Dash cams, what to get and where to get it (Q&A only)

OldMrBrennan83

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AndyBoBandy

Patww79 wrote: »

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my 0806 did this on warm/sunny days, but since installing the custom firmware, it hasn't done it since!!

OldMrBrennan83

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OldMrBrennan83

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AndyBoBandy

Patww79 wrote: »

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http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=95925744&postcount=940

but as stated, this is for an 0806,

Patww79 wrote: »

I see something on the link posted earlier, but the instructions are very very hazy to say the least. Is there a clearer one out there?

https://dashcamtalk.com/mini-0805/#Firmware_Update_Instructions

This looks like what you need for the 0805, The one by FoxOffer looks to be the latest version.
just download the file, and drop it onto an SD card (unzip it if it is a zip file), pop into the camera, and turn the camera on, it will ask you if you want to update the firmware, just select yes, and away you go.
However, I have no experience with the 0805, as I said ,I installed custom firmware for an 0806, and it's finally given me the dash cam I paid for!

OldMrBrennan83

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OldMrBrennan83

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eoin.d

Can anyone recommend a good dashcam and what to look out for. Thanks

joujoujou

http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056815237

You're welcome.

AprilPhilips

Would Nextbase InCarCam 202 Lite NBDVR202 69 euro be any good? On halfords site i cannot linkOr any other suggestions welcome

EazyD

Any of the EPrance 0801/2/3/4 are a good bet for a starter cam, can be picked up very cheap online and are really simple to use.

AprilPhilips

EazyD wrote: »

Any of the EPrance 0801/2/3/4 are a good bet for a starter cam, can be picked up very cheap online and are really simple to use.

Would it be on sales in any shop in ireland?

8GB built in memory? would you need a card at all then? I presume it overwrites as it records

Night vision NA. Will it work under street lights?

finnharpsboy

AprilPhilips wrote: »

Would it be on sales in any shop in ireland?

8GB built in memory? would you need a card at all then? I presume it overwrites as it records

Night vision NA. Will it work under street lights?

I have 0801 the last year.... cant fault it and its decent under street lights.
Have a look in the dashcam video thread to see what its like

veganrun

Can you get one that looks out through the windscreen and through the back window at the same time?

AndyBoBandy

veganrun wrote: »

Can you get one that looks out through the windscreen and through the back window at the same time?

You can, I believe they're called duel channel dash cams.
Some have both cameras on the main unit (looking in each direction), others come with the rear camera on an extension cable so you can actually mount it on your rear windscreen.

I have no experience with them though so couldn't say which ones are good or not!, I use 2 stand alone's for the front (0806) & rear (0801), with the logic being that with a duel channel dash camera, if one of them goes, the entire set up will need to be replaced.

Here's one with the 2 cameras separated with a cable.

Here's another with both cameras in the 1 unit.

Alanstrainor

I really should get a dashcam before something happens. Trying to get something neat, and wired in very neat is what stops me.

AndyBoBandy

Alanstrainor wrote: »

I really should get a dashcam before something happens. Trying to get something neat, and wired in very neat is what stops me.

I have mine reasonable well hidden in terms of cables, both routed back to my centre console, I did buy the hardwire kits for them, to make them completely invisible, but with them both as they are now, they are not really bothering me! I've done a decent enough job of concealing the power cables in the trim!

for me, the mini series are the only one I'll ever want/need, hidden behind my mirror, I don't see it at all, compact was key for me!

Get one, they're great craic, potential money saver in an accident (no more your word against there's etc... "lets have a look at the video shall we Guard? and see who was at fault"), or else great craic looking back at some of the loolaa's you come across on the road, and shaming them on this site :D:D:D

thebiglad

Alanstrainor wrote: »

I really should get a dashcam before something happens. Trying to get something neat, and wired in very neat is what stops me.

I got one installed by Autotronics (mobile service) very neat and hard wired - just make sure that you have a circuit breaker (stops the current when car is turned off) else it will be on permanently and drain the battery if parked for a while.

Alanstrainor

thebiglad wrote: »

I got one installed by Autotronics (mobile service) very neat and hard wired - just make sure that you have a circuit breaker (stops the current when car is turned off) else it will be on permanently and drain the battery if parked for a while.

What price fitted? Surely they would have to consider what was going to be powering the device and whether it would be going to the always on, or ignition when installing?

TheBody

thebiglad wrote: »

I got one installed by Autotronics (mobile service) very neat and hard wired - just make sure that you have a circuit breaker (stops the current when car is turned off) else it will be on permanently and drain the battery if parked for a while.

Was it expensive to get it installed?

AndyBoBandy

Alanstrainor wrote: »

What price fitted? Surely they would have to consider what was going to be powering the device and whether it would be going to the always on, or ignition when installing?

