Dash Cam For Thai Roads

[samsiam]

Anyone know how these work...where to buy ...how much etc ??

Are they on all the time...only when engine running....where do they record to etc.

[Shot]

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/546500-car-video-cameras/page__p__5202205__hl__+record#entry5202205

[evadgib]

See youtube channel by "techmoan". He has extensively trialled a number of gadgets & gives an honest opinion on each of them.

[Semper]

Check this thread, post #20 and onward. http://www.thaivisa....ith-motorbikes/

Edited May 26, 2012 by Semper

[samsiam]

I want one that will record for longer though...not a few lots of several minutes and then record over.

[Semper]

I want one that will record for longer though...not a few lots of several minutes and then record over.

I'm no expert, but wouldn't it be possible to change the memory card? I have to say I'm interested in buying one of these and I'll stop at every zebra crossing to let the eye candy pass the street, unknowing that I have them recorded on my cam.

[samsiam]

Nice thought....'candy cam'

Thing is the cards seem to only record for short periods....so you would need a lot of cards for long trips and then you would have to download it daily....lotta work.

But if that is the only option, so be it.......just would be nice if something could record for a week or so and then dl it and start over etc.

[richard_smith237]

I too like this idea - I think recording on a 30 minute loop would be sufficient...

But I could also imagine getting into a fender bender, forgetting about the cam and by the time I've remembered it any evidence has been recorded over !!

One concern is how well would the cam last sitting in the car all day in the heat etc when parked.

Also, Ideally we'd need two cams, one in front, one in the rear... It would have be a trouble free system, otherwise it becomes too much of a hassle to use. Nipping into town or down the road is the time at which statistically we have the highest chance of an accident, its also the most likely time we don't bother to turn on the cams, so really it would need to be an automatic system.

Edited May 26, 2012 by richard_smith237

[Semper]

But I could also imagine getting into a fender bender, forgetting about the cam and by the time I've remembered it any evidence has been recorded over !!

I think when you turn your ignition off, the cam will also be off.

[craigt3365]

You can get a larger card and probably record up to 8 hours or so. You can set the time interval from 2 min or up to 30 min. When the card if full, it records over the first one. Works day and night. Can get one with 2 cameras, front and back. Worth the investment for sure!

[Rsquared]

Thanks Shot, went to the thread you mentioned, some scary stories....but as far as "where can I get one?" all I could fathom was eBay from Hong Kong or someplace in Pattaya.

Does anyone know of actual shops in Thailand or best to go online to get one?

Would be great to not have to think about these things, but.....it is the real world out there.

[giddyup]

Thanks Shot, went to the thread you mentioned, some scary stories....but as far as "where can I get one?" all I could fathom was eBay from Hong Kong or someplace in Pattaya.

Does anyone know of actual shops in Thailand or best to go online to get one?

Would be great to not have to think about these things, but.....it is the real world out there.

Someone said they are available from TuCom and quite cheap at around 2000 baht. There's also plenty on Ebay, some cheaper, some more expensive.

Edited May 26, 2012 by giddyup

[NanLaew]

I bought mine at Tukcom, Pattaya at a small shop that specialises in these gadgets. I don't recall the floor but they are on the stair well (east) side of the building, opposite the stairs. They have units between 2000 and 3500 baht and I asked for the 'best' and she suggested a 3000 baht device very much like a miniature-sized regular handycam with a flip-out 2.5" LCD view screen, 12 megapixels, 1080 full HD, 4 x digital zoom and a pretty bright integrated flash/flood light. It has HDMI, USB and standard 3.5mm jack a/v outlets and an SD memory slot. The lens can swivel through 180 degrees so along with the suction mounted bracket, it can go anywhere. She included a 4Gb card but I replaced that with a 32Gb one that gives loop options up to 30 minutes. It fits right up in the top-right corner of the windshield and easily detaches for parking in the sun.

I reckon for use a a 'silent witness' in accidents, having a 5 minute loop would be adequate. Why one would want to look at say a whole +2-hour drive in it's entirety beats me. The OP wants to record for a week so maybe he wants to record in a company or leased vehicle? This one turns off when you close the LCD screen since it is independent of vehicle power. As noted by Richard, this can be forgotten and so far I have left it recording endless loops of passing traffic or the gate at the house... until it automatically turns itself off! I would need a sticker on the dashboard to remind me to close the LCD screen since in the event of a prang, that may easily be forgotten in the panic.

Edited May 26, 2012 by NanLaew

[SaNim]

They are very popular in Korea. The most recognized brand iscalled BlackBox , for obvious reasons.

I believe that brand contains a gyro so automatically in an impact sitatioun the last and next 10 minutes are saved.

I think I have seen them in Paradise Mall

[guzzi850m2]

I just bought one today at same place as NanLaew (I think). 990 bath, haven't tried it yet, going to Singapore tomorrow for a short business trip, will report back later.

