Dashcam video I took on Friday driving on Buena Vista

[John_W]

I installed a dashcam in my car last week. It automatically turns on when you start your engine and runs the entire time and makes an 8 hour loop. Just yesterday, we were headed north on Buena Vista and when we reached the Stillwater roundabout a couple of drivers in front of us decided they would make up their own rules. I pulled out about 2 minutes of video from the trip and put some music behind it and downloaded it to Youtube. If you want to see it, just click on the link below.

About 45 seconds in, keep your eye on the white convertible in the right lane and then the white van straight ahead.

https://youtu.be/VNUrsIcSSZU

[rubicon]

Kool...good idea

[sharoni]

A typical day in TV...Yesterday we were heading toward a round about and a Mini Cooper came into the circle on the inside lane and just stopped dead...Anyone say "dangerous!"

[TVMayor]

You passed more cars on the road than a typical driver in a NASCAR race.

[patfla06]

Very creative!
Driving here can be scary......:sing:

[raynan]

Love it!

[billlaur]

are they e z to install? Approx cost?

Thanks

[DeanFL]

Bought one for us too - $24 (from China) - will be as easy to install as attaching the camera mount to the windshield with suction cup behind rearview mirror and the 12vDC power cord to cigar lighter - just like a radar det or GPS. Only records when car is powered on - and loops the recording -like the last 1/2 hour or so, then records over the first recorded area - uses SD card, typically 32gb.

[Shimpy]

Hey John, great video and the picture was excellent. The added music really made it professional. What camera are you using?

[Walt.]

Great video... but too short! Great Grass Roots tune. Cut off was a bit abrupt... but I'll probably still send the link to my brother up in New York. Thanks for posting.

[John_W]

The dashcam is a VIOFO B40 A118C Novatek 96650, pictured below. It comes under many names from China, the Viofo is the brand I chose because the reviewer I watched on Youtube bought that one. They are a Chinese vendor on eBay and with their own website and shipped this to me from their L.A. warehouse in 3 days for $79 delivered. It's much smaller than it appears, may 1" x 3" with a small 1.5" screen which is on the side facing away from the photo.

Since there are a 100 or more different brands and models, and most all are made in China. I studied them for about a week and decided on this model because of the feedback and reviews. One important fact is this uses a capacitor and not a battery, which can explode under the Florida sun since these units will sit just inside your windshield, but make sure you order the unit with A118C (capacitor). It uses a micro 32gb card which will store about 8 hours of video and then loops back and records over. If there is something you want to keep, just remove the card and download it. The videos are broken down into 5 minute increments, but playback seamless, that helps you find that section you want to see.

Most all of these different dashcams will have their share of negative feedback, but this one had the least. It was also cheap and smaller then most of the others. It attaches with adhesive and comes with the cable to run to your accessory or lighter socket. Took me about an hour to install, most running the wire and hiding it around the dash.

Here is a link to the eBay seller that I used US Stock Viofo B40 A118C Novatek 96650 Full HD Car Dash Camera Capacitor Car DVR | eBay (http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/351306184022?lpid=82&chn=ps)

http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTAwMFgxMDAw/z/zekAAOSwEeFU~Udd/$_35.JPG

[Hancle704]

Wonder how fast you were going since you never moved out of left hand lane and passed some others? Do you also have a radar detector?

[archerlc]

I've been looking at them for some time. The quality of yours is great.

[TwinTurboViper]

Bought a "Go Pro" for some of my hobbies $500
Then I bought a "SJ4000" (watch for counterfeits) $90
CHECK THE COMMENTS...It's really neat!!

[Beechie]

I installed a dashcam in my car last week. It automatically turns on when you start your engine and runs the entire time and makes an 8 hour loop. Just yesterday, we were headed north on Buena Vista and when we reached the Stillwater roundabout a couple of drivers in front of us decided they would make up their own rules. I pulled out about 2 minutes of video from the trip and put some music behind it and downloaded it to Youtube. If you want to see it, just click on the link below.

About 45 seconds in, keep your eye on the white convertible in the right lane and then the white van straight ahead.

https://youtu.be/VNUrsIcSSZU

Just a heads up John, youtube will most likely be removing your video for copywrite infringement on the "Let's Live for Today" tune. Love the song but I've been busted a few times in the past for my music selections. However, camera is well worth the cost and in 1080p HD.

