Congrats on 5k! Glad to see more dashcams are putting voices in them . I got the blackvue 900xplus last month so far it's been good wish it wasn't so damn power hungry compared to my a129 duo that thing last longer on my bi750 even tho it has a screen I can get 34 hours out a full charge compared 22 from my 900x plus
Yo SC, Thanks for stopping in, and the kind words. If you're thinking about the A229, you may want to wait for the release of the A229 Pro. Are you currently using a dash cam now, if so which one? -Chuck
@@PanzerPlatform I purchased this very one (A229 Duo), however I have two more vehicles in my household that I will eventually be buying more dashcams for. What would the Pro version bring to the table? Honestly, I would hope that Viofo offer a version in this lineup without an LCD screen to reduce footprint and cost.
@@nothing_burger Viofo just released the first ever dash cam with a STARVIS 2 image sensor. It is the biggest development in dash cams, and CCTV security cameras in 6 years. It basically does two things, it greatly improves low light / night time image quality, and High Dynamic Range. The first dash cam they released it in is the A139 Pro. I’ve been testing it for over a month, and I plan to upload my full review on Sunday. The A139 Pro is a screenless, (no LCD screen) however the “slave” cameras are only 1080p, not 2K like the A229 Duo. Here is Sony’s promotional video of the new STARVIS 2 technology; ruclips.net/video/ZGq3TLxmt_o/видео.html Here are my real world test experiments to confirm & verify it actually works; ruclips.net/video/pHd2OMJT_iI/видео.html - ruclips.net/video/y4nVf7PPBCc/видео.html - ruclips.net/video/k2i_04edb5g/видео.html You can read about my testing here on the DashCamTalk Forum; dashcamtalk.com/forum/threads/a139-pro-test-review-pp.48049/ -Chuck
Right on Kev, Thanks for stopping in, and the kind words. I address that specific issue in almost every chapter of this video. But, I can see how most people do not have 38 minutes to waste on my lame video. lol If it's the high framerate you're after, (60fps) you may want to consider running two separate A119 Mini's. I'm actually working on a comparison video on that subject. "One A229 Duo vs. TWO A119 Mini's" -Chuck
Really helpful in-depth review, appreciate it. I am considering getting the A229 duo or the A129 plus.. a229 is a bit expensive.. but I like the thinner cables.. better fit for trims on European cars. Hope SoC tech in these dashcams improve and we much better quality in the future. Do you recommend Dash Cam Battery Packs?
Right on Calvin, Thanks for stopping in, and the kind words. The A229 Duo was recently on sale with a promo code for $177. Keep your eyes peeled for Amazon sales, and grab a promo code from one of the reviewers like RetroCarGuy530. I was sent a BlackboxMyCar Power Cell 8 dash cam battery pack for test & review last week. Stay tuned for a full review coming in a month or so. -Chuck
@@PointMicrosoft Yes. Vantrue recently sent me the Element E1 dash cam for test & review. And they supplied a 256GB Vantrue Brand High Endurance SD Card. I could not contain my curiosity and I tested it in the A229. It worked without any malfunction. However use it at your own risk. When it comes to SD Cards in the Viofo dash cams, some work better than others. The best advice I've seen on the Dash Cam Talk Forum board is to buy directly from the manufacturer, (Samsung, SanDisk etc.) Or, from Amazon when the card is SOLD & SHIPPED by Amazon, (not a third party seller). I prefer Amazon because of their no hassle 30-day return policy if it malfunctions, (free return shipping). Here is a link to my E1 testing; dashcamtalk.com/forum/threads/vantrue-e1-received-for-test-review.47489/ -Chuck
Hi. It's very nice video and presentations. I really liked your video work. It was a very detailed video, both in writing, by explaining, by applying and comparing.
Right on Robert, Good work on finding all the firmware bugs on the pre-production model. When I received my production model with updated firmware in made my testing uneventful, and almost boring. lol Thanks again for all your hard work, and helping with this collab. -Chuck
Right on Jack, Thanks for stopping in, and the great questions. EV exposure settings depend on your specific application. An example of that is if you have tinted windows you may want to brighten it up a bit. Or, if you do a lot of city night time driving with plenty of ambient, and street lighting you may want to darken in a bit. For my application I leave the EV on default for all my testing, and reviews for consistency so I can compare cameras with other cameras, and also my personal driving. The “standard” 30fps vs. the “high framerate” of 60fps is a much heated debate in the professional dash cam tester / reviewer community. I’m only a basic amatuer user so I will give you my “easiest” explanation. 60fps doubles your chances of capturing important details like license plates, street signs, etc. Viewing footage on playback can also be more appealing to the eye because it will appear smoother. Take a look at this 30fps vs. 60fps demo; ruclips.net/video/_SzGQkI-IwM/видео.html - Here is actual dash cam footage comparison of 2K30fps vs. 2K60fps on the same test loop under similar lighting conditions. The 2K30fps was filmed with the A229 Duo; ruclips.net/video/U6wz-Zz_OM0/видео.html - The 2K60fps was filmed with the A119 Mini; ruclips.net/video/9ovQ447StB4/видео.html Make sure you adjust the quality settings to 1440p60 for the A119 Mini, and 1440p30 for the A229 Duo using the RUclips controls, (gear icon). Keep in mind 60fps requires adequate lighting to function properly. At night time, or low light conditions it may actually increase motion blur. Also, 60fps requires more processing power, consumes more electricity, uses more SD Card data, and creates more heat. 4K30, and 2K60 have identical file sizes on the A129 Pro. So to answer your question; “Do you think 30fps is better than the 60fps?” Well again it comes down to application. 60fps is better during daytime, and 30fps might be more advantageous during night time. So when choosing a dash cam I would prefer one that is capable of 60fps, so I have the option to choose 30fps given the application. -Chuck
Very good thorough review. I have the A119 V3, it's better than the Garmin cam's in terms of low light. Does the A229 have a suction cup mount? I have a suction mount for my V3 so would it fit the A229 cam?
Right on Khoa, Thanks for stopping in, and the kind words. The A229 is a 2-CHANNEL dash cam. If you’re looking to replace your A119 V3 you may want to take a look at the A119 Mini. It’s basically the 1-channel version of the A229. I recently reviewed the A119 Mini here; ruclips.net/video/CSUTaO9eLxE/видео.html To answer your question all Viofo dash cams made after the A119 V3 (2019) use a 3M adhesive mount, so it would not fit. However, if a suction mount is a must have for your application, (travel, rental car, car share, etc) you can get a universal suction cup mount with a flat surface attached, and then mount the dash cam to that flat surface. Just look on amazon / ebay etc. -Chuck
@@PanzerPlatform I'm looking at the a229 coz I want a rear cam as well BUT I also have the thinkware f100 which is small enough to pass as a rear cam and use that instead of buying another whole unit. Then if I want to watch the footage I have to take out 2 sd cards instead of 1 that would be a hassle but I would be saving money. My V3 is a great cam been with me for years without problems but it's only a 1 cam unit. Decisions decisions! Money is no problem but do i really need to buy a new unit when all this time I've gone without?
