A229 Pro Test & Review PP

[Karagandinez]

Has anyone tested the heat output of the A229 Plus/Pro?
While the A229 Pro has heatsink (And the Plus does not), it records at a higher res (4K) which results in higher bitrate which equals to more heat.
I don't mind spending the $$$ for the Pro, however I need something that will survive heat better (As much as 40C in summer) and the one that heat less while in use (I will use my camera for front and rear only).
Any ideas?

VIOFO A229 Pro - Testing / Review - RCG

On Tuesday 26-Sep-2023, I was given permission from VIOFO to start posting info about the A229 Pro / A229 Plus dash cameras. I have not started my testing of the A229 Plus dash camera yet since it is scheduled to arrive later today. A229 Pro Unboxing The VIOFO A229 Pro will be sold in two...

dashcamtalk.com

A229 Pro Test & Review PP

Indeed. Of course cooling the walls of a room / box ( assuming they are not insulated ) will also make it colder inside the room / box, but the candle in the middle of the room will still burn just as hot. I think it is better to focus on M2 storage for dashcams, and you can get those with a...

dashcamtalk.com

 

[Chuck McCoy]

Shoutout to @VIOFO-Support for sending over some CPL Filters for the REAR cameras of the A229 Pro & A229 Plus for testing.
Ever since I reviewed the original A229 Duo August 2022, one of my “CONS” was no available CPL Filter for the REAR camera.
Due to the angle of my rear window glare is very noticeable.
Installation was semi-permanent by dabbing a glob of 5-minute epoxy on the four corners of the CPL Filter.
I can already see improvement in glare reduction just from the garage lighting.
I’m excited to see daytime driving results, and how much the filter impacts night time driving.

 

[kamkar]

I for sure prefer to have CPL on rear camera too.

 

[JardaB]

You've given us too few relevant parameters ! ... Yes there are a few things that should be checked:
0 - how did you conclude that temperature was the cause of the parking mode termination ?
1 - how exactly the parking mode is set (all parameters - recording time)
2 - how is the voltage set for limit shutdown
3 - what is the temperature of the environment behind the glass next to the daschcam
4- the exact type of SD card is ?

 

[Chuck McCoy]

I can tell you mine is fine driving but parked, it's constantly overheating with parking mode on regardless of what settings it's on, even in 25 degree Celsius days. I've tried low bit rate, I've tried low resolution, I've tried event based detection (really power hungry, hmm wonder if that's why it's HOT), time lapse isn't good enough for events. I'm now seriously considering adding a PROPER heatsink / fan and some thermal shading to the section of glass, as it's getting ridiculous and 40C days are coming soon here. I'd love to hear from someone who's found a solution, since I have the latest firmware and it's still the same. The images are amazing though lol.

I'd love a solution that isn't get a 2k camera instead

@gokumars
The purpose of this thread to post my testing results of the A229 Pro.
Please start your own thread to discuss your issues.
-Chuck

 

[gokumars]

@gokumars
The purpose of this thread to post my testing results of the A229 Pro.
Please start your own thread to discuss your issues.
-Chuck

Sorry, will do

 

[Chuck McCoy]

@viofo @VIOFO-Support
Here’s Daytime highway & city test footage of the A229 Pro REAR with a CPL Filter fitted.
Weather conditions were opposite of ideal, (100% cloudy overcast).
So far I am really liking the results of the CPL Filter.
Next I plan to film the same test loops at night to see how dark the CPL Filter makes the footage.

Highway Rear;

City Rear;

Highway & City Front just in case someone asks;

 

[JardaB]

Nice comparison.

 

[NAUTY]

Thanks for the comparison, I just received mine today and I'm curious to how it"ll perform with my tinted rear windshield. Now to figure out how I want to attach it.

 

[markus]

If we're seeing good benefits from the CPL on a rear cam then what would be really nice if there was a snap on "cage" like thing with a CPL in it, so we could slide it over the rear cam. I'm a clumsy oaf, so would get the glue everywhere if I tried a DIY solution. Maybe someone with the skills and knowledge could knock up a 3D printable holder / cage thing? Or VIOFO could come up with a first party solution.

