What Is The Biggest Difficulty For First Time Dash Cam Owners 2025?

[Panzer Platform]

1.) Updating Firmware, (no OTA)
2.) Lens Adjustment 50/50 Road & Sky
3.) Enabling Parking Mode, (requires hardwire kit for “reliable” operation)
4.) Formatting SD Card, (FAT32, exFat, quick format, long format, GUI format tool, SD Card Association tool)?
5.) CPL Filter Alignment
6.) Add your own
@viofo @VIOFO-Support

 

[zagsbbfan]

Addendum to 4: picking a non-Viofo SD card, testing that it isn't a fake and will work reliably

 

[lufa6977]

1.) Updating Firmware, (no OTA)
2.) Lens Adjustment 50/50 Road & Sky
3.) Enabling Parking Mode, (requires hardwire kit for “reliable” operation)
4.) Formatting SD Card, (FAT32, exFat, quick format, long format, GUI format tool, SD Card Association tool)?
5.) CPL Filter Alignment
.

Those are problems only faced by members of this forum. It is likely all other users, of which there are without a doubt, thousands of, have no problems with reading the manual, doing a device format, updating firmware, understanding PM requirements, CPL filters, etc.

However, once someone shows up here, they immediately read the bit***ng done by a few here concerning the above items. Frankly, if someone can't figure out how to find 50/50 road and sky, they should not be driving a car, or perhaps should have their parents do the adjusting for them. The same for the rest of the items, all the above are easily accomplished by high-schoolers, yet, here we have adults that seem to struggle with it. Some members here like to project there is a problem, when in fact, there is no problem.

 

[DT MI]

Those are problems only faced by members of this forum. It is likely all other users, of which there are without a doubt, thousands of, have no problems with reading the manual, doing a device format, updating firmware, understanding PM requirements, CPL filters, etc.

However, once someone shows up here, they immediately read the bit***ng done by a few here concerning the above items. Frankly, if someone can't figure out how to find 50/50 road and sky, they should not be driving a car, or perhaps should have their parents do the adjusting for them. The same for the rest of the items, all the above are easily accomplished by high-schoolers, yet, here we have adults that seem to struggle with it. Some members here like to project there is a problem, when in fact, there is no problem.

All that PLUS these 'issues' are applicable to all dash cams not just VIOFO which some seem to feel is the only dash cam brand.

 

[Panzer Platform]

Some members here like to project there is a problem

which some seem to feel is the only dash cam brand.

Tell me how you really think, you guys know me better than I know myself. Lol
I really had blinders on typing this thread title.
I fixed it.

 

[Panzer Platform]

Addendum to 4: picking a non-Viofo SD card, testing that it isn't a fake and will work reliably

So basically;
Aftermarket SD Card support, users should not be forced to buy Viofo Brand SD Cards?

 

[Hack_man]

1.) Updating Firmware, (no OTA)
2.) Lens Adjustment 50/50 Road & Sky
3.) Enabling Parking Mode, (requires hardwire kit for “reliable” operation)
4.) Formatting SD Card, (FAT32, exFat, quick format, long format, GUI format tool, SD Card Association tool)?
5.) CPL Filter Alignment
6.) Add your own
@viofo @VIOFO-Support

5.) I've installed the same exact CPL filter on two different A229 PRO cameras. On one camera, it was a PITA, it barely fit, on the other I had no problem. There is DEFINITELY a QC issue on mechanical tolerance.

6.) a) The "Modified Date" when reading the SD card has random offset errors of -4 and -8 hours in my time zone. I experienced this on two different A229 PRO cameras. I'm kind of OCD about file management details (no offense intended for others who struggle with OCD).
b) I find it difficult to pop out the SD card with my short finger nails.

 

[lufa6977]

.
b) I find it difficult to pop out the SD card with my short finger nails.

Yeah, I have to agree, that damn little card is a PITA with my short finger nails as well. The well should be wider or the card not set so deep in it, not sure what the fix would be. I never brought it up to VIOFO because it is extremely unlikely they are going to re-cut their moulds for my finger nails.

 

[DT MI]

Tell me how you really think, you guys know me better than I know myself. Lol
I really had blinders on typing this thread title.
I fixed it.

If you're going to fix the thread title get rid of the word 'fixed'. That word implies something is broken which is not the case. Everything you listed is nothing more than a new user having to learn the basics of a new product.

No different than when you got your first smart phone and didn't know where to get or how to install an APP - nothing was broken that had to be 'fixed' just something you had to learn.

 

[Panzer Platform]

If you're going to fix the thread title get rid of the word 'fixed'.

Will this work for you?

 

[Panzer Platform]

5.) I've installed the same exact CPL filter on two different A229 PRO cameras. On one camera, it was a PITA, it barely fit, on the other I had no problem. There is DEFINITELY a QC issue on mechanical tolerance.

This issue started with the A229 Pro last year.
When I put on the CPL on my A329 today it was just like all previous CPL-200 applications.
It looks like it has been fixed.

6.) a) The "Modified Date" when reading the SD card has random offset errors of -4 and -8 hours in my time zone. I experienced this on two different A229 PRO cameras. I'm kind of OCD about file management details (no offense intended for others who struggle with OCD).

I thought Viofo said this issue is with your computer, not the dash cam.
You are the only one raising this issue that I've seen.
We need a away to confirm & verify it's not your computer.

b) I find it difficult to pop out the SD card with my short finger nails.