@@khoale4755 These are all very good points. Btw, Amazon was selling an A229 Duo bundle today before it sold out again. It included; $260 A229 Duo -$30 OFF Coupon $20 Bluetooth Remote (FREE) $17 CPL Filter (FREE) $230 Sub Total 10% OFF Additional Promo Code $207 Final Cost I just learned yesterday Viofo will soon add “Wi-Fi Station Mode” to the A229 that is currently implemented on the A139. viofo.com/blog/how-to-switch-a139-dash-camera-to-wi-fi-station-mode-with-app-b76.html - It basically works just like the mobile APP for your smartphone to view, download, etc but you can connect the A229 to your home network using a computer. So, no need to pull the SD Card anymore. Also, what about repurposing your existing cameras as side view, or interior cams. Back in 2020 I made a 4-channel system with (two) A129 Plus Duo’s. I mounted the “main” cameras front & rear, and the “second” cameras left & right. Here’s what that looks like; ruclips.net/video/lTLx04RxKBw/видео.html You said; “Money is no problem but do I really need to buy a new unit when all this time I've gone without?” You are 100% correct. Buying extra dash cams is like buying extra insurance policies that you may never use. Lol -Chuck
First, excellent review. The amount and time and the level of depth you went to review it is incredible. Very beneficial. Second, is the front camera in some sort of mount or is it just the adhesive right to the windshield? I ask for software updates and things like that it is much easier for me to just unmount and plug the camera directly into my PC, then downloading an update onto an SD card and placing that SD card into the unit. Another question, does the rear camera need software updates as well or do you only have to update the front one? Thanks and once again excellent review.
Yo Slammer, Thanks for stopping in, and the kind words. Yes, the front camera uses a mount to the windshield, so it's easy to remove if needed. When you update the firmware it will automatically update the rear cam at the same time. Usually the easiest way to update the camera is to download the update from the Viofo Official Website. Then transfer the update file to a "small" 8GB-64GB SD Card. Then insert the SD Card into the dash cam, and power it on. It will automatically download in 30-60 seconds. -Chuck
Diffently clearer than the A119... I want to be able to read license plates and street signs on the video. All the cameras are lacking clarity that I want! Another great driving video 😎
Right on DM, Thanks for stopping by, and the kind words. There are currently two different models of the Viofo A119; A119 V3 = 2019 no wi-fi A119 Mini = 2022 with wi-fi All three cameras, the A119 V3, A119 Mini, A229 Duo have similar hardware but slightly different software. In terms of image quality they are kind of close. However it’s their high recording bitrates that set them apart from other dash cam brands. So you can’t really go wrong with any of these three. You just need to pick 1, 2, or 3 channel whichever works best for your application. -Chuck
Right on Rena, Thanks for stopping in. Click the link in the descriptioon box to check status. They've been selling out of all three items since this video was uploaded. If one item is out of stock it usually comes back in stock in a few days. However the free items, and 10% off ends in 8 days. -Chuck
Interesting that you said about some ppl installing the front cam at the rear and the rear cam at the front. I wonder if there is any difference in video quality between them? I'm thinking of installing it this way because I will buy a battery pack and plug it into a 12v cigarette socket at the back. If I install the front cam at the back, I only have to run the thin coax to the front. Only downside I can think of is I can't install the cpl on the rear cam and video quality might differ from the front cam
Right on Just, Thanks for stopping in. Keep in mind the front & rear cameras fave different FOV’s. Front: 140° Rear: 160° They also have different recording Bitrates. Front: 29 Mbps Rear: 25 Mbps Also, the emergency lock button is on the front / main camera so you may not be able to reach it, and you may need the optional $20 Bluetooth Remote. -Chuck
Hey, i own 2 a129 plus duos and theyre pretty good. I was wondering how the power comsumption of the a229 is compared to the a129 during parking mode. My a129s lasts 12h+ (didnt test after that, cutoff voltage is 12.2) i saw the 300miliamp from your video, but didnt see you mention the power draw for a129
Right on Nate, Thanks for stopping in. The power consumption for both cameras in normal recording mode are as follows. A229 Duo; 385mA @ 12.6 Volts = 4.851 Watts A129 Plus Duo; 327mA @ 12.6 Volts = 4.120 Watts That means the A229 uses 15% more power. Example: If the A129 Plus Duo runs for 12 hours in parking mode, the A229 would run approximately for 10 hours 12 minutes. -Chuck
Thank you so much for your detailed review! I'm currently debating between doing 2x Viofo A119 mini for front and rear or using just the A229 Duo. The non-negotiable for me is the buffered parking mode (auto event detection), which rules out the A129 Plus Duo. You mentioned in an earlier comment this was a topic you're interested in exploring, would you mind sharing your thoughts on my dilemma?
Right on OSH, Thanks for stopping in, and the kind words. When it comes to running two separate A119 Mini units. Or a single A229 Duo it comes down to if you’re interested in the absolute highest image quality, or having the most convenient system. Two A119 Mini’s will provide the best image quality because you have the option to select 60fps, and CPL Filters on both cameras, (the A229 REAR can not accept a CPL filter). However you’ll need to spend around $100 more due to 2 SD Cards, a longer USB power cable for the rear camera, 2 CPL filters, the Viofo Bluetooth remote to activate the emergency lock button on the rear camera. The A229 will be less expensive, and a more convenient to operate, and maintain. BTW, Viofo just released a new dahs Cam the A139 Pro. It’s the biggest news in all of dash cam technology because of the 2nd generation of STARVIS sensors called STARVIS 2. I have one in transit, and should be delivered in the coming weeks for test & review. So you may want to put off your dash cam purchase for another few weeks. Lol viofo.com/content/72-A139-PRO-First-4K-HDR-with-Sony-Starvis-2-IMX678-Sensor-Dash-Cam/ -Chuck
@@PanzerPlatform thank you for sharing your knowledge! Essentially I'm debating between convenience vs image quality. Will definitely be interested in the reviews for the new A139 Pro.
Right on Hollywood, Thanks for stopping in. That might be dangerous. Once you see for yourself what this can do with it's 2K front & rear, and high bitrates you may want to upgrade all your other dash cams. lol -Chuck
I wish more people that did reviews did them like this with all the details. Thank you very much for this. Do you think it will stand up to desert conditions? I'm in Nevada we get a bit hotter than that. I'm looking for a car camera for my ol lady's car.