I'd be interested too in a mobile service, (I have the kits after all) I'd want it wired into a fuse that only gets powered when the ignition is on ala the cigarette lighter socket.

joujoujou

thebiglad wrote: »

[...] make sure that you have a circuit breaker (stops the current when car is turned off) else it will be on permanently and drain the battery if parked for a while.

Or get it hardwired to ignition - no need to remember about power cut-off. :cool:

thebiglad

I think (it was about 2 years ago) cost was €80 - I installed a Blackvue so it was a pricey enough Cam therefore didn't seem so bad. If you install a €100 cam then it seems worse.

Worth it in my opinion though, lovely job and no trailing wires.

May be cheaper if they supply and fit a model for you.

Good point about wiring into the ignition, guess that they found another wire to cut in from - if I do it again I will ask about that.

Hal1

I think I've bricked my 0801 after the last firmware update. A common fault with them is the 'low card speed error' and it will auto shutdown after a few minutes.

I tried reverting back to the stock firmware but it won't update back to it or with any other version.

So I think I have to upgrade to the 0806 I just hope they have fixed all the bugs and have a solid firmware in place now.

AprilPhilips

Is there a risk of the windscreen being smashed and dashcam stolen?

Damien360

AprilPhilips wrote: »

Is there a risk of the windscreen being smashed and dashcam stolen?

I have a 0801 permanently mounted behind my rear view mirror. I have had it a few years and not once did anyone bother with it. It has very small value.

MarkAnthony

0803 here, worried about the same thing. TBH people don't even notice it.

Voodoomelon

Alan if you have an auto dim mirror in your E46, you can wire a dashcam to the ignition wire leading to same. Just pop off the overhead reading lamp assembly in the headliner and you can get access to the wires in seconds.

AprilPhilips

MarkAnthony wrote: »

0803 here, worried about the same thing. TBH people don't even notice it.

Ok where is the UK shop, the amazon one? They plug into cigar lighter? Do newer cars have these

vectra

AprilPhilips wrote: »

Ok where is the UK shop, the amazon one? They plug into cigar lighter? Do newer cars have these

I got my Eprance 0803 from amazon
I got a piggy back fuse holder and an cigarette lighter socket with trailing lead both on Ebay.
I located a spare fuse socket that powers on with ignition and plugged into that. I hid the wire down the "A" pillar and under the headlining.
Perfect job and quiet simple.

No need to be paying anyone 60 euro or so to do it.

veganrun

Stupid question but do these things stick onto your dash/windscreen like a Satnav does? I have a satnav with a suction mount but its useless, it keeps falling off the windscreen after about 10 minutes.

Or do they glue on a bit like a e-flow tag does?

Do they run off the cigarette lighter?

AndyBoBandy

veganrun wrote: »

Stupid question but do these things stick onto your dash/windscreen like a Satnav does? I have a satnav with a suction mount but its useless, it keeps falling off the windscreen after about 10 minutes.

Or do they glue on a bit like a e-flow tag does?

Do they run off the cigarette lighter?

They come both ways,

some have suction cups, some have sticky pads (like the e-flow tag) (mini series have the sticky pad, as I'm sure most decent ones do).

They usually all come with a cigarette lighter socket plug, so yes, again, similar to a sat nav, phone charger.

OldMrBrennan83

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Hal1

Hal1 wrote: »

I think I've bricked my 0801 after the last firmware update. A common fault with them is the 'low card speed error' and it will auto shutdown after a few minutes.

I tried reverting back to the stock firmware but it won't update back to it or with any other version.

So I think I have to upgrade to the 0806 I just hope they have fixed all the bugs and have a solid firmware in place now.

Well after reading a few more threads on dashcamtalk in search of a fix my cam. I have found an official firmware which I have now flashed to my 0801. I got it from here. So I have not as I taught bricked my cam . I'll see how I get on with this one and report back if there are any faults.

vectra

Patww79 wrote: »

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AE would be Auto exposure

EV would be well explained here >> EV Explained.

sunnysoutheast

AndyBoBandy wrote: »

..."lets have a look at the video shall we Guard? and see who was at fault"), ...

Not saying it isn't good fun to shame the idiots, but if involved in an accident I would say it is sensible not to let on to anyone - third party, Garda, bystander - that you have a camera. When you get home copy the footage multiple times to separate locations and submit it with your insurance report. Or not, depending on the circumstances!!

I would love it if a company would bring out a discreet (i.e. virtually invisible) front and rear camera which recorded to a secure location in the boot or similar.

It surely can't be long before they are built in to new vehicles.

Edit - we have mini 801s on both our cars. I may look at upgrading these to dual channel in the near future.

CrowdedHouse

Anyone using Transcend 200/220?

They seem to get good reviews, although going by the dimensions they appear big-ish (I haven't seen one IRL)

AndyBoBandy

sunnysoutheast wrote: »

Not saying it isn't good fun to shame the idiots, but if involved in an accident I would say it is sensible not to let on to anyone - third party, Garda, bystander - that you have a camera. When you get home copy the footage multiple times to separate locations and submit it with your insurance report. Or not, depending on the circumstances!!