[Loudoll]

Thank you for going to the trouble to put that on Youtube so we can all see it. Good job.

[NIPAS K-9]

I installed a dashcam in my car last week. It automatically turns on when you start your engine and runs the entire time and makes an 8 hour loop. Just yesterday, we were headed north on Buena Vista and when we reached the Stillwater roundabout a couple of drivers in front of us decided they would make up their own rules. I pulled out about 2 minutes of video from the trip and put some music behind it and downloaded it to Youtube. If you want to see it, just click on the link below.

About 45 seconds in, keep your eye on the white convertible in the right lane and then the white van straight ahead.

https://youtu.be/VNUrsIcSSZU
Nice footage, thanks for sharing it with us.

[Dr Winston O Boogie jr]

Either idiots or people who are not from around here. I just had some take the third exit off the round about from the right hand lane while I was in the left hand lane beside her. Good thing I was paying attention. Even with that I almost hit her and the the behind me had to slam on his brakes.

I think that I've decided that the safest thing to do is to stay in the right hand lane unless you intend to take the third exit.

[villagerjack]

Why doyou record your travels?

[Jerseygirl08]

Yes, I was wondering the same thing? Just curious about why you would want to record. Actually, would come in real handy should you have an accident.

[NotGolfer]

I installed a dashcam in my car last week. It automatically turns on when you start your engine and runs the entire time and makes an 8 hour loop. Just yesterday, we were headed north on Buena Vista and when we reached the Stillwater roundabout a couple of drivers in front of us decided they would make up their own rules. I pulled out about 2 minutes of video from the trip and put some music behind it and downloaded it to Youtube. If you want to see it, just click on the link below.

About 45 seconds in, keep your eye on the white convertible in the right lane and then the white van straight ahead.

https://youtu.be/VNUrsIcSSZU

That pretty much sums it up doesn't it....and with one word I say "YIKES"!!!!

[villagerjack]

More like a couple of drivers were "confused".

[Allegiance]

The bad part is that it also records all of the drivers cursing as well.

[Mr.Big]

Nothing surprises me at a roundabout anymore. I just assume everyone else has the rightaway, and keep aware of all vehicles around the area. I sometimes wish my neck could do a 360!

[graciegirl]

It is almost April. Continue to drive as if everyone else is crazy, because they are. There will be less traffic soon and many of the folks brand new to circles will go home. I want you all to be here once the high season is over.


Great webcam John. Thank you so much.

[buzzy]

Dash cams are typically used to prove you innocent in a crash. I suppose that if you cause the crash, then the video is erased.

[Jaggy]

I drive like I am invisible, cause I believe the other drivers can't see me !! I don't think I ever go out in the car and not have someone pull right out in front of me !!! it is unreal..and scary.

[Ragman]

I installed a dashcam in my car last week. It automatically turns on when you start your engine and runs the entire time and makes an 8 hour loop. Just yesterday, we were headed north on Buena Vista and when we reached the Stillwater roundabout a couple of drivers in front of us decided they would make up their own rules. I pulled out about 2 minutes of video from the trip and put some music behind it and downloaded it to Youtube. If you want to see it, just click on the link below.

About 45 seconds in, keep your eye on the white convertible in the right lane and then the white van straight ahead.

https://youtu.be/VNUrsIcSSZU


Boy this would be a great idea for parents with new teen drivers. Nanny cam "accidentally" off - no keys.

[villagetinker]

On our second visit here (we were still trying to find a house) we were headed south on Buena Vista from Old Mill Run, we had just cleared the round about and were in the merge left area, when a car from the bypass lane did a U TURN in front of us to get back to the circle. They stopped, we missed them, and we still bought a house!!! Every time we go through that area I look for someone making a U turn.

Jaggy, I drive a bright red convertible, with daytime running lights, and I have determined that this combination is completely invisible. I know this because the fire department regularly makes the same complaints.

Best to drive very defensively.

[TNLAKEPANDA]

I am glad the white convertible was not a Corvette. That would be embarrassing.

