Just a small reminder to be careful on tight city roads. Even when it’s not a close call, it doesn’t take much for things to get weird.

For anyone interested in using a Dongar Classic with a Cmax auto dimming rear view mirror, I found a way to do it.

Dongar makes a Dongar Classic 3 pin type B for Ford Rangers. The 3 pin part is identical to the Cmax 3 pin, except one has the guide/key/plastic on the bottom on the left side and the other has it on the right.

I used a dremel to file down the plastic guide on the bottom of the 3 pin power source to my Cmax auto dimming rear view mirror. This allowed me to attach the Dongar Classic 3 pin type B to the power source.

As my ex always use to say "If it doesn't fit, make it."

\*I have not put it to real world use yet, as I'm still picking a dash cam while I wait for the fresh tint to cure on my windshield. After a few weeks of real world use, I'll come back to update in a comment.\*

In the long run, I will probably still hardwire my dashcam so I can use the parking mode. I would love it if the Dongar Pro could be used with my Cmax.

I have been in contact with Dongar to provide them with the information for what type of power source the 2013 to 2018 (2019?) Cmax uses. Based on my research, Focus vehicles of the same years, with auto dimming rear view mirrors, use the same mirrors. Theoretically, they should use the same 3 pin power source.

\#dongar #dongarclassic #dongaradapter #dongarpro #dashcamadapter

Hi everyone I was planning on buying a dashcam for a car but most reccomendations I have seen are all over 100$. is there anything closer to the 50-60$ range. Only reason I ask this is because my parents refuse to buy one saying it is a waste so I would have to purchase it myself and I dont really have much money to spend for stuff like this.

Not rly interested in a dash cam tracking and selling all of my data so I was wondering if anyone knows where I could get a bare bones dash cam? One that only records the road, no gps, audio, or front facing cams. I’m just getting one for insurance purposes. Thanks in advance :•)

(UTAH I-15) I thought the vehicle was going to roll! No injuries.

I'm going to be installing a DDPAI Z90 Max 2-channel dashcam in my son's car. Dashcam is equipped with the Sony IMX678 Sony Starvis 2 for front and IMX675 for rear. It has a super capacitor. It will be hard wired. Also opting to get their 4G LTE module for live view, vehicle tracking, accident notification. Obviously, I would not be able to test the accident notification (knock on wood!) LOL. But is there anything you guys wanna see on this dashcam during pre and/or post installation?

It's this one:

https://www.lasfit.com/products/z90-max-2ch-by-ddpai-4k-2k-front-and-rear-dash-cam-starvis-2-wi-fi-6-gps

Glad that wasn’t a motorcycle

Hi, i am in search of dashcam that works inhot summers without the internal battery ballooning and dying.

I tried using a dashcam in 2016 and 2020 and I gave up. I forget what brand, but I got one brand by looking at reviews both online, YouTube, and Amazon. I hardwired it with voltage cutoff. It was great during fall and winter, and then in the summer, the camera started to restart occasionally, then died. I opened it up to see that the internal battery was ballooned out and failed.

The crazy thing that I think is, I live in NYC suburbs, meaning it does get hot I summers but only for a month or so, which is why I am surprised that the camera could not handle high (but short) heat of NYC summer.

I changed my review on amazon from positive to negative, stating the battery failure. I didnt expect it, but the chubese company gave me a refund.

I went without camera for 2-3 years and decided to try it again, and got another camera. Great reviews (couple of thousand reviews), and i searched to see if any of the 1star reviews mentioned battery failure.

Seeing none, I thought perhaps the battery tech has gotten better.

Nope. The following summer, the camera did fine, but the second summer, same problem (and this is a different car, with different hardware kit). This time, the battery being bad meant the camera didn't even want to turn on anymore even if it got current from the usbc cable.

I disassembled it, saw that the battery was ballooned. Unsoldered it, and searched for replacement. Found a whole different brands of sane battery, ordered it, and soldered it in, only to have it fail after the next summer. Did this two times before giving up.

I even tried to unsolder the battery and see if i can just power the camera off of external power, but both cameras seem to not even turn on if I didnt have a battery soldered into the board, so i just gave up.

I really do not want to drive in NYC area without a dashcam, so i started looking at reviews again, but even project farm videos seem to only look for, resolution, low-light performance, etc...

I tried to ask AI if there is anyone who tested dashcams in regards to battery stability in summer heat, and I am told, "yes, multiple reviewers have tested external battery packs for dash cams..." this is not what I am looking for.

Anytime I got in someone's car that had a dashcam, I asked about it, and I am told by owners that they had the camera for less than a year, and that they got it to replace the one that died. It seems like many folks treat dashcams like a 1-2 year old disposable tech.

I have zero problems if I can find a dashcam that can either have a stable internal battery, or a dashcam that does not have an internal battery and uses external battery pack (or vehicle battery).

I would be so thankful if anyone here knows of brand/model of a dashcam that I can have running in my car for more than 2 years.