[NormanW]

I use a GoPro HD 720dpi mostly for the bike but inside the car I use a different fitting.

A 16GB SD card lasts for 3 hours.

Cost - 7000 baht from Dirtshop BKK.

I think the Mermaid dive shop sell them as well down Jomtien.

http://www.youtube.com/user/Jonniethai?feature=mhee

[giddyup]

I bought mine at Tukcom, Pattaya at a small shop that specialises in these gadgets. I don't recall the floor but they are on the stair well (east) side of the building, opposite the stairs. They have units between 2000 and 3500 baht and I asked for the 'best' and she suggested a 3000 baht device very much like a miniature-sized regular handycam with a flip-out 2.5" LCD view screen, 12 megapixels, 1080 full HD, 4 x digital zoom and a pretty bright integrated flash/flood light. It has HDMI, USB and standard 3.5mm jack a/v outlets and an SD memory slot. The lens can swivel through 180 degrees so along with the suction mounted bracket, it can go anywhere. She included a 4Gb card but I replaced that with a 32Gb one that gives loop options up to 30 minutes. It fits right up in the top-right corner of the windshield and easily detaches for parking in the sun.

I reckon for use a a 'silent witness' in accidents, having a 5 minute loop would be adequate. Why one would want to look at say a whole +2-hour drive in it's entirety beats me. The OP wants to record for a week so maybe he wants to record in a company or leased vehicle? This one turns off when you close the LCD screen since it is independent of vehicle power. As noted by Richard, this can be forgotten and so far I have left it recording endless loops of passing traffic or the gate at the house... until it automatically turns itself off! I would need a sticker on the dashboard to remind me to close the LCD screen since in the event of a prang, that may easily be forgotten in the panic.

What is it's power source if it's independent of vehicle power?

[craigt3365]

I bought mine at Tukcom, Pattaya at a small shop that specialises in these gadgets. I don't recall the floor but they are on the stair well (east) side of the building, opposite the stairs. They have units between 2000 and 3500 baht and I asked for the 'best' and she suggested a 3000 baht device very much like a miniature-sized regular handycam with a flip-out 2.5" LCD view screen, 12 megapixels, 1080 full HD, 4 x digital zoom and a pretty bright integrated flash/flood light. It has HDMI, USB and standard 3.5mm jack a/v outlets and an SD memory slot. The lens can swivel through 180 degrees so along with the suction mounted bracket, it can go anywhere. She included a 4Gb card but I replaced that with a 32Gb one that gives loop options up to 30 minutes. It fits right up in the top-right corner of the windshield and easily detaches for parking in the sun.

I reckon for use a a 'silent witness' in accidents, having a 5 minute loop would be adequate. Why one would want to look at say a whole +2-hour drive in it's entirety beats me. The OP wants to record for a week so maybe he wants to record in a company or leased vehicle? This one turns off when you close the LCD screen since it is independent of vehicle power. As noted by Richard, this can be forgotten and so far I have left it recording endless loops of passing traffic or the gate at the house... until it automatically turns itself off! I would need a sticker on the dashboard to remind me to close the LCD screen since in the event of a prang, that may easily be forgotten in the panic.

That's where Rimmer bought his. Not sure of the floor number, but as you go up the stairs, you'll literally walk right into it. Right at the stairwell. Display case that faces the stairwell has several on display. This place had the best price we could find, and we shopped a bit.

[Rsquared]

Thanks guys, but does anyone know if there are similar shops in Hua Hin that sell these products.

Cheers.

[Baloo22]

If your dash cam has USB output and you need extended recording time, it might be possible to hook it up to one of those external USB hard drives. They are available in multi-terabyte capacity.

[NormanW]

I bought mine at Tukcom, Pattaya at a small shop that specialises in these gadgets. I don't recall the floor but they are on the stair well (east) side of the building, opposite the stairs. They have units between 2000 and 3500 baht and I asked for the 'best' and she suggested a 3000 baht device very much like a miniature-sized regular handycam with a flip-out 2.5" LCD view screen, 12 megapixels, 1080 full HD, 4 x digital zoom and a pretty bright integrated flash/flood light. It has HDMI, USB and standard 3.5mm jack a/v outlets and an SD memory slot. The lens can swivel through 180 degrees so along with the suction mounted bracket, it can go anywhere. She included a 4Gb card but I replaced that with a 32Gb one that gives loop options up to 30 minutes. It fits right up in the top-right corner of the windshield and easily detaches for parking in the sun.

I reckon for use a a 'silent witness' in accidents, having a 5 minute loop would be adequate. Why one would want to look at say a whole +2-hour drive in it's entirety beats me. The OP wants to record for a week so maybe he wants to record in a company or leased vehicle? This one turns off when you close the LCD screen since it is independent of vehicle power. As noted by Richard, this can be forgotten and so far I have left it recording endless loops of passing traffic or the gate at the house... until it automatically turns itself off! I would need a sticker on the dashboard to remind me to close the LCD screen since in the event of a prang, that may easily be forgotten in the panic.