When I am in a circle I am really paying close attention to the other cars and ready to move or break in a split second. What are people thinking about when they are driving.
God forbid they should have to around the circle again.

So we all want to know the scoop on the type of camera you bought and where you got it.
The video looks very good. Was it a GoPro?

[John_W]

...So we all want to know the scoop on the type of camera you bought and where you got it.
The video looks very good. Was it a GoPro?...

Look back at post #11 on this thread. It's not a GoPro, but you could use a GoPro but that would entice someone to break into your car. There is a GoPro clone that is just about as good and much cheaper, it's the SJCAM SJ4000. It's available through on Amazon and eBay, however a large camera retailer in New York has it for $73 that I've used many times. Here's a link SJCAM SJ4000 Action Camera (Black) SJ4000B B&H Photo Video (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1072775-REG/sj4000_sj4000_action_camera.html)

[George Bieniaszek]

Thanks for sharing the info John W!! How did you mount the camera? Suction mount to the windshield or something else?

I was thinking of getting something similar when I am driving the golf cart. We almost got taken out numerous times driving out golf cart from bonehead driving maneuvers from cars when in the cart path on the street.

[TNLAKEPANDA]

Here is a review link from Thewirecutter.com They have always provided non bias top notch reviews. I would go with their recommendation.

The Best Dash Cam | The Wirecutter (http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-dash-cam/)

[perrjojo]

Whew! I drive a white convertible but it wasn't me in the video. I was driving on Morse Friday and someone stopped in the inside lane and just sat there while trying to decide what to do. They still didn't get right

[John_W]

Here is a review link from Thewirecutter.com They have always provided non bias top notch reviews. I would go with their recommendation.

The Best Dash Cam | The Wirecutter (http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-dash-cam/)

The G1W from your link was in my top 3 choices, but a slightly different version, the G1W-CB. It's same unit but the 'CB' stands for capacitor black. The 'B' means the silver ring on the front around lens is black, making it harder to see from the outside looking in. The 'C' stands for capacitor, which I had an mentioned in an earlier post about why I bought the unit I did. In Florida you don't want a unit with a battery, the heat inside the windshield can make them explode. Here's a link to a G1W-CB Amazon.com : Black Box G1W-CB "Black Bezel" Capacitor Model Dashboard Dash Cam - Heat Resistant - Full HD 1080P H.264 2.7" LCD Car DVR Camera Video Recorder - WDR 140° Wide Angle 4x Zoom with Motion Detection Night Vision G-Sensor - NT96650 + AR0330


I decided against the G1W-CB because it's fairly good size, it's probably 3 times bigger than the one I have. The best way to judge for yourself is to go on Youtube. There are hundreds of dashcam reviews, comparisons and side-by-side video from the units. Also, on Amazon there are many good written reviews.

There is a fellow in England that goes by the screen name 'Techmoan', and his indepth review of the B40 A118 unit that I bought sold me on the product. Here is his review https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R3eDXKLNLys&list=PLFB79814F24001328&index=39

Techmoan also has many great reviews on just about everything electronic, on dashcams alone he has 42 video reviews. Check him out from the link above.

Thanks for sharing the info John W!! How did you mount the camera? Suction mount to the windshield or something else?

If you get one of those units like the G1W-BC mentioned above, the suction cup is the best way. The B40 A118 that I use, comes with adhensive and sticks to the inside of the windshield near the top, right behind the rearview mirror is best. See the Techmoan's review from the link above, he gives good visual info on how to mount it.

[Barefoot]

Whew! I drive a white convertible but it wasn't me in the video. I was driving on Morse Friday and someone stopped in the inside lane and just sat there while trying to decide what to do. They still didn't get right

On Saturday afternoon we were driving to Brownwood (south on Buena Vista).
A man was stopped in the roundabout. He was standing outside his car reading a map. :ohdear:

[villagetinker]

I am surprised he survived..............

[Jazzper]

Yes, I was wondering the same thing? Just curious about why you would want to record. Actually, would come in real handy should you have an accident.

In Florida at least, I don't think you can go running to court with that type of video since it is a two-party consent state:


http://www.rcfp.org/rcfp/orders/docs/RECORDING.pdf
Florida Recording Law | Digital Media Law Project (http://www.dmlp.org/legal-guide/florida-recording-law)

It's definitely a neat device though and the video quality is much better than expected at that price.

