Tipex Posted April 24, 2017 Report Share Posted April 24, 2017 This ones mostly aimed at Mook, but anyone else with any other suggestions feel free to chip in. After a 2 channel (so front + rear cameras) system, no internal camera and sound must be able to be switched off (preferably with a physical switch but I've yet to find a camera with that function) as audio recording in a taxi is illegal (yes I know it's more complicated than that). Currently looking at the Blackvue DR650GW and the Thinkware F770, although the Thinkware is probably ruled out for it's shape as the surround behind my rear view mirror in the Galaxy is huge, meaning to mount it in the swept part of my windscreen would have it effectively sitting right in the middle of the screen. I'm also considering the Qvia AR790WD Mook, I've been putting off buying one of these as I have a couple of concerns, firstly, have you sold any of the bloody things as I've been waiting in the hopes a review of one pops up on YouTube but nothing yet. Can that LED be switched off? I don't want a flashing light in my windscreen telling everyone there is a camera there. Can all those daft 'driving aids' be switched off? my car does them all anyway. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotty Posted April 24, 2017 Report Share Posted April 24, 2017 How to turn an LED off : 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tipex Posted April 24, 2017 Author Report Share Posted April 24, 2017 (edited) Ha ha, sadly not an ideal solution where it will bake in a hot car all day, electrical tape tends to curl up and leave sticky crap everywhere, more so unfortunately the particular design of the camera has a large curved LED right under and around the lens, so short of colouring it in with a permanent marker, which still won't block it at night, an option to simply disable it would be preferable, otherwise I'll have to look at something else as a big 'steal me' light is a deal breaker I'm afraid. Look at the size of the LED- Edited April 24, 2017 by Tipex Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mook Posted April 25, 2017 Report Share Posted April 25, 2017 In your pic, the LED is on the front and is there as a deterrent if required (similar to flashing alarm LEDs) - you can disable this front LED in the app (iPhone or Android) when you connect to it via WiFi and it stays off permanently We've got over 2,000 AR790s in the market now - sadly we can't control reviews on YouTube On the rear of the camera (the side you look at when you're in the vehicle), there are 3 LEDS - one is for status, one to indicate WiFi is on and one is for ADAS. You can switch the ADAS off, so that's not a problem. The WiFi light comes on (red) for 30 seconds after you switch on your ignition and then goes out, as WiFi automatically switches off to save power. If you connect to the camera via WiFi, the LED changes to blue. The main status LED is always on - the colour changes dependent on what's happening (red, blue, purple, flashing etc.). A lot of people disable the sound (i.e. instructions from the camera to format the card, camera telling you it's recording an event - i.e. impact etc.), so the status LED is the only way to tell if something is going on or is wrong! You can also disable all sound recording, again via the app. All of the settings can also be changed via an app which you install on your Mac or Windows PC - you just remove the MicroSD card from the camera and plug it into your computer via an SD card adaptor. We're also UK distributors for Blackvue and you have similar functionality on these cameras - you can't disable the status LEDs, again which are only seen from inside the car. The only word of caution I would offer on Thinkware is manufacturer support and warranty available in the UK. One thing you really need to consider on any dash cam is the quality of the video - both daytime and night-time. Of everything on the market right now, the AR790 knocks the socks off everything else as it's full 1080p HD front and rear. This is an honest, unbiased view, otherwise I'd recommend something else - it's why we're UK distributors for multiple manufacturers - people inevitably want choice based on quality and price Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewNiceMrMe Posted April 25, 2017 Report Share Posted April 25, 2017 I use a tiny bit of Blu-tac to cover the LEDs. It has stayed on for years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
burble Posted April 25, 2017 Report Share Posted April 25, 2017 The timing of this thread is great, I was planning to get a new dashcam (my DDPai met an unfortunate end) and was looking for a front a rear cam. I need to look for a local installer, I don't want to arse about with the car myself. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NewNiceMrMe Posted April 25, 2017 Report Share Posted April 25, 2017 p.s. the size of the LED in this case won't matter if you use Blu-Tac. It can be moulded thinly around the light to a perfect fit. Then, if the colour of it bothers you, Blu-Tac can be coloured in with a black marker pen because it'll absorb the colour nicely. It is very easy to write on/apply colour. You'll never even know there is in an LED under it because the moulding of it means you can cover every single part of it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mook Posted April 25, 2017 Report Share Posted April 25, 2017 23 minutes ago, burble said: The timing of this thread is great, I was planning to get a new dashcam (my DDPai met an unfortunate end) and was looking for a front a rear cam. I need to look for a local installer, I don't want to arse about with the car myself. We've got a network of independent installers all around the UK Let me know what your budget is and I can make some recommendations for you. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
burble Posted April 25, 2017 Report Share Posted April 25, 2017 I'm looking to spend at most £300 or so on the cameras plus whatever is the going rate for someone competent to install it. Somewhere in or around the Milton Keynes/Northampton/Bedford area would be ideal Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mook Posted April 25, 2017 Report Share Posted April 25, 2017 I'll drop you a PM later today 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tipex Posted April 25, 2017 Author Report Share Posted April 25, 2017 Thanks Mook, sounds like the 790 will fit the bill then, I don't mind the interior facing status LED's, it's just the big 'look at me' one attracting people's attention when I've dumped the car at the pub overnight that bothers me. Parked taxis are always a target for thieves who think we've left them full of cash for some reason, I strip all the signage and taxi plate off the car whenever I leave it anywhere to anonymise it but anything that attracts them to look through the window and they'll see the computer on the dash. I'm not around for the next couple of weeks but I'll order one when I get back, cheers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mook Posted April 26, 2017 Report Share Posted April 26, 2017 PM me when you're ready and I'll sort something out for you 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
burble Posted July 17, 2017 Report Share Posted July 17, 2017 Time for a thread revival. I bought a Qvia AR790 2ch from Mook back in April and finally got around to getting it installed this morning. Mook - Karl's a good guy, did a great job. I've been for a quick drive and the footage is indeed excellent. I've changed the wifi password and cocked it up somehow so need to sort that but first impressions of the cam is good Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M8CKN Posted July 17, 2017 Report Share Posted July 17, 2017 I bought a Nextbase 312GW last week No need to hardwire it as the long cable gets hidden around the screen and behind the glovebox and plugs in to Boosters secret 12v socket (cheers Booster ) Download the Nextbase app and you can view the current filming or old footage, and the HD camera seems pretty good. Hidden the camera behind the rear view mirror so its all nice and discreet 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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