What are the things to look for in a DashCam? Plus a few questions of my own

Actually there is an incoming solution from Pier28 and Jokiin - not sure of the exact specs but day performance looked great!

It was a rearview mirror replacement though - not a bad thing but something to bear in mind in regards to vehicle compatibility :)

I thought about replacing the X2 with two X1s but to be honest I've had the X2 in the car since October and no one has tried to nick it yet :)

Oh neat. I am sure that 2015 will be the year of dashcams (hopefully). So Pier28,, Jokiin.. do you mind sharing the secret, whats coming up? and if its worth the wait?
 
I would think divulging or 'sharing secrets' of a new innovative product or upgrade on a public forum is not something that a commercial organisation would want to entertain until that is the launch is imminent and product cloning/copying (as seems to be the 'norm' in this sector) wont beat the genuine item to the market place, however no harm in trying :D
 
So i think the only difference between a single channel cam and a 2 channel cam is having two separate cards. I mean whats the big deal more space more power to you.. fine right? or am i missing something? why do ppl chase 2 channel cams inspite they are not perfect?
I dont mind having two 1 channel cams with the absolute best video quality, if discreet its the best.
now tell me if Mobius is the absolute best front cam, and can be used for rear cam with similar PQ, and if its still the best for day, night,dusk and dawn capturing?
Ideas, ideas ideas guys, i am almost close now.
 
now tell me if Mobius is the absolute best front cam, and can be used for rear cam with similar PQ, and if its still the best for day, night,dusk and dawn capturing?

I cannot say that Mobius is "absolute best", but I'll say...

Mobius is built up to a standard, not down to a price. Inexpensive but not cheap & nasty. As little as $69 buys...

A tiny, discreet, stealthy, reliable, durable camera with many mounting options...

https://dashcamtalk.com/forum/threads/mobius-mounting-solutions.2654/

Excellent video quality...


A network of Mobius-approved sellers to guarantee that you get the genuine product...

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showpost.php?p=25170905&postcount=2

A detailed User Manual (PDF)...

http://www.mytempfiles.info/mobius/index.html

Windows GUI...

http://www.mytempfiles.info/mobius/index.html

Mac GUI...

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2085613

Android Apps...

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=therau2000.amcamobiusac&hl=en_GB

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=cz.chladek.mobiusactioncam

A choice of 3 interchangeable lenses (A, B & C), each one being 7 element glass, made in Japan.

Each lens offers 3 user-adjustable Horizontal Angles of View...

Lens A. 46° / 75° / 85°

Lens B. 63° / 102° / 116°

Lens C. ?? / ??? / 131°

Two button-switchable video modes. You could, for example, set Mode I for optimum daytime clarity & Mode II for optimum night clarity.

With the typical cheap DashCam, if you press the button to lock a file, it's possible the incident you wanted to keep is on the previous file that ended a second or two before you pressed the button. The critical file may be overwritten before you check the memory card. Mobius does it this way...

a. If the current running file is less than 1 minute old, it locks the previous file and the current file.

b. If the current running file will be closed in less than 1 minute, it locks the current file and the next file.

c. If the current running file has recorded over 1 minute and will be closed after 1 more minute, only the current file is locked.

Designed to be easily owner-repairable. All parts available. Not the usual disposable consumer product.

Battery can be replaced in 5 minutes, using one screwdriver.

Battery can be replaced by a Capacitor ($6 at Banggood)

Exceptionally good support by the manufacturer through regular firmware updates, which have enriched the Mobius feature set.

The most highly developed Firmware of any camera using similar CPU & CMOS. Firmware quality is critical to camera performance.

Excellent Forum support here & at RCGroups by experts involved in Mobius development ... @Isoprop, Tom Frank & therau2000.

Versatile as a DashCam & ActionCam. Possible uses... bicycle cam, motorcycle cam, scuba cam, pet cam, web cam, rc model cam, hat cam, helmet cam, home security cam, etc...

As a respected DashCam manufacturer ( @jokiin of Street Guardian) said... "Mobius though is not your average Chinese product and they do actually do things correctly" ... "if it were a bricks and mortar retail product it would easily sell for $199, their mostly direct business model obviously saves a lot of cost and allows them to sell it at a very cheap price, I do think they sell themselves short really, it doesn't need to be anywhere near as cheap as it is..."
 