[beachx4me]

Loved the music. Looks like someone needs a crash course in Driving 101. (Before there is a crash)

[Walter123]

It is almost April. Continue to drive as if everyone else is crazy, because they are. There will be less traffic soon and many of the folks brand new to circles will go home. I want you all to be here once the high season is over.


Great webcam John. Thank you so much.

I was wondering when the snowbirds would be blamed.

[Walter123]

Either idiots or people who are not from around here. .

Hmmmmmmm. That's food for thought.

[jchase]

Sounds like John needs a job! Should apply at Neighborhood Watch!

[Barefoot]

I was wondering when the snowbirds would be blamed.

It will be interesting to see if the roundabout complaints disappear once snowbirds head north for the summer! :evil6:

[Mikeod]

It will be interesting to see if the roundabout complaints disappear once snowbirds head north for the summer! :evil6: I don't know about that. Most of my close encounters in the RABs have been with vehicles with FL tags!

[TNLAKEPANDA]

I ended up buying the Transcend Unit from Amazon. Small in size and really great video quality. Suction cup mount allows me to easily move it from car to cart.

[graciegirl]

I wish it was going a little bit slower so all folks who haven't been here could see the beautiful maintenance of our roadsides...and the flowers, and the interesting placement of the bushes and the lack of weeds and trash and the tall oaks with the moss and the lovely well kept homes.

It is so beautiful here. John has such good taste. I always enjoy when he shows pictures of inside his home too.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VNUrsIcSSZU&feature=youtu.be

[looneycat]

video? Don't need one, I see this every day....unfortunately not just in TV.

[NotFromAroundHere]

Either idiots or people who are not from around here.

Hey, wait a minute!!!!! I don't even have a white vehicle!

[newguyintv]

You passed more cars on the road than a typical driver in a NASCAR race.

If other cars were obeying the speed limit of 35 mph you had to be speeding.

[KathieI]

When I am in a circle I am really paying close attention to the other cars and ready to move or break in a split second. What are people thinking about when they are driving.
God forbid they should have to around the circle again.


It will be interesting to see if the roundabout complaints disappear once snowbirds head north for the summer! :evil6:

Regarding the first quote, just yesterday that's exactly what I did. I couldn't get into the correct lane to exit the roundabout so I went around a second time. Big deal, I'm retired.

Barefoot, I think the snowbirds are gone, for the most part, but I'm noticing a lot more out of town plates than ever before and also noticing a lot more mistakes happening in the roundabouts in the past 2 days. What's up with that? Who can we blame now?

[TNLAKEPANDA]

SNOWBIRDS are not the problem.... Old people are. That should include just about everyone in TV. Be careful of the work trucks too!

[JoMar]

Isn't this where we blame the Developer...:)

[vinricci]

My wife doesn't call them roundabouts. She refers to them as
"CIRCLES OF DEATH "

[Sandtrap328]

I am still trying to think of WHY someone would have a dashboard video camera.

[Hummintwo]

Hey John, Love the video - too short. I beg to ask, why you were in the left lane wizzing by at speeds that exceeded 35 mph. Let me give you the benefit of a little court room observations (I was a Bailiff). When you think you have seen and heard it all; you haven't. Typically, when a defendant pleads not guilty, the Officer that wrote the ticket receives a subpena to provide video where possible, written notes, and sworn under oath statements. Most often left lane drivers receive the most citations for speeding, following too closely, failure to provide lane change signaling.

This does not exempt the right lane drivers. The right lane drivers may decide to exceed the speed limit because they yield the road to no man and refuse to allow a left lane (passing lane) driver to merge back into thru traffic. Speeding tickets for right lane greed won't impress a judge. Most of the time, the judge will show some mercy for first time offenders just because they needed to have their day in court. This is not network TV. It is reality with laws that are consistent for all but not viewed that way by the masses. Okay, Okay. enough said. Go safely and stay out of the left lane unless you are passing slower than speed limit traffic or making a left turn and don't forget to use turn signal (check to see if they are even functioning).

