Zenfox T3 Triple channel dash cams free test invitation, limited quantity

My test failed. Just checked on Camera in the car, and the interior camera was gone as was the rear. I'll try putting a larger piece of copper over the SOC. ANd not just cutting it down to exact size.

If that doesn't work, I'll try epoxying the Heatsink to the EMI shield. However, absolutely nothing has appeared to move what so ever. The MX-4 held everything in place without question. And the copper is still 100% covering SOC.
 
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@EGS,

I'm thinking your copper plate probably covers the thermal sensor. So simply doing the SOC might not work. I cut a larger piece of copper from the shim and will test it again.
 
HonestReview said:
My test failed. Just checked on Camera in the car, and the interior camera was gone as was the rear. I'll try putting a larger piece of copper over the SOC. ANd not just cutting it down to exact size.

If that doesn't work, I'll try epoxying the Heatsink to the EMI shield. However, absolutely nothing has appeared to move what so ever. The MX-4 held everything in place without question. And the copper is still 100% covering SOC.
Click to expand...
What is the ambient temperature in your area?
 
HonestReview said:
@EGS,

I'm thinking your copper plate probably covers the thermal sensor. So simply doing the SOC might not work. I cut a larger piece of copper from the shim and will test it again.
Click to expand...
When you take the copper shim apart, check and see if there was an air pocket in the paste somewhere.
 
Lots of possibilities inre Viofo but without proof it's all speculation. Cam manufacturers do sometimes collaborate with each other, and I've been suspicious about there being a connection between Viofo and a lesser brand for some time now. Could be doing this to cover a lower market segment without their 'mainstream' brand being lessened by the connection to a cheap and somewhat nasty product. And factories likely do a lot of 'sharing' between their different customers without asking the parties involved for permission first. Whichever, it does seem to me that Zenfox has been somewhat aloof and more secretive about things in his communications.

Blu-Tack does good for holding loose things in a very removable way. A tiny dab or regular latex caulking can usually be picked away later as long as you don't 'work it into place'. Tapes of many kinds can be used too. For something more permanent many glues will work.

Solid contact is needed to maintain heat-conductive paths so heat sinks need to be clamped or epoxied into place to work most effectively.

Phil
 
EGS said:
When you take the copper shim apart, check and see if there was an air pocket in the paste somewhere.
Click to expand...
And post a photo, curious to see how well your paste spread out and how thick it is...

Edit: maybe photos of all six paste surfaces...
 
BREAKING NEWS!

Zenfox has posted a new firmware update today on their website!!! I hope it is different of what we have. Did they bother to let us know? Will give it a try anyways.
 
EGS said:
When you take the copper shim apart, check and see if there was an air pocket in the paste somewhere.
Click to expand...

1. Reattached a New Copper Plate that is larger. Thermal paste was mostly spread evenly but did have a small part where it wasn't covering on the edge. Photo 1 is old plate.

Photo 2 is new plate. Larger and not just cut to size of SOC. 20MM long. Width is probably about 17 or 18 instead of an exact 15mm.

Damn thermal paste is messy. MX-4 isn't conductive. Cleaned up thermal paste and applied a new coat to both SOC -- New Plate. New Plate -- EMI. And Heatsink to EMI.

2. 80F / 27C - Car parked in direct sunlight now.

3. I still am guessing it'll overheat. I am about 95% positive @EGS test is the only solution. A Copper plate shielding the Sensor, so that the actual camera isn't registering as hot, and turning off.


 
EGS said:
BREAKING NEWS!

Zenfox has posted a new firmware update today on their website!!! I hope it is different of what we have. Did they bother to let us know? Will give it a try anyways.
Click to expand...

Note: Will run my test. If it fails.. Will update firmware and try again. See if Different Results. Since this is a "Beater Camera" now, I don't mind junking it around with anything I can throw at it.

Latest firmware for Zenfox T3 2CH & 3CH Dash Cam, please download it through the link below.

https://www.zenfox.com/download/firmware/T3/FWT3.bin


Change log:


  1. Fixed time zone bug.
  2. Fixed time stamp bug.
  3. Other bugs fixed.
  4. Optimize the loop recording while camera overheating.
 
Maybe there IS hope for the T3 then 😉 Anxiously awaiting the results 😀

Phil

(EDIT to add): Just noticed that Viofo updated the V3 firmware yesterday, coincidence? Or maybe another pointing to a connection?
 
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@EGS and Everyone.

1. Test #2 Failed. T3 Camera completely shut down in heat. Viofo still operating no problems.
2. @EGS I believe EGS's solution is the proper fix. I suspect his FULL COPPER SHIELD covers the Heat Sensor. Whereas my test just covers the SOC.
3. Downloading the firmware. Slow as molasses. Will test with new firmware and repeat test.

SD card being used in T3 is Sandisk High Endurance.
 
EGS said:
File size is about 29.5Mb. Are you talking about download speed?
Click to expand...

Yes. 10 kilobytes per second KB/S. First attempt to download firmware from zenfox website failed. Trying again now getting about 15 Kilobytes per second.
 
HonestReview said:
Yes. 10 kilobytes per second KB/S. First attempt to download firmware from zenfox website failed. Trying again now getting about 15 Kilobytes per second.
Click to expand...
mine downloaded in seconds. Haven't uploaded to the camera yet though.
 
maybe trying a different browser
 
SawMaster said:
Blu-Tack does good for holding loose things in a very removable way. A tiny dab or regular latex caulking can usually be picked away later as long as you don't 'work it into place'. Tapes of many kinds can be used too. For something more permanent many glues will work.

Solid contact is needed to maintain heat-conductive paths so heat sinks need to be clamped or epoxied into place to work most effectively.

Phil
Click to expand...

Wonder if a dab of caulk works? I'm going to try new firmware now. And if that doesn't help I can try a glue or expoxy or a caulk. Short of that I'm out of ideas and I believe@EGS solution works because it covers the thermal sensor. Unfortunately, I don't have access or the tool to make a copper plate to test out his idea.
 
Is firmware V1.0 or higher?

Currently at work, so cannot download.
 
It seem to be named the same as previous firmware's. ( FWT3 ) not sure if the camera display more info CUZ i have not installed it.
 
kamkar1 said:
It seem to be named the same as previous firmware's. ( FWT3 ) not sure if the camera display more info CUZ i have not installed it.
Click to expand...

Seems to be labeled V1.0. I installed it. Testing again to see if it shuts down. If it does, I give up short of trying an epoxy to firmly hold the heatsink to SOC.

We shall see what happens.... Sun still out and registers 32C (90) outside and 40C (104) with sun beating on car.
 
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