What Dash cam do you use for your stinger?

[nhcowboy28]

Only caveat is to get a better brand’s Micro SD card bc the one that comes with it doesn’t last.

Is that why mine randomly “restarts” sometimes.

My second BlackVue now. Image quality is superb. But both do this random restarting BS.

WINTER. SUMMER. DOESN’T MATTER.

Car is parked ins garage btw and driving sparingly. So exposure isn’t an issue. Nor is wear and tear.

I have the BlackVue power EZ (odbII). And use their “certified” branded memory cards.

Had it for a year 1/2 now.

Thanks.

 

[rmod]

If anyone here is really serious about a dash cam and is willing to spend money for quality (i.e. BIFL), then just spare yourself all the research and get the BlackVue DR900S-2CH (and with their Power Magic Pro if you want it to record while you’re parked). I’ve had it for over a year and it has easily survived the blistering LA heat (can’t speak for cold temps since LA “doesn’t have seasons” but it should handle that too). The daytime and nighttime footage is fantastic and it’s easy to grab it on your computer (I’m not savvy with their cloud stuff yet but it’s cool they have cloud features). I got rear-ended on the freeway last year and the footage made the insurance process a breeze (it also caught the audio of the other guy when we parked saying - “yeah sorry it was my fault” lol). Only caveat is to get a better brand’s Micro SD card bc the one that comes with it doesn’t last. I come off as a shill only bc I spent so long researching other brands so just take my word if you’re willing to make the investment - so that you can move on with your dang life.

I have the DR900S 1Ch version. While all else is good, the thing that annoys me is that the manual recording footage gets overwritten. So if I see something interesting and mark the video, I have to remember to take the footage off the camera or it will be gone in a couple of days depending on the size of your memory card. Other than that it has been good for 3 years now.

 

[SnowyGT2]

Is that why mine randomly “restarts” sometimes.

My second BlackVue now. Image quality is superb. But both do this random restarting BS.

WINTER. SUMMER. DOESN’T MATTER.

Car is parked ins garage btw and driving sparingly. So exposure isn’t an issue. Nor is wear and tear.

I have the BlackVue power EZ (odbII). And use their “certified” branded memory cards.

Had it for a year 1/2 now.

Thanks.

Same thing happens to me - random restarts while driving no matter the running time or temperature over the 2 years I've had it.

I also use the EZ ODBII power but use a Samsung "high endurance" SD card. Makes me think it could be the EZ power.

 

[PMR818]

Have you folks researched this issue on forums like Reddit? Or contacted customer support? Not lecturing that you should or shouldn’t, just curious as to what BlackVue may have said to you and what others out there are saying too.

Haven’t noticed this issue on mine but will keep an eye out. I’m also curious if anyone uses the cloud stuff bc I’ve always put the card into my computer to get footage.

 

[nhcowboy28]

Have you folks researched this issue on forums like Reddit? Or contacted customer support? Not lecturing that you should or shouldn’t, just curious as to what BlackVue may have said to you and what others out there are saying too.

Haven’t noticed this issue on mine but will keep an eye out. I’m also curious if anyone uses the cloud stuff bc I’ve always put the card into my computer to get footage.

I tired once. They blamed the memory card (their Uber priced / branded certified card no less)… and told me to buy another one.

I gave em the finger.

I’ve also tried other REALLY good high speed cards… didn’t change behavior.

I think the other guy is on the money… it’s the OBDII bv easy power.

 

[PMR818]

I also use the their “Power Magic EZ OBD-II Hardwire Kit” to keep recording when parked — it’s plugged into this OBD splitter I bought (link below) so that I can keep using the JB4 on top of it:

https://www.amazon.com/Auto-Meter-5323-OBD-II-Accessory/dp/B0784PC19Q

Amazon page says the splitter is not compatible with Stinger but that aint true.

I bought all this stuff summer 2020 so maybe older Blackvue models have more glitches? I’m also using this Samsung card:

https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Electronics-microSDXC-Adapter-MB-ME256HA/dp/B0887P21Z2

 

[Silverghost]

Is that why mine randomly “restarts” sometimes.

My second BlackVue now. Image quality is superb. But both do this random restarting BS.

WINTER. SUMMER. DOESN’T MATTER.

Car is parked ins garage btw and driving sparingly. So exposure isn’t an issue. Nor is wear and tear.

I have the BlackVue power EZ (odbII). And use their “certified” branded memory cards.

Had it for a year 1/2 now.

Thanks.

I had the same issue. I found the original cigarette lighter power cable. Plugged that in and dash cam works flawlessly. It's the magic ez that is the problem what I have read. Going to get the magic pro and get that wired up.
I really want the parking mode monitoring.

 

[bgstewar]

I also use the their “Power Magic EZ OBD-II Hardwire Kit” to keep recording when parked — it’s plugged into this OBD splitter I bought (link below) so that I can keep using the JB4 on top of it:

https://www.amazon.com/Auto-Meter-5323-OBD-II-Accessory/dp/B0784PC19Q

Amazon page says the splitter is not compatible with Stinger but that aint true.

