DD Pai Mini truck video samples and overview

The DD Pai Mini is a small, basic dashcam, that is fairly easy to use, and reliable, but has some shortcomings.  The overall size is roughly the size of two 'D' cells, end to end.

The overall video is 'OK', but not very sharp.
The one piece camera body and mount means you can't remove the camera body easily from where it's mounted, (assuming windshield) without replacing the adhesive tape.
The configuration of the card slot means it's a little hard to access the card with the camera mounted.  (Inset, behind the hinged door)
For use in a tractor trailer, (Or other vehicle with a more vertical windshield) the detents on the rotation camera section are spaced a little too far apart.   It's hard to get the image you want.
An additional problem in using this camera on a more vertical windshield, (Like in a large truck or bus) it's very hard to clean the windshield under the camera without removing the cam. (and replacing the tape, etc)    There's really not enough clearance between the cam, and glass.    ( I considered placing the cam further back from the glass on a flat part of some overhead trim, but  decided I didn't like the cam enough to live with it for long, and it would stay on the glass 'temporarily')    😜


Below: The camera body and mount are one piece.   You can also see the card slot, (card not fully inserted) and the hinged cover door.   I couldn't plug a USB cable into the Mini and access the card on my laptop as an 'external  drive'.   Imagine the cam mounted high on a truck windshield, and trying to get that card out!  I had to use the tip of a pen to push in on the card to get it to pop out.  Dittos, getting the card back in!

Below:  This is what's in the box!  The round 'snapshot' button is at the lower right.  Along with the camera, long USB cable, power adapter, you have some spare adhesive tapes for the button, and cam mount, a tool to tuck the wire into trim crevices, as well as some adhesive cable keepers.

Below: DDPai Mini, (left) next to Viofo A119V2.   The A119V2 is a much better dashcam.

If I was going to leave the Mini installed, I'd route the wire neatly, but it's not going to up  there much longer.   The Mini does have a nice, bright, flashing LED to let you know the cam is functioning.   It also has some voice announcements, saying 'Hello' when you turn it on, as well as remind you to format new memory cards.

Below: short cell phone video showing the Mini and A119v2 operating.  The music you hear is from the radio, not a cam.  

The Good?

• It seems to be reliable, and the file sizes are pretty small.  I'm seeing 12+ hours of video with a 64gb card.
• The 'snapshot' button is modestly useful, and works.
• The App works, and you need it.  (There's no other way to change settings on this button-less, display-less, dash cam.
• The price (around $50) is OK, but there are similar cams around the same price point that do better, overall.  (One I will be testing in a few weeks is the same, generic format, but has a comparable camera body that can be removed from the mount.)

This isn't a totally bad cam, but has some limitations.   It is probably easier to live with in a smaller vehicle, with an sloping windshield, or as a 'rear' cam in a smaller vehicle.

Red light runners in Indiana

Video from a Mobius standard lens dash/action cam

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.

Red Prostar, Tailgating Ohio I-71

I see this too often.   Big trucks, tailgating.   This trucker, and others will probably protest 'I ain't tailgating, I knows what I am doing', but there is no way this truck can stop safely if the car aheads brakes suddenly.       Want to face financial ruin, or maybe even prison?   Keep driving like this.   This applies to cars, also.  Back off.

Living with two 'budget' dashcams, the Mobius, and A118C, in an OTR Tractor Trailer

The image quality is comparable.   The A118C has a wider angle lens than the standard Mobius, lens.
In the following video, a segment from Mobius 'A' model is first, followed by video of the same event from an A118C.  Both are around $80 through online retailers.

Both cameras are pretty easy to use, the Mobius does require a laptop or android phone to configure.
I've not had luck with the android program, but I have not messed with it much.   You will need the appropriate cable or adapter to use an Android phone to program a Mobius.   I use my laptop, much easier, never even pull the card out, or remove the cam from the windshield.   I'm powering both cams from a 2 way Cig Lighter outlet, with 2 USB ports, attached to the normal 'CB' wiring in the overhead console.  (I don't run a CB, anyway)     On my truck it's easy to use USB cables to power the cams, and tuck the wires  away in the cracks of the wonderful plastic interior material of my 'South of the Border' made Cornbinder.   Easy, looks neat.    Not much in the way of dangling wires.  Moves or removes in seconds.


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

I have not messed with the GPS on the A118C.   Other than keeping the time updated on the Cam, not sure how useful it will be for me?    I want video.   If I am in a major accident, the black box features on this annoying truck will provide more info than any aftermarket electronic device will.
(Oh, you didn't know these new trucks spy on you?)