[billlaur]

Im lookin for it , whats the problem:22yikes:

[looneycat]

SNOWBIRDS are not the problem.... Old people are. That should include just about everyone in TV. Be careful of the work trucks too!

uh, the work trucks criss crossing lanes with trailers swinging aren't being driven, for the most part, by seniors...everyone is a danger to you on the road...soooo, if you're out tonight, on your bike, wear white...haven't I heard that somewhere? :$:

[TNLAKEPANDA]

I am still trying to think of WHY someone would have a dashboard video camera.

Because they can. Others just don't have an understanding or appreciation of technology.

[dietpepsi]

you are violating copyright laws by using songs,, unless you have paid BMI or ASCAP I would be take that down,(or just remove the music),, is cute,,but you cant do that,, many do,, at times YOUTUBE will remove it if they get a notice,, and they do patrol it,, good luck,, if they catch you they will give you 2 or 3 chances,, then they get a bit in a hissy,, do not mean to pee on your cherrios,, just letting you know

[tomwed]

Great video.
off topic
How do you embed a video in a post not just a link? Gmail does that automatically. I see others do it on TOTV. I'm hoping they answer.

[dplars]

JohnW, bought a dash cam similar to yours, having trouble maintaining power to it, don't know if its me or the cam. Could I get you to look at it. I live in Santo Domingo and will meet you at your convince Dave 259 0648

[John_W]

Hey John, Love the video - too short. I beg to ask, why you were in the left lane wizzing by at speeds that exceeded 35 mph. Let me give you the benefit of a little court room observations (I was a Bailiff). When you think you have seen and heard it all; you haven't. Typically, when a defendant pleads not guilty, the Officer that wrote the ticket receives a subpena to provide video where possible, written notes, and sworn under oath statements. Most often left lane drivers receive the most citations for speeding, following too closely, failure to provide lane change signaling.

This does not exempt the right lane drivers. The right lane drivers may decide to exceed the speed limit because they yield the road to no man and refuse to allow a left lane (passing lane) driver to merge back into thru traffic. Speeding tickets for right lane greed won't impress a judge. Most of the time, the judge will show some mercy for first time offenders just because they needed to have their day in court. This is not network TV. It is reality with laws that are consistent for all but not viewed that way by the masses. Okay, Okay. enough said. Go safely and stay out of the left lane unless you are passing slower than speed limit traffic or making a left turn and don't forget to use turn signal (check to see if they are even functioning).

Thanks for the heads up. I don't want to sound like a smart alec, but I got my driver's license in St. Petersburg (the place Johnny Carson called 'the town walking dead') in 1965 and have never had an accident in almost 49 years. I did lay a motorcycle down in 1975 in Largo, Florida but no serious injury on my part (I had on shorts and a t-shirt, so road burns on both legs and arms did put me out of commission for a while).

I admit, I do have a lead foot, but my last ticket was in 1988 and that was in Georgia, which is a place that is hard for anyone to avoid getting a ticket. I wasn't just passing through but lived there for 7 years.

Turn signals are also my biggest pet peeve. I don't make a turn without putting on my turn signal at least 100' before changing to the turn lane. I laugh at people everyday that put on their turn signal after they've entered the turn lane. It's to signal to other drivers your intentions, not to tell us what we already know. The road is full of people who have a serious lack of driving skill or knowledge of the road, but we already know that.

JohnW, bought a dash cam similar to yours, having trouble maintaining power to it, don't know if its me or the cam. Could I get you to look at it. I live in Santo Domingo and will meet you at your convince Dave 259 0648

I really don't know what to tell you. My car is a 2013 and has no lighter, I have two 12v accessory sockets on the center console. I ran wires from my GPS and my dashcam to the sockets. When the car engine turns on, both gadgets turn on themselves, when I turn off the engine they both shut off. Check your connections at the camera and the socket. I don't have any other clue to what can be the problem other than a defective camera.

[kevmo]

Thanks for sharing the video John. What strikes me is that the video is a great testament for the value of roundabouts. With 100% of the 2 cars ahead of you screwing up as they entered the roundabout, no one got hurt! Roundabouts force all cars to move at such slow speeds that you will never have the tragic result of being broadsided by someone running a red light or stop sign.

Can I have an Amen for Roundabouts?!