A118C (B40/A118)

A118C

The A118 / B40 dash cam is a discreet camera based on the popular Novatek NT96650 processor and the Aptina AR0330 CMOS sensor.  The latest version of this camera is the A118C which comes with a capacitor instead of battery

Video quality during the day is very good and night quality is average.  Some owners have complained of grainy night time quality. The A118 records 1080p at 30f/s with an average bit rate of approximately 15,000kpbs.

The camera comes with a 1.5″ screen and optional GPS is available.  Build quality is quite good and is noticeably better than the popular G1W. The size of the camera is 72mm x 52mm x 43mm.  While not the smallest camera, the form factor makes this camera quite discreet when mounted in a car for a number of reasons. The camera mounts directly to the windshield rather than using a large mount.

The shape of the camera is also quite good for discreet mounting.  It can be mounted high up on the windshield so that only the lens is visible from the outside.  The camera comes in all black, which we are fans of. One of our members, chris-s, has created 2 detailed videos on the camera.

Street Guardian Models

Our member jokiin has a branded version of this camera as well.  This camera has better support (firmware updates).  Also unlike the variability in generic models, the hardware is consistent and high quality.

  • Street Guardian SG9665GM (no GPS)
  • Street Guardian SG9665GPS (external GPS included)

Known problems

Out of Focus / Blurry

A small number of owners have indicated that the A118 / B40 is out of focus / blurry.  This typically happens once the camera has warmed up after a short period of time.  The following video shows the result.

Card Full Error

Some owners are indicating they have received a “Card Full” error once the MicroSD card fills up rather than overwriting the oldest file even though loop recording is enabled.  One potential fix is to try a different loop time (1 min vs 3 min vs 5 min) which appears to solve the problem.  Alternatively try using a different MicroSD card.

Fast Forward Does Not Work

The Fast-Forward button on the A118 / B40 does not actually fast forward the videos when reviewing on the dash cam screen.  The camera freezes up and the timestamp is replaced by “1080FHD” in the right hand corner.  This appears to be a bug with the firmware.  No resolution yet.

Video gets dark

One owner has indicated that the video gets dark when using the camera at night as illustrated in the following video.  There is no resolution for this problem.

Year 2014 Bug

When connected to the GPS unit, some owners have indicated that the cameras will change the year to 2014.  Date and time are fine, but only year is incorrect.  For cameras not connected to GPS this is not an issue.  This is apparently a firmware issue.  Some owners have successfully used an older firmware (May 23 2014) to resolve the issue.  Check with your seller for firmware for this issue or do not use the GPS module.

Memory Card Slot Malfunction

A handful of users have indicated the MicroSD card gets stuck in the camera and does not eject.  The card has to be forcefully removed. Others have indicated the MicroSD card does not stay inserted.  Make sure you are pushing the MicroSD card 1-2mm past the “flush” or  body of the camera.  This problem resulted as a result of a manufacturing change where the speaker was glued to the MicroSD card slot.  The manufacturer has corrected the problem and is no longer gluing the speaker to the MicroSD slot.

a118-110
a118-210

Cold Weather Not Starting

In cold weather conditions (under -10°C) some owners indicate that camera does not start.   After the camera warms up, it usually works fine.  Note that the stated operating temperature for this camera is -10°C to 60°C.

Card Full Error

One owner indicated they received a “card full error” with this error.  This error would occur after removing the SD card, viewing the video files on a computer, deleting the video and then reinstalling the SD card.  To prevent this problem, when deleting the video files from the SD card in a computer, make sure you delete the files from the trash as well (while the SD is still in the computer).

Teardown

Tiesfong B40 1
Tiesfong B40 2
Tiesfong B40 3
Tiesfong B40 4
Tiesfong B40 5
Tiesfong B40 6
Tiesfong B40 7
Tiesfong B40 8

Thanks to our member niko who has disassembled the camera.  The full thread can be found on our forum.

