Topic 'Re: Dash cam suggestons' in forum 'Canadian Chat' - dslreports.com

Re: Dash cam suggestons

Mon, 05 Oct 2015 20:24:19 EDT

anon posted :

I really have no use at all for this GPS geolocation tagging, all I want is clear video footage.

You may want to reconsider. The main purpose to having a dashcam is to fight a careless driving or speeding charge in court and having video footage with attached GPS velocity tags is iron clad evidence supporting your claims in front of a judge.

Otherwise it's your word against a car full of nuns or a traffic cop how fast you were going. Either way you lose...

From what I can see on the web, your cam has GPS features built in anyway. You may as well turn it on while you drive. Unless you're a really crappy driver you have nothing to lose.

Re: Dash cam suggestons

Mon, 05 Oct 2015 19:16:03 EDT

Xstar_Lumini posted : I really have no use at all for this GPS geolocation tagging, all I want is clear video footage.

Re: Dash cam suggestons

Mon, 05 Oct 2015 15:44:27 EDT

anon posted : You'll still need special software like Registrator Viewer if you want to be able to see the GPS data that the 650 records.

GPS info is embedded into a data track on the MOV files that's not visible except with a special program.

Likewise I can view raw video from the A118C without a special viewer as well but in order to see GPS map and velocity data it's just not doable without the program.

Re: Dash cam suggestons

Mon, 05 Oct 2015 13:33:26 EDT

Xstar_Lumini posted : I just got for the first time of my life a dashcam. It's a Uniden 650 that I picked up at Canadian Tire for $129. I went through this thread and through many Youtube videos to review many of them but I don't jave the time or patience or like the risks to get one online, at least if this one goes bad I can drive 5 mins away and return it.

Wow I love this dashcam! It's lightweight, weighs much less than an iphone, full 1080p video and and the ability to take 12MB still pics. It loops every 3 or 5 minutes or continous. It's great in low-light and night conditions, it's automatic, when I turn the engine on it turns on, or I can do it manually. When something interesting occurs I can just press a button and that 3 minute segment gets "locked" and put into another folder where it cannot be deleted. I don't need no special program to run the footage or edit it in my PC, I just drag and drop from the SD microcard. It has "shock sensor" and time/date stamp but I disabled them both. I can also manually turn the camera on if I want. It has excellent wide-angle view and I can manually zoom-in with it "on the go".

Can't ask for more from this little thing.

Re: Dash cam suggestons

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 22:47:30 EDT

anon posted :

said by Black Box:

Well, I don't mind transposing the GPS data in case of litigation. I wouldn't share it with Google though. Furthermore I think it is perfectly OK to record your whereabouts and your conversations. I do it too on occasion. I strongly object on routinely snitching it to big data brokers like Google, Microsoft, Amazon or Akamai.

Well I'm not driving around 24/7 with a wifi link to Google either.

The only time these files even see my computer are either after an accident or if I'm running some sort of diagnostic test.

Otherwise these cams are pretty much set and forget with new data overwriting the old every 300 minutes.

Even then I doubt I'm sharing any more about my location with a 5 minute snippet than I normally would be with Google's geolocation services anyway.

Re: Dash cam suggestons

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 22:16:33 EDT

Black Box posted :

said by lugnut :

said by Black Box:

said by lugnut :

... location and entire route laid out on a google map for each segment.

Am I the only one that finds this freaky?

It may seem a bit big brother to you and even myself, but in a court of law every bit of pertinent evidence can make the difference between a win or a loss in a traffic case or a civil suit.

To freak you out even more, it accurately also records every spoken word, radio program and ambient noise along with the video, so if you're fighting to keep junior buckled up in the back seat while driving the cam may not be your best friend in court :D :D :D

Re: Dash cam suggestons

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 20:56:12 EDT

anon posted :

said by hosedagain3:

said by lugnut :

What make and model dash cam? Can you download onto You Tube if possible a clip from your camera. When the cam and GPS arrived did have to pay duty etc if you bought it outside Canada.
Thanks

Both the cam and the GPS unit were bought from Amazon.ca

Links to both are posted earlier in this thread on page 2.