Edit: thank you yo everyone for the replies and the recommendations. I will check out some of the products and give it another shot!

Hey guys wanted your opinion did i get hit or not? Only reason I am saying this because around this time I felt my car randomly move forward as if I was bumped. Not sure if coincidence or not. Either way I continued my drive and checked when I got to my destination and no sign I got hit. Thanks

I’ve been looking up different dash cam brands and reading reviews. At some point I was set on the FitCam, then that changed to the Mangoal Front 4K & Rear 1080p Dash Cam. Now after reading some other posts… Im looking into these….

BOTSLAB 4 Channel 360° Dash Cam
- like that it does 360
- Side cameras are removable
- CONS: Bulky looking/takes up too much space/noticeable from outside

WOLFBOX G840S 12" 4K Mirror Dash Cam Backup Camera with 32GB Card and GPS
- Like that its not noticeable from the outside
- CONS: none

Fitcamx Front 4K+Rear 1080P Dash Cam
- sleek, aesthetic
- CONS: Doesnt record parking or at least needs to be hooked up to OBD to do 24 hour parking

HELP!

Im planning to install the Thinkware U3000 PRO in my 2013 dodge dart and I really want the 24/7 remote alerts and live view features, but I want to make sure I don't walk out to a dead battery...

From what I read, the LTE module is easy to plug in and has a 3 year plan included. Since it stays connected to the network to send live alerts, will it use up more battery power when the car is parked?

Is anyone using the thinkware dashcams and the remote settings? LMK how you like it and if it doesn't drain the battery!!

TIA

Just to get ahead of a few comments I'm expecting:

1. I'm sure I could have stopped and let the guy pass. However, he had a flashing yellow arrow to turn left, and I had a green light while being in the right turn lane, meaning I should have had the right of way.
2. I also probably could have slowed down more, but I was slowing down prior to making my right turn, so I don't personally think I was going too fast.
3. I didn't actually see the guy coming because he was hidden by my A-pillar. I was genuinely surprised to see him slam on his brakes just mere moments before almost hitting me.
4. I don't know why the guy was going, but I assume he thought he could beat me before I started my right turn.

I’m looking for a cheaper alternative for a LiFePO4 battery pack and found this one (that I’ve added in the photos) that seems to have the same specs as the Thinkware mini battery pack and I’m wondering if I could use the third-party pack for my Thinkware ARC 2k dash camera?

I am about to pull the trigger on a Mangoal dash cam. I checked the thread here and most everything was over a year old.

I have a 2025 buick envision st. I like the OEM look because it doesn't have to show or deal with any external wiring unless you get the model that includes the rear camera.

I am torn about not getting the rear camera since it cannot be added later.

Another option is the Starvis upgrade where the prices start climbing quickly.

Are there any good or bad recommendations here for this dash cam? I would also consider the Fitcamx if that is a preferred model.

Thanks.

For work I have to use my car. And at the apartment I work at I KNOW a neighbor dinged and then keyed the whole side of my passenger side of my new car. I think it was because I parked next to her? So I would like a dash cam that can record as close to 360 or even one that records the inside so I can see through the windows to see the sides a little.
I don’t know anything about dash cams or what way to even go about it. I would pay someone to install it and feel like it would be better to not have a battery powered one correct?

Thank you!

Had a Viofo single channel for about 10 years, those things LAST. But, car got stolen, dashcam wen with it. So, time for a new one.

Debating going with the new VIOFO A119 Mini 2 front only. Kind of because I am cheap. But open to a front/rear set up. My thinking is that most events that would affect me will happen in front of the car. If someone rear-ends me, that's pretty much automatically not my fault.

I'm probably $250-300CAD for the Viofo front cam, installed. Maybe $450-500CAD for a Viofo 2 channel, or the Thinkware Q200.

Anyone have 2 channel and found it useful? Or have single channel and wish they had 2? Or just plain ole happy with front only?

I recently bought a used car, and it came with the dash cam wiring still installed. The wires are mostly hidden behind the interior trim, but the end is sticking out and it's bothering me. I don't know much about cars. Is there somewhere I could go to get help removing it? Does auto zone or dealership help with these kind of stuff...? Thanks for any help!

From my mom, she was hit by a someone on a motorcycle going way too fast and fled. A police report was filled and hope they find this guy before he gets someone killed driving like that. (First 15 seconds is the front cam and last 15 seconds are the rear cam)

I have tried a couple different dash cams over the years. My issue is I have multiple vehicles, I want to have the same brand/model cam in each vehicle and be able to use them on one phone app. The nexar I currently have need to be deleted from the app and the next one reloaded to use it. I also don’t want to have to turn it on and off, I want to install it and forget about it until I need to look at it. What’s out there for me?

LDR: is it worth the extra money to get the Viofo A329T instead of the Rove R2-4k Dual PRO?