Right on CNH, Thanks for stopping in, and the kind words. In your part of the country pretty much any high resolution, high bitrate dash cam is going to overheat in parking mode when the car is left parked under direct sunlight. When you're driving down the road with the A/C on it's usually not a problem. That said the A229 might be a good choice because its larger case design allows it to dissipate more heat than other Viofo cameras. -Chuck
Hey Panzer, what do you think of Thinkware U1000? It comes with the radar module option and it really helps with battery consumption. I am thinking about getting the battery pack also. No other brands out there seem to be able to achieve parking mode energy saving like the U1000 precisely because of the radar module. Viofo does not seem to have very good build quality. I also concerned with long term reliability of Viofo products. It costs more with Thinkware from the get go but long term I feel it is a much better investment. What say you? 🙂
Right on MMTU, Thanks for watching, and the great question. Unfortunately I have zero hands on experience with the U1000, and everything I know about it is from watching BBMC reviews, and reading about in on the DashCamTalk forum. Thinkware vs. Viofo is kind of an apples, to oranges comparison. Thinkware is a Premium Korean “Cloud Based” Manufacturer. Viofo is a “Budget to Mid-Tier” Manufacturer with a focus on image quality, and customer service through constant firmware updates. The U1000 was $500 when it was released in 2019, (3 years ago) and is now $400. Something tells me a U1000 replacement is right around the corner. It sounds like you’re ready to pull the trigger on the U1000, but you may want to wait for the new model. -Chuck
@@PanzerPlatform Thanks for your quick reply. Yeah, I have a feeling Thinkware has a new model releasing soon to replace the aging U1000 thats why it is on sale right now around Memorial Day weekend. Maybe I should wait a bit as you suggested. One more question for you - around the 24 min. mark of your video what is the MAX, HIGH, NORM, LOW for front and rear cam realting to? You can't set the recroding bit rate right so it is not clear to me how you get the 29 and 25, for example, at max rate. OK, thanks much. You take care and as always, drive safe!!! 🙂
@@menemenetekelupharsin3007 Right on. This is another great question. Yes, that is in fact the available BITRATE selections for the A229. All previous Viofo dash cams I've had have a selection of LOW / MED / HIGH. Now with the A229 we get 4 selections. LOW / NORMAL / HIGH / MAXIMUM I was joking with someone on the DCT Forum what the 5th bitrate option mught be in future cams. My guess was LUDICROUS! LMAO This is kind of Viofo's "secret sauce" to image quality. Most other dash cam manufuctures are building cameras with the similar components. But Viofo is always trying to push the limits of the processor, and heat disapation, etc. by using the absolute highest recording bitrates. -Chuck
Great Review. Wish it had the interior cam as well, wish it came with SD card, or a package deal including cam, card, hardwire kit, lens cover & remote...Maybe they could come up with some black friday deal?? I've been looking at dash cams, still haven't bought one yet. Looks like there is no stock anywhere except for viofo direct, hope they are in stock now.
Right on Chaderic, Thanks for stopping in, and the kind words. Viofo multi-channel cameras with IR interior cam are currently the 3-channel models A139, T130. And the 2-channel A129 Plus. When this video was uploaded on Sunday at 12AM Viofo offered an Amazon bundle for the first 100 customers. For $220 you got the A229 Duo, CPL Filter, and the Bluetooth Remote. 15 hours later at 3PM Amazon sold out. I’ve been informed Amazon will get a second batch of A229’s this friday. On Black Friday Viofo usually has 20%-25% off all their cameras & accessories. Currently there is A229 stock on the Official Viofo Website for $230. But keep in mind shipping to the US usually takes 15-30 days. So you may want to wait until Amazon gets stock so you only have a 2-day shipping wait. On another note, would you consider running two separate A119 Mini’s to build a 2-channel system? I’m thinking about making a video on that subject. -Chuck
My A229 PRO GPS isn't working, it's getting 3 data max ivr had 2 new GPS mounts, but the camera is only 2 weeks old, my phone gets GPS, is my camera broken or something else? It gets a GPS lock OUTSIDE the vehicle
Submit a ticket for tech support / warranty claim here; support.viofo.com/support/tickets/new Keep in mind if you upgraded from the original A229 Duo (2022) the GPS Mount is NOT compatible with the new A229 Pro (2023). The older GPS Mount will power up the A229 Pro, but the GPS will NOT function because the new camera is QUAD MODE GPS.
Looking for recommendations on a dash cam. I currently don't have a computer outside of my phone so I need something I can easily use with my phone. Any recommendations? Can you easily use a card reader with an android? Or are there any dash cams that have have good phone app features?
Right on Matt, Thanks for stopping in. What is your budget $100-$500? How many channels do you want 1, 2, 3? Do you want IR interior camera for the passenger compartment? Are you a professional driver Uber, Lyft, etc? I’m in the same boat as you, I don’t own a Windows PC, or Mac computer. All I have is a $100 Chromebook for surfing the web & email. I’ve tried those SD Card readers before, that plug into your smartphone, and some required App software for use. I never found one that was plug & play. All Dash Cams Apps are generally rated 1-2 star because most folks don’t fully understand how to configure their phones by enabling / disabling Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Cellular Data, Airplane Mode etc. The second reason for 1-2 star ratings is most people don’t update their dash cam with the latest firmware, or update the smartphone App to the latest version. They both need to be up to date to work properly. I’ve been using the Viofo App since 2019, and it works great for changing setting, and downloading video footage. -Chuck
@@PanzerPlatform thanks for your reply. I'm just looking for a front dash cam for now. No interior cam. Maybe down the road a rear camera if i can ever figure out a mounting solution since my 4runner rear window roles down. Budget is 1-200
@@AG4runner Right on, Based on that I would say take a look at the Viofo A119 Mini ($120). It's basically the one channel version of the A229 Duo. Here is my review of the A119 Mini; ruclips.net/video/CSUTaO9eLxE/видео.html Also consider the Garmin Mini 2 ($130). -Chuck
Yo Mister, Thanks for stopping in, and the great question. Using a CPL Filter at night on a dash cam may make the footage appear a little darker. Almost like wearing sunglasses at night. Also, everyone has a different application so the best advice I've found is to film sample footage clips in different lighting conditions with, and without the CPL and see the difference for yourself in your specific vehicle / application. -Chuck
Right on Sebsch, Thanks for stopping in, and the great question. I just checked the settings in my A229 with firmware version V1.0_0623. The “Parking Motion Detection” and the “Parking G-Sensor” both have setting adjustments of LOW / MED / HIGH. There is no selection for OFF. However, this is a perfect example of a possible feature addition with a firmware update. You can request OFF be added as a selection to the Parking Motion Detection setting by “Submitting A Ticket” on the Viofo website. It’s like sending an email but better, because it creates a log with the progress of your request. I would get your request in early so it's "fixed" in the next firmware update. Here is a link to submit a ticket, and get OFF added to the Parking Motion Detection setting. support.viofo.com/support/tickets/new Let me know if you need more help. -Chuck
I bought this cam for $60 less from Amazon. I am surprito see the resolution in the camera setting show 1944P/24 + 1944P/24. It should have been 1944P/30. Not sure what is 1944/24
Yo Van, It's a good idea to try every resolution & frame rate on a dash cam to see what works best for your application. So far the best image quality I've seen with this camera is 1440P 30fps + 1440P 30fps. -Chuck
With the A229 in parking mode, when motion is detected and the recording starts, is it evident from looking at the screen (or the indicator lights on the unit) that it’s recording?
@@PanzerPlatform Thanks for the quick response. I had the A229 installed professionally using the Viofo HK4 hardwire kit and recommended memory card. The unit comes on and starts recording when the ignition starts. But when ignition is off, the parking mode isn’t triggering any recordings. The settings are double checked to be correct for auto-sensing motion, including no delay after parking and high sensitivity. Any likely root causes to check?
@@Jay21121 It sounds like the hardwire kit is installed incorrectly. There are 3 wires. One ground, two positives. One positive goes to CONSTANT battery power. The other positive goes to SWITCHED battery power. It sounds like the installer put BOTH positive wires to SWITCHED battery power. Open your fuse panel, if you see both RED & YELLOW wires connected together that's what happened. Take it back to the installer, and have him correctly install it. -Chuck
@@PanzerPlatform Thanks again. You’ve been more helpful than the installer. Do you know what should be the voltage cutoff setting on the HK4 for a 2021 Camry (or how to find this out)?
