After some problems with Aliexpress, I got my camera some weeks ago, but only to notice that I got a F70 model without GPS, not the F70G I have ordered. I decided to keep it instead of getting another one, as I am still not sure if GPS data will be usable with Linux, and I wanted to avoid the hazzle of sending it back. After claiming the error, I received a partial refund from the seller and from customs.
Express shipping with DHL was expensive, $46, but the item arrived in Germany in three working days, including customs inspection.
Ver 007 F20_20121217
I have no permanent installation yet, as I intend to get a new car.
My experiences so far:
- absolutely no gaps, even a slight overlay of about 0.5 seconds
- sound is acceptable (but I keep it switched off)
- front image okay in daylight
-- can read most license plates of cars in opposite direction in city traffic up to about 40km/h
-- can read most license plates of cars in front up to about 15-20m distance
- Hint: keep sound on, and say loudly any license plate numbers or other info you want to register
- front image poor at night, but should be suitable as evidence in case of a crash in most circumstances
- front file size approximately 50 MB/min at day, 40 MB/min at night (sound off)
- normal rear camera image, NOT mirrored, quality sufficient to read the number plate of cars approaching from behind in daylight, but not at night when trailing cars have lights on
- my cylinder type rear camera does not seem to be water resistant or waterproof for outside mounting, so usable for parking only if you have a nearly vertical rear window
- rear IR LEDs always on (complete waste of components and energy, can cause indesired reflections)
- rear camera cable can be extended with a standard 3.5mm stereo extension cable, I have tried up to 5m
- camera can be powered by a standard Mini-USB cable, can be extended or modified with only 2 thin (fused!) conductors if desired. Voltage drop of approx. 0.5V is acceptable.
- can switch to full screen rear image without remote control, using buttons on camera (event button, short press, 2x), but camera will not remember last state when switching off and on (could be a nice idea for a firmware update)
- event button has to be pressed two times for saving an event when screen is in auto off mode
- GPS reception is okay (Garmin nüvi on dashboard)
- I can confirm the report that the 2m amateur radio band (145MHz) is close to unusable in the car when camera is running, while 70cm is acceptable.
- Hint: when installed and rotating lens position adjusted, mark the correct position with a permanent marker, or fix it with some hot glue to avoid unintended rotation when handling the camera
- annoying on and off sounds cannot be silenced
- status LEDs far too bright
Overall:
Works more or less as described. DO NOT BUY if you want to use 2m amateur radio.
I am not completely happy (mainly for the lack of GPS, and 145 MHz interference), but I consider it okay for the price, and like the neat form factor.
