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Wednesday, November 26, 2014
Tailgating trucks compilation #3
A majority of motorists follow other vehicles too closely, but when a large truck does it, people can die or be seriously injured. If you see a truck driving this way, try to give them some space. They can kill you.
Reporting the driver to the company they work for doesn't always have much impact.
If the trucker is driving very dangerously, call the police, and give a truck description, direction, and any other information that may identify the truck.
Of course, if you have a dashcam, you can save the video of the event, and post it online.
(Which seems to get the attention of the trucking companies, and the driver better than a phone call to the company.)
Monday, November 24, 2014
Fort McHenry tunnel tollbooths, Stupid trucker, caught on cam
Cars will cut you off at the last minute, trying to get to a quicker toll lane, and often it's kind of vague which lane you are lining up for. You need to be careful, there are impatient, and inattentive, idiots behind the wheel.
Take our friend in the red car hauler, who must have entered the wrong toll lane, decided the smartest thing to do was to completely turn around in the one way, oncoming traffic, to get to the correct lane.
Traffic was light, he was lucky, but I hope he was held at the toll gate until the police arrived.
What do you do when you realize you are in the wrong toll lane, like a lane for electronic payment methods you do not have? SIT THERE, and wait. A toll attendant from another booth, or the office, will walk over to you. Yes, they are usually not very happy to do this, but they will, and you probably will just pay your toll and go on your way.
Video from an HP F200 dashcam, and JVC Adixxion action cam
Tuesday, November 18, 2014
1/4x20 standard tripod 'stick on' mounts
These mounts are handy for both action and dash cams that use a standard 1/4x20 tripod mount! I use one in my tractor trailer. It's attached near the windhsield to the overhead console area, and holds my Mobius.
 | Adhesive Mount - For Mobius, DR32 and DVR-207 Dash Cameras - $8.95 Adhesive Mount - For Mobius, DR32 and DVR-207 Dash Cameras. Adhesive mount for attaching the DR32 , DVR-207 and Mobius Action Camera to a vehicle dashboard or windshield. |
Monday, November 17, 2014
Streator, Illinois 11-14-14
Just another day in the life of a trucker, stuck in slow traffic.
Video from my HP F200 Dashcam.
Video from my HP F200 Dashcam.
Sunday, November 16, 2014
Scenic footage from a dashcam, Snake River, near Clarkston, WA/Lewiston, ID
Footage from my Mobius dashcam The mobius is small, reliable, and produces good quality video.
The video was accelerated slightly during editing. I'm not really going that fast, and that is not a martian or chipmunk voice on my GPS.
The video was accelerated slightly during editing. I'm not really going that fast, and that is not a martian or chipmunk voice on my GPS.
Friday, November 14, 2014
Knoxville, TN. Car hits another car trying to avoid being hit by pickup pulling trailer
Video from HP F200 Dashcam, on 09-16-14
This is a screenshot of an old Dodge pickup, pulling a trailer, which was later the cause of an accident when it forced it's way into an exit lane, which was already occupied by a small car.
The small car ran into a car to the right, to avoid getting hit by this pickup.
The pickup never stopped.
Watch closely to see this pickup and trailer appear from in front of the white box truck, and swerve into the exit lane.
Truck crosses median, two dead NY thruway 6-30-14
This is video from my HP F200 Dashcam of an accident on the NY Thruway, 06-30-14, near Mendon, NY.
Watch the oncoming lane in the distance and you can see a straight truck veer across the median in the Eastbound lanes, and plunge into oncoming traffic in the Westbound lanes.
Two men in a Westbound pickup died in this crash, and 6 other vehicles were destroyed,or damaged.
Please be careful!
Watch the oncoming lane in the distance and you can see a straight truck veer across the median in the Eastbound lanes, and plunge into oncoming traffic in the Westbound lanes.
Two men in a Westbound pickup died in this crash, and 6 other vehicles were destroyed,or damaged.
Please be careful!
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Why do I prefer Dash or Action cams that use a standard tripod mount?
