NEW Product out now! VICO-WF1, WIFI!!

My new Vicovation WF1 DashCam just arrived yesterday. :D

It seems my passion/posts for DashCams have not gone unnoticed. Someone just sent me a Vicovation WF1 to review.
(not sure I can thank the DashCamTalk member by name yet, they said they didn't have time and probably knew I'd do a good job)

I updated it to FW V1.41 I mean FW V1.47
http://www.vicovation.com/productpage.asp?IDno=18&cata=3&lang=en
http://www.vicovation.com/uploads/Vico_131014001.zip
So far the WF1 fits perfectly under my Rearview Mirror. (like dead center, looks OEM) I can't see the DashCam at all when driving just like the 0801. I used the double stick tape mount.
The Video quality is amazing, and WDR is very good for night vision. 160 degree wide angle is a bit over kill but looks good still surprisingly.
The WiFi iOS/iPhone app is pretty cool, I can transfer the .MP4 files directly into the iPhone for direct upload to youtube/facebook etc.
The WF1 doesn't have GPS though, so I'll be putting my mini 0801 in the back of my car as the Rear camera. That will be my GPS logger then. I can still attach the .log files as needed into RegistratorViewer.

I'lll be putting together a FULL detailed unbiased good/bad/ugly review soon after I worked with it for awhile first. (lots of pix/videos, and will even compare mini 0801 side by side)

I didn't completely jump ship. My mini 0801 should be the perfect rear DashCam. (and keeps GPS logging)

There is a bug with iPhone 5S users I reported. (can't change some settings) Support is working on it and will come out with a n update quickly. I was able to use my iPad to change settings for now. The support email was answered very quickly. (back and forth)

So as of now I'm officially part of the WF1 club!
 
The only thing that put me off about this dash cam is the flashing lights. I saw a video that had it flashing away at night like a mini disco.

Is there a way to turn this off? I hate the thought of spending that much money to then have to cover it up in electrical tape.

.....other than that it looks promising. :p

Yes they fixed a lot of things in the last two firmware updates.
http://www.vicovation.com/productpage.asp?IDno=18&cata=3&lang=en


Vico-WF1 new FW V1.41
  • Make WiFi password changeable.
    The unalterable password of old firmware was87654321.After upgrading, users are able to configure the password with 8~20 characters. Please be noticed that this feature functions only with Vicoviewer App version 1.1.0 or above.
  • Make Voice Volume adjustable
    Voice notice can be adjusted to three levels, low, medium and high. Default setting is high.
  • Bugs fixed.
Learn more

Vico-WF1 new FW V1.47
  • Night Enhance Mode
  • Voice volume: Mute adjustable.
  • LED Silent Mode



-I muted both the LED (glows very dim, no blinking/flashing now)
-I muted the volume all together so it doesn't talk to me when it turns on or off.

It's now a set it and forget it silent non-annoying appliance as it should be. I'm working on a review after I use it for a bit first.
 
Can't wait to see your review...... :)


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD
 
Can't wait to see your review...... :)


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

Since Techmoan already did a pretty good video review, I'm going to take my time and try to create my own quality in depth video review as well. (will be my first time) Stand by as I collect some interestinng videos. (Views from San Francisco, Racetrack, and high performance turns from a Cessna(plane) will all be included.
Four Rules for Telling an Effective Video Story
http://now.eloqua.com/es.asp?s=1321&e=335027&elq=b50715b6bd5446369867dcfa019e44fe

MultiCam, the works!
http://dashcamtalk.com/forum/thread...or-12-tutorial-wf1-front-mini-0801-back.2841/
 
Good thing the Mic works well on the WF1. Wait until you hear the roar/rumble from my Roommates 500HP Mustang Boss (He's upgrading it to 1000 HP next year when the warranty is up)

12mustangboss30206optb.jpg
 
Can I use this to record while car is parked? Never owned a dash cam before.

Also, I usually park under the hot sun. Is there any temperature issues with this?
 
@CyberMew No this doesn't have "Parking Mode" but see this thread for more info on what you can buy if it supports it. http://dashcamtalk.com/battery-discharge-prevention/


WDR Night Testing:

Ok so I have my brand new WF1. (second one) I changed night enhance mode to HIGH and drove back and forth on the San Francisco Bay Bridge tonight. What do you guys think? How close is the WF1's WDR compared to Vicovation's other models?

Departing San Francisco (Passenger Window was down, noisy)
Jump to 3m:50s for the new section of the bridge that just opened a few weeks ago
Again, I don't know why I thought it was a good idea to roll the window down so that's why it's so noisy.
Original File:
Bay Bridge Departing - Vicovation WF1 Night Enhance High.mp4 525.2 MB
https://mega.co.nz/#!KFAXXD4Y!dk9kBlw9oHVMviM_jwfSlmPZ1mp5YlsHSJMEloyeQ2c

Arriving San Francisco (Windows up, not so noisy this time)
Original File:
Bay Bridge Arrival - Vicovation WF1 Night Enhance High.mp4 517.3 MB
https://mega.co.nz/#!XEJlAIKL!YAtTr20LyepoKfnNcsccd1SMpCoINBIraRyTmyr-vLk
 
Last edited:
So if I want it to record overnight, it would be the full recording, instead of those with motion only?

And it looks like those videos are blurry. Is it normal not to be able to see the car plates even with other devices?
 
So if I want it to record overnight, it would be the full recording, instead of those with motion only?

And it looks like those videos are blurry. Is it normal not to be able to see the car plates even with other devices?