 

[Karagandinez]

If we're seeing good benefits from the CPL on a rear cam then what would be really nice if there was a snap on "cage" like thing with a CPL in it, so we could slide it over the rear cam. I'm a clumsy oaf, so would get the glue everywhere if I tried a DIY solution. Maybe someone with the skills and knowledge could knock up a 3D printable holder / cage thing? Or VIOFO could come up with a first party solution.

You have V3. Try the CPL filter from it. 😉

 

[Chuck McCoy]

what would be really nice if there was a snap on "cage" like thing with a CPL in it, so we could slide it over the rear cam.

I’ve been asking Viofo to make “user friendly” CPL Filters for the rear camera ever since I reviewed the original A229 Duo August 2022.

 

[markus]

You have V3. Try the CPL filter from it. 😉

Good point. I might give it a shot.

 

[SonOfKorhal]

Shoutout to @VIOFO-Support for sending over some CPL Filters for the REAR cameras of the A229 Pro & A229 Plus for testing.
Ever since I reviewed the original A229 Duo August 2022, one of my “CONS” was no available CPL Filter for the REAR camera.
Due to the angle of my rear window glare is very noticeable.
Installation was semi-permanent by dabbing a glob of 5-minute epoxy on the four corners of the CPL Filter.
I can already see improvement in glare reduction just from the garage lighting.
I’m excited to see daytime driving results, and how much the filter impacts night time driving.

@Panzer Platform - Nice DIY; I would probably mess up and get adhesive everywhere on the lens.
@VIOFO-Support - Is there any chance the rear camera CPL filter accessory/attachment will be made for purchase?

 

[VIOFO-Support]

@Panzer Platform - Nice DIY; I would probably mess up and get adhesive everywhere on the lens.
@VIOFO-Support - Is there any chance the rear camera CPL filter accessory/attachment will be made for purchase?

Thanks for your suggestion 👍 . We are working on this and trying to make it easiest for our customers to install it.

 

[Chuck McCoy]

1 Minute Video Clip (430MB) Download Speed Test
@rcg530 @safedrivesolutions @Vortex Radar

Viofo rolled out their new “wired” OTA Firmware Updates & Video Clip Downloads using the smartphone APP with 4 new YouTube video tutorials, (2 for iOS & 2 for Android);

VIOFO Dashcam

VIOFO Dash Cams range from budget to high-end options offering single-channel, dual-channel, and triple-channel recording with resolution selections of 4K Ultra HD, 2K Quad HD, and 1080P Full HD. As a brand pursuing premium practicality and reliability, our dashcams are built with discreet...

www.youtube.com

In order to take advantage of the new data transfer protocol you must have;
1.)
Compatible Smartphone, (must have USB Type-C connection)
iPhone 15, or “newer” Android device
2.)
Compatible Dash Cam, (must have USB Type-C connection)
A139, A139 Pro
T130
A229 Duo, A229 Plus, A229 Pro
A119 Mini, A119 Mini 2
WM1
VS1
3.)
Standard USB 2.0 Type-C to Type-C Data Cable

Q: How much faster is the Type-C data transfer compared to 5GHz Wi-Fi when downloading a 1 Minute Clip (430MB)?
A: In order to get a benchmark time, I tested my iPhone SE 2020 with the A229 Pro.
It took 44 Seconds to download a 1 Minute Clip (430MB).
Unfortunately, I do not have a compatible USB Type-C smartphone to finish the comparison.
I’m hoping @rcg530 or @safedrivesolutions has a compatible smartphone / tablet and is willing to test it out, and maybe even document it with a short YouTube Video.

 

[zingzongzang]

So I tried that CPL filter for the back camera and I got this weird rainbow effect. Have you had this happen before? First picture is without, second is with.

 

[kamkar]

That could indicate your rear window have some form of polarizer / filter on it

My grey good not remembering what it is called, but @Dashmellow will know

 

[SonOfKorhal]

Does having ceramic tint with a CPL filter cause problems like rainbows?

 

[Chuck McCoy]

So I tried that CPL filter for the back camera and I got this weird rainbow effect

Getting the rainbow effect when adding a CPL Filter is usually due to aftermarket window tint, or even some factory window tint.
I guess this is one of the reasons CPL Filters do not come standard on all dash cams.
You can also try getting a black dashmat, or similar for your parcel shelf to cut down on window glare.
Oh yeah the CPL Filter is "directional", (see attached photo").
-Chuck