Where did that car come from?

Watch the white Jetta.

She's not paying attention, no turn signal, and drifts across 4 lanes. 

Watch what happens when she finally notices the car she just cut off!

She's not paying attention, luckily the car she cut off, is.


Video from a Mobius standard lens dash cam, near Charlotte, NC

Papago! GoSafe 110 'Trucker tested' Dash Cam from GearBest.com Recommended dash cam

The Papago! GoSafe 110 is a small, reliable dash  cam, that is easy to use.   I tested one in my tractor trailer for three and a half weeks, while traveling 9600 miles in the USA.
Video quality is good, day and night.
The GS110 has a capacitor, not a battery, which is preferred for a dash cam in daily use in a vehicle.   
Is this a high end dash cam?  NO.
I wasn't expecting to like this cam when I was offered one for review, but I was pleasantly surprised.
It works, and works well, the video is decent, and it's reliable.
For most users, this cam will be sufficient if you are looking for a dash cam you can actually use, and count on for protection while driving.

No dash cam is 'set and forget'.   
At the minimum,  you'll need to format the memory card at regular intervals, and also verify the camera is working normally, both by visual checks of the display, and occasional review of save video clips.

The GS110 has a small screen, which makes 'aiming' the camera easy, and verifying normal operation, also.

It is possible to view saved videos on this screen, but I usually don't do that with any dash cam, since it's much easier to do so via the laptop that is a few feet away.

The GS 110 has a 'G Force' sensor to automatically save video during an incident.
I don't use this function on most of my cams, but save them manually, if needed.

The GS 110 also works OK in 'motion' detection mode.
I've been using this mode for normal operation.     
The camera will start recording with any movement nearby of a vehicle or person, 
(Within the view of the lens) and when you start driving.

The video segments while in motion detection mode are around 2 minutes each.
'Normal' video segments are a default 5 minutes.
(No option to change this, other than going to motion detection, which works well)

It's possible to use motion detection for some protection in a parked vehicle, but make sure you have sufficient battery capacity in your vehicle.

(This won't work out well for you in a car you leave parked for days,  it may drain your car battery.  In a large truck with multiple batteries,you're OK)

Thinking about a dash cam?

The GS 110 is a nice, basic cam, that performs well, is modestly priced, and is easy to use.

The current coupon price at GearBest.com is a good deal!

GearBest.com currently has a coupon code on the Papago GoSafe 110. 

Enter coupon code GS110 at checkout to get this camera, with free shipping, for $69.99. (US)

PAPAGO GoSafe110 Capacitance Version HD 720P 2.0 Inch Mini Dashcam Car DVR - $86.99
from: GearBest

GearBest.com currently has a coupon code on the Papago GoSafe 110. 

Enter coupon code GS110 at checkout to get this camera, with free shipping, for $69.99. (US)

I-26, eastbound into South Carolina from North Carolina

Video from a Papago! GoSafe 110, courtesy of GearBest.com




PAPAGO GoSafe110 Capacitance Version HD 720P 2.0 Inch Mini Dashcam Car DVR - $86.99
from: GearBest

Papago! GoSafe 110 from gearbest.com "Trucker Tested' Dash Cam

The Papago! GoSafe 110 has been running reliably, 24/7, for the last 22 days in my tractor trailer, as I traveled 9200 miles.
Day and night video is good.   The controls are easy to use.   This is a good, basic dash cam that is suitable for most users, in any vehicle.

PAPAGO GoSafe110 Capacitance Version HD 720P 2.0 Inch Mini Dashcam Car DVR - $86.99
from: GearBest

GearBest.com currently has a coupon code on the Papago GoSafe 110. 

Enter coupon code GS110 at checkout to get this camera, with free shipping, for $69.99. (US)

This is a good deal, and you'll end up with a reliable dash cam that is better, and cheaper than the limited selection at truck stops.

'Family Fun' with an SUV on I-495 Massachusetts

Ok, assume you're not paying attention and the lane you are in, is ending.

It's hard to believe, but squeezing by the big truck is not the only option!

OK, too late to wake up, and pay attention, but you could always slow down, and get in behind the truck.    I know this is not a popular idea, but, since you have already demonstrated you don't pay attention and drive worth a hoot, it may save your life.

Massachusetts, Stop sign runner

Henderson Coffee truck OKC, OK 'Texting' while driving

You can often spot a driver ahead who is 'texting', or otherwise distracted while driving.
The signs?   Wandering around in the lane, or crossing into the next lane.
Frequently I see drivers 'texting' while on highways, and driving much slower than the speed limit and other traffic.   They think they are 'safe'.    
They're not.

Out of habit, I play a little personal 'guessing game' and try to determine if I am correct.

'Are they texting?"