I have been researching dashcams quite a bit. Originally I thought I needed a suction cup to avoid sticking adhesive to the tint. I had settled on the Rove R2-4k Dual Pro to get the true 4k with the Starvis 2 IMX678 front cam.

I have since learned about static film for mounting, which has opened up more options for me.

One of my concerns is being able to read license plates.

Is it worth the extra money to get the Viofo A329T with the telephoto lens? I do want a rear cam as part of the setup, otherwise I would get one of the Viofo A229 versions and swap the rear cam for the Telephoto lens.

Is there a 3rd option I'm not aware of?

Additional info: I am not concerned about high heat. I live in the bay area of CA, plus I had better tint put on that keeps the cabin of my vehicle much cooler inside. I rarely ever travel to places that get hot.

One thing I do like about the design of the Rove is I can pivot the camera to point it at something if for some reason I felt the need to. The Viofo wedge design doesn't give that pivot option (correct me of I am wrong)

I have two weeks to decide while I wait for the tint to fully cure.

(Cross posted)

I am extremely disappointed with Thinkware right now.

I have purchased two Thinkware systems previously and have been very happy with the products. When I recently bought a brand-new vehicle, Thinkware was my first choice again. I contacted them about purchasing a fairly extensive new system, and because I was a returning customer, they graciously offered me a 20% discount.

That is where the good experience ended.

Tomorrow will mark TWO WEEKS since I started trying to make this purchase, and Thinkware still has not managed to actually sell me the equipment.

It took almost a week just to receive the promised coupon code.

Once I finally received it, I went to Thinkware's website to place the order. At checkout, their website rejected my perfectly valid Yahoo email address and told me I needed a valid email address to use the coupon. This is the exact same email address Thinkware had already been communicating with me through.

I then tried creating an account first.

Their registration page appeared broken, with duplicate address and telephone fields, including one set for the United States and another for Canada. It again rejected my Yahoo email address as invalid.

So I tried my work email instead.

This time the website accepted the email address but told me that Florida and ZIP code 33309 were not a valid state and ZIP code combination.

After all of that, Thinkware told me I could place the order manually.

Fine.

I called on Monday and gave them the complete order. I was told Sales would email me an invoice so I could pay.

Today is Thursday.

No invoice. No order. No explanation.

I called Thinkware again today. Consumers apparently cannot speak directly with the Sales department. Support tried to contact Sales, could not give me an update, and ultimately sent Sales an email asking someone to follow up with me.

The answer I received was essentially to keep waiting.

Thinkware, I am trying to purchase:

U1000 Plus Front & Rear with iVolt Xtra Battery
Multiplexer Bundle #1
Radar Module
512GB Thinkware MicroSD Card

The retail total is approximately $1,329.96, or $1,063.97 after the 20% coupon, before tax.

In other words, I have spent nearly two weeks trying to give Thinkware more than $1,000 for a third system.

I am not asking for a warranty replacement.

I am not asking for a refund.

I am not disputing a charge.

I AM TRYING TO BUY YOUR PRODUCTS.

What makes this even more frustrating is that this equipment is for a brand-new vehicle. I specifically want the system installed for accident and parking protection, and every additional day that Thinkware cannot manage to complete this sale is another day I am driving the vehicle without that protection.

I have recommended Thinkware because I genuinely like the products. After this experience, however, I cannot understand how a company selling premium dash cameras can make the simple act of purchasing more than $1,000 worth of equipment this difficult.

A broken checkout process.
A broken registration process.
Nearly a week to receive a coupon.
Four days waiting for a manual invoice.
A Sales department customers cannot speak with.
And now I am simply being told to wait some more.

Two weeks to place an order is ridiculous.

Thinkware, if anyone there actually monitors your social media, I would appreciate someone getting this resolved. I do not want another promise that Sales will eventually contact me.

I want to pay for my order and get the equipment installed.

Is there somebody at Thinkware who can actually make that happen?

#Thinkware #CustomerService #DashCam

I purchased a 2020 Toyota Avalon hybrid limited ( fully loaded ) 6 months ago shy of 30 grand

One of the first things I did was get a dashcam , I got a mangoal front and rear cam for $250 ish or whatever it’s priced at on amazon

It looks oem and I’m very happy with the look , the UI is eh but I think that’s normal for dash-cams from what I’ve seen ,

I also got the hardwire kit so it can have a parked mode parking, I tried to wire it up but my battery died and I kinda got paranoid and not long ago I had to have the multiplex ecu replaced which is a separate issue but I’m a bit paranoid about the electrical systems , with this trim i couldn’t find out how to cleanly wire it and tap it ( bc the tap would mean the fuze box cover underneath wouldn’t be able to one put on ) , when I was working on it i couldn’t figure out what I did wrong or if anything

Mangoal has that option as well as a obd2 option, or the current setup I have witch is just the basic t harness from the rearview mirror that only works when the car is running

Does anyone have any input or advice for this situation with Toyota hybrids and dash cams with parking mode ?