Speeding SUV passes in closing lane/shoulder, Council Bluffs, Iowa I-80

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.

Why do you need a dash cam in your truck?

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.

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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.

Saving a file on the Papago! GoSafe110 Dash cam

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

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

SUV uses a shortcut to get around backup on I-70

The first segment of video is from an A118-C dashcam, the second from a Mobius, standard lens dash cams. Both are dashcams I recommend for truckers, inexpensive, and reliable.

Red light runners in Indiana

Video from a Mobius standard lens dash/action cam

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?

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."

'Dumb and Dumber' Pickup and car squeeze by in closed lane.

Tailgating trucks #4