'Are they fumbling with something in the car?   (Child in a baby seat, laptop, map, etc)

You'll even see people driving like this when they are in conversation with a passenger in the vehicle, and feel the need to turn and face that person when they speak, or to listen to them.


Put the damn thing down.       The small truck driver was using a stylus or pen to enter information on a commercial wireless device, used to track delivery information, or inventory.

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SpyTec.com sells the A118-C and Mobius dash cams I recommend!

3 reliable dash cams for your truck, under $100!

(Note: the HP F200 shown in this photo is out of production, and not mentioned in this post)




The Mobius,  A-118-C, and Papago! GoSafe 110 are three reliable dash cams that I have used and can recommend for use in a car or truck.

All produce good video, and are proven over thousands of miles of use in a tractor trailer.

You won't find these on display at your local truck stop, or other retailer.   You can purchase them online from various retailers.   Make sure you  research the online retailer before you purchase.


The Mobius action/dash cam

The Mobius is a small action cam that can be used very well as a dash cam.   I've used one in my truck for the last two years.
The Mobius is available in several lens versions.

WIDE ANGLE MOBIUS VIDEO SAMPLES

You can see the difference in coverage between the 'wide' and 'standard' lens in the video above.

(Two videos from a vacation trip to Thailand.   The mobius is small, easy to pack in your luggage and use in rental cars, also!)

STANDARD LENS MOBIUS VIDEO SAMPLES

The mobius will provide about 4 hours of 1080p Video with a 32GB memory card.

The Mobius can use a variety of easily available, standard 'tripod' threaded mounts.

It's primarily an 'action' cam, but works very well as a dash cam.

Please order the inexpensive, but optional 'super capacitor' for best results in long term dash cam use.

This is a camera you will use for years.   The firmware is easily updated.

Mobius 1080P HD Action Camera - $79.95
from: Spy Tec

Mobius C Wide Angle Lens Aerial Sports Video Camera Camcorder - $72.89
from: GearBest

The A118-C Dash Cam

These are sold under various names, including 'B-40'.    For the purpose of this post, I'm discussing the 'Capacitor' version, the A118-C.

The A118-C dash cam is a proven, and popular camera.   There is the option to add a GPS module, but this has limited usefulness.

(The speed is not visible on your video, unless you use special video software)

Unlike the Mobius theA118-C attaches to your windshield via a plastic plate and two sided adhesive tape.   The body of the camera attaches easily, and detaches easily, while offering a solid mount.

The A118-C also has a display screen, unlike the Mobius.

Video quality is good.

A118-C 1080p HD Dash Camera w/ Capacitor - $79.95
from: Spy Tec

Papago! GoSafe 110 from Gearbest.com

Gearbest.com provided a GoSafe 110 for my use and review.    

I wasn't expecting much, but have been pleasantly surprised.

This is a nice, decent, basic camera that is easy to use, and produces good video.

The 'night' video is better than average, and 'motion' detection works well on this camera.

It's been reliable in 3 weeks of use, including 2 weeks of  24/7 operation in a tractor trailer.

(as of this writing)

The GS110 has a capacitor, not a battery.

PAPAGO GoSafe110 Capacitance Version HD 720P 2.0 Inch Mini Dashcam Car DVR - $86.99
from: GearBest

All of these 3 dash cams have been 'tested' in my truck.   This means 24/7 operation, over thousands of miles.

For example, my Original Mobius probably has 150,000 miles on it, and has run 24/7 for over a year.

Don't drive a truck?   If these cameras do  well with the added shock and vibration in a 'big' truck, they'll work fine in your car.

All of these dash cams are a good choice for your first, or only, dash cam.

If  you want  a more 'discrete' camera, I'll rate the 3 in order of 'discretion'.

The Mobius

A118-C

Papago! GoSafe 110

Some people worry about people 'seeing' the camera in the windshield.  This does not happen often.   Most of these cameras are best mounted in the top center of your windshield.   Tuck away any power wire out of sight, and most people will not notice them.

It's easy to turn off the display screen on the A118-C and Papago! GoSafe 110 .

The mobius has two,  small LEDs that blink.

(they can be turned off in the software program, but are the only way you can tell the camera is functioning properly.)

The mobius is the smallest, and most portable.   

The two cameras with 'adhesive' mounts are still capable of being removed, and re-installed, with some spare tape handy, and a few minutes of work.

(I prefer the suction cup mounts, but can live with the 'tape' mounts.)

Make sure you mount these cameras in a position on the windshield that won't obscure your vision, but will remain within the sweep of the wiper blades.

(Check any local laws for windshield mounted equipment limitations, please!)

'up high and out of sight' will give you the best video, also.

Be careful.  Drive safely!   A dash cam can save your bacon in a questionable traffic mishap.

Werner Enterprises truck, trailer 62702, passing in no passing zones.

