off fleabay and they all failed so I now have the one you mention
nextbase 212 from Halfords and if you add the install kit to your purchase they will fit it while you
wait, they connect it direct into your fuses so no wires.

 

[stevie_a]

I have just seen this one, i like the idea of it being small with no screen, you have an app on your phone to see real time.

on Gearbest
http://www.gearbest.com/car-dvr/pp_328509.html?currency=USD&gclid=COOmtbrz8ssCFdIV0wodmHEEBg

and more info but more expensive on e-bay
http://www.ebay.com/itm/T1-Mini-090...-Car-Dash-Camcorder-DVR-Gsensor-/311518404393