[Dashcam] Viofo A139 Pro 1/2/3CH HDR

[Donar]

in low bit rate mode, the camera will only save the last 3 days worth of recordings with a 256gb card. It's usually enough but by coincidence, it would have really helped if it had saved more

Is it not possible to use motion detection at low bit rate to extend the recording period?

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[tchavei]

Is it not possible to use motion detection at low bit rate to extend the recording period?

Yes/no

In earlier firmwares (not sure if today it's the same), the camera would sometimes lock up when in motion detection mode. I got fed up really quick. Besides, another unwanted feature is that motion detection detects ANY motion... a leaf shaking in the wind is enough to trigger it so it easily becomes "non stop full recording" which uses up much more space then "low bit" recording defeating the initial purpose.

I solved the random lockups by changing to time-lapse mode but then kinda missed the sound (One thing is seeing a person passing near the car, another is hearing a loud thud while the person passes) so eventually settled on continous low bitrate mode.

This could have been solved by using a 512mb card of course but that's another problem. This camera is very sensitive to sdcards. One should ONLY use the specific recommended models. Other models WILL give you problems. I tried, even with high brand ones and it failed. Sometimes the same brand and model but with different sizes will also give problems. Not fun to try a "512mb" card and later on realize the camera froze two days ago.

 

[Donar]

On routing from the bottom of the A plliar did you remove the end panel to the dash? Removing that makes it much easier to thread power lead through to fuse box

How can you remove that end panel?

I just had a first look on how to install the dashcam. A pillar outside should be easy. I need to find how I need to do get the A pillar loose at the top so I can guide the cable inside to outside. Option B would be to remove the A pillar completely and just keep the cable on the inside (window side) top to bottom.

 

[Speuk]

How can you remove that end panel?

I just had a first look on how to install the dashcam. A pillar outside should be easy. I need to find how I need to do get the A pillar loose at the top so I can guide the cable inside to outside. Option B would be to remove the A pillar completely and just keep the cable on the inside (window side) top to bottom.

It just pops out. Lever the edge closest to the seat with a plastic trim tool. I think there are 3 clips which are just push fit.

 

[ShiftyWolf]

How can you remove that end panel?

I just had a first look on how to install the dashcam. A pillar outside should be easy. I need to find how I need to do get the A pillar loose at the top so I can guide the cable inside to outside. Option B would be to remove the A pillar completely and just keep the cable on the inside (window side) top to bottom.

Info and photos provided. Pull the A pillar trim and do it properly. You'll be happier in the end.
Detailed dash cam install thread

 

[Donar]

Just “installed” mine. I did not hardwire it yet.

What do you think of the look from the stickers on the outside? I don’t really like the air bubbles under both stickers..

 

[SteveDC]

Yes/no

In earlier firmwares (not sure if today it's the same), the camera would sometimes lock up when in motion detection mode. I got fed up really quick. Besides, another unwanted feature is that motion detection detects ANY motion... a leaf shaking in the wind is enough to trigger it so it easily becomes "non stop full recording" which uses up much more space then "low bit" recording defeating the initial purpose.

I solved the random lockups by changing to time-lapse mode but then kinda missed the sound (One thing is seeing a person passing near the car, another is hearing a loud thud while the person passes) so eventually settled on continous low bitrate mode.

This could have been solved by using a 512mb card of course but that's another problem. This camera is very sensitive to sdcards. One should ONLY use the specific recommended models. Other models WILL give you problems. I tried, even with high brand ones and it failed. Sometimes the same brand and model but with different sizes will also give problems. Not fun to try a "512mb" card and later on realize the camera froze two days ago.

Your posts were enormously helpful regarding installation of the Viofo. I noticed that you cannot turn parking off, since “Off” on the software actually keeps parking mode running. Your comments on the 12 volt battery were especially helpful, since it appears I can easily run in parking mode for several hours without fear of draining the 12 t volt below what appears to be its 13 volt threshold. However, I can “turn parking mode off” by specifying a *time frame* for parking mode to run, say 5 hours for a typical shopping mall visit. One question: what portable starter battery do you use to cover the case when the 12 volt some how runs to low? Steve

 

[tchavei]

Your posts were enormously helpful regarding installation of the Viofo. I noticed that you cannot turn parking off, since “Off” on the software actually keeps parking mode running. Your comments on the 12 volt battery were especially helpful, since it appears I can easily run in parking mode for several hours without fear of draining the 12 t volt below what appears to be its 13 volt threshold. However, I can “turn parking mode off” by specifying a *time frame* for parking mode to run, say 5 hours for a typical shopping mall visit. One question: what portable starter battery do you use to cover the case when the 12 volt some how runs to low? Steve

Hi

The 12V battery is definitely not an issue (yet anyway, no idea when the battery will be 6 years old). I've left it in low bitrate recording mode for a week while on holidays and it held up fine (albeit it only kept the last 3 days as my sdcard is 256gb).

Regarding the starter (booster), I got myself a Noco GBX45. It's just peace of mind having it and I can use it to help others to start their cars when needed. It should be able to wake up our Taycans

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