@@Jay21121 Right on Jay, There’s no one size fits all answer for this question because every car has a different capacity starter battery, and varying levels of parasitic drain from computer modules after you shut the car off, and it “goes to sleep”. The first thing I’ll say is you may want to get a portable battery booster / jump starter in case you set the hardwire kit voltage cut off too low, and you drain the starter battery to the point it won’t start the engine. It’s going to be a game of trial & error to see how long the dash cam runs in parking mode before the hardwire kit voltage cut off powers down the camera. Start with the highest voltage first (12.4 Volts), and see how long the camera runs by checking the recorded footage on the SD Card, then confirm your starter battery still has enough juice to start the engine. Do this three more times for 12.2 Volts, 12.0 Volts, and 11.8 Volts. Each time take note of how long the dash cam runs in parking mode, and of course if the starter battery is still able to start the engine. Once you find out the maximum run time of parking mode, and still be able to start the engine it will give you a baseline of your starter battery health. As the days, weeks, months go by you may find running the dash cam in parking mode will accelerate the wear & tear on the starer battery, and you may find its capacity has been degraded, and it will be unable to start the engine. Now’s the time to whip out that jump starter so you’re not stranded. If this sounds like an inconvenience, this is why dedicated dash cam battery packs exist. The problem with these is they cost $400. Based on you application, and location in the country you may be able to get by running the dash cam in parking mode with a $10 USB Power Bank. Keep in mind Lithium-ion & Lithium-polymer USB Power Bank may not work in colder climates, and when summer comes they may explode, and burn your car down. Back to the dedicated dash cam battery pack, the main reason they cost $400 is because they use a different battery chemistry called LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate). They have better cold weather performance, and are guaranteed not to explode, and cause a fire when left in a hot car during the summer. Or you could get a LiFePO4 solar power station to leave in your car. The good news is I recently reviewed the “best” & highest capacity dash cam battery pack from BlackboxMyCar called the PowerCell 8. If you’ve got 26 minutes to waste you can see if the Pros & Cons are right for you. Btw, I tested it with my A229 Duo, and it ran for 21.5 hours. Here is a link to the review video; ruclips.net/video/bQy_ak33KYc/видео.html If you prefer to read the review, you can see my testing on the DashCamTalk Forum here; dashcamtalk.com/forum/threads/blackboxmycar-powercell-8-received-for-test-review.47956/ -Chuck
Right on Max, Thanks for stopping in, and the great question. There is no “setting” to turn off the rear camera. However, you could simply unplug the rear camera from the main / front camera unit. I was curious just how much this would reduce power consumption, so I did a quick test. In normal recording mode the camera runs at 4.9 Watts. I shut down the camera, and unplugged the rear camera cable at the main / front camera unit, and turned it back on. The power consumption dropped to 2.6 Watts. This is significant reduction, (almost 47%). That means theoretically it should increase your parking mode run time by 47%. Example: If the camera ran for 2 hours with both cameras before the low voltage detection shut off the camera, it should run for almost 3 hours with the rear camera disconnected. Let me know if you need more help. -Chuck
@@PanzerPlatform Thanks for the work you've done. Sometimes I park against the wall and there's no need to record what's in the back. Such an option in the menu would be a great idea, especially when the recording time increases by almost 50%. Your review is great!
@@maxpayneau Right on. Thanks for the good feedback, and the kind words. This is a perfect example of a possible feature addition with a firmware update. You can request this setting change be added by “Submitting A Ticket” on the Viofo website. It’s like sending an email but better, because it creates a log with the progress of your request. I would get your request in early so it's "fixed" in the next firmware update. Here is a link to submit a ticket; support.viofo.com/support/tickets/new Let me know if you need more help. -Chuck
Right on XJ, Thanks for stopping in, and the great question. Follow the instructions on the Viofo website. Here is the link to the firmware update; viofo.com/content/61-a229-duo-support/ -Chuck
Yo HLP, Thanks for stopping in, and the great question. "Best" will depend on your application, and how you intend to use the camera. Viofo has a full line of dash cams in different resolutions, and channel configurations. I would say this is their best 2K dual channel dash cam. If you provided more info on your specific application, I can give you a better recommendation, even if it's not a Viofo dash cam. -Chuck
Disappointing to see VIOFO keeps using only 140 degrees angle for their front camera. They should upgrade that to at least 160 degrees angle. Also I find this A229 quite bulky compared to the A129.
Right on BW, Thanks for stopping in. Every design aspect has it’s Pros & Cons. Have a look at this video about the advantages & disadvantages of “Wide vs. Superwide FOV” I show the difference between 120° & 170° FOV. The larger case of the A229 allowed the use of a bigger heat sink to dissipate more heat. Heat dissipation is imperative to prevent recording malfunctions. What dash cam are you using now? Stay tuned for next month, wink wink. Lol -Chuck
@@PanzerPlatform not using any currently. The A229 has more ventilation than A119 but the screen of A229 gets temporarily defective due to extreme heat issues as shown in your video. A119 does not have that issue as far as I know. Is an extra 80mah car battery not an option as a power source? Within 3 to 4 hours fully charged with a 20amp charger. Extra car battery only cost about $90 in EU.
@@BruteWillis I would suggest you experiment with alternative auxilliary power sources to power the dash cam while the engine is not running to find what works best for your application. Generally speaking most folks opt for a dedicated LiFePo4 dash cam battery pack like this one; www.blackboxmycar.com/products/blackboxmycar-powercell-8-dash-cam-battery-pack - It can be recharged in 50 minutes while driving. And can be mounted in the passenger compartment like under a seat. However a lot of folks who don't live in hot climates, or park in a parking garage out of direct sunlight use a $20 USB Power Bank (lithium-ion). -Chuck
Congrats on 5k! Glad to see more dashcams are putting voices in them . I got the blackvue 900xplus last month so far it's been good wish it wasn't so damn power hungry compared to my a129 duo that thing last longer on my bi750 even tho it has a screen I can get 34 hours out a full charge compared 22 from my 900x plus
Right on Capn'
Thanks for stopping in.
Congrats on the BlackVue.
Can you upload some test footage, I'd love to check it out.
-Chuck
Incredibly helpful and comprehensive review. Congrats good sir
Yo SC,
Thanks for stopping in, and the kind words.
If you're thinking about the A229, you may want to wait for the release of the A229 Pro.
Are you currently using a dash cam now, if so which one?
-Chuck
@@PanzerPlatform I purchased this very one (A229 Duo), however I have two more vehicles in my household that I will eventually be buying more dashcams for.
What would the Pro version bring to the table?
Honestly, I would hope that Viofo offer a version in this lineup without an LCD screen to reduce footprint and cost.
@@nothing_burger
Viofo just released the first ever dash cam with a STARVIS 2 image sensor. It is the biggest development in dash cams, and CCTV security cameras in 6 years. It basically does two things, it greatly improves low light / night time image quality, and High Dynamic Range.
The first dash cam they released it in is the A139 Pro. I’ve been testing it for over a month, and I plan to upload my full review on Sunday. The A139 Pro is a screenless, (no LCD screen) however the “slave” cameras are only 1080p, not 2K like the A229 Duo.