Both shipped without any taxes whatsoever, the cam shipped via UPS from Amazon Fulfilment in Mississauga and the GPS came by slow boat from China via China post and Canada Post and took exactly 15 days to arrive.

Total cost for the cam and GPS and an included 32 GB TF Card came to just under $140 CDN total, nothing extra.

As for Youtube reviews, I've already posted a couple of links by other reviewers.

Youtube quality is too crappy to do it justice though. The cameras record in 1080P at 100 Megs per Minute.

Even I haven't seen the video yet in full quality because my laptop is only 720P, but it is more than adequate to make out a license plate clearly when it is stopped in front of me at a light.

The Model Number is A118C and it is sold under various brand names including I-Max, Auto-Vox and others.

Since Amazon eats the shipping on any defective returns you can order with confidence that if there are any problems they will pay the return shipping and refund the full amount with shipping should you decide to return it.

Amazon's casino pricing model may suck but their returns policy is iron clad. ;)

Re: Dash cam suggestons

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 20:41:13 EDT

hosedagain3 posted :

said by lugnut :

Just got back from testing the dash cam.

The GPS works flawlessly with Registrator Viewer in sandbox mode.

It records time, speed, direction, location and entire route laid out on a google map for each segment.

I am 100% satisfied with this cam. Reflections didn't seem to be a problem today since I moved the cam inside the wiper arc.

It's enough to make my insurance broker weep with joy :D

Also for Anav >>> One other thought about why it may not be overwriting. Did you format the card in the camera to create the proper directory structure when you first loaded in the card?

Also check that write protect folder. It may have filled up the card the card with segments. That G-Shock sensor is way too touchy even set on lowest sensitivity.

What make and model dash cam? Can you download onto You Tube if possible a clip from your camera. When the cam and GPS arrived did have to pay duty etc if you bought it outside Canada.
Thanks

Re: Dash cam suggestons

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 20:37:56 EDT

anon posted :

said by Black Box:

said by lugnut :

... location and entire route laid out on a google map for each segment.

Am I the only one that finds this freaky?

Re: Dash cam suggestons

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 20:17:48 EDT

Black Box posted :

said by lugnut :

... location and entire route laid out on a google map for each segment.

Am I the only one that finds this freaky?
--
Keep It Safe, Stupid!
Yes, I CanChat. Can You?

Re: Dash cam suggestons

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 19:18:32 EDT

anon posted : Just got back from testing the dash cam.

The GPS works flawlessly with Registrator Viewer in sandbox mode.

It records time, speed, direction, location and entire route laid out on a google map for each segment.

I am 100% satisfied with this cam. Reflections didn't seem to be a problem today since I moved the cam inside the wiper arc.

It's enough to make my insurance broker weep with joy :D

Also for Anav >>> One other thought about why it may not be overwriting. Did you format the card in the camera to create the proper directory structure when you first loaded in the card?

Also check that write protect folder. It may have filled up the card the card with segments. That G-Shock sensor is way too touchy even set on lowest sensitivity.

Re: Dash cam suggestons

Thu, 01 Oct 2015 15:06:20 EDT

anon posted : GPS package arrived today. Will test it out tonight and get back to you later tonight or tomorrow on how well it performs.

Re: Dash cam suggestons

Tue, 29 Sep 2015 17:20:49 EDT

anon posted : I just checked my menus..

Make sure you have Loop Recording set to 1, 3 or 5 mins and not OFF in the main menu.

Mine is also the Capacitor model. It really shouldn't make a difference..

Then again if yours is over a year old you may want to look around for a firmware update if there is one.

Also check the write protect folder to see if it's filled the card. If the G-Sensor is too touchy it may be storing a whole bunch of write protect files.

Re: Dash cam suggestons

Tue, 29 Sep 2015 13:53:00 EDT

anon posted : There are actually two sets of menus in this thing. To get to the second menu you have to hit the menu button twice in rapid succession.

I think that's where the overwrite option is hidden.

As for the software, it's called Registrator Viewer and a quick Google will get you to their main site.

Use at your own risk but I doubt the GPS would have any effect on card overwrites.

