FJ Cruisers of Northern California

Anyone using a Dash Cam?

I am interested in getting a dash cam for the front and maybe even the rear so I have evidence in the event of an accident, without ending up going through the "he said, she said" ordeal.

Anyone have recommendations for a good dash cam or something that will do the job?

Thanks!

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by JPN HUMV on June 9, 2012 at 1:03pm

Do you have this installed in your car? Your thoughts on it? Thanks!

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Permalink Reply by Sonof40 on June 10, 2012 at 6:05pm

No, just saw it online. Komando doesn't usually suggest junk though.

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Permalink Reply by tsy87 on November 4, 2012 at 1:30am

I have a blackvue 400g-hd.

In addition to HD video, it records the gps location, speed, and audio (may or may not be a good thing).
Kinda expensive but im happy with it.

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Permalink Reply by JPN HUMV on November 4, 2012 at 1:39am

Thanks for the reply. Do you happen to have a pic of it installed in your rig? I'd like to see where and how it's mounted and if the wires can be hidden instead of just "dangling" from the cam. Thanks!

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Permalink Reply by tsy87 on November 4, 2012 at 3:08pm

So I tucked the wires into the headliner and it runs down the driver side A-pillar all the way to the fuse box where it is wired in with a add-a-fuse dealy.

I havent uploaded any videos but there are samples on youtube if you search. Where I mounted it, it is not in your field of view since it is in front of the rear view mirror.

Let me know if you have any other questions!

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Permalink Reply by JPN HUMV on November 4, 2012 at 10:38pm

Wow! Very clean install! Did you have to remove the headliner to run the wires? Does the camera have to be manually turned on every time you start/drive or does it turn on/record automatically? I see them available on ebay for $259 shipped, is there a place that sells it for less?

Thanks!

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Permalink Reply by tsy87 on November 4, 2012 at 10:46pm

Thanks! I just kinda crammed it up right along the edge of the headliner.

Because I have it hardwired into the fusebox, it turns on automatically once the ignition is on. You can actually have it set so that its constantly powered (depending on which fuse slot you use) and the camera will go into whats called "parking mode". It will keep the camera on, but it wont record to the card unless it detects an impact. I forgot to mention it has built in accelerometers. I believe I got mine for around 200 ish on ebay. It was a korean model so I had to flash the english software but it works fine.

The desktop software is pretty slick, it shows where the car is on google maps when you review the footage on your PC.

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Permalink Reply by JPN HUMV on November 4, 2012 at 10:55pm

That sounds really slick! :)

I'm not too familiar with electrical or too mechanically inclined at all so if I don't "hardwire" it, I will have to turn it on/off manually each time?

What does "flash the english software" mean? Same as download or install?

Thanks!

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Permalink Reply by tsy87 on November 4, 2012 at 11:44pm

haha! sorry for being confusing...

As for hardwire, I mean its plugged directly into the fusebox of the car so it comes on as other accessories in the car would. There are certain slots in the fusebox that are powered either all the time or when the ignition is on accessory mode, or only when the key is turned to ignition. Once you have it wired, the camera comes on automatically once the car is started and will stay on until the car is turned off.

As for the models... I would recommend looking for one that has the English software. Its like installing stuff on a computer or whatnot, but it can be tricky if the model they send you is made for the korean market because you have to jump through some hoops to get it to be in english.

Its much better explained in this forum:

http://forums.redflagdeals.com/merged-official-blackvue-dr400g-hd-o...

let me know if you have anymore questions though! I'll do my best to help you haha.

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Permalink Reply by JPN HUMV on November 8, 2012 at 11:46pm

Thanks again for all of the pointers. I will probably have more questions when I have it in hand. Going to look for one with English software to make things simpler for me.

Thanks!!!

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Permalink Reply by Ranger Jim on November 9, 2012 at 7:32am

Sounds like a great mod for an install day, many members can help out with the installation if you don't feel comfortable doing it. I think one is coming up like maybe this weekend but if that's to soon post up and see who is available in your area, a case of beer or a little cash would work for most.

Ranger Jim

Permalink Reply by JPN HUMV on November 9, 2012 at 10:43pm

@Ranger Jim: Help would be great. I am not very handy myself. My wife and I recently had our first child so I haven't bought or done much to my rig but this seems like something worth the investment. The install day I saw was up in Placerville so I'm hoping for one that is closer in the Bay Area in the future. Thanks!!!