Both cams are good for the price, but make sure you understand what you are dealing with.  No dashcam seems to do well at night.       The 'motion detection' features of some mostly seem useless, and cause more problems than they are worth.
The screen on the A118C is ok.   You  aren't going to see much when it's mounted, and in the normal mounting position in a tractor trailer.  It's mostly an indication you have it pointed the right way, and it's working.    
The mobius has no screen, and only a few small LEDS that will indicate functions.    I have configured mine to operate automatically.  On, when the power is on, off when the power (Key) is off.   I have yet to touch the three buttons on the Mobius, although you'd need to use them if you  use a Mobius as an action cam, and they are very popular in the RC World.



Please avoid the dashcams you may see for sale at the chain truckstops. They're usually overpriced, and of modest quality. Do you think you are really buying a 'name brand' cam when you buy a Garmin or Cobra at the truckstops?



Those dashcams are made in the same chinese factories, under contract, as many 'no name' cameras, and often the 'no name' has better video, online support and information, at half the price.



 Here is a sample of night video from both dashcams.

Also see '3 reliable dash cams for your truck under $100."

A118C 'Wedge' Dashcam sample video

The A118C is a decent, budget priced Dashcam with good 'bang for the buck' features. Simple to use. Reliable. Good quality video. It does need to be 'semi' permanently mounted by two sided tape, but the camera unit removes and replaces easily on the mounting plate. (As opposed to using a suction cup mount) I've been using one in my tractor trailer for a few months. The Capacitor (C) version is the better choice for big truck use.

First impression A118-C Dashcam

Ok, ordered one, it arrived, and it's stuck in the windshield of my truck. Think carefully before you mount this unit. On my truck the adjustable lens is at the limit of it's travel when positioned at the top of the windshield. Car windshields probably have more of a slope. I am getting the view I wanted, with just the end of the hood and corner mirrors in the bottom of the frame. The video looks good. Will post some road video once I get moving. I did get the GPS module. I'm not going for a 'permanent' installation, but the self stick tape mounting aspect means if you want to move the camera and gps, you better have some extra two sided tape handy. The camera does get warm. (thought the capacitor avoided that?) It's not hot to the touch, just warm. Quality seems ok. No impressive heft, here.

Programming was fairly simple,if you are familiar with dashcams. You'll probably want to fumble with the buttons with the camera renoved from the mount, as opposed to stuck in the proper place in the windshield. The buttons and screen are small. A separate power source and cord helps, if you have tucked the OEM wiring away under your headliner, etc. The plug is the same as one most Garmin and other GPS, some cell phones, you may already have a spare cigarette lighter plug setup that will work. I still prefer 'temporary' setups, that can be moved to another vehicle, or hidden from crooks, at will, but the features of this dashcam were too tempting. More information on the A118-C dashcam here

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

Make sure your dashcam is working!

I've been running dashcams for a few years in a tractor trailer, and they will sometimes fail, or lock up. Make sure your cam is mounted where you can easily determine it's working, and functioning properly. You may even want to download some video segments occasionally just to make sure. (weekly, monthly?)
 With a small camera like the mobius, there is a very small LED that flashes, and it can be a bit hard to see in daylight, depending on where you mount the cam. You need to be able to readily see whatever indicator your cam has that it is functioning normally.
 On some cams with a digital screen, there may be flashing indicator on that screen. If this indicator is on an LCD screen that may wash out in sunlight, or blank out under heat, you can't easily tell it's still functioning. (One reason I like the Mobius.....simple, small, and even if it locks up, easy to re-set) You will also want to consider buying a super capacitor to replace the Mobius battery, if you are using the Mobius as a Dashcam. I have had memory cards fail, as well as cameras shut down or lock up in the heat of the windshield. I've also begun re-formatting my memory cards occasionally. (when there is no video you need to save on that card.)
 Most of us use these cams for protection. Don't ignore them, even the best cam can let you down!

 EVERY dashcam I have owned, and there have been maybe a dozen, have failed at some point, or shut down briefly. The mobius is more reliable with some occasional maintenance. (Flash settings, format, etc) Don't ignore your cam! The video you want, or need, may not be there, when you really need it.

The most common failure I have had with dashcams is card failure.

Avoid Sandisk cards in a dashcam, they're not bad cards, but have a high failure rate in dashcams.

Format your card on a regular basis. This seems to help the card survive longer.

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.)

Fort McHenry tunnel tollbooths, Stupid trucker, caught on cam

Approaching tollbooths on I-95 is often crazy enough, without a stupid trucker doing a U-turn, actually, a 360, in front of you to get to a different toll lane!
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

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.

Streator, Illinois 11-14-14

Just another day in the life of a trucker, stuck in slow traffic.
Video from my HP F200 Dashcam.

 

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.

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).

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.

Blacksys CW-100 Car Camera CCTV GPS Car Dash Cam Driving Camera Black Box DVR

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!

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!