Here is Sony’s promotional video of the new STARVIS 2 technology;
ruclips.net/video/ZGq3TLxmt_o/видео.html
Here are my real world test experiments to confirm & verify it actually works;
ruclips.net/video/pHd2OMJT_iI/видео.html
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ruclips.net/video/y4nVf7PPBCc/видео.html
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ruclips.net/video/k2i_04edb5g/видео.html
You can read about my testing here on the DashCamTalk Forum;
dashcamtalk.com/forum/threads/a139-pro-test-review-pp.48049/
-Chuck
Hey panzer I see your the man man now over 5k subs great review.. I gotta catch up with your videos to see wat I’ve been missing
Yo King what's cracking? lol
Thanks for stopping in.
Great review! How would you say this A229 compares to the A129 Plus Duo? I kind of like the smaller form factor of the A129. 60fps is nice too.
Right on Kev,
Thanks for stopping in, and the kind words.
I address that specific issue in almost every chapter of this video.
But, I can see how most people do not have 38 minutes to waste on my lame video. lol
If it's the high framerate you're after, (60fps) you may want to consider running two separate A119 Mini's.
I'm actually working on a comparison video on that subject.
"One A229 Duo vs. TWO A119 Mini's"
-Chuck
Really helpful in-depth review, appreciate it. I am considering getting the A229 duo or the A129 plus.. a229 is a bit expensive.. but I like the thinner cables.. better fit for trims on European cars. Hope SoC tech in these dashcams improve and we much better quality in the future.
Do you recommend Dash Cam Battery Packs?
Right on Calvin,
Thanks for stopping in, and the kind words.
The A229 Duo was recently on sale with a promo code for $177.
Keep your eyes peeled for Amazon sales, and grab a promo code from one of the reviewers like RetroCarGuy530.
I was sent a BlackboxMyCar Power Cell 8 dash cam battery pack for test & review last week.
Stay tuned for a full review coming in a month or so.
-Chuck
@@PanzerPlatform Wonderful, thanks for the reply.
Also wondering... Have you used 256gb SD cards for this A229 before?
@@PointMicrosoft
Yes.
Vantrue recently sent me the Element E1 dash cam for test & review.
And they supplied a 256GB Vantrue Brand High Endurance SD Card.
I could not contain my curiosity and I tested it in the A229.
It worked without any malfunction.
However use it at your own risk.
When it comes to SD Cards in the Viofo dash cams, some work better than others.
The best advice I've seen on the Dash Cam Talk Forum board is to buy directly from the manufacturer, (Samsung, SanDisk etc.) Or, from Amazon when the card is SOLD & SHIPPED by Amazon, (not a third party seller).
I prefer Amazon because of their no hassle 30-day return policy if it malfunctions, (free return shipping).
Here is a link to my E1 testing;
dashcamtalk.com/forum/threads/vantrue-e1-received-for-test-review.47489/
-Chuck
wow this was thorough! amazing review.
Right on FF,
Thanks for stopping in, and the kind words.
-Chuck
Hi.
It's very nice video and presentations.
I really liked your video work. It was a very detailed video, both in writing, by explaining, by applying and comparing.
Right on EH,
Thanks for stopping in, and the kind words.
-Chuck
Chuck, good job on the review video!
Right on Robert,
Good work on finding all the firmware bugs on the pre-production model.
When I received my production model with updated firmware in made my testing uneventful, and almost boring. lol
Thanks again for all your hard work, and helping with this collab.
-Chuck
gr8 video.
which EV setting do you prefer for the exposure?
also do you think 30fps of 60fps is better?
thanks
Right on Jack,
Thanks for stopping in, and the great questions.
EV exposure settings depend on your specific application. An example of that is if you have tinted windows you may want to brighten it up a bit. Or, if you do a lot of city night time driving with plenty of ambient, and street lighting you may want to darken in a bit. For my application I leave the EV on default for all my testing, and reviews for consistency so I can compare cameras with other cameras, and also my personal driving.
The “standard” 30fps vs. the “high framerate” of 60fps is a much heated debate in the professional dash cam tester / reviewer community. I’m only a basic amatuer user so I will give you my “easiest” explanation.
60fps doubles your chances of capturing important details like license plates, street signs, etc. Viewing footage on playback can also be more appealing to the eye because it will appear smoother. Take a look at this 30fps vs. 60fps demo; ruclips.net/video/_SzGQkI-IwM/видео.html
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Here is actual dash cam footage comparison of 2K30fps vs. 2K60fps on the same test loop under similar lighting conditions.
The 2K30fps was filmed with the A229 Duo; ruclips.net/video/U6wz-Zz_OM0/видео.html
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The 2K60fps was filmed with the A119 Mini; ruclips.net/video/9ovQ447StB4/видео.html
Make sure you adjust the quality settings to 1440p60 for the A119 Mini, and 1440p30 for the A229 Duo using the RUclips controls, (gear icon).
Keep in mind 60fps requires adequate lighting to function properly. At night time, or low light conditions it may actually increase motion blur. Also, 60fps requires more processing power, consumes more electricity, uses more SD Card data, and creates more heat. 4K30, and 2K60 have identical file sizes on the A129 Pro. So to answer your question; “Do you think 30fps is better than the 60fps?”
Well again it comes down to application. 60fps is better during daytime, and 30fps might be more advantageous during night time. So when choosing a dash cam I would prefer one that is capable of 60fps, so I have the option to choose 30fps given the application.
-Chuck
Very good thorough review. I have the A119 V3, it's better than the Garmin cam's in terms of low light. Does the A229 have a suction cup mount? I have a suction mount for my V3 so would it fit the A229 cam?
Right on Khoa,
Thanks for stopping in, and the kind words.
The A229 is a 2-CHANNEL dash cam. If you’re looking to replace your A119 V3 you may want to take a look at the A119 Mini. It’s basically the 1-channel version of the A229. I recently reviewed the A119 Mini here; ruclips.net/video/CSUTaO9eLxE/видео.html
To answer your question all Viofo dash cams made after the A119 V3 (2019) use a 3M adhesive mount, so it would not fit.
However, if a suction mount is a must have for your application, (travel, rental car, car share, etc) you can get a universal suction cup mount with a flat surface attached, and then mount the dash cam to that flat surface. Just look on amazon / ebay etc.
-Chuck
@@PanzerPlatform I'm looking at the a229 coz I want a rear cam as well BUT I also have the thinkware f100 which is small enough to pass as a rear cam and use that instead of buying another whole unit. Then if I want to watch the footage I have to take out 2 sd cards instead of 1 that would be a hassle but I would be saving money. My V3 is a great cam been with me for years without problems but it's only a 1 cam unit. Decisions decisions! Money is no problem but do i really need to buy a new unit when all this time I've gone without?
@@khoale4755
These are all very good points.
Btw, Amazon was selling an A229 Duo bundle today before it sold out again.
It included;
$260 A229 Duo
-$30 OFF Coupon
$20 Bluetooth Remote (FREE)
$17 CPL Filter (FREE)
$230 Sub Total
10% OFF Additional Promo Code
$207 Final Cost
I just learned yesterday Viofo will soon add “Wi-Fi Station Mode” to the A229 that is currently implemented on the A139. viofo.com/blog/how-to-switch-a139-dash-camera-to-wi-fi-station-mode-with-app-b76.html
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It basically works just like the mobile APP for your smartphone to view, download, etc but you can connect the A229 to your home network using a computer. So, no need to pull the SD Card anymore.