I bought all this stuff summer 2020 so maybe older Blackvue models have more glitches? I’m also using this Samsung card:

https://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Electronics-microSDXC-Adapter-MB-ME256HA/dp/B0887P21Z2

I was considering this exact setup but dashcam research is overwhelming with all the options and getting it installed. Did you do it yourself? Do you have any pics?

I basically want a dashcam for breakins/theft purposes. So I'm thinking a front facing and interior cam, maybe rear cam as well? Not sure how to hardwire these so that it's 24/7 recording. Spent all weekend researching these stupid things and am more confused now than when I started. I know next to nothing about dashcams evidently!

 

[Swap_File]

If you want 24/7 parked recording, budget for some trunk mounted battery packs. Parking mode won't run for long on the car battery alone.

You might also want to consider paying a monthly fee for cloud recording. If someone breaks into your car, it's likely they will take the dashcam.

What Dash cam do you use for your stinger?

I have the 360 system, hitting the camera button on the center console only turns the cameras on if speed is below 5mph. Does it work differently when you only have a backup camera or is there a different mode I'm unaware of? You don't have a camera button when you only have a backup camera, it...

stingerforum.org

 

[PMR818]

Ima keep it real/55th street -- I was in the same boat - never done anything with dash cams ever. I bought the thing and let it collect dust for weeks to avoid having to figure it out bc it seemed too difficult. Trust me tho, once you get over that mental hurdle, you might surprise yourself. And if it's too extra, then just bite the bullet and hire someone to do it and don't beat yourself up about it (although I can't guarantee people here won't beat you up about it!). But point is there's nothing to lose. And it aint like messing with the engine or anything.

If it makes you feel any better, this guy right here (who was able to install his own Blackvue stuff) paid someone to originally "install" his JB4 - and yes, I too point and laugh at this foolish sucka bc did I finally learn how damn easy it is to do. No shame, come at me bros.

So watch the Youtube vids and see what you can do with the Blackvue if you get it. Or don't get the stupid thing, what do I care, they don't give me money for recommending!

I was considering this exact setup but dashcam research is overwhelming with all the options and getting it installed. Did you do it yourself? Do you have any pics?

I basically want a dashcam for breakins/theft purposes. So I'm thinking a front facing and interior cam, maybe rear cam as well? Not sure how to hardwire these so that it's 24/7 recording. Spent all weekend researching these stupid things and am more confused now than when I started. I know next to nothing about dashcams evidently!

 

[antsGT]

I have a professionally installed IROAD X10, which has a 4K front and 1K rear camera - and I am still learning how to drive it and what settings to apply.

The memory card is sort of quick-tamper secured behind an optional plate that needs an allen key to remove - and the device itself is secured within an optional tamper proof cradle that also needs an allen key to remove... I guess this just means that a rushed thief who doesn't have an allen key can't interfere with it!

Anyway, rather than taking the memory card - you can connect to it using a phone app after connecting your phone onto a wifi network that the IROAD device creates, and view (or download) the media that way, and adjust device settings.

The wifi remains on whilst the device is running, so I can easily access the media from inside my house - and have been surprised as to the distance it operates over.

I found that I need to tell my iPhone to not automatically connect to the device wifi automatically however, as otherwise my phone just connects to it all the time and that prevents my phone from getting access to the Internet. I am sure many users won't understand this and why their phone no longer works normally when in the car!

I have been trying to find some expert help on the best way to setup this device, as this is important advice not given in the manual.

Also, it is 5W - so how long can it operate in parking mode without killing my battery? I did get a battery discharge warning when starting the car the other day, but I was not sure if this was because the car was stressing that something was using power - or if the battery state had dropped significantly? I can tell the X10 to automatically power down if the supply voltage drops below 12.3 or 12.0 or 11.7 volts, which do I pick?

It's an interesting device, and is highly rated in the asia region - and the installers highly rate the brand and it being able to survive in the Australian sun... we shall see!

 

[antsGT]

OK I have further updates to share!

The standard 32GB memory card is only good for approx. 2 to 3 hours of recording.
This varies depending on how much time is spent driving, and how much time you spend parked up.

I guess in most cases you probably only need up to a few hours of footage anyway - if anything significant happens you are going to download the video fairly quickly.

I bought a 256GB sd card for $79 from JBhifi - so I think this will cover me for a week of driving, which is plenty!


When parked up (which means ignition off), then the unit goes into "parking mode" and drops the frame rate to 1 per second, unless movement is detected, or the integrated gyro sensor detects anything - in which case the normal frame rate is used for a user definable period of time (1 second to 30 seconds - I picked 10) - which means you can record a lot of video when parked for minimum storage space.

I think most users will configure their units to record all the time, or until the unit detects the battery voltage has dropped to 11.7 or 12v (you can decide).