The primary reason, is, there are many inexpensive mounts available using the standard, 1/4x20, tripod mount!
I do not like the cameras without them. One dashcam I had, used a cheap plastic, 'non-standard' mount, almost the same as you get with some XM/Sirius radios.
(the slotted, keyed type mount you slide the unit onto)
It broke!
With a standard tripod mount, you can easily find a cheap replacement, or alternative mount.
Amazon.com has many.
You also have a better chance at finding a mount that will serve your purpose, and has a better range of adjustment.
As a trucker, we often have to move our gadgets from one vehicle to another, or remove them for safekeeping. Some of the cheap plastic stuff does not hold up well, and when you add vibration to the mix, it gets worse.
Electronic stuff gets a torture test in big trucks. We tend to use them daily, and most truckers average 120,000 miles or more a year. Things that hold up OK in a car, may not last long in a truck.
I do not like the cameras without them. One dashcam I had, used a cheap plastic, 'non-standard' mount, almost the same as you get with some XM/Sirius radios.
(the slotted, keyed type mount you slide the unit onto)
It broke!
With a standard tripod mount, you can easily find a cheap replacement, or alternative mount.
Amazon.com has many.
You also have a better chance at finding a mount that will serve your purpose, and has a better range of adjustment.
As a trucker, we often have to move our gadgets from one vehicle to another, or remove them for safekeeping. Some of the cheap plastic stuff does not hold up well, and when you add vibration to the mix, it gets worse.
Electronic stuff gets a torture test in big trucks. We tend to use them daily, and most truckers average 120,000 miles or more a year. Things that hold up OK in a car, may not last long in a truck.
Wednesday, November 12, 2014
Using 'action' cams in a big truck
Along with my dashcams, I usually carry an 'action' cam in my truck when I travel.
Most action cams will easily attach to your windshield with available suction cup type mounts.
They do not replace dedicated 'dashcams'!
Most action cams will not 'loop' video files, and do not have the ability to be powered continuously during use.
My current favorite is my old Contour Roam HD. It's simple to use, rugged, and produces good 1080p video.
Once attached in the windshield, you only need to use one button to start or stop recording. Simple.
Another handy feature is the ability to rotate the lens, altering the orientation of the produced video, or expanding mounting possibilities.
The Contour does have ONE standard tripod mount thread hole on the bottom.
Here's some fresh sample video from the Contour Roam HD, at night, and during the day.
The current model is the Roam2, and I recommend it!
Recently I picked up a JVC Adixxion GC-XA1. I like it, also. The video is good. It does have many more features than the Roam HD. It's also small and appears rugged.
It's not as simple to operate, and I find the various buttons you need to push to operate the camera, or navigate the menu, have a vague feel. You'll need to press two buttons to start initial recording, as opposed to one large slide switch on the Contour.
I've yet to explore the many features of the JVC. I do like the camera, it's just not as easy to use as the Contour, when mounted in a big truck. The LCD screen is a minor convenience. You canv't really do much with it when you are using the camera on a suction cup mount in the windshield
. It's primarily useful for reviewing video when you don't have access to a laptop, or want to connect to one. There are also apps available to review videos via a smartphone, and the built in wifi, but I have not had luck configuring these apps.
The Adixxion has two standard tripod type mount holes, one on the bottom, one on the side. I'm still trying to find a small suction cup mount that will work well in the bottom mounting position, when attached to inside of the truck windshield. (Ideally getting the camera as high up in the windshield as possible.)
I'm using the side attachment thread with a suction cup type mount, currently.
One downside to the Adixxion which surfaced during my normal use. The battery life is not great.
Maybe an hour of continuous use.
I usually stick either the JVC or Adixxion up in the windshield only when anticipating passing through a scenic area, or if the opportunity presents itself in traffic backups. Sometimes I'll leave an action cam mounted in the windshield during the day, flipping it on periodically.
The Contour roam does better in this usage, easier to turn on, and the battery life seems much better.