Also, what about repurposing your existing cameras as side view, or interior cams. Back in 2020 I made a 4-channel system with (two) A129 Plus Duo’s. I mounted the “main” cameras front & rear, and the “second” cameras left & right.
Here’s what that looks like; ruclips.net/video/lTLx04RxKBw/видео.html
You said;
“Money is no problem but do I really need to buy a new unit when all this time I've gone without?”
You are 100% correct. Buying extra dash cams is like buying extra insurance policies that you may never use. Lol
-Chuck
First, excellent review. The amount and time and the level of depth you went to review it is incredible. Very beneficial.
Second, is the front camera in some sort of mount or is it just the adhesive right to the windshield? I ask for software updates and things like that it is much easier for me to just unmount and plug the camera directly into my PC, then downloading an update onto an SD card and placing that SD card into the unit.
Another question, does the rear camera need software updates as well or do you only have to update the front one?
Thanks and once again excellent review.
Yo Slammer,
Thanks for stopping in, and the kind words.
Yes, the front camera uses a mount to the windshield, so it's easy to remove if needed.
When you update the firmware it will automatically update the rear cam at the same time.
Usually the easiest way to update the camera is to download the update from the Viofo Official Website.
Then transfer the update file to a "small" 8GB-64GB SD Card.
Then insert the SD Card into the dash cam, and power it on.
It will automatically download in 30-60 seconds.
-Chuck
Diffently clearer than the A119... I want to be able to read license plates and street signs on the video. All the cameras are lacking clarity that I want! Another great driving video 😎
Right on DM,
Thanks for stopping by, and the kind words.
There are currently two different models of the Viofo A119;
A119 V3 = 2019 no wi-fi
A119 Mini = 2022 with wi-fi
All three cameras, the A119 V3, A119 Mini, A229 Duo have similar hardware but slightly different software.
In terms of image quality they are kind of close.
However it’s their high recording bitrates that set them apart from other dash cam brands. So you can’t really go wrong with any of these three. You just need to pick 1, 2, or 3 channel whichever works best for your application.
-Chuck
Great review is the sale still going on for first 100 buyers for the Free CPL Filter & Bluetooth Remote?
Right on Rena,
Thanks for stopping in.
Click the link in the descriptioon box to check status.
They've been selling out of all three items since this video was uploaded.
If one item is out of stock it usually comes back in stock in a few days.
However the free items, and 10% off ends in 8 days.
-Chuck
Interesting that you said about some ppl installing the front cam at the rear and the rear cam at the front. I wonder if there is any difference in video quality between them? I'm thinking of installing it this way because I will buy a battery pack and plug it into a 12v cigarette socket at the back. If I install the front cam at the back, I only have to run the thin coax to the front. Only downside I can think of is I can't install the cpl on the rear cam and video quality might differ from the front cam
Right on Just,
Thanks for stopping in.
Keep in mind the front & rear cameras fave different FOV’s.
Front: 140° Rear: 160°
They also have different recording Bitrates.
Front: 29 Mbps Rear: 25 Mbps
Also, the emergency lock button is on the front / main camera so you may not be able to reach it, and you may need the optional $20 Bluetooth Remote.
-Chuck
Hey, i own 2 a129 plus duos and theyre pretty good. I was wondering how the power comsumption of the a229 is compared to the a129 during parking mode. My a129s lasts 12h+ (didnt test after that, cutoff voltage is 12.2) i saw the 300miliamp from your video, but didnt see you mention the power draw for a129
Right on Nate,
Thanks for stopping in.
The power consumption for both cameras in normal recording mode are as follows.
A229 Duo;
385mA @ 12.6 Volts = 4.851 Watts
A129 Plus Duo;
327mA @ 12.6 Volts = 4.120 Watts
That means the A229 uses 15% more power.
Example:
If the A129 Plus Duo runs for 12 hours in parking mode, the A229 would run approximately for 10 hours 12 minutes.
-Chuck
Thank you so much for your detailed review! I'm currently debating between doing 2x Viofo A119 mini for front and rear or using just the A229 Duo. The non-negotiable for me is the buffered parking mode (auto event detection), which rules out the A129 Plus Duo. You mentioned in an earlier comment this was a topic you're interested in exploring, would you mind sharing your thoughts on my dilemma?
Right on OSH,
Thanks for stopping in, and the kind words.
When it comes to running two separate A119 Mini units.
Or a single A229 Duo it comes down to if you’re interested in the absolute highest image quality, or having the most convenient system.
Two A119 Mini’s will provide the best image quality because you have the option to select 60fps, and CPL Filters on both cameras, (the A229 REAR can not accept a CPL filter). However you’ll need to spend around $100 more due to 2 SD Cards, a longer USB power cable for the rear camera, 2 CPL filters, the Viofo Bluetooth remote to activate the emergency lock button on the rear camera.
The A229 will be less expensive, and a more convenient to operate, and maintain.
BTW, Viofo just released a new dahs Cam the A139 Pro. It’s the biggest news in all of dash cam technology because of the 2nd generation of STARVIS sensors called STARVIS 2. I have one in transit, and should be delivered in the coming weeks for test & review. So you may want to put off your dash cam purchase for another few weeks. Lol
viofo.com/content/72-A139-PRO-First-4K-HDR-with-Sony-Starvis-2-IMX678-Sensor-Dash-Cam/
-Chuck
@@PanzerPlatform thank you for sharing your knowledge! Essentially I'm debating between convenience vs image quality. Will definitely be interested in the reviews for the new A139 Pro.
Neat. I need a dash cam for the Beetle. It currently has none and people in St. Louis drive like sh!t and have no insurance.
Right on Hollywood,
Thanks for stopping in.
That might be dangerous.
Once you see for yourself what this can do with it's 2K front & rear, and high bitrates you may want to upgrade all your other dash cams. lol
-Chuck
I wish more people that did reviews did them like this with all the details. Thank you very much for this. Do you think it will stand up to desert conditions? I'm in Nevada we get a bit hotter than that. I'm looking for a car camera for my ol lady's car.
Right on CNH,
Thanks for stopping in, and the kind words.
In your part of the country pretty much any high resolution, high bitrate dash cam is going to overheat in parking mode when the car is left parked under direct sunlight. When you're driving down the road with the A/C on it's usually not a problem.
That said the A229 might be a good choice because its larger case design allows it to dissipate more heat than other Viofo cameras.
-Chuck
@@PanzerPlatform Thank you very much for the information. Keep the great work and spreading the knowledge.
Hey Panzer, what do you think of Thinkware U1000?
It comes with the radar module option and it really helps with battery consumption. I am thinking about getting the battery pack also. No other brands out there seem to be able to achieve parking mode energy saving like the U1000 precisely because of the radar module.
Viofo does not seem to have very good build quality. I also concerned with long term reliability of Viofo products. It costs more with Thinkware from the get go but long term I feel it is a much better investment.
What say you? 🙂
Right on MMTU,
Thanks for watching, and the great question.
Unfortunately I have zero hands on experience with the U1000, and everything I know about it is from watching BBMC reviews, and reading about in on the DashCamTalk forum.
Thinkware vs. Viofo is kind of an apples, to oranges comparison. Thinkware is a Premium Korean “Cloud Based” Manufacturer. Viofo is a “Budget to Mid-Tier” Manufacturer with a focus on image quality, and customer service through constant firmware updates.