If you view the footage later, it will let you know which parts contain "motion" detected or an "impact" detected.

You can configure the unit to shutdown automatically when you are parked, the options are after 1 minute, 3 hours (odd that there is nothing between this range), or there are higher timed options such as 6, 12, 24hours etc - or to never power off. This covers time parked when at work/shopping etc - and you can choose to manually turn it off when you are parked at home if you wanted, just press and hold the power button - but it can serve as some additional home security if you left it running until the battery level drops.

I am still searching for a more technical user discussion forum - no joy as yet.

 

[Swap_File]

AGM Batteries (like the stinger has) are picky about lower voltages, and prefer to be idled topped off and full. If you want to use parking mode for extended periods of time, I would highly recommend a separate dashcam battery pack.

This is even more true in cold climates, or in situations where you may not drive every day (work from home).

 

[Maurice 7]

Blackvue DR-900S 2 Channel

Got this, i highly recommend. Still have to install the parking mode.

 

[PMR818]

Also for all us BlackVue users, I’ve been using a Samsung micro SD for months (possibly 6 or more) without taking it out or reformatting it again or anything - and it’s still working perfectly as I finally took it out to check the footage. I bought both of the cards below and I can’t remember which one I’ve been using - also I’m not at my car now - but anyhow here they are:

Samsung 256GB MicroSD EVO Plus Series 100MB/s (U3) Micro SDXC Memory Card​

SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS EVO Select 256GB MicroSDXC UHS-I U3 100MB/s Full HD & 4K UHD Memory Card​

 

[AusStinger]

For those of you who have a battery pack ( for parking mode ), can you please share some info on it ?

I just got a CELLINK NEO and tried to install it but it won't fit under the front seats and the only location I could think of mounting it is where the main battery is but that's a bit painful to run cables.

Any advise on unit / install location / power pickups / pics etc would be appreciated. TIA.

 

[PMR818]

For BlackVue setup it just plugs into the ODB which is by ur left leg when driving. Setting the little box for parking recording is a little weird but relatively easy when you read the instructions

This is funny bc cars are now made w built-in incognito dash cameras with all these features (what took them so long) so us dinosaurs w the clunky third-party cams down the line will look super OG and I’m not mad

New Power Magic EZ – OBD Kit for Dash Cam Parking Mode

The Power Magic EZ Parking Mode accessory is now available. Power Magic EZ plugs into your vehicle’s OBD port and your dashcam’s power socket. It is the easiest way to enjoy Parking Mode using your vehicle’s battery as the power source, while preventing battery drain. Enjoy Parking Mode while...

blackvue.com

 

[Hiryuu]

I've used the Viofo A119 (v2, now v3) in three cars, and just snagged an A119 v3, hardwire kit, and Samsung Endurance Pro microsd card during the recent Amazon sales for the Stinger.

Great video quality, good reliability (need a capacitor based one in Texas due to heat), and easy to use.

Edit-only con being parking mode is not the best

 

[Rynil2000]

I'm using a Rexing V1 that I had wired and mounted in my previous vehicle (Ford Truck). It's a basic Chinese clone of the popular A129 variant of cameras. It's pretty cheap and bulky, but gets the job done (1080 @ 30fps). I have it mounted low, in the center of the windshield, sort of behind the touchscreen so it doesn't really hinder my line of sight.

@nhcowboy28 has a pretty nice set up with some low profile cameras front and back.

I'd like to upgrade and add a rear camera to mine. Really curious to see if the people behind me are always stopping 2 inches from the bumper or if it's just the perspective from the driver seat over the short hatch.

I decided to ditch the Rexing V1 earlier this year after it stopped recording audio. I was never really impressed with the camera's video quality or the lack of a wifi or bluetooth connection to view videos without taking out the SD card. Also, it was super bulky and the suction mount would often fall off in the hotter summer months when parked.

I switched to the Garmin Mini 2, which so far has been great. It's very compact and fits high up on the windshield behind the rearview mirror. I don't even notice it with the hardwire kit. It has a single button to save a clip, a parking sensor, a wifi connection so you can playback and download video to your phone, and it was only around $120.

One gripe I have is that it powers on through USB which uses a proprietary cable (yes, super dumb). Apparently Garmin hides a tiny resistor in an unused data channel that the camera then checks for when powered on.

Anyway, I hardwired it using a 12v-5v USB buck converter and a Micro2 fuse tap kit. I tucked the cord under the headliner, over to the driver's A-pillar, and down to the fuse panel.

 

[n8hegr8]

I had the same issue. I found the original cigarette lighter power cable. Plugged that in and dash cam works flawlessly. It's the magic ez that is the problem what I have read. Going to get the magic pro and get that wired up.
I really want the parking mode monitoring.

you wont get parking mode monitoring without the LTE module and a T-Mobile data plan as far as I know. Plus it turns off at a certain voltage as to not damage the battery. oh, plus you have to buy one of the blackvue plans in the app.