What is it's power source if it's independent of vehicle power?

That's the max - 3 hours on the camera's battery.

[giddyup]

If you mount the camera at the top of the windscreen which seems to be normal practice, does this mean you have a power cord hanging down to the cigarette lighter plug? I would find that a bit annoying. If it operates on it's own power source for 3 hours it means you always have to remember to charge it before you drive anywhere. Easy to forget I would have thought.

[samsiam]

Thanks for all the info.

Anyone know if these is a similar shop in Bkk ??

As for the 30 min loops recorded with the larger card mentioned above.....is that just 1 single 30 minute recording and then recorded over again....or several 30 minute lots ??

I would want the cars power source if the battery only lasts 3 hrs as mentioned.

[craigt3365]

If you mount the camera at the top of the windscreen which seems to be normal practice, does this mean you have a power cord hanging down to the cigarette lighter plug? I would find that a bit annoying. If it operates on it's own power source for 3 hours it means you always have to remember to charge it before you drive anywhere. Easy to forget I would have thought.

Yes, the cord will be hanging down. A bit unsightly for sure. I think I'd forget to plug it in from time to time if it had it's own power source...and thus it wouldn't work!!!

[craigt3365]

Great YouTube review here:

[evadgib]

The cable is long enough to be plumbed in without getting in the way, indeed mine came with some retainers to enable this.

[chunktal]

Android phone, free app (search for daily roads or black box) and a dash mount. Works well, needs GPS on for speed data. Fairly configurable, you can adjust the length of each segment of recording, amount of room to use on the SD card, G force settings for automatically retaining video in a colision, lots more.

The good thing over some of the black box cameras available is you can replay instantly on your phone, don't need to get the SD card out or connect it to a computer to get the video. Also to retain any incdent, you just tap the screen and it saves a segment so if you see something or are in a minor incident that does not trigger the G force setting, its easy to save.

I have a Samsung Galaxy Note and had to take the video down from the max to 720p and H.263 otherwise it just records pink and green snow.

I'm still interested in a proper system hard wired in with front and rear cameras but this works well in the mean time.

Edited May 27, 2012 by chunktal

[giddyup]

Obviously the one drawback with these dashcams is that they only cover front end collisions, and rear if you have two. I'm envisaging the fairly common scenario in Thailand of a motorbike (or car) suddenly pulling out from a side street into a main road. Motorbikes just don't look and expect a car to anticipate their every move. I guess to be fully covered you need four cams, but I guess that isn't very practical.

[craigt3365]

Android phone, free app (search for daily roads or black box) and a dash mount. Works well, needs GPS on for speed data. Fairly configurable, you can adjust the length of each segment of recording, amount of room to use on the SD card, G force settings for automatically retaining video in a colision, lots more.

The good thing over some of the black box cameras available is you can replay instantly on your phone, don't need to get the SD card out or connect it to a computer to get the video. Also to retain any incdent, you just tap the screen and it saves a segment so if you see something or are in a minor incident that does not trigger the G force setting, its easy to save.

I have a Samsung Galaxy Note and had to take the video down from the max to 720p and H.263 otherwise it just records pink and green snow.

I'm still interested in a proper system hard wired in with front and rear cameras but this works well in the mean time.

Very interesting. I also like the idea of a hard wired system. Do you have any costs for that???

[chunktal]

Android phone, free app (search for daily roads or black box) and a dash mount. Works well, needs GPS on for speed data. Fairly configurable, you can adjust the length of each segment of recording, amount of room to use on the SD card, G force settings for automatically retaining video in a colision, lots more.

The good thing over some of the black box cameras available is you can replay instantly on your phone, don't need to get the SD card out or connect it to a computer to get the video. Also to retain any incdent, you just tap the screen and it saves a segment so if you see something or are in a minor incident that does not trigger the G force setting, its easy to save.

I have a Samsung Galaxy Note and had to take the video down from the max to 720p and H.263 otherwise it just records pink and green snow.

I'm still interested in a proper system hard wired in with front and rear cameras but this works well in the mean time.

Very interesting. I also like the idea of a hard wired system. Do you have any costs for that???

Saw this one for about $380US, Visiondrive VD-7000w. There is an 8000 series but have not found a price. It says it goes in the "Cigar" lighter but I figure there'd be someone here I could take one too and get it wired in as an accessory so when the engine is on it is on. I'll stick ith the Andriod one for now until I get a bit more time to look for one.

For the guy that says about the side impact, front and rear ould be enough, it can show you are driving straight (if you are) and if you have right of way (signs, lights, etc) so if you are hit on the side it at least gives you proof you can show the police of what you were doing before the motorbike embedded in your door.