The U1000 was $500 when it was released in 2019, (3 years ago) and is now $400. Something tells me a U1000 replacement is right around the corner. It sounds like you’re ready to pull the trigger on the U1000, but you may want to wait for the new model.
-Chuck
@@PanzerPlatform Thanks for your quick reply.
Yeah, I have a feeling Thinkware has a new model releasing soon to replace the aging U1000 thats why it is on sale right now around Memorial Day weekend. Maybe I should wait a bit as you suggested.
One more question for you - around the 24 min. mark of your video what is the MAX, HIGH, NORM, LOW for front and rear cam realting to? You can't set the recroding bit rate right so it is not clear to me how you get the 29 and 25, for example, at max rate.
OK, thanks much.
You take care and as always, drive safe!!! 🙂
@@menemenetekelupharsin3007
Right on.
This is another great question.
Yes, that is in fact the available BITRATE selections for the A229.
All previous Viofo dash cams I've had have a selection of LOW / MED / HIGH.
Now with the A229 we get 4 selections.
LOW / NORMAL / HIGH / MAXIMUM
I was joking with someone on the DCT Forum what the 5th bitrate option mught be in future cams.
My guess was LUDICROUS!
LMAO
This is kind of Viofo's "secret sauce" to image quality.
Most other dash cam manufuctures are building cameras with the similar components.
But Viofo is always trying to push the limits of the processor, and heat disapation, etc. by using the absolute highest recording bitrates.
-Chuck
Great Review. Wish it had the interior cam as well, wish it came with SD card, or a package deal including cam, card, hardwire kit, lens cover & remote...Maybe they could come up with some black friday deal?? I've been looking at dash cams, still haven't bought one yet. Looks like there is no stock anywhere except for viofo direct, hope they are in stock now.
Right on Chaderic,
Thanks for stopping in, and the kind words.
Viofo multi-channel cameras with IR interior cam are currently the 3-channel models A139, T130. And the 2-channel A129 Plus.
When this video was uploaded on Sunday at 12AM Viofo offered an Amazon bundle for the first 100 customers. For $220 you got the A229 Duo, CPL Filter, and the Bluetooth Remote. 15 hours later at 3PM Amazon sold out. I’ve been informed Amazon will get a second batch of A229’s this friday.
On Black Friday Viofo usually has 20%-25% off all their cameras & accessories.
Currently there is A229 stock on the Official Viofo Website for $230. But keep in mind shipping to the US usually takes 15-30 days. So you may want to wait until Amazon gets stock so you only have a 2-day shipping wait.
On another note, would you consider running two separate A119 Mini’s to build a 2-channel system? I’m thinking about making a video on that subject.
-Chuck
@@PanzerPlatform This is Awesome info!! Thanks Again!
Looks good... thank you very much...
Right on Moochy,
Thanks for stopping in.
-Chuck
My A229 PRO GPS isn't working, it's getting 3 data max ivr had 2 new GPS mounts, but the camera is only 2 weeks old, my phone gets GPS, is my camera broken or something else?
It gets a GPS lock OUTSIDE the vehicle
Submit a ticket for tech support / warranty claim here;
support.viofo.com/support/tickets/new
Keep in mind if you upgraded from the original A229 Duo (2022) the GPS Mount is NOT compatible with the new A229 Pro (2023).
The older GPS Mount will power up the A229 Pro, but the GPS will NOT function because the new camera is QUAD MODE GPS.
@@PanzerPlatform no this was a brand new camera in December this year. Thank you
Looking for recommendations on a dash cam. I currently don't have a computer outside of my phone so I need something I can easily use with my phone. Any recommendations? Can you easily use a card reader with an android? Or are there any dash cams that have have good phone app features?
Right on Matt,
Thanks for stopping in.
What is your budget $100-$500?
How many channels do you want 1, 2, 3?
Do you want IR interior camera for the passenger compartment?
Are you a professional driver Uber, Lyft, etc?
I’m in the same boat as you,
I don’t own a Windows PC, or Mac computer.
All I have is a $100 Chromebook for surfing the web & email.
I’ve tried those SD Card readers before, that plug into your smartphone, and some required App software for use. I never found one that was plug & play.
All Dash Cams Apps are generally rated 1-2 star because most folks don’t fully understand how to configure their phones by enabling / disabling Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Cellular Data, Airplane Mode etc.
The second reason for 1-2 star ratings is most people don’t update their dash cam with the latest firmware, or update the smartphone App to the latest version. They both need to be up to date to work properly.
I’ve been using the Viofo App since 2019, and it works great for changing setting, and downloading video footage.
-Chuck
@@PanzerPlatform thanks for your reply. I'm just looking for a front dash cam for now. No interior cam. Maybe down the road a rear camera if i can ever figure out a mounting solution since my 4runner rear window roles down. Budget is 1-200
@@AG4runner
Right on,
Based on that I would say take a look at the Viofo A119 Mini ($120).
It's basically the one channel version of the A229 Duo.
Here is my review of the A119 Mini;
ruclips.net/video/CSUTaO9eLxE/видео.html
Also consider the Garmin Mini 2 ($130).
-Chuck
@@PanzerPlatform appreciate it
@@PanzerPlatform any negatives or benefits on the a129 plus as a front dash cam vs the a119mini. Is one superior in wifi/Bluetooth ?
Will the CPL filter degrade the picture at night on these?
Yo Mister,
Thanks for stopping in, and the great question.
Using a CPL Filter at night on a dash cam may make the footage appear a little darker. Almost like wearing sunglasses at night.
Also, everyone has a different application so the best advice I've found is to film sample footage clips in different lighting conditions with, and without the CPL and see the difference for yourself in your specific vehicle / application.
-Chuck
Can u turn off the motion detection in parking mode? i just want to record if the car gets a bump or something else.
Right on Sebsch,
Thanks for stopping in, and the great question.
I just checked the settings in my A229 with firmware version V1.0_0623.
The “Parking Motion Detection” and the “Parking G-Sensor” both have setting adjustments of LOW / MED / HIGH. There is no selection for OFF.
However, this is a perfect example of a possible feature addition with a firmware update. You can request OFF be added as a selection to the Parking Motion Detection setting by “Submitting A Ticket” on the Viofo website. It’s like sending an email but better, because it creates a log with the progress of your request. I would get your request in early so it's "fixed" in the next firmware update.
Here is a link to submit a ticket, and get OFF added to the Parking Motion Detection setting. support.viofo.com/support/tickets/new
Let me know if you need more help.
-Chuck
awesome
Right on Mike,
Thanks for stopping in.
I can't remember, do you use a dash cam? If so, what kind?
-Chuck
I bought this cam for $60 less from Amazon. I am surprito see the resolution in the camera setting show 1944P/24 + 1944P/24. It should have been 1944P/30. Not sure what is 1944/24
Yo Van,
It's a good idea to try every resolution & frame rate on a dash cam to see what works best for your application.
So far the best image quality I've seen with this camera is 1440P 30fps + 1440P 30fps.
-Chuck
With the A229 in parking mode, when motion is detected and the recording starts, is it evident from looking at the screen (or the indicator lights on the unit) that it’s recording?
Right on Jay,
Thanks for stopping in.
The screen will be off, and the red power led will be illuminated.