Re: Dash cam suggestons

Mon, 28 Sep 2015 10:41:53 EDT

Anav posted : Hi lug, I have not used it for quite some time. Im pretty sure I went through the menus various times but it wont hurt to look again. I tried diff memory cards but that didnt seem to make a difference. What about the software others have been talking about here...... the one I think you need if you get the GPS add on device. I wonder if that makes a difference. My model and the latest ones look mostly the same but Im wondering if there are any real differences (mine is the capacitor type).
--
Ain't nuthin but the blues! "Albert Collins".
Leave your troubles at the door! "Pepe Peregil" De Sevilla. Just Don't Wifi without WPA, "Yul Brenner"

LlamaWorks Equipment

Re: Dash cam suggestons

Fri, 25 Sep 2015 18:04:08 EDT

anon posted : Slow boat from China carrying GPS unit landed in BC today. Canada post should have it here in Mississauga by next Wednesday or Thursday.

Also was able to correct the mispositioned camera to inside the wiper arc since it actually shipped with an extra adhesive pad. Some careful prying with a sharp pocket knife lifted the old adhesive and hopefully the new adhesive will hold just as well.

Will report sometime next week on GPS performance.

So far, so good. :)

Re: Dash cam suggestons

Tue, 22 Sep 2015 17:41:38 EDT

Thane_Bitter posted : Good to know, I never thought about the wiper arc, my car has a particularly low angled windshield, because of the low angle I bet reflections will be more of an issue for me.
--
Keeping expectations low is the key to avoiding disappointment.

Re: Dash cam suggestons

Tue, 22 Sep 2015 17:12:08 EDT

anon posted : Reply to Anav >>> (original post was too old to reply to)

quote:
I have the G1W, one of the cheaper ones and it just works, rock solid. I use it in the back of the VAN. In the front I use the A118/B40 mini cam that is invisible under the blackened glass, next to the rearview mirror. The A118/B40 never autorecorded over previously recorded bits, regardless of whate effing card I put in the thing. I should have gotten two G1Ws. Perhaps the issue is that I got the capacitor version of the A118|B40.

There's a menu option in the A118C's setup menu to turn the overwrite feature on and off.

Perhaps it was disabled in your cam by mistake?

Re: Dash cam suggestons

Tue, 22 Sep 2015 13:32:49 EDT

anon posted : Tested it out today.

Sorry to say it generates 1080p MOV files @ 100 Megs per minute so I have no test footage to upload.

That means it will store about 300 minutes of video on a 32 Gig card before it overwrites. It does have a G-Sensor feature built in which will write protect a clip when it triggers. G-Sensor has three sensitivity levels and an off switch.

Overall impressions?

It records a license plate clearly enough.

I made one mistake when I installed mine. I should have checked to make sure I mounted mine within the arc of windshield wiper travel but forgot about that possibility when I opted to mount mine out of sight behind the mirror.

There is a slight issue with windshield reflections but only when I'm driving directly facing strong sunlight.

Other than those two objections I see absolutely nothing wrong with this cam and give it a 5 star rating.

As for longevity, I'll wait and see how well it performs this winter.

;)

Re: Dash cam suggestons

Mon, 21 Sep 2015 14:47:31 EDT

anon posted : My cam arrived today. Box had no model number except for a serial number sticker. Box was branded Auto-Vox. GPS unit is on a slow boat from China and won't be here for another few weeks.

Menu setup took about 10 minutes on a USB Wall Wart. Instructions were printed in English only in readable type on a 14 page foldout sheet.

After cleaning the windshield properly and letting it dry bone dry, actual installation took less than 5 minutes.

It's a tiny little thing completely hidden behind my rear view mirror. For access to the viewscreen and menu controls all I have to do is swivel my mirror out of the way.

I'll take it out for some test footage tomorrow. If it works as good as it looks it's a winner for sure :D

Re: Dash cam suggestons

Sun, 20 Sep 2015 19:28:20 EDT

BonezX posted : I'm going to third the blackvue, I have the DR-600GW HD, picked it up after getting a well above what the speed I was traveling at, and conveniently high enough for a license suspension(like DEAD FUCKING ON the limit), sofar haven't recorded anything interesting enough to output from the card, but it's nice to have, you can also one touch voice on/off(press on the side opposite of the SD card and it will enable/disable voice recording)

Gotta love "enforcement weeks" by local PD.

