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fabiodriven
03-11-2014, 04:58 PM
So I've been a truck driver in this area for about 14 years, 5 of those I was off the road working in a shop (CDL was a requirement though), but over the last 6 months I've specifically been driving in Boston. I go in and out of the city 3 to 5 times a day and I see a lot of interesting stuff and have a vast array of traffic altercations.

I'd like to get a dash cam but I don't know the first thing about them. Does anyone have any experience with these?

CRAZY70MAN
03-11-2014, 05:10 PM
I do not have one but this one looks like a good deal?? http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002XXHPIC/ref=olp_product_details/180-6774106-5878457?ie=UTF8&me=&seller=

trike savior
03-11-2014, 05:25 PM
I would suggest a go pro. they can store a lot of record time and you can use them for other things when not driving. The one crazy70man suggested is not bad for the price but you can only use it in the truck.

Lord Letto 20
03-11-2014, 05:42 PM
#GoProHero
Use it as a Dash Cam AND Use it to record your Trike Rides!

ebaccm26
03-11-2014, 05:50 PM
Check out http://dashcamtalk.com/ for some great info on all kinds of dash cams. I run a Lukas 7900 in my dd and have had no issues so far.

Flyingw
03-11-2014, 06:24 PM
The GoPro's don't loop record. A common dash cam will loop record. Some have motion sensors, some have GPS. Some have more than one camera lens. I've been considering a dash cam in my DD as well.

afdfirefighter
03-11-2014, 06:28 PM
I second the gopro. It doesn't loop but you can set it to record the quality you want and you can delete and format the care from the gopro if you do t get anything you want that trip. You also get a much wider viewing area as well as using while you ride. I would look into the gopro for sure.

stillhunter
03-11-2014, 07:52 PM
I have a gopro hero 3 white and its great. It does loop video, it even gives options as to full card or from 5min. Loops - 120 minute loop. What I really like is its WiFi enabled and with the app I can view video right there on my phone. This is also handy for setup, to make sure your getting a shot of the ride not just your tank. I mount ours under the visor on our helmets most of the time.

fabiodriven
03-11-2014, 07:54 PM
How much record time does each kind have? Will either of them make an 8-12 hour day? would I edit it when I got home or do it on the fly? If the camera loops, I would assume I'd have to save any parts that I wanted to keep before it looped?

Thanks a lot guys.

stillhunter
03-11-2014, 08:06 PM
Recording time would depend on card size and resolution. I dont know off-hand what the times would be. We use ours for the track and stuff and normally get about 3hrs at 960p.

Scootertrash
03-11-2014, 08:25 PM
Check out http://dashcamtalk.com/ for some great info on all kinds of dash cams. I run a Lukas 7900 in my dd and have had no issues so far.

Check out the link above. Lots of good info and ratings on the different cameras. I've been there, but haven't bought a cam yet. There's a lot of things to consider. A lot of those dash cams are quite a bit smaller than a GoPro. Some states have laws dictating where they cam be mount so as to not obstruct your vision while driving (I know, I know).
Some have a forward and rearward lens, motion sensing so if someone hits your vehicle and you're not in it the cam will start recording.

hoosierlogger
03-11-2014, 08:37 PM
Type in "why Russians use dash cams" on you tube. Wow!

TrickShot
03-11-2014, 09:36 PM
I drive truck as well, and I use the Top Dawg DVR-027 Dash Cam. The screen rotates 270deg so you can see it at any spot on windshield. It has 120 deg wide angle lens with 6 Infrared LED’s for night vision.(roughly $100 and change) It has loop record 2min, 5min, and 10min. Or can turn off loop recording and it will record continuously until SD Card is full Supports up to a 32gb SD Card. Records in 4 different video sizes 640x480, 848x480, 1280x720, and 1920x1080. (My videos are set at 1280x720) You can review all videos on card while it's in the cam and lock any you want to save so it don't get erased. It's got motion detection mode as well.

This is the only Dash Cam I used so it's all I can speak about. I got it on a trip out to Dallas TX at the Flying J. But most all the truck stops are selling them now. The LED's don't help the night vision that much, but it does improve the view a small bit. All I can say is be sure it's a name brand and not a cheap knockoff like the majority on ebay. My first dash cam was the knockoff of the DVR-027 from ebay. It did not record in HD, picture quality sucked to say nicely, but it did and would get the job done if just want a cheapo one ($35), but it didn't last long before it crapped out. The easiest way to spot a knock off is it don't have the HDMI port.

I have to say it's paid for itself already for me. I was pulled over entering PA for "cruising in the left lane" at 12:18am with light traffic on the roads. Video I have shows me in left lane for 4mins while actively passing and dealing with traffic merging. I told the officer just that and had it recorded on camera. When he returned from checking my information, He instructed me that he had an emergence call and I would be receiving a citation in the mail. Well that was Dec 13 and I have yet to receive one. :D

Here is a picture of mine in stalled in my truck.
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d7/photopixs/DASHCAM/740610_4282943707923_1497913222_o_zps921ad8af.jpg

Here is what you want this cam to look like with the HDMI port.
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d7/photopixs/DASHCAM/A1116J_zps8d710c0e.jpg

This is a knock off one. You can see it says HDMI on cover but when open it's a blank port slot.
http://i32.photobucket.com/albums/d7/photopixs/DASHCAM/100199-6_zpscae569f2.jpg

Here are some videos from my cam to see/judge what the video looks like.

