expirediconian | Staff posted Mar 25, 2025 07:02 AM
Item 1 of 4
Item 1 of 4
expirediconian | Staff posted Mar 25, 2025 07:02 AM
Viofo On-Dash Car Cameras: A229 Pro 3-Channel $280, A229 Plus 2-Channel
& More + Free S/H$160
$230
30% offAmazon
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Size between the A229 and A119 mini should not be an overlooked detail. It may seem obvious because one is "mini" but it was a big difference. The 229 was a nice size - I never felt like it was too big or anything and I really liked it. When I went to install the 119 mini right after I actually had trouble with the set up and I struggled to read the screen. Yes, my aging eyes are a problem but I had no trouble with the 229 at all. I actually had to use my phone camera and enlarge the viewfinder to view the mini and navigate the menu. That being said, the mini is still solid and the smaller size may actually be exactly what people want.
Something else no one has endorsed yet is what you mentioned about buying a 2 channel unit (front and rear cam combined) vs buying 2 cameras. I am actually going with 2 cameras for my next set up. The two channel system has the benefit of a smaller camera in the rear (no screen), one memory card, joint video feed, and a single interface to set up options & date/time, etc.
But having two cameras is just an easier set up for me. Sure, I have to get an extra memory card and set the options up/make adjustments on a second screen but I set up the front unit very easily (tucked under the edge of the headliner, run along under the A-pillar cover and under the dash to the fuse box or the power port in the center console) and for the rear I kind of do the same and plug it into the power port in the back (SUV). I also feel a little better about having two recordings in the off chance one failed to capture. I was actually in an accident where I was T-boned and my car ended up it's side and I had this 2 camera set up already (put my older dash cam in the rear when I upgraded to a better one in the front). Both cams caught the accident, thankfully. Also, the guy who hit me claimed he had a green light but my recording (along with an eye witness) cleared that up. Get a dash cam, people.
So that's just my two cents. Currently driving a three row SUV and would absolutely opt for a two camera set up rather than trying to feed a cable attached to the front unit down the headliner and over 3 pillars to the back.
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If you don't have a dashcam, I strongly recommend you get one. The 119 is higher end entry level, so even if that is out of budget you might consider one of the ~$60 ones that come up now and then
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On the first car, there's a conveniently located USB port that turns on and off with the car. I routed the power that way out of sight. The second camera cable I routed to the back following forum instructions, under door kick panels and then up.
On the second car, I used the HK4 hardwire kit. A little more work (the butt connectors they give you are too big!), but it seems to be working great. Again, I followed forum directions to pick fuses to tap and to route the cable
The second car is too long for the long cable included in the kit, but VIOFO was kind enough to send me an even longer one from CN when I contacted them via Amazon. I just haven't had a chance to install it yet.
Your installation will vary depending on the age of the vehicle and type obviously. For mine, I had already had experience with the A-pillar removal that contained the airbag so I wasn't concerned about wiring to the fuse box for power. The rear camera wire was very long and reached the back window without a problem even though I ran it down the A pillar along the driver door threshold and then back up to the roof (over the rear air bag) to the camera. The hardwire kit contains multiple fuse adapters to facilitate installation but be aware if your inside fuse box has a cover like mine did, the cover won't be able to be installed due to the bulk of the adapters. If installing the piggyback fuse connectors it would be best to obtain an inexpensive voltage probe to determine the always hot and ACC fuses.
If this is too complex, companies such as Dongar have installation fobs that include adapters that connect to pre-existing wires in your overhead console. Be careful with other companies that do the same as some will plug into the safety system of your vehicle (lane assist). Dongar adapters plug into the power connector for the Homelink mirror.The one for Toyota comes with 3 different connectors for adaptability and provides three different parking modes.
The physical installation of the camera is pretty simple, but for the VIOFO camera (A229) ensure you leave room to the right of the mounting plate so the camera can be slid over for removal. Be sure to have everything aligned properly because once applied, these things stick!
I drove around for a few days waiting on warmer weather for a hardwire installation with the camera plugged into my USB port. That worked well also and the wires weren't too obtrusive. I just preferred the cleaner look of a permanent installation.
So impressed with my A229 Pro that I am going to purchase two more (maybe the A329) for my other vehicles.
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It's really easy if you didn't need to hide any wires and just plug into the 12v socket in your vehicle, with no rear camera. Not so easy if you want to hide the wires and hardwire it to a fuse, but not very difficult if you're somewhat handy. Some vehicles you can just tuck the cable in the crevice and do not need to remove any trim, just be careful with side/top airbags in those areas.
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