Re: Dash cam suggestons

Sun, 20 Sep 2015 16:46:44 EDT

anon posted : The version I downloaded from Mirror 2 is 6.0.0.8

Like I said, it scans clean with Malwarebytes, Bit Defender and 360safe virus scanners.

The only one that detects anything so far is clamav for Linux and that's a notoriously flaky virus scanner.

Anyway, I was unable to download 6.0.0.8 at all either from the main site or the 1st Mirror on the page.

The only successful download I managed was from the 2nd Mirror.

Something is definitely up with this software and I can only hope that the author has been made aware of the situation and is currently addressing it.

In the meantime, however, I feel confident enough running the software in sandbox mode in 360safe since it is apparently a single executable with no full installation required.

Re: Dash cam suggestons

Sun, 20 Sep 2015 15:42:30 EDT

decx posted : I tried downloading the latest 6.0 and it's giving me a 404 error. I submitted 5.8 (the version I'm currently running) to VirusTotal and got a 100% clean result. So maybe it's a newer version issue.

Re: Dash cam suggestons

Sat, 19 Sep 2015 06:08:08 EDT

anon posted : Thanks for the corroboration on Registrator viewer.

Firefox flags the site as an attack site when you try to download from either the site or the first mirror but clamav flags it as a potentially unwanted application when you scan it regardless of which site you download it from.

Clamav identifies it as PUA.Win32.Packer.Asprotect-2

Neither Bitdefender nor 360Safe Total Security detect anything at all however.

While clamav is notorious for some false positives, my advice, if you plan on using this software, is to proceed with caution and at your own risk.

At the very least if you have multiple machines, I'd suggest only running it on one machine to avoid infecting your network.

Also if your antivirus has a sandbox feature like 360safe Total Security does then I'd suggest only running it in sandbox mode.

Re: Dash cam suggestons

Fri, 18 Sep 2015 17:40:41 EDT

decx posted : It's a false positive. The issue has been discussed on dashcam forums for a while now but no one who downloaded it from developer's site have had any problems with the software, me included.

Many dashcams with built in GPS receivers do come with a their own free viewer, but frankly none are as good as Registrator Viewer.

Re: Dash cam suggestons

Fri, 18 Sep 2015 09:47:51 EDT

anon posted : Here's a review of the unit with the GPS installed.

»www.youtube.com/watch?v= ··· D77V9rrU

The software he recommends however, sets off a few virus alerts. Potentially unwanted malware.

Unfortunately it seems to be the only free GPS Video viewer out there.

All the other ones are pay to play.

So without the software the GPS unit is pretty much useless.

Hopefully they might bundle something with the Cam when it arrives.

Re: Dash cam suggestons

Thu, 17 Sep 2015 19:37:05 EDT

Thane_Bitter posted : Thank you for the information Lugnut, amazons specs indicates its 18cm by 9cm, it must be the box and not the actual size of the sensor, I assume its a mini stereo plug so it must only be only a few inches at most. It seems like a nice add on.
--
Keeping expectations low is the key to avoiding disappointment.

Hey Mod!

Thu, 17 Sep 2015 11:00:01 EDT

anon posted : How about posting my comment? It's been two days!

Re: Dash cam suggestons

Wed, 16 Sep 2015 12:44:17 EDT

anon posted : BTW, there's an optional $25 plug in GPS unit available for the A118C. It's free shipping so I just placed an order for one..

»www.amazon.ca/gp/product ··· 0ZCDY46Q

[att=1]

My cam seems to be on backorder though, even though it's fulfilled by Amazon it's not supposed to ship until next week.

Re: Dash cam suggestons

Tue, 15 Sep 2015 13:29:37 EDT

Spike5 posted : Seconded, bought 3 dash cameras on varying occasions from blackboxmycar.com and their shipping was always fast, typically they use either xpresspost or purolator. Have never needed to use their warranty service before but apparently they have a no nonsense policy regarding replacement of defective goods. (know someone that has and no issues)

Make sure you look around for coupon codes they have floating about for discounts.