Amazon does sell a charger battery pack combo that works well, is inexpensive, and works with both Adixxion models. You will want a spare battery if you buy an Adixxion, the battery life is pretty modest.
Here's some video from the JVC Adixxion.
Amazon also sells the Adixxion2, a newer, more expensive model, with more features.
Overall, for occasional use in a truck, the Contour Roam2 wins out. It's much simpler, easy to use.
Most action cams will easily attach to your windshield with available suction cup type mounts.
They do not replace dedicated 'dashcams'!
Most action cams will not 'loop' video files, and do not have the ability to be powered continuously during use.
My current favorite is my old Contour Roam HD. It's simple to use, rugged, and produces good 1080p video.
Once attached in the windshield, you only need to use one button to start or stop recording. Simple.
Another handy feature is the ability to rotate the lens, altering the orientation of the produced video, or expanding mounting possibilities.
The Contour does have ONE standard tripod mount thread hole on the bottom.
Here's some fresh sample video from the Contour Roam HD, at night, and during the day.
The current model is the Roam2, and I recommend it!
Recently I picked up a JVC Adixxion GC-XA1. I like it, also. The video is good. It does have many more features than the Roam HD. It's also small and appears rugged.
It's not as simple to operate, and I find the various buttons you need to push to operate the camera, or navigate the menu, have a vague feel. You'll need to press two buttons to start initial recording, as opposed to one large slide switch on the Contour.
I've yet to explore the many features of the JVC. I do like the camera, it's just not as easy to use as the Contour, when mounted in a big truck. The LCD screen is a minor convenience. You canv't really do much with it when you are using the camera on a suction cup mount in the windshield
. It's primarily useful for reviewing video when you don't have access to a laptop, or want to connect to one. There are also apps available to review videos via a smartphone, and the built in wifi, but I have not had luck configuring these apps.
The Adixxion has two standard tripod type mount holes, one on the bottom, one on the side. I'm still trying to find a small suction cup mount that will work well in the bottom mounting position, when attached to inside of the truck windshield. (Ideally getting the camera as high up in the windshield as possible.)
I'm using the side attachment thread with a suction cup type mount, currently.
One downside to the Adixxion which surfaced during my normal use. The battery life is not great.
Maybe an hour of continuous use.
I usually stick either the JVC or Adixxion up in the windshield only when anticipating passing through a scenic area, or if the opportunity presents itself in traffic backups. Sometimes I'll leave an action cam mounted in the windshield during the day, flipping it on periodically.
The Contour roam does better in this usage, easier to turn on, and the battery life seems much better.
Amazon does sell a charger battery pack combo that works well, is inexpensive, and works with both Adixxion models. You will want a spare battery if you buy an Adixxion, the battery life is pretty modest.
Here's some video from the JVC Adixxion.
Amazon also sells the Adixxion2, a newer, more expensive model, with more features.
Overall, for occasional use in a truck, the Contour Roam2 wins out. It's much simpler, easy to use.
Tuesday, November 11, 2014
Which Dashcams do I use in my truck?
I currently use two Dashcams. One is a Mobius, the other, an HP F-200.
I recommend both, but each has some unique characteristics.
The Mobius is more suited for somebody comfortable with tinkering with computers, programs, apps.
The Mobius is used in various applications, from onboard video on R/C aircraft, 'action' videos, and as a dashcam.
There is no built-in display on the Mobius. You will need to download the video to a computer to view the video, or remove the memory card and play it via a computer. (Or other device).
The second dashcam I'm using is the HP F200. It has a decent video screen, fairly simple menu, and good quality video. The current price on Amazon is not so great, keep checking for a better price. This is a better dashcam for 'plug and play' type operation, with the exception that the one I bought arrived with Russian language menu selected. It took some fumbling to awitch it to English.
I will be honest, I don't use most of the features of this camera. I just set the time, put a 32gb card in it, and stuck it in my windshield.
This is a Chinese made camera, and I do see some other branded cameras that are probably clones, or the same camera as the HP F200. The HP F210 model has a built in GPS, and has some negative reviews. I've been happy with the F200.