Car spin out in snow Richmond VA Video (taking at just after midnight in a snow storm, Infrared LED's are turned off)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4KzrmCiVY98&feature=youtu.be

Car spin out on I-69 north bound side, at the IN-MI state line.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BpC6641uXq8&list=UUW3ttlHb8v_oNd8SrZwXTNg

Close call in Norfolk VA, at Dusk.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZGOWGZFhgmg&list=UUW3ttlHb8v_oNd8SrZwXTNg

SUV blows their motor.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_OIB58IAhkg&feature=youtu.be

briano
03-11-2014, 09:44 PM
I'm not helping but I have a good one for you. Two weeks ago I worked on a guys car and he had a camcorder hanging from the rear view with about 20 rubber bands. Also there was all kinds of other Walmart special electronic doo dads everywhere. His wiring looked like Clark Griswold's Christmas lights. Lol

czac
03-12-2014, 04:08 PM
I looked into these on eBay and my head hurt so I stopped...lol some sound awesome... auto start up when you start the car, auto off, re writes over the card when its full then starts recording again.... it would be useful to have I think but there are sooo many out there how do you decide? lol I looked on you tube at the reviews but to me its like pulling teeth... some folks don't get how to review a product and make the most boring reviews ever!!!

300rman
03-12-2014, 04:12 PM
no need for anything more than 1 2 hour loop - you simply stop recording if something exceptional happens, You will then have the footage you need to help out your case. Keep an extra card handy in case you want to save something but dont have time to remove it from the card- just simply take out the card, install another, and keep going. No sense in saving driving footage that isnt/wouldnt be useful.

fabiodriven
03-12-2014, 05:03 PM
It looks like a dash cam would be the way to go as opposed to a GoPro. I just need it to run all the time so hopefully they don't have issues doing that.

ebaccm26
03-12-2014, 05:43 PM
Sorry my original post was so short I was at work at the time. I chose the Lukas 7900 because it has the highest and lowest operating temps of any dash cam and it can take up to a 128gb sd card. It is a great set it and forget it camera and has all the features you could want including a g-force sensor and gps. Generally the BlackVue DR500GW-HD, Lukas LK-7900 ACE, FineVu CR-500HD, and the Itronics ITB-100HD are considered some of the best cameras out there and each of them have their own selling points so you just have to decide what features mean the most to you. If you are looking for a cheaper set up some people have had luck using the mobius action cam as a dash cam and it is only about $80.

I love having a dash cam because it is great for added security in case of an accident and because you catch all kinds of interesting things on video. I never drive without mine now.

TrickShot
03-12-2014, 09:44 PM
The cam I have is recording 24/7. No issues with it running that way. I chose mine for a couple reasons, mainly because it has a screen incase anything happens, I can play it back on the spot anytime from the cam. Its slim and records with the screen open or closed if want to minimize its appearance on windshield.

MNhondaguy
03-12-2014, 11:11 PM
Like others have said, legit dash am is much better than a gopro for what you want. I've done work on a number of HP vehicles, and most of them have a continuos recording cam to an external hard drive. Some cameras have a controller, for lack of a better word, that allow a number of cameras to be used. Front, back, gauges, sides, your face, wherever you please.

Scootertrash
03-17-2014, 10:21 AM
A Fireman on another forum I frequent just bought this one, seems like a decent cam to me for 60.00 or so http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-confused005.gif (http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys.php)


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X16kiyDtTms

fabiodriven
03-17-2014, 08:25 PM
I just ordered that one in the video Scooter posted.

TrickShot
03-20-2014, 12:32 AM
I just ordered that one in the video Scooter posted.
When you get it and use it a bit, I'd be interested in hearing about what you think of it. I've been thinking off getting another and would like to try a dual cam dvr.
:beer

fabiodriven
04-29-2014, 07:17 PM
Alright well this thing showed up a while ago and got put on the back burner, I've been way too busy. A near collision today promptly reminded me I had the camera at home. I'm putting it in the truck and I'll get it set up when I have time to fiddle with it.

BleedRed
04-29-2014, 08:57 PM
I would also like to hear your reveiw on it. I have been wanting to get a dash cam as well. Because in the end you know the truck driver has the most to lose and is the easiest to put the blame on. Plus I'd really like to make a little vid pulling bridge girders, loading, drivng, unloading and all that jazz.

fabiodriven
05-13-2014, 11:37 AM
I whipped this thing out today to give it a shot. The directions are barely discernable in English. I plugged it in and it came on but it says something about not having any memory or something. I guess I gotta get a card for it? Looks like a camera card or something? I can't imagine those cards holding that much footage.