I also struggle with occasional premature unintended SD Card ejection.
Viofo’s official response is to use a SIM card tool, or grow your fingernail longer. lol

 

[Hack_man]

Hack_man said:
6.) a) The "Modified Date" when reading the SD card has random offset errors of -4 and -8 hours in my time zone. I experienced this on two different A229 PRO cameras. I'm kind of OCD about file management details (no offense intended for others who struggle with OCD).

Panzer Platform said:
I thought Viofo said this issue is with your computer, not the dash cam.
You are the only one raising this issue that I've seen.
We need a away to confirm & verify it's not your computer.

Honestly I don't think VIOFO knows what the problem is. I have demonstrated to them that the Modified Date offset error occurred on two different computers (mac and chromebook) in my timezone using two different A229 PRO cameras.I think this proves its not related to my computer since two different CPU architectures behaved similar, although the chromebook was much worse. I even tried different GPS Modules. I have an A229 PLUS which has NOT had this problem. VIOFO suggested it might be time zone related since they cannot duplicate it and claim never to have seen this issue. I have sent one of the "faulty" A229 PRO cameras back to them for analysis.

"Date Created" was correct in all cases.

Maybe I should play around with Time Zone settings?

 

[Panzer Platform]

I have demonstrated to them that the Modified Date offset error occurred on two different computers

OK, fair enough.
I also have a laundry list of OCD things just like this, but I’ve come to accept they will never be fixed because it will most likely take hours of manpower, and divert time & resources away from developing the next model camera like the 5-CH Box with all remote cameras.
If it’s any consolation the A329 I’m testing has the same issue on my Chromebook. Lol

 

[DT MI]

Will this work for you?

Depends - what will 'addressed', who will do the 'addressing', and how will it be done? Keep in mind what you listed is nothing more than a learning curve for a new product - just like getting your first smart phone or a new smart TV.

 

[Cirrus]

I'd add: Optimal windscreen positioning (horizontal - within wiper area - not within driver field of view - no stone chips in camera field of view)

I've never managed to do it perfectly right. In my previous car, I placed the cam not perfectly horizontal and had to live with crooked horizons in videos.
In my current car, I overlooked two tiny stone chips in the windscreen, which show up in videos...

 

[lufa6977]

Honestly I don't think VIOFO knows what the problem is. I have demonstrated to them that the Modified Date offset error occurred on two different computers (mac and chromebook) in my timezone using two different A229 PRO cameras.I think this proves its not related to my computer since two different CPU architectures behaved similar, although the chromebook was much worse. I even tried different GPS Modules. I have an A229 PLUS which has NOT had this problem. VIOFO suggested it might be time zone related since they cannot duplicate it and claim never to have seen this issue. I have sent one of the "faulty" A229 PRO cameras back to them for analysis.

"Date Created" was correct in all cases.

Maybe I should play around with Time Zone settings?

I have the same problem on a Linux box and has to do with how network time is derived and how the OS sees that time. This in part has to do with UEFI booting and the UEFI/OS being told what time source to use and when. Linux by default uses UTC, so my time stamps are always off if I use network time; if I reconfigure to local time ( UEFI / BIOS ) then my time stamps are correct.

 

[lufa6977]

I'd add: Optimal windscreen positioning (horizontal - within wiper area - not within camera field of view - no stone chips in field of view)

I've never managed to do it perfectly right. In my previous car, I placed the cam not perfectly horizontal and had to live with crooked horizons in videos.
In my current car, I overlooked two tiny stone chips in the windscreen, which show up in videos...

DC makers could put a very small bubble level in the base of the dash cam, would be a bit of over-kill I suppose. I have a very small bubble level I stick to the base of my dash cams to at least get the horizon on an even keel. As far as the 50/50 sky/road I adjust that manually using WiFi and the app.

 

[Hack_man]

OK, fair enough.
I also have a laundry list of OCD things just like this, but I’ve come to accept they will never be fixed because it will most likely take hours of manpower, and divert time & resources away from developing the next model camera like the 5-CH Box with all remote cameras.
If it’s any consolation the A329 I’m testing has the same issue on my Chromebook. Lol

Ha! I wish I had these screenshots when VIOFO told me I was the only one with this problem. Oh well, I'll have your post available if I get feedback from VIOFO on the Camera I returned for this issue.

 

[Panzer Platform]

Depends - what will 'addressed', who will do the 'addressing', and how will it be done? Keep in mind what you listed is nothing more than a learning curve for a new product - just like getting your first smart phone or a new smart TV.

How about now?

 

[Panzer Platform]

I'd add: Optimal windscreen positioning (horizontal - within wiper area - not within driver field of view - no stone chips in camera field of view)

I've never managed to do it perfectly right. In my previous car, I placed the cam not perfectly horizontal and had to live with crooked horizons in videos.
In my current car, I overlooked two tiny stone chips in the windscreen, which show up in videos...

For a first time "installer" I would suggest using the temporary static sticker included in the box.
If you're not happy with the mounting location you can easily remove, and re-install the dash cam using the same static stickers, and same 3M adhesive pad a few times.
Once you're finally happy with the final mounting location remove the camera once a again, and re-install without the static stickers, and the spare 3M adhesive pad included in the box.
If you want to install the camera on the frit, (little black dots).
You can't use this static stickers method, and you can use double side tape without removing the original 3M adhesive tab backing.
If the location is good.
Remove the camera, and re-install in the same location after removing the 3M adhesive tab backing for the final mounting.
Also use the APP live view to "see" what the camera sees.
Would that work for you?
-Chuck