312GW will not record on power up

[Redline]

I have a problematic 312GW. Not a new problem....

Generally, it will not record when power is applied. Occasionally, if the power cord is removed and reinserted in the windscreen connector or the onboard USB socket it will record, but on the next and subsequent restarts it won't.
I have spent hours on settings repeating changes and doing hard resets and been through all the suggestions on various forums.
As suggested elsewhere, I have changed from the Sandisk 10 class 32GByte SD card to a Lexar U3 V30 128GByte SD 100Mbit/s read and 30Mbit/s write.
The device will also not accept a firmware upgrade. The device simply powers off and won't restart until power is removed and reconnected.
It will record if commanded to do so but not on power-up.
Haven't yet done a power discharge test, but, the problem exists even when the dash cam has been on charge for hours.

I have a 412GW which behaves properly in the same windscreen connector on the same cable and power source. Both this and a 402G are working on Lexar 128GByte U3 cards.
I know some might suggest a specific type of SD card, but the Lexar cards are well above the minimum spec specified. 30MBit/s write is getting on for 10x the data rate for 1080p.

I seem to be stuck with an all-but bricked 312GW. Anybody any thoughts or suggestions?

 

[Kremmen]

My 2p .....

Nextbase used to be the manufacturer of choice with their rock solid 402, even though it was an ugly install

Unfortunately, IMO, they have made a number of design gaffs with subsequent models and there are now better choices

The 312 is now quite old and maybe needs replacing

 

[Redline]

My 2p .....

Nextbase used to be the manufacturer of choice with their rock solid 402, even though it was an ugly install

Unfortunately, IMO, they have made a number of design gaffs with subsequent models and there are now better choices

The 312 is now quite old and maybe needs replacing

I really wanted to get it working to give to a new driver who has just got their first car. Their insurance is ludicrous so additional expense isn't really an option.
Dashcams are supposed to be an insurance policy themselves. If you can't rely on them, then they're no use.
Agree Nextbase was good when they first came out, but it's not a brand I can rely upon. 8-10 years might be old technology itself, but there's no reason it still shouldn't do a job. Are Nextbase building in obsolesce?

 

[epimorphic]

I have a problematic 312GW. Not a new problem....

Generally, it will not record when power is applied. Occasionally, if the power cord is removed and reinserted in the windscreen connector or the onboard USB socket it will record, but on the next and subsequent restarts it won't.
I have spent hours on settings repeating changes and doing hard resets and been through all the suggestions on various forums.
As suggested elsewhere, I have changed from the Sandisk 10 class 32GByte SD card to a Lexar U3 V30 128GByte SD 100Mbit/s read and 30Mbit/s write.
The device will also not accept a firmware upgrade. The device simply powers off and won't restart until power is removed and reconnected.
It will record if commanded to do so but not on power-up.
Haven't yet done a power discharge test, but, the problem exists even when the dash cam has been on charge for hours.


I seem to be stuck with an all-but bricked 312GW. Anybody any thoughts or suggestions?

Very likely a connector problem. Probably working loose or worn which fits what you describe. Most unlikely to have anything to do with SD cards.

Not clear how you are trying to do a firmware upgrade. My memory may be failing, but don't you just place the firmware.bin (really firmware.BIN) on the sd card and power on? Are you saying that it immediately shuts down? Are you powering from a proper external power supply with a good USB cable.

But if the problems happen when powering via the windscreen connector & also the usb connector, then that makes my suggestion much less likely.