I would love it if a company would bring out a discreet (i.e. virtually invisible) front and rear camera which recorded to a secure location in the boot or similar.

It surely can't be long before they are built in to new vehicles.

Edit - we have mini 801s on both our cars. I may look at upgrading these to dual channel in the near future.

I would agree regarding saying feck all, and getting home to view the footage yourself to a. be sure you were not in the wrong and b. didn't do anything else preceding the accident that would implicate yourself.

But at the same time, I'd expect a traffic corps Garda to be savvy enough to spot a dash cam in your window.

Don't bother with a duel channel, if 1 goes they both go! I've an 0806 in the front and an 0801 in the rear, and they are great at what they do (I did a video or 2 a while back using footage from both cameras)

sunnysoutheast

AndyBoBandy wrote: »

...But at the same time, I'd expect a traffic corps Garda to be savvy enough to spot a dash cam in your window.
...

Yeah I suppose so, but I'm not sure if it's part of their SOPs to look. I plan to move the camera in our F30 over the weekend up higher. The one in the A5 is hidden by the sunstrip looking downwards so isn't as obvious. Just need to make sure I don't cover any sensors.

Not sure if the Garda have the right to confiscate the camera, last thing you want is it sitting in a plastic bag for months.

AprilPhilips

vectra wrote: »

I got my Eprance 0803 from amazon
I got a piggy back fuse holder and an cigarette lighter socket with trailing lead both on Ebay.
I located a spare fuse socket that powers on with ignition and plugged into that. I hid the wire down the "A" pillar and under the headlining.
Perfect job and quiet simple.

No need to be paying anyone 60 euro or so to do it.

Eprance 0803 is around 78 sterling now. is the Eprance 0801 stiil a good buy.

do they record conversation in the car and can this be turned off

Hal1

Yes and yes to your question. My 0801 is working again .

2Mad2BeMad

lads was in an accident their yesterday,
a cyclist hit my car but claims it was my fault
he was cycling on the path go past the red light as I was clear to turn and he hit into my passanger side

I was abit shocked for the day, and thankfully he is ok

All he wants is a new bike paid from me, I told him I'd let my insurance company sort out it out because they will need to investigate
garda are currently checking the cctv in the area of were it happened.

But incase that comes up short I pretty much have no choice but to buy him a new bike as its his word against mine with no witnesses

anyhow long story short I've decided to buy 2 cameras or possible 4 as I drive around town alot and theirs to many cyclists for my comfort all it takes is one of them to make the wrong move and thats me screwed.

Anyone recommend a decent one? quality doesnt have to be amazing like hd or anything.

would I be best of getting 1 in the front and rear? what about the sides of the car?
cheers

AndyBoBandy

2Mad2BeMad wrote: »

would I be best of getting 1 in the front and rear? what about the sides of the car?

I just have a front and rear camera (an 0801 & an 0806), both of which are very discreet.

with side mounted cameras I'd say your getting into messy territory, as unless you get them fitted, you'll have wires all over the place, also, depending on what car you drive, they may need to be mounted on door windows etc... in my opinion, they'd be a nice idea, but a big headache getting them in.

some of the cameras now have wide angle lenses, so your almost getting sideways coverage with them anyway, you might just have a small blind spot when the object you are filming is dead on your beam.

OldMrBrennan83

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AprilPhilips

Hal1 wrote: »

Yes and yes to your question. My 0801 is working again .

the second yes is the sound record can be turned off?

ION08

I just bought one of these off Ebay to try out:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-720P-HD-Small-Dash-Car-DVR-Camera-Video-Recorder-Register-Cam-G-Sensor-UK-/261818860832?hash=item3cf59ec520

I like the fact that it's discreet and can fit neatly behind the rearview mirror!

Has anybody else bought one of these?

Also, would anybody know how I would got about hooking it up so that it automatically switches on/off with the car?

Thanks!

AndyBoBandy

AprilPhilips wrote: »

the second yes is the sound record can be turned off?

yes.

AndyBoBandy

ION08 wrote: »

how I would got about hooking it up so that it automatically switches on/off with the car?

You'll most likely plug it into your cigarette lighter socket, so if that gets powered on/off with the engine/ignition, your sorted.

ION08

AndyBoBandy wrote: »

You'll most likely plug it into your cigarette lighter socket, so if that gets powered on/off with the engine/ignition, your sorted.

cheers for the reply but I think my cigarette lighter has a constant current going to it

AndyBoBandy

ION08 wrote: »

cheers for the reply but I think my cigarette lighter has a constant current going to it

Then you would have to plug it in/out every time, or get it hardwired into a power supply that comes on/off with the ignition.