The F200 uses standard tripod threaded type mounts, and has threaded holes on both the top, and bottom of the camera.
It is not huge, but not inconspicuous. It also powers via the USB port. I prefer dashcams to power this way.
Both of these cameras have turned out to be pretty reliable, and produce good video.
There is no built-in display on the Mobius. You will need to download the video to a computer to view the video, or remove the memory card and play it via a computer. (Or other device).
Mobius 1080P HD Action Camera - $79.95
from: Spy Tec
The Mobius uses standard tripod mounts. You can find many inexpensive mounts on Amazon!
The Mobius is small, unobtrusive, and does pretty well as a 'stealth' dashcam. It's not much bigger than a matchbox. It's powered via the USB port, and you can use various USB cables, or power cords for other electronic products, like most Garmin GPS units.
Truckers, if you want to use a Mobius in your big truck, make sure you have a laptop with you. You will need a laptop to configure the camera, and download or view the videos. There are programs and adapters to configure the Mobius, and download video via a smartphone, but I have not used them. I have a laptop with me all the time, anyway.
The video quality is good, and you can vary the settings via the configuration program.
This is not a 'plug and play' dashcam! You will need a laptop for initial configuration, and periodic updates, checking settings, downloading video files, etc.
The Mobius has a strong following by avid users, and there is a lot of info online for specific uses, and tweaks.
I like the small form factor. Make sure you position the Mobius where you can see the small LED flashing to monitor it is recording and working properly. The LED is small!
The second dashcam I'm using is the HP F200. It has a decent video screen, fairly simple menu, and good quality video. The current price on Amazon is not so great, keep checking for a better price. This is a better dashcam for 'plug and play' type operation, with the exception that the one I bought arrived with Russian language menu selected. It took some fumbling to awitch it to English.
I will be honest, I don't use most of the features of this camera. I just set the time, put a 32gb card in it, and stuck it in my windshield.
This is a Chinese made camera, and I do see some other branded cameras that are probably clones, or the same camera as the HP F200. The HP F210 model has a built in GPS, and has some negative reviews. I've been happy with the F200.
The F200 uses standard tripod threaded type mounts, and has threaded holes on both the top, and bottom of the camera.
It is not huge, but not inconspicuous. It also powers via the USB port. I prefer dashcams to power this way.
Both of these cameras have turned out to be pretty reliable, and produce good video.
Blacksys Cw-100 dashcam with GPS
This is a dashcam I picked up on Amazon, and have only used once. The video quality isn't great, but it's nice to have the GPS feature. I think this one will end up permanently installed in my car.
The mount uses two sided adhesive tape, to attach the cam unit to your windshield, so it's not something you can easily move from car to car.
I prefer dashcams to have the standard tripod thread mount, but the price at Amazon on this was good enough it was worth a try.
The mount uses two sided adhesive tape, to attach the cam unit to your windshield, so it's not something you can easily move from car to car.
I prefer dashcams to have the standard tripod thread mount, but the price at Amazon on this was good enough it was worth a try.
Blacksys CW-100 Car Camera CCTV GPS Car Dash Cam Driving Camera Black Box DVR
Tailgating trucks compilation #2
I run several dashcams in my truck. When I see something 'interesting' I just make a note of the time, and check the cams later, and save the video. TOO many trucks follow too closely, and drive aggressively.
Wednesday, November 5, 2014
Larway truck #210 Inconsiderate jerk
Here is Larway truck #210. Who decided it was OK to park backwards at a truck stop parking lot, blocking my truck, because he was in a hurry, and wanted to get a shower.
I was away from the truck for a few minutes when he parked this way. If he had backed into the parking space, I would not have been blocked.
Selfish PIGS like this make trucking a more miserable profession than it needs to be.
Some drivers give lip service to 'brotherhood' and the 'knights of the road' BS, but when they
think nobody is looking, they will screw over anybody in a heartbeat.
Thanks to dashcams, we can now expose some of these pigs!
