Dash cams

Three posts back.

 

The Matecam starts and records when it senses power on.

It also has a gyro that will start recording on a bump (something moves or bumps your parked vehicle)

 

Duh, thanks! Must've skipped over it on my phone.

 

So I have my Thinkware F770 and add a circuits, just waiting until the weekend to install it. The documentation in the boxes is horrible, so I downloaded the manual and I'm reading through it. One of the first things I look for is the operating temperature, and it's 140 F. Maximum storage temp is 158. I'm sure it gets hotter than 158 inside of our vehicles in the summer here in Phoenix. My truck is garaged most of the time, but sometimes it has to be in the sun. Anyone in Phoenix have any issues with theirs in the heat?

 

I have no issues in florda. But it's not as hot here. Cameras like these run hot to the touch but it's normal

 

I installed it this weekend. I hope I did it right, it was my first time with add a circuits. I did Yellow to the empty slot, (last one on the left) and red to the 3rd down on the left, the 15 amp labeled P/Outlet 1. I soldered and put heat shrink on instead of crimping. I tested continuous and parking mode and it all works.

 

Sorry the pics are big

 

Looks good, @Jeffaz1! Photos display fine in my browser here. Yeah, their documentation leaves a bit to be desired. It also doesn't help that Thinkware seems to be semi-random as to whether red goes to ACC and yellow to +12VDC or vice-versa. At least they label the wires, so you're okay if you pay attention. One thing to note is it seems the ACC is used just for signalling and the camera draws power from the +12VDC. This means selection of the ACC input is a little more flexible.

@wildbf It's interesting how different people do better with different media for learning. Me? I hate video. Give me diagrams/photos and some verbiage that I can print out and write notes on to use during an install. But I get that different folks are wired differently; just explaining why I don't do video on my write-ups.

 

So I'm driving to work and I'm noticing my A/C isn't blowing cold air now.

 

Strange. I don't think the AC system fuse is even in the cab. I'd double check everything's properly seated of course.

(not my image)

 

Just went out for lunch and the A/C is fine. Maybe it wasn't blowing cold because the temp was below setpoint as it was a cooler morning than usual here in Phoenix, but I know I took the button off Auto and it still didn't come on. I had fan on high and it wasn't doing much.

 

The auto climate controls are funky. Even though hitting something like the fan or mode will turn the Auto light off, it seems the auto function isn't fully off unless you turn the system off.

Glad all is well.

 

I like the Garmin dashcams because they are tiny, and I don't even see it at all (hidden behind rearview mirror).

Easiest way to install is via ODB2 connector.

EKYLIN OBDII Charging Cable Micro USB Power Adapter - 16Pin OBD2 Connector Direct Link Charger for for Dash Cam Car DVR GPS - 3M/11.5FT Wire - 12-24V

https://www.amazon.com/Camera-Charg...dash+cam&qid=1556261459&s=gateway&sr=8-3&th=1

Tapping a fuse is also pretty easy though.

 

I have a Garmin dashcam 45 in front with the parking mode cable that allows it to record when it senses a slight impact or movement when the vehicle is off. Good features and video quality for the price and I hardly know it's there, the speed trap alarm is also handy. I may get another for the rear of the truck.

 

Although mines not conventional and takes a bit of manual operating. I'm running a GoPro Hero 7 Silver. It works great for me. Picture is ridiculously clear. Tells me my speed and GPS coordinated and also doubles as a camera in the event of an accident. Buddy got it for my birthday since we have the mounts already.

 

How does that work for long trips, does the video loop record?

 

It records in roughly 13 minute clips. I have a large memory card so it will automatically do this for roughly 8 hours. It does not loop over old footage however. It needs to be reformatted manually, thus the "bit of manual operating" segment.

 

I also have the Garmin 45. Does yours get hot? I tried contacting them but their customer service sucks.

 

I have a Vantrue N1 Pro Mini. It was a Black Friday impulse purchase and I bought it mostly because it was really cheap. I had flirted with the idea of having a dashcam, but hadn't given it any serious consideration.

I've been really happy with it. It's fairly small, and has good video quality. I only have it set to come on with the ignition, but it has options for park mode with motion and collision detection. I hardwired it and ran the cable under the A-pillar, which as others have said is quite easy to do. Fits nicely in front of the rearview mirror.

 

I noticed that it does at time, but it's never died or restarted on me. I didn't think to ask if it was a common issue but sounds like it is.