I've been looking at dashcams for a few months now and unfortunately I have not found anything that comes close to what I am looking for. It seems some units have some functionality I want but not others. I'm aware there are manufacturers on this forum, so this is my wish list of what I want in a unit.
- Open Linux Operating System (easily modable)
This allows for community members to write their own updates and to add software features that don't have mainstream support. It would also turn the device into a real computer that could theoretically do anything any other computer could do. For example, when I get home the DVR could connect to my home WiFi and download a weather report which I could see on the LCD screen. As an alternative, a rooted Android would be a great choice.
I have one of these:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/B00ECBY5VS
This *could* be my dashcam system if I had the time and will to put it together along with software.
- Input for up to 4 cameras
- 5 Year Warranty
One thing that concerns me about spending > $300 on any dashcam is not knowing whether it will last past a year. In addition to the unit costs, it can be a PITA to set this up properly and an added cost for those who do not DIY.
- USB storage that allows for drives of any capacity (i.e. flash, hard drives, etc)
I don't see any reason why 32GB or 64GB has to be a limitation. I should be able to connect a 4TB hard drive or 1TB SSD if I want to. Another big limitation is that the SD cards can not be hidden outside the unit. This means for security reasons many people will end up removing the unit and cannot capture coverage of their car being broken into. I want the computer/black box to be hidden deep inside the car along with the storage so a thief can steal the camera, but would have a hard time accessing the storage.
- Black box, controls, and cameras to be separated by standard connection wires (i.e. USB)
Using some type of standard (non-proprietary) connection will allow the storage, cameras, power, etc. to be extended to any necessary length.
- The controls should have an LCD panel that can be easily viewed while in operation and mountable anywhere on the car
I've seen some dash cams that have a black box and a separate camera, but the problem with that is that if you hide the black box in the car somewhere you can't see it in operation. Perhaps the unit isn't working for an entire month while I assume it is because I can't see the green light that says it's on.
- UPS sold as add-on utility with different battery capacity options
I would like to see a unit the size of a laptop battery, one about 1/3 the size of a car battery and one about 1/2 the size of a car battery that could power the unit with varying runtimes based on how much the customer is willing to spend and the amout of storage space in the vehicle.
- Ability to connect to cameras not sold by manufacturer
This means the unit does not die when new technology is made available. Manufactures may like functional obsolescence, but I always think of it especially when I buy a "high end" unit.
- WiFi with Android and iPod apps
- rsync capability
When my car gets home, I want it to be able to connect to my home WiFi and automatically sync the video coverage with my home NAS.
- ability to connect dvi connection and bluetooth devices
These could be used to connect an external monitor on an as needed device and potentially control it with a bluetooth keyboard/mouse/pointed. Perhaps a small 12V LCD monitor could be sold as an add-on device.
mrted
- Open Linux Operating System (easily modable)
This allows for community members to write their own updates and to add software features that don't have mainstream support. It would also turn the device into a real computer that could theoretically do anything any other computer could do. For example, when I get home the DVR could connect to my home WiFi and download a weather report which I could see on the LCD screen. As an alternative, a rooted Android would be a great choice.
I have one of these:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/B00ECBY5VS
This *could* be my dashcam system if I had the time and will to put it together along with software.
- Input for up to 4 cameras
- 5 Year Warranty
One thing that concerns me about spending > $300 on any dashcam is not knowing whether it will last past a year. In addition to the unit costs, it can be a PITA to set this up properly and an added cost for those who do not DIY.
- USB storage that allows for drives of any capacity (i.e. flash, hard drives, etc)
I don't see any reason why 32GB or 64GB has to be a limitation. I should be able to connect a 4TB hard drive or 1TB SSD if I want to. Another big limitation is that the SD cards can not be hidden outside the unit. This means for security reasons many people will end up removing the unit and cannot capture coverage of their car being broken into. I want the computer/black box to be hidden deep inside the car along with the storage so a thief can steal the camera, but would have a hard time accessing the storage.
- Black box, controls, and cameras to be separated by standard connection wires (i.e. USB)
Using some type of standard (non-proprietary) connection will allow the storage, cameras, power, etc. to be extended to any necessary length.
- The controls should have an LCD panel that can be easily viewed while in operation and mountable anywhere on the car
I've seen some dash cams that have a black box and a separate camera, but the problem with that is that if you hide the black box in the car somewhere you can't see it in operation. Perhaps the unit isn't working for an entire month while I assume it is because I can't see the green light that says it's on.
- UPS sold as add-on utility with different battery capacity options
I would like to see a unit the size of a laptop battery, one about 1/3 the size of a car battery and one about 1/2 the size of a car battery that could power the unit with varying runtimes based on how much the customer is willing to spend and the amout of storage space in the vehicle.
- Ability to connect to cameras not sold by manufacturer
This means the unit does not die when new technology is made available. Manufactures may like functional obsolescence, but I always think of it especially when I buy a "high end" unit.
- WiFi with Android and iPod apps
- rsync capability
When my car gets home, I want it to be able to connect to my home WiFi and automatically sync the video coverage with my home NAS.
- ability to connect dvi connection and bluetooth devices
These could be used to connect an external monitor on an as needed device and potentially control it with a bluetooth keyboard/mouse/pointed. Perhaps a small 12V LCD monitor could be sold as an add-on device.
mrted