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Oh neat. I am sure that 2015 will be the year of dashcams (hopefully). So Pier28,, Jokiin.. do you mind sharing the secret, whats coming up? and if its worth the wait?

Pier28 has shared this.
https://dashcamtalk.com/forum/threa...dual-channel-dvr-manual-or-auto-dimming.6206/

I have a very vague idea of what Jokiin might offer by April if no issues cause a delay based on an older post. It is a 2 channel remote system with small cams. I am positive he has many more cams in development of various types as well.

This page and 1 or 2 pages earlier shows a video of the mobius C lens (just released) in day and night use. It is a comparison between the B and C lens in both videos. horaceCJ is the one who uploaded those videos.
https://dashcamtalk.com/forum/threa...read-posts-1-8-first.4232/page-64#post-121825
 
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now tell me if Mobius is the absolute best front cam, and can be used for rear cam with similar PQ, and if its still the best for day, night,dusk and dawn capturing?
Ideas, ideas ideas guys, i am almost close now.

If you are looking to install two Mobius cameras, you can take a look at this other thread on how to wire up both to cameras to the fuse box. The cigarette lighter socket in my car is always ON so I am looking to wire into the fuse box on an appropriate circuit so the camera automatically starts and stops with the engine. By the way you don't need a battery guard circuit unless you are using Parking Mode, which requires continuous power.

I know that you want an "all-in-one" solution but I think you will always end up with a minor DIY project. There is just too much variety amongst cars, not to mention individual preferences.

https://dashcamtalk.com/forum/threads/2-dashcams-1-hardwire-kit.9713/
 
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I cannot say that Mobius is "absolute best", but I'll say...

Mobius is built up to a standard, not down to a price. Inexpensive but not cheap & nasty. As little as $69 buys...

A tiny, discreet, stealthy, reliable, durable camera with many mounting options...

https://dashcamtalk.com/forum/threads/mobius-mounting-solutions.2654/

Excellent video quality...


A network of Mobius-approved sellers to guarantee that you get the genuine product...

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showpost.php?p=25170905&postcount=2

A detailed User Manual (PDF)...

http://www.mytempfiles.info/mobius/index.html

Windows GUI...

http://www.mytempfiles.info/mobius/index.html

Mac GUI...

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2085613

Android Apps...

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=therau2000.amcamobiusac&hl=en_GB

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=cz.chladek.mobiusactioncam

A choice of 3 interchangeable lenses (A, B & C), each one being 7 element glass, made in Japan.

Each lens offers 3 user-adjustable Horizontal Angles of View...

Lens A. 46° / 75° / 85°

Lens B. 63° / 102° / 116°

Lens C. ?? / ??? / 131°

Two button-switchable video modes. You could, for example, set Mode I for optimum daytime clarity & Mode II for optimum night clarity.

With the typical cheap DashCam, if you press the button to lock a file, it's possible the incident you wanted to keep is on the previous file that ended a second or two before you pressed the button. The critical file may be overwritten before you check the memory card. Mobius does it this way...

a. If the current running file is less than 1 minute old, it locks the previous file and the current file.

b. If the current running file will be closed in less than 1 minute, it locks the current file and the next file.

c. If the current running file has recorded over 1 minute and will be closed after 1 more minute, only the current file is locked.

Designed to be easily owner-repairable. All parts available. Not the usual disposable consumer product.

Battery can be replaced in 5 minutes, using one screwdriver.

Battery can be replaced by a Capacitor ($6 at Banggood)

Exceptionally good support by the manufacturer through regular firmware updates, which have enriched the Mobius feature set.

The most highly developed Firmware of any camera using similar CPU & CMOS. Firmware quality is critical to camera performance.

Excellent Forum support here & at RCGroups by experts involved in Mobius development ... @Isoprop, Tom Frank & therau2000.

Versatile as a DashCam & ActionCam. Possible uses... bicycle cam, motorcycle cam, scuba cam, pet cam, web cam, rc model cam, hat cam, helmet cam, home security cam, etc...

As a respected DashCam manufacturer ( @jokiin of Street Guardian) said... "Mobius though is not your average Chinese product and they do actually do things correctly" ... "if it were a bricks and mortar retail product it would easily sell for $199, their mostly direct business model obviously saves a lot of cost and allows them to sell it at a very cheap price, I do think they sell themselves short really, it doesn't need to be anywhere near as cheap as it is..."

