Mobius Maxi, night, parked sample

The earlier versions of the Mobius were compact, and reliable cameras, but the recorded video at night was pretty lacking.   The Maxi seems to have improved the night video substantially.   I'm running one in my truck now as a second camera, and am happy with it.

Viofo WR1, skip this one for now.

The WR1 is a smallish dashcam, with overall good video, but it has some problems.
The recorded audio is very soft, almost worthless.
The red and green led that indicate proper operation, are very dim.
You just can't see them in normal daylight.    Since the WR1 has no screen, it would be easy to overlook a malfunctioning cam.

It doesn't look like the problems will be fixed on the current models via firmware updates, since they've issued several updates since this camera has been released.

It's a shame, the WR1 has been reliable in a few months of use, but I'd skip this cam for now.

Here's a sample of the  recorded audio level, compared to a Mobius Dash/action cam.

Why you need a dashcam in your truck. Ausdom A261

The merge points at highway on ramps are always a problem, usually with somebody in too much of a hurry.   A dash cam in your truck can help protect you, when things 'go wrong'.
The Ausdom A261 is a nice dash cam, provided by GearBest.com, I'm currently using in my tractor trailer.   It provides good day and night video, and is fairly easy to use.

Ausdom A261 Dash cam from GearBest.com Day video, from Tractor trailer

AUSDOM A261 Car DVR
from: GearBest

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)

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.

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.

Mobius Wide angle lens video samples (tractor trailer)

The Mobius is a small, reliable, and inexpensive 'action' cam that will also function well as a dashcam.

Mobius lens comparison Wide vs standard, ( tractor trailer dash cams)

This is a 'non technical' example of the different field of views from the Wide Angle, and standard lens Mobius dash cameras.      The cameras are mounted about a foot apart, with each being about  6 inches off from the center of the windshield.

Oversize load 'wedged' in road construction, Washington, PA

Video from an A118-C dashcam.

Sugar Cane trucks on the roads of Loei and Nong Bua Lamphu provinces, Th...

Video from a Mobius wide angle dash cam while on vacation in Thailand

Red light runners in Indiana

Video from a Mobius standard lens dash/action cam

Night video comparison A118-C vs Mobius standard lens, low light setting

If you are a trucker, chances are you operate at various times of the day, in varying lighitng conditions.       Most dash cams don't do very well at night.  Some high end dash cams do a little bettter than others, but I haven't seen a suitable 'bang for the buck' performance level to suggest buying one.

The two cams in this video are around $80, via various online retailers.   

I would not hold out much hope for reading license tags at night on any dash cam video I've seen online.     

These segments were taken on a pretty dark, rural road, the streetlights don't do much.


For a trucker, even video that doesn't show much of an incident at night, may help you establish fault.   You can usually see enough of road markings to determine your position in the lane.

You can also see the'other' vehicle, assuming it has lights.


Don't expect much, but don't dismiss what you may be able to capture.


Of the two, the A118-C is a little more user friendly.  It has a built in screen of modest usefulness, and an optional GPS module, again, a modest 'plus'.


The A118-C will also 'lock' selected videos with the press of one button, actually the largest button on the face of the unit.   Not so hard to find, even with the extended 'driver to cam' distances we have in big trucks.    Press the button, and that file is save in a special folder.  It won't be overwritten as the camera operates in 'loop' mode.  The file is there until you delete it.



The  A118-C uses two sided tape to attach a plastic mounting plate to your windshield.  It sticks pretty well, and it's easy to attach the body of the cam to the plate, and remove it. 

If you are not in the same truck every day, or week, you may not want this camera, but opt for a camera that can use a suction cup mount.    It's not impossible to remove the plastic plate, replace the tape, and re-attach it to a windshield, but it takes some time, and you will need to have spare tape.


I'm happy using my A118-C as my daily dash cam.   It's reliable, the day time video quality is good, and the camera is fairly discrete.



A118 HD 1080p Car Dash Camera - $79.95
from: Spy Tec

The other camera is a Mobius, standard lens version.   Small, discrete, pretty reliable, and good video quality.   The Mobius has a strong following in the RC plane and 'drone' community.   

There may be one over your head as you read this!

The Mobius is a little better suited for somebody a bit more 'hands on'.  

There is no screen.

The software and hardware are constantly upgraded.   You can easily update your Mobius via your laptop.

You can use a variety of mounts for the Mobius, there are plenty of aftermarket mounts that will work.   (Any mount using a standard 'tripod' mount thread)


The Mobius is a good dash cam for the OTR trucker in a sleeper operation, who has a laptop with them.     

Mobius 1080P HD Action Camera Wide-Angle
from: Spy Tec

 
Here is an earlier blog post with daytime video from both of these dash cams!



Below is some video taken with a Mobius, Wide Angle lens camera, during a trip to Pai, Thailand.    Please note: the darker section at the top of the video frame is the window tinting on the windshield.

Fun with 4 wheelers Big Truck Dash cam video

Impatient SUV passes truck on right, near miss Illinois

This is video from a Mobius, standard lens, dash cam.   The mobius is very small, discrete, and pretty reliable.    It's about the size of a match box, if you remember what those are?

Mobius Wide Angle Motion detection mode

I thought I'd play with the 'Motion Detection' mode on one of my spare Mobius, wide angle cams.



You have to configure this via the software program, and the sensitivity and video clip length are variable.



It works 'OK', but doesn't seem to pick up foot traffic.   These are just 3 clips of many.   The cam will continue to record as long as it has power, and will overwrite the oldest clip when full. This mode may be of some use if you park your truck in a remote area, unattended for a days. While it won't detect somebody moving around the truck on foot, it will pick up vehicles. In this use, the limits are card size, and power. Power should not be a problem in a big truck for a few days. You would probably fill the card up, and loop over the older files if you park for a few days in a busy area, like a truck stop.

Mississippi, I-55 White SUV in a hurry

White minivan takes a shortcut around slow traffic Covington, KY I-75

Video from a Mobius dash cam in a tractor trailer.

Impatient SUV passes truck on right, near miss Illinois

Mount Shasta, through a bug splattered windshield

Video from a Mobius standard lens dash camera.