There's no reason for this truck to pass in this manner, in this area, except he was not patient enough to wait a few minutes.   There were plenty of safe and legal areas to pass on this highway.       Truckers like this can kill!

Video from a Papago! GoSafe 110 dash cam provided by GearBest.com

 
PAPAGO GoSafe110 Capacitance Version HD 720P 2.0 Inch Mini Dashcam Car DVR - $86.99

from: GearBest

Why do you need a dash cam in your truck?

Papago! GoSafe 110 Day video sample

Video from a Papago! GoSafe 110 dash cam provided by GearBest.com


 
PAPAGO GoSafe110 Capacitance Version HD 720P 2.0 Inch Mini Dashcam Car DVR - $86.99
from: GearBest

Using dash cams with Motion Detection in parked trucks

Most common dash cams have a 'motion detection' setting that is of little use, or users have unrealistic expectations of the camera. I've been playing with a few dash cams that have motion detection to see how useful they may be for use in a parked truck.

I have been leaving at least one of my cams running in the truck, while parked overnight, with the hope of detecting vandals, thieves, and other vehicles that may hit my parked truck while I'm away from it, or sleeping.

In normal operation, a dash cam will continuously record, save segments, and erase the oldest segment on the card by recording a new segment over it.   This is called 'looping'.

How much coverage you  will get on your card depends on the card memory size, and the resolution of your camera.   Most of the 1080p cams will maintain the last 4 hours of video on a 32gb card.
This isn't so bad, if you are sleeping in your truck, and somebody breaking into your truck, or another vehicle backs into you truck and flees before you can really wake up and see much.
You can then review the most recent files on your card and possibly see what or who it was.

If you have left your truck parked somewhere, unattended,  for an extended period of time, with your cam running in normal mode, it's possible the segment containing the information you want, may have been erased.

I see 'motion detection' mode as a strong possibility to give you some extended parking protection, without dealing with elaborate camera or memory systems.

No, you won't catch everything!

One dash cam will only provide coverage in one direction.  If you have it mounted in your windshield, somebody walking up from behind your truck and trying to break in won't start the camera.   Likewise, a vehicle striking  you  from behind isn't likely to  result in much useful video in a forward facing cam.


The goal is to add a little more protection, using a dash cam you have to protect you while driving.

A further limitation on motion detection mode usage in long term parking situations include the battery capacity of the vehicle you have the camera in.
If you are reading this, thinking it will work in the car you park for days at a time, you are out of luck.   While your typical dash cam only draws about .35 amps, it's enough to kill some car batteries after a few days.
(this is not a problem usually in large trucks, which often have 4-8 batteries.)

Few cameras also have a 'pre buffer' capability, meaning they always record, and save a few second of video BEFORE the motion detector sensor is triggered.

Don't expect miracles, but you may be surprised at how often video from this mode is useful.


Let's look at some video clips for motion detection triggered samples from some currently available dash cams.

Here's a Mobius Wide Angle cam on a brightly lit day.  

(All segments start when the cam was triggered, but are not shown in full length)




The next two from a Papago! GoSafe 110, parked in two, different truck stops, with probably better than average lighting.

And the Mobius Wide Angle, again.

Illegal passing on US 54, OK, TX, NM

Video from a Papago! GoSafe 110 dash cam


PAPAGO GoSafe110 Capacitance Version HD 720P 2.0 Inch Mini Dashcam Car DVR
from: GearBest

Papago! GoSafe 110 'Trucker tested' Dash Cam

 The Papago! GoSafe 110 is a good, basic dash cam, suitable for truckers.
I've been using one for a few weeks, and I'm happy with it. 
Day and night video quality is good.
Currently, there is a coupon code at GearBest.com which drops the price to $69.99, US, with free shipping.      This is a good deal.     Don't buy the overpriced 'junk' cams you see for sale at truck stops.    This is better, and cheaper.

Use promotion code GS110 at checkout at GearBest.com to get
this price.

• 
  

PAPAGO GoSafe110 Capacitance Version HD 720P 2.0 Inch Mini Dashcam Car DVR
from: GearBest

What do I like about this camera?

• Good day and night video
• It has a capacitor, not a battery.  This means longer life for the camera, and less problems 
• The menu system is pretty easy to use.  After some minor configuration, you won't need to use the menu, much.    The screen display is also easy to turn off, and on.
• 'Motion Detection' mode works pretty well, coupled with better than average night video.
• Card Format reminder option.   You really need to format your memory cards occasionally to extend the life of the card.    'In Camera' formatting is easy.
• Price.  The current promotion price is a good deal, and you get a reliable, decent dash cam for a modest amount of  money.

The videos below are from the Papago! GoSafe 110 I'm currently using

The Papago!  GoSafe 110 works well in motion detection mode, which is  useful for protection when your truck or car is parked for hours at a time.   You get video coverage of your vehicle, without hours of video with no activity.