Re: Dash cam suggestons

Tue, 15 Sep 2015 12:06:38 EDT

anon posted :

said by koira:

I had a bit of a laugh at the ones branded "I-max"

I-Max, Spy-Tec, Auto-Vox... These are all vendors names on Amazon.

From what I can tell there is no manufacturer's "brand" other than the model number.

Re: Dash cam suggestons

Mon, 14 Sep 2015 15:59:10 EDT

koira posted : I had a bit of a laugh at the ones branded "I-max"

Re: Dash cam suggestons

Mon, 14 Sep 2015 15:46:34 EDT

hosedagain3 posted : Been looking for a dash cam. My issue is I have a lot of windshield reflection. Used my phone to try and see the results, NG. Was thinking of getting the camera closer and right up the to the glass. Was looking at the Mini0806 which has a polaroid lens that fits over the camera lens and has good reviews. The A118-C looks promising. Does anybody have issues with windshield reflection? if so what camera would work the best.
Thanks

Re: Dash cam suggestons

Mon, 14 Sep 2015 13:47:10 EDT

anon posted : Here's a couple of reviews on Youtube that are better than anything I could probably do. From what I can tell on a 720P laptop watching crappy Youtube video it does a credible job of recording a license plate if it's stopped right in front of you. Night vision seems decent as well.

»www.youtube.com/watch?v= ··· 9Gli_xyM

»www.youtube.com/watch?v= ··· onuxyIoc

Anyway, at least it doesn't ship with default Russian menus like my old one :D

I think I'll be OK with this one. They do mention a $200 model with GPS but that's something I can live without.

Re: Dash cam suggestons

Sun, 13 Sep 2015 15:19:40 EDT

Thane_Bitter posted : Please do lugnut, I have been looking at that unit or at least one that look just like it, it seems to be marketed under many different names/model numbers.
--
Keeping expectations low is the key to avoiding disappointment.

Re: Dash cam suggestons

Sun, 13 Sep 2015 11:31:09 EDT

anon posted : My cheapo $50 Russian wonder just died on me today after two years so I ordered one of these from Amazon today.

»www.amazon.ca/dp/B00UWWPSEE

[att=1]

This one uses a capacitor instead of a non replaceable battery like the old one so hopefully it will last a few years longer.

Amazon rates it 4-1/2 stars with 28 reviews and the price includes a 32GB memory card so hopefully it will do the trick for me.

I'll post my review next week after I've had a chance to try it out a bit.

Re: Dash cam suggestons

Sun, 13 Sep 2015 11:04:47 EDT

JTDavis posted : My brother has a fleet of trucks that he uses this for:

»www.amazon.com/ITRONICS- ··· EF2CMCBD

A little more pricey than most, but very reliable and withstands our summers and winters. Plus if you have wifi it's great for truck lots (or driveways) with remote recording.

Re: Dash cam suggestons

Sat, 12 Sep 2015 17:53:36 EDT

Kitlope posted : Just purchased a second identical unit. Time to start filming the tailgating/weaving idiots from out the back window!

Might be time for a bumper sticker too "Smile! Your shitty driving is being recorded!"

Re: Dash cam suggestons

Mon, 20 Apr 2015 21:52:04 EDT

Kitlope posted :

said by peterboro:

Sounds like the makings of a movie.»en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fubar_2

LOL newer model car, less beer and hair. Little baggy of dope though :)

Re: Dash cam suggestons

Mon, 20 Apr 2015 15:51:09 EDT

prairiesky posted : I have the blackvue 350 and it's awesome! blackvue is for sure the way to go.

I wanted one with GPS in it though. That way it gives me time and date stamps and a speed. With the convertible, i figured i'd get pulled over and harassed at least once. without the gps, it becomes a he said / she said scenario.