If your #1 concern is monitoring your car while you're away, I would research and find a DashCam you like that offiicially supports Parking Mode. I think the Mio Mivue does. Techmoan shows it in his review video. There is a better one with WDR (the higher model numbers)
http://dashcamtalk.com/forum/forums/mio-mivue.32/

Did you change the quality to 1080P when you watched the videos? Youtube adds more compression, the original videos always look better. I don't have much room on my dropbox right now or I'd post the originals. I need to juggle things around and or use SkyDrive (which gives you even more free space)
 
Last edited by a moderator:
If the firmware supports parking mode it would be a great buy for me, since it doesn't have GPS and has wifi app support with live view with phone. Hassle free, and can swap SD cards easily. I wonder why it cannot do live view and record at the same time even if it's at at lower frame rate, since I read that the Blackvue could.

Hopefully someone can upload the original files for night soon.

And has anyone tested parking it under a hot sun for a long period of time?
 
I'm uploading the original files now via mega.co.nz (I'll post the links shortly)

Viewing live/recordings while still recording at the same time isn't possible with the older Ambarella chipset they used. I was interested in Blackvue months ago, but the low bitrate, low quality videos don't justify the high price.

Only the new Ambarella A7-LA models out in a few months will support advanced things such as this. Keep an eye out for new products in the near future. The WF1 is only the beginning of what's to come for WiFi DashCam products.

By "If the firmware supports parking mode" you mean the Mio Mivue, I think it does, watch the TechMoan review.
I doubt you'll see Parking Mode added as a feature in the WF1
 
Last edited:
The license plates are crystal clear in daytime videos. I looked at the original night time files again. I guess the bright headlight reflection creates too much contrast to see license plates at night. (bummer)

Bay Bridge Departing - Vicovation WF1 Night Enhance High.mp4 525.2 MB
https://mega.co.nz/#!KFAXXD4Y!dk9kBlw9oHVMviM_jwfSlmPZ1mp5YlsHSJMEloyeQ2c

Bay Bridge Arrival - Vicovation WF1 Night Enhance High.mp4 517.3 MB
https://mega.co.nz/#!XEJlAIKL!YAtTr20LyepoKfnNcsccd1SMpCoINBIraRyTmyr-vLk
 
Last edited:
The license plates are crystal clear in daytime videos. I looked at the original night time files again. I guess the bright headlight reflection creates too much contrast to see license plates at night. (bummer)

Bay Bridge Departing - Vicovation WF1 Night Enhance High.mp4 525.2 MB
https://mega.co.nz/#!KFAXXD4Y!dk9kBlw9oHVMviM_jwfSlmPZ1mp5YlsHSJMEloyeQ2c

Bay Bridge Arrival - Vicovation WF1 Night Enhance High.mp4 517.3 MB
https://mega.co.nz/#!XEJlAIKL!YAtTr20LyepoKfnNcsccd1SMpCoINBIraRyTmyr-vLk


I noticed dashcamera vibrates more than I used to see them vibrating along with the car ( normal vibrating ). But yours also vibrates from side to side ( clockwise and anticlockwise movements ). Maybe bracket mount is not tighten properly ?
 
I noticed dashcamera vibrates more than I used to see them vibrating along with the car ( normal vibrating ). But yours also vibrates from side to side ( clockwise and anticlockwise movements ). Maybe bracket mount is not tighten properly ?

I'm using the adhesive mount. (not the suction one) There is nothing to tighten. The raised plastic square nub of the mount slips in tight into the square hole of the WF1 and slides foward an inch until it stops. Can I add any more support? What if compacted a bunch of thick rubber O-Rings or something? (onto the neck of the support base)
 
I'm using the adhesive mount. (not the suction one) There is nothing to tighten. The raised plastic square nub of the mount slips in tight into the square hole of the WF1 and slides foward an inch until it stops. Can I add any more support? What if compacted a bunch of thick rubber O-Rings or something? (onto the neck of the support base)

I mean to tighten adhesive mount ball-joint ?
 
I mean to tighten adhesive mount ball-joint ?

Ah yes, the ball joint cap screw down. I'll double check it's as tight as it gets, it may have worked itself loose since I took the WF1 out of my car often to use in the plane. (using the Suction Cup mount in the Cessna 150) The plane is a lot more violent and has less jelly effect. It has to be a tightening issue. I'll post another test video soon'ish
 
Ah yes, the ball joint cap screw down. I'll double check it's as tight as it gets, it may have worked itself loose since I took the WF1 out of my car often to use in the plane. (using the Suction Cup mount in the Cessna 150) The plane is a lot more violent and has less jelly effect. It has to be a tightening issue. I'll post another test video soon'ish

plane vibration might loosen ball-joint as you suggested.
Ok, will wait for new videos
 
plane vibration might loosen ball-joint as you suggested.
Ok, will wait for new videos

When I'm in the plane I use the Suction Cup mount (which has it's own ball joint)
When I'm in the car, I'm using the adhesion mount (which also has it's own ball joint)
I meant the fact I'm taking the WF1 out of the car so often for recent plane tests I probably worked the adhesion mount's ball joint screw loose. (will double check it)

But yeah, it's a $4 toll to cross the bridge. I crossed to shop at Ikea. I'm looking for new floating wall cabinets for my bedroom. Now that I have a few options I'm going to take measurements in my room so I pick the best fitting ones. As soon as I know what I want I'll be heading back over the bridge. I'll try to go at night again so I can duplicate the same test and lighting conditions.
 
Back
Top