-Chuck
@@PanzerPlatform Thanks for the quick response. I had the A229 installed professionally using the Viofo HK4 hardwire kit and recommended memory card. The unit comes on and starts recording when the ignition starts. But when ignition is off, the parking mode isn’t triggering any recordings. The settings are double checked to be correct for auto-sensing motion, including no delay after parking and high sensitivity. Any likely root causes to check?
@@Jay21121
It sounds like the hardwire kit is installed incorrectly.
There are 3 wires.
One ground, two positives.
One positive goes to CONSTANT battery power.
The other positive goes to SWITCHED battery power.
It sounds like the installer put BOTH positive wires to SWITCHED battery power.
Open your fuse panel, if you see both RED & YELLOW wires connected together that's what happened.
Take it back to the installer, and have him correctly install it.
-Chuck
@@PanzerPlatform Thanks again. You’ve been more helpful than the installer. Do you know what should be the voltage cutoff setting on the HK4 for a 2021 Camry (or how to find this out)?
@@Jay21121
Right on Jay,
There’s no one size fits all answer for this question because every car has a different capacity starter battery, and varying levels of parasitic drain from computer modules after you shut the car off, and it “goes to sleep”.
The first thing I’ll say is you may want to get a portable battery booster / jump starter in case you set the hardwire kit voltage cut off too low, and you drain the starter battery to the point it won’t start the engine.
It’s going to be a game of trial & error to see how long the dash cam runs in parking mode before the hardwire kit voltage cut off powers down the camera.
Start with the highest voltage first (12.4 Volts), and see how long the camera runs by checking the recorded footage on the SD Card, then confirm your starter battery still has enough juice to start the engine.
Do this three more times for 12.2 Volts, 12.0 Volts, and 11.8 Volts. Each time take note of how long the dash cam runs in parking mode, and of course if the starter battery is still able to start the engine.
Once you find out the maximum run time of parking mode, and still be able to start the engine it will give you a baseline of your starter battery health. As the days, weeks, months go by you may find running the dash cam in parking mode will accelerate the wear & tear on the starer battery, and you may find its capacity has been degraded, and it will be unable to start the engine. Now’s the time to whip out that jump starter so you’re not stranded.
If this sounds like an inconvenience, this is why dedicated dash cam battery packs exist. The problem with these is they cost $400. Based on you application, and location in the country you may be able to get by running the dash cam in parking mode with a $10 USB Power Bank. Keep in mind Lithium-ion & Lithium-polymer USB Power Bank may not work in colder climates, and when summer comes they may explode, and burn your car down.
Back to the dedicated dash cam battery pack, the main reason they cost $400 is because they use a different battery chemistry called LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate). They have better cold weather performance, and are guaranteed not to explode, and cause a fire when left in a hot car during the summer. Or you could get a LiFePO4 solar power station to leave in your car.
The good news is I recently reviewed the “best” & highest capacity dash cam battery pack from BlackboxMyCar called the PowerCell 8. If you’ve got 26 minutes to waste you can see if the Pros & Cons are right for you. Btw, I tested it with my A229 Duo, and it ran for 21.5 hours. Here is a link to the review video; ruclips.net/video/bQy_ak33KYc/видео.html
If you prefer to read the review, you can see my testing on the DashCamTalk Forum here; dashcamtalk.com/forum/threads/blackboxmycar-powercell-8-received-for-test-review.47956/
-Chuck
Can i turn off rear camera for Parking mode for less power consumption?
Right on Max,
Thanks for stopping in, and the great question.
There is no “setting” to turn off the rear camera.
However, you could simply unplug the rear camera from the main / front camera unit.
I was curious just how much this would reduce power consumption, so I did a quick test.
In normal recording mode the camera runs at 4.9 Watts.
I shut down the camera, and unplugged the rear camera cable at the main / front camera unit, and turned it back on. The power consumption dropped to 2.6 Watts.
This is significant reduction, (almost 47%).
That means theoretically it should increase your parking mode run time by 47%.
Example: If the camera ran for 2 hours with both cameras before the low voltage detection shut off the camera, it should run for almost 3 hours with the rear camera disconnected.
Let me know if you need more help.
-Chuck
@@PanzerPlatform Thanks for the work you've done.
Sometimes I park against the wall and there's no need to record what's in the back. Such an option in the menu would be a great idea, especially when the recording time increases by almost 50%. Your review is great!
@@maxpayneau
Right on.
Thanks for the good feedback, and the kind words.
This is a perfect example of a possible feature addition with a firmware update. You can request this setting change be added by “Submitting A Ticket” on the Viofo website. It’s like sending an email but better, because it creates a log with the progress of your request. I would get your request in early so it's "fixed" in the next firmware update.
Here is a link to submit a ticket;
support.viofo.com/support/tickets/new
Let me know if you need more help.
-Chuck
How to update the camera ?
Right on XJ,
Thanks for stopping in, and the great question.
Follow the instructions on the Viofo website.
Here is the link to the firmware update;
viofo.com/content/61-a229-duo-support/
-Chuck
Is this the best camera of viofo
Yo HLP,
Thanks for stopping in, and the great question.
"Best" will depend on your application, and how you intend to use the camera.
Viofo has a full line of dash cams in different resolutions, and channel configurations.
I would say this is their best 2K dual channel dash cam.
If you provided more info on your specific application, I can give you a better recommendation, even if it's not a Viofo dash cam.
-Chuck
@@PanzerPlatform what do you think which one is best under 250$?
A229 Duo- T130-A119 v3/mini- A 129 pro
For the nighttime only
@@hailyphan7754
I would choose A139 Pro for $230;
ruclips.net/video/kiyFyfa61Yo/видео.html
@@PanzerPlatform i dont need 4K my friend
I need good front and rear cam. Able to read the plate at night
Disappointing to see VIOFO keeps using only 140 degrees angle for their front camera. They should upgrade that to at least 160 degrees angle. Also I find this A229 quite bulky compared to the A129.
Right on BW,
Thanks for stopping in.
Every design aspect has it’s Pros & Cons.
Have a look at this video about the advantages & disadvantages of “Wide vs. Superwide FOV” I show the difference between 120° & 170° FOV.
The larger case of the A229 allowed the use of a bigger heat sink to dissipate more heat. Heat dissipation is imperative to prevent recording malfunctions.
What dash cam are you using now?
Stay tuned for next month, wink wink. Lol
-Chuck
@@PanzerPlatform not using any currently. The A229 has more ventilation than A119 but the screen of A229 gets temporarily defective due to extreme heat issues as shown in your video. A119 does not have that issue as far as I know. Is an extra 80mah car battery not an option as a power source? Within 3 to 4 hours fully charged with a 20amp charger. Extra car battery only cost about $90 in EU.
@@BruteWillis
I would suggest you experiment with alternative auxilliary power sources to power the dash cam while the engine is not running to find what works best for your application. Generally speaking most folks opt for a dedicated LiFePo4 dash cam battery pack like this one;
www.blackboxmycar.com/products/blackboxmycar-powercell-8-dash-cam-battery-pack
-
It can be recharged in 50 minutes while driving. And can be mounted in the passenger compartment like under a seat.
However a lot of folks who don't live in hot climates, or park in a parking garage out of direct sunlight use a $20 USB Power Bank (lithium-ion).
-Chuck
device size
Right on C,
You can see the size comparison at 32:42
-Chuck