Re: Dash cam suggestons

Mon, 20 Apr 2015 15:40:06 EDT

bryanviper posted : I have this one,

BlackVue DR650GW-2CH WIFI
»www.blackboxmycar.com/co ··· -version

I drive a lot for work and decided to spend the money on a higher end one (after having a cheaper one) Its expensive but so far I'm pretty happy with it.
--
»www.MaximumRepair.ca
Computer Repair/Upgrades
iphone & Samsung Repairs In Toronto

Re: Dash cam suggestons

Mon, 20 Apr 2015 15:38:37 EDT

bryanviper posted : I feel like that is a fake site, I would be careful with it as the read one is this - »www.blackboxmycar.com

said by MacGyver:

blackboxed.ca sells all the "good" dash cams so you can quit wasting your time searching for one that is decent. Haven't bought one yet, but when I do it will probably be from here.

--
»www.MaximumRepair.ca
Computer Repair/Upgrades
iphone & Samsung Repairs In Toronto

Re: Dash cam suggestons

Mon, 20 Apr 2015 03:23:20 EDT

Muncher posted :

said by Kitlope:

And of course after waiting for 5 weeks (7 - 10 days shipping to Canada!) from Bang good

Ditto here, I got a kingston sd card 32 gig
»www.memoryexpress.com/Pr ··· /MX55858
record at 1080P works great.

14000010.MOV
14,486,923 bytes

Re: Dash cam suggestons

Mon, 20 Apr 2015 00:13:59 EDT

peterboro posted :

said by Kitlope:

I leave for Ft. McMurray...the 18 year old LeSabre.

Sounds like the makings of a movie.»en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fubar_2

Re: Dash cam suggestons

Sun, 19 Apr 2015 22:56:40 EDT

Kitlope posted : And of course after waiting for 5 weeks (7 - 10 days shipping to Canada!) from Bang good the day after I leave for Ft. McMurray my neighbor who's watching my place tells me that I got a delivery notice from Canada Post.

Anyhoo, had a few days off so went home and the dashcam arrived intact, haven't really played with it, need a SD card and a working power source for it. I'm finally going to retire the 18 year old LeSabre, next month picking up my great uncle's 06 Cadillac CTS. It's not my dream car or anything but everything works. Just gotta watch the timing chain as these things are notoriously bad for the era.

Re: Dash cam suggestons

Tue, 10 Mar 2015 13:40:08 EDT

Anav posted : I have the G1W, one of the cheaper ones and it just works, rock solid. I use it in the back of the VAN. In the front I use the A118/B40 mini cam that is invisible under the blackened glass, next to the rearview mirror. The A118/B40 never autorecorded over previously recorded bits, regardless of whate effing card I put in the thing. I should have gotten two G1Ws. Perhaps the issue is that I got the capacitor version of the A118|B40.
--
Ain't nuthin but the blues! "Albert Collins".
Leave your troubles at the door! "Pepe Peregil" De Sevilla. Just Don't Wifi without WPA, "Yul Brenner"

LlamaWorks Equipment

Re: Dash cam suggestons

Tue, 10 Mar 2015 10:07:57 EDT

Black Box posted :

said by ndttech:

You are TOTALLY WRONG!!!
Check out this link and zoom in....
»www.gigapixel.com/image/ ··· -g7.html

So, you've found Wally yet? :D
--
Keep It Safe, Stupid!
Yes, I CanChat. Can You?

Re: Dash cam suggestons

Mon, 09 Mar 2015 21:42:00 EDT

ndttech posted : Check out the dash cam reviews here...
»www.techmoan.com/
I use the Mobius camera myself...

Re: Dash cam suggestons

Mon, 09 Mar 2015 21:37:35 EDT

ndttech posted : You are TOTALLY WRONG!!!
Check out this link and zoom in....
»www.gigapixel.com/image/ ··· -g7.html

Re: Dash cam suggestons

Sat, 07 Mar 2015 18:19:14 EDT

anon posted : B&H Photo in the US carries the F310 for $149 USD. They have good policies about shipping to Canada. They charge you the HST up front and ship via purolator for reasonable cost while handling the brokerage at their end. They usually ship out of NYC within 48 hours of ordering.

»www.bhphotovideo.com/c/p ··· car.html

Probably your best bet for picking one up in Canada.

Looks like a very nice cam.