Mounting the Camera

Thanks to niko for providing a video and photos on the B40 mounted in car.  For other mounting options visit the forum here.

B40 Mounted IN Car (1)
B40 Mounted IN Car (2)
B40 Mounted IN Car (3)
B40 Mounted IN Car (4)
B40 Mounted IN Car (6)
B40 Mounted IN Car (7)
B40 Mounted IN Car (8)

Comparison with Mobius (on right) and B40 (in middle) Comparison with PanoramaII (left) Mobius (on right) and B40 (in middle)

Sample Videos

Day Video

Night Video

Should I Purchase?

The A118C is excellent camera for the money.  For under $60, you get a camera with good build quality and excellent form factor.  This camera is very discreet and video quality is quite good.  Reliability has been above average as well.  A worthwhile camera to consider if you are on a budget (the G1W is a bit cheaper but not as discreet).  See what other owners have to say about the A118 on our forum.

UPDATE:  Take a look at the new A119.  It is the next generation of this camera with a similar shape improved hardware.

Firmware

WARNING!  MAKING CHANGES TO YOUR FIRMWARE ARE PERFORMED AT YOUR OWN RISK.  WE ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY DAMAGE TO YOUR DASH CAM AS A RESULT OF THESE INSTRUCTIONS.

Firmware Update Instructions

  1. Download the firmware
  2. Format the SD card, copy the firmware file to the root directory
  3. Connect the dash cam to a powersource ( in car or at hone via mini usb)
  4. Switch off dash cam
  5. Insert MicroSD with new FW into dash cam
  6. Power on dash cam
  7. Updating begins, REC LED will be flashing
  8. When update is done, REC LED stops flashing.

Latest Firmware

Warning: If the firmware version of your camera starts with B40, DO NOT flash the firmware below. The firmware below only work with Viofo branded cameras.

The latest firmware is A118.20150104.zip from Foxoffer.

The latest firmware for the A118C is A118C_20160316.7z from Viofo

Previous Firmware Versions

Bricked Cameras

Some people have bricked there non-Viofo cameras by using the incorrect firmware. You can try to unbrick the camera with the following firmware provided by Gearbest:

User Manual

The English User Manual can be downloaded here.

Specifications

Detailed Specifications

Read Review
Camera Type Single Channel
Form Factor Wedge
Country China
Processor Novatek NT96650
CMOS Front Aptina AR0330
CMOS Rear N/A
Channels 1
Screen 1.5"
GPS Optional
G-Sensor Yes
Wi-Fi No
Parking Mode No
Lock Files Auto or Button
Max Resolution Front 1920×1080p
Front Frames Per Second 30
Max Bitrate Front (Mbps) 15
Max Resolution Rear N/A
Rear Frames Per Second N/A
Max Bitrate Rear (Mbps) N/A
Video Format MOV
Compression H.264
Diagonal Viewing Angle Front 170°
Diagonal Viewing Angle Rear N/A
SD Card Type MicroSD
Max Size (Spec) 32GB
Max Size (User) 64GB
Size Front (mm) 72 x 52 x 43
Size Rear (mm) N/A
Mount Adhesive
Power Supply 5V
Operating Temp -10°C to 60°C
Battery 300mAh
Error Notification Screen
Swivel (To Record Side Windows) No
Apps None
Cloud Connectivity No
Release Date May 2014
Unique Features None
Advantages Price
Video quality
Build quality
Mounts directly to windscreen and is discreet
Disadvantages Wavy background noise
Limited Support
Final Word A great upgrade from the G1W if you are looking for better build quality and a more discreet form factor.

Published: June 29, 2014

Updated:  Jul 21, 2016

A118C (B40/A118) - DashCamTalk
B40

The A118C is a great upgrade from the G1W if you are looking for better build quality and a more discreet form factor.

Product SKU: A118C

Product Brand: Generic

Product Currency: USD

Product Price: 55

Price Valid Until: 2023-01-01

Product In-Stock: SoldOut

Editor's Rating:
6.8