Why you need a dash cam in your truck 02-20-2016

90% of most drivers, drive very stupidly. They are impatient, unsafe, and will hurt you, kill you, or at least cost you time and money. Protect yourself from idiots, like this one who uses the shoulder of the highway to pass me. If they run into you, they often LIE. They will claim you did something wrong. Dash Cam video will prove who the real idiot, is. (If you drive safely, and legally.)

Why do you need a dash cam in your truck?

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.

YRC, last minute exit

Video from a Papago! GoSafe 110 dash cam


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

Papago! GoSafe 110 Motion detection samples (Parked tractor trailer)

I've been leaving the cam on in the truck overnight, while parked and in 'motion detector' mode.
The Papgo! GS110 easily triggers when another truck moves within the field of vision and by pedestrians.
The GS 110 appears to continue recording for about one minute after it is triggered by motion, meaning there is a moving object in the frame for ten seconds, the resulting file is around 1:10 minutes long.

Motion dection mode on a dashcam may be a solution for long term, unattended parking coverage. Most truckers do leave the truck parked, and unattended for a day or more. Vandalism, break ins, or damage from other vehicles is not unheard of. A cam file from a dashcam in this mode may give some clues to who was responsible, as long as they moved within the field of view of the camera.

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

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

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

Video from an A118-C dashcam.

Fun with 4 wheelers Big Truck Dash cam video

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.

Venezia Truck #1287 Tailgating, I-85 in South Carolina 05-08-15

This video was made near Blacksburg, SC on I-85, heading north.   The Venezia truck tailgated the white car for as long as they were in my sight.   Truckers like this one can kill people.   Yes, cars drive this way, also, but the consequences of a big truck running into the back of you are usually much more deadly.   Slow down.   If you see a large truck driving like this, keep away from them, and try to contact the safety department at his company, with the truck and trailer number, or call the police.

It's no fun looking in the rear view mirror and only seeing the front grill of a large truck, a few feet behind you.   They tailgate other trucks, also, and if  you had a CB, you would hear what kind of moronic pig these drivers are.  

Video via an HP F200 dashcam, and Mobius dashcam

The two cams are mounted in my windshield about 8 inches apart, an

Using a mobius as a Dashcam, only? Try a Super Capacitor, or Hard Wire kit!

If you are using a Mobius as a dashcam, you are better off changing the internal battery with a 'Super Capacitor'. The OEM battery works fine for 'action cam' or occasional dashcam use, but the unit does get warm. A 'Super capacitor' is inexpensive, easy to install, and the way to go for dashcam use!


Super Capacitor For Mobius Action Camera - $8.95
from: Spy Tec

Want to see what a stock Mobius battery looks like after a year of use as a dashcam?

That's the OEM battery in the silver wrapper, and the new Super Capacitor to the right of it.

See how puffed out the OEM battery is?   

Changing to  a Capacitor is easy, and takes maybe 5 minutes.  If you are going to use a Mobius as a dashcam, only, buy the Super Capacitor at the same time you buy your cam!

The Super Capacitor is not a battery.  You must have power connected to your Mobius for the camera to work.   That means, if you connect your power lead to a 'key on' electrical source, the mobius will only work when the ignition key is 'on'.

This is fine for dashcam use, and your cam runs cooler, and will last longer.

Make sure you adjust your parameters on the Mobius to allow the mobius to save the last file and shut down immediately when power is lost, or turned off, or you may lose your last file.

Thinking of a more permanent installation? Why not use a 'hard wire' kit? This will give you a much neater setup, more discrete, and get rid of most exposed wiring. You'll have to evaluate your vehicle to see if it will work for you. It's much easier if you have some sort of power source, perhaps in an overhead console, but it's still very possible to route the wiring around the edge of your windshield, and down to the dash area. The hard wire kits have enough wire to do this, and they will work with any cam that uses a micro USB, or even any electronic device that does. Want to make your GPS install look neater? Have you priced replacement cigarette lighter plug power cords for you GPS?

G1W Dash Cam Hard Wire Kit Mini USB - $9.95
from: Spy Tec

Make sure you use a power source that is 'off' when the key is off!

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.

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!

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.