'Professional' truck driver spotting, Rock Hill, SC
It's rare you see such a skilled, and professional trucker like this one. In this video compiled from two dashcams, you can see how he skillfully plows his way around another truck, waiting to exit a somewhat narrow electronically controlled gate at an Exel warehouse in Rock Hill, SC.
There are two trucks waiting to exit, you have to use the callbox at the gate to get it open, but the blue truck is operated by such an important person who can't wait a few seconds, and has such a high level of truck driving skills, he decides he will make his own roadway.
Mobius 1080P HD Action Camera - $79.95
from: Spy Tec
There are two trucks waiting to exit, you have to use the callbox at the gate to get it open, but the blue truck is operated by such an important person who can't wait a few seconds, and has such a high level of truck driving skills, he decides he will make his own roadway.
Mobius 1080P HD Action Camera - $79.95
from: Spy Tec
Sunday, November 2, 2014
Saturday, November 1, 2014
Midland XTC100 sample video
The video quality is not so good, but it's cheap. I think I'd spend more and get a Contour.
Swift trying to back up Waterloo, IA 07-01-13
Yes, we all have to learn, sometimes, but this Swift driver was not having a good day. I found this situation more disturbing when the 'helper' walked under the trailer of the truck that was trying to back up. The 'helper' appeared to be a lease operator, who also had a toddler in the truck with him. The child was running around the truck staging area, playing 'hide and seek' under the parked trucks. These trucks were waiting to be called to a door to be unloaded, and may pull out at any moment.
Sorry about the bug splats on the windshield!
Tanker tailgaiting car in heavy rain, Florida turnpike 6-11-13
Too close! Wet roads, aggressive trucker, not good.
Orland, California CA-32 4 wheeler passing in a no passing zone
Video captured on my mobius dash/action cam.
Harley rider passes large truck on right, almost gets splatted
Near Donner Pass. The truck is passing me safely, and allowing a safe distance, but the impatient Harley rider can't wait.
I-40, Winston-Salem, NC Old caddie tailgates, brake checks small car
Road rage? Watch the tailgating Caddie brake check the small car, then barrel off back into the hammer lane. Captured on my HP F200 Dashcam.
Oakley truck #3402 Can't stay in lane
Oakley isn't doing a good job staying in one lane. I'm not sure if he is texting, on the phone, or falling asleep? Note the Placards.
Video from a Mobius Dash/action cam, mounted in my truck.
Video from a Mobius Dash/action cam, mounted in my truck.
TVM Truck, tailgating, speeding, construction zone I-65 KY
Another tailgating truck, in a construction zone, marked 'trucks use left lane'.
Tailgating Tractor Trailers Compilation #1
This is a compilation of tailgating tractor trailers, caught on my dashcam. I see them every day, but don't always have the time to save the video. SLOW DOWN, and back off, you JERKS!
Welcome to Trucker Dash Cams blog!
I've been an Over the Road trucker for over 30 years, and a mild gadget freak. A dashcam can save your bacon if you get into an accident when the other vehicle is at fault, but the driver is not so honest, or it's not so obvious who screwed up.
You also see a lot of strange and neat things while driving. A dashcam allows you to capture some of these things.
I won't drive any vehicle without one!
I've used a handful of cams over the last 3 years. I'm not impressed or swayed by hype. I am impressed with reliability, ease of use, and a reasonable image quality.
Most of the dashcams sold at truckstops are overpriced junk.
(some are OK)
I'll be posting some low tech reviews on cams, and some tips, and some videos on this blog.
Stay safe, and you never know who is watching you, and recording!
You also see a lot of strange and neat things while driving. A dashcam allows you to capture some of these things.
I won't drive any vehicle without one!
I've used a handful of cams over the last 3 years. I'm not impressed or swayed by hype. I am impressed with reliability, ease of use, and a reasonable image quality.
Most of the dashcams sold at truckstops are overpriced junk.
(some are OK)
I'll be posting some low tech reviews on cams, and some tips, and some videos on this blog.
Stay safe, and you never know who is watching you, and recording!
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