If you are looking to install two Mobius cameras, you can take a look at this other thread on how to wire up both to cameras to the fuse box. The cigarette lighter socket in my car is always ON so I am looking to wire into the fuse box on an appropriate circuit so the camera automatically starts and stops with the engine. By the way you don't need a battery guard circuit unless you are using Parking Mode, which requires continuous power.

I know that you want an "all-in-one" solution but I think you will always end up with a minor DIY project. There is just too much variety amongst cars, not to mention individual preferences.

https://dashcamtalk.com/forum/threads/2-dashcams-1-hardwire-kit.9713/

Guys thanks so much, now that i am doing Mobius for both the rear and the front cam, i have taken the bold step of doing a full diy just because of all the great help from you guys here. @russ331 , @GJHS , @reverend and all the other guys here were very helpful, they kept lot of paitence to spoon feed me, replying to all my idiotic queries.

Now that i am going to collect everything from the scratch handpicking every single item for this setup for both rear and front setup. I've seen couple of sellers on ebay selling the entire kit that'll be required for the setup, but i'd rather handpick.. well i think i have enough confidence after reading through days hours and hours on this forum. This is going to be one of the forum where i will be spending quite a long time for many years to come.

So guys, here are the things i've picked up till now.
1. 15ft USB 2.0 A Male to Mini-B 5pin Male 28/24AWG Cable w/ Ferrite Core (Gold Plated) x 2 from monoprice, love that place, all my home theater wiring is brought from there.
2. Car DC 12V-5V Inverter Dual USB Female Hard Wired Charger - Got this cheaper on ebay for 6.99 dollars.
3. Bike Bicycle Helmet Mount Holder x 2 from ebay this is the mount i liked the most with minimal footprint.
4. 1/4" D-Ring Screw Stainless Steel For Camera Tripod Monopod Quick Release Plate x 2 this is to replace one of screw on the helmet mount
5. Adhesive Cable Routing Clip

Please let me know if the above looks good, or needs me to change something?

Now there are a few things i need to ask you here before i place the order.
I was reading about USB Car charger, i was wondering if the Scosche reVOLT 12 W + 12 W (link) is personally i have experiences with car chargers these things can cause problems for your car if they arent RHOS compliant and good quality. At 4.8 amps, it’s rated as one of the most powerful car chargers you can buy. Will this work for our setup with mobius? or should i just go with the one that is sold by amazon or monoprice.

Do i need the Fuse Tap Holder Add A Circuit Line ATO ATC + 3A
Asking this question cos i was looking at an install from a member here on the forum (link) that inspired my shopping list.

teTxen3.jpg


I've learnt how to swap out the battery with the capacitor watching a youtube video.

Now for he front cam i will get the cam with Lens A, and for the rear i will get the cam with Lens C. But on buymobius.com site, i dont see these cams, i mean none of the cams are explicitly called Mobius with Lens A or Mobius with Lens C. All i see is Mobius V3.
Ok, i am gonna take one word back i found the Mobius wiht Lens C here, but i am unable to find the Lens A version. Can someone link that one please.

Also, to enable parking mode do i need anything extra, or just hardwiring the cam with the Car DC 12V-5V Inverter Dual USB Female Hard Wired Charger will work? (this i have already placed an order for.

Is there anything else that i will need? Am i missing anything else.
Pls note, i am not planning to remote install it.

Do i need additional cables to attach the cam to the laptop or the phone to view in real time to see if the cam is properly aligned or focusing as desired? how do u figure that how once u mount the cam on the windsheild?
 
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With regard to the Scosche car charger, I use this product with my front facing Mobius. It also allows me to simultaneously charge my Android phone while using battery-sapping SatNav Apps. Recommended.

The AV cable can connect Mobius to a laptop or portable tv, etc...

http://www.buymobius.com/collection...able-for-the-1080p-mobius-actioncam-hd-camera

The OTG cable can connect Mobius to an Android device...

http://www.buymobius.com/collections/mobius-actioncam-accessories/products/usb-otg-cable
 
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"The AV cable can connect Mobius to a laptop or portable tv, etc..."
Or as i think it was originally ment to, connect the AV out of the mobius to a transmitter ( 2.4 - 5.8 Ghz ) for transmitting the AV singal to a ground operator of a quadcopter or other most often airborne RC "toy"
But you can plug into a 10 dollar LCD screen with the AV cable for lining up the cameras, or maybe your car headunit have AV in, or AV in if laptops have that, or with a long extension cable the TV in your house.

I think the OTG cable cant be used with capasitors installed as mobius will need onbord power to run the camera while OTG cable is taking up the USB connector.

There will be no revolutionary news for dashcams in 2015, there will be some welcome inprovements in form factors and a little on the soft & hardware side.
But nothing to get too exited about.

Groundbraking improvements in dashcams will be for the night footage, but that will demand new CMOS chips that is more light sensetive.
At least thats how i see it, and offcourse daytime can allso be even better, but from my point of view it would be best to focus on night time performance where all current dashcams struggle.
 
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I would think buying a mobius power cable instead of a USB cable would be a better. idea

Until I asked this question I was not sure if there was a difference. --> https://dashcamtalk.com/forum/threa...ng-cable-instead-of-a-standard-usb-cable.9830

Banggood also has a mobius for sale with the A and C lens at a better price. However, they are in China not the USA.

I dont think it would make any difference. 12v to 5v is what you need for the cam to run flawlessly.
Auto mechanics and modifiers can modify and make simple things look/run complex. I dont think anyone has ever had issues with the dashcam running over the usb cable. I've been reading people using GoPro also connecting the same way.
 
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The first was the A so I guess they call it standard. It's the Only Mobius with a recessed lens, the B and C both stick out.

Take time to read the first 8 posts of the Support thread, the Mobius needs a clean 5v 1A to work properly so just providing 5V isn't enough.
 
The first was the A so I guess they call it standard. It's the Only Mobius with a recessed lens, the B and C both stick out.

Take time to read the first 8 posts of the Support thread, the Mobius needs a clean 5v 1A to work properly so just providing 5V isn't enough.

Thanks for that.
will this not work? Car DC 12V-5V Inverter Dual USB Female Hard Wired Charger
Is this what u are talking about? I've followed a few other members who are using this.

This is the description on the charger.
61QPHELyoaL._SL1200_.jpg
 
"The AV cable can connect Mobius to a laptop or portable tv, etc..."
Or as i think it was originally ment to, connect the AV out of the mobius to a transmitter ( 2.4 - 5.8 Ghz ) for transmitting the AV singal to a ground operator of a quadcopter or other most often airborne RC "toy"
But you can plug into a 10 dollar LCD screen with the AV cable for lining up the cameras, or maybe your car headunit have AV in, or AV in if laptops have that, or with a long extension cable the TV in your house.

I think the OTG cable cant be used with capasitors installed as mobius will need onbord power to run the camera while OTG cable is taking up the USB connector.

There will be no revolutionary news for dashcams in 2015, there will be some welcome inprovements in form factors and a little on the soft & hardware side.
But nothing to get too exited about.

Groundbraking improvements in dashcams will be for the night footage, but that will demand new CMOS chips that is more light sensetive.
At least thats how i see it, and offcourse daytime can allso be even better, but from my point of view it would be best to focus on night time performance where all current dashcams struggle.

Thanks for your reply, can i connect one of these cables to my android phone to view real time view from the cam for alignment? even if i have a supercapacitor?

http://www.buymobius.com/collections/mobius-actioncam-accessories/products/usb-otg-cable
 
The first was the A so I guess they call it standard. It's the Only Mobius with a recessed lens, the B and C both stick out.

Take time to read the first 8 posts of the Support thread, the Mobius needs a clean 5v 1A to work properly so just providing 5V isn't enough.

Ok, so now i get your point 1amp usb charger. the scosche usb charger is a 2.4amp charger. The details say.. (4.8 Amps total. 2.4 Amps per port. 2.4 Amps per port x 2 ports = 4.8 Amps. 12W x 2 = 24W 24W / 5V = 4.8A This unit is called reVOLT 12W + 12W)
So should i just cancel this item and get the 1amp charger?
 
No 2.4 is fine, 1A is The minimum and clearly the Scoshe puts out more. The Mobius will just pull the needed 1A, there is no worry of providing too many amps.
 
No 2.4 is fine, 1A is The minimum and clearly the Scoshe puts out more. The Mobius will just pull the needed 1A, there is no worry of providing too many amps.
cool cool, thank you sir.
 
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