Any camera can arrive with misaligned Lens or other
hardware issue, when claiming damage, for return, exchange or refund its
always best to test the image quality and overall camera functionality
using the pre-installed firmware so vendor cannot claim you damaged it
with incorrect flash update. In other words plug it in turn it on and
record footage even in your hand indoors or out window then keep this
footage. Once Dash Cam passes your basic functionality tests install in
vehicle as per instructions especially the hardwire kit. At this point
if no Lens issues or obvious defects are noticed, you are advised to
install firmware v1.50+ (newest) for A129 Parking Mode support.
A small cabling upgrade was missed in designing the A129 4-clip GPS mount.
It was built with only 4 wire contacts, 2 for GPS signals and 2 for power,
the camera side miniUSB power port has 5, the extra 3 wires can conduct the
new Hardwire ignition signals. Its too bad the GPS mount didn't have
6-connector plate or dual 6-connector plates so both the power cable and
second camera could connect to mount for cleaner cabling.
The interior of vehicles in full
summer Sun can reach damaging temperatures for any device. In extreme temperatures avoid using WiFi or 60fps settings since each generate more heat than MODs.
Higher Bitrate MODs improve image detail and increase MP4 video clip size.
Most effective ways to reduce A129 Dash Cam heat is:
- disable WiFi
- disable Bluetooth
- avoid 60fps and use 30fps
- don't use Parking Mode in full sun for hours
- remove any external or internal tape blocking cooling vents
As part of regular Maintenance owners should :
- format microSD card every 2 months.
- reset Default Settings after each Firmware Update.
- always insert & remove microSD card while Dashcam is off.
To clarify the Lens FOV difference : currently the A129 is being sold with original wide angle Lens (approx 140FOV), but recently a narrower Field of View Lens (approx 135FOV) is being substituted. Both offer different views, color, clarity and focus. Based on past history I'm sure more new Lenses will be introduced in the future. My MODs don't change Lens Field of View, instead they change Sharpness which has different effects on each Lens type. The narrow FOV Lens seems to benefit by slightly higher Sharpness while the wider angle Lens works best with lower Sharpness. This is why some MODs are offered with two different Sharpness values. Until Viofo releases new Firmware with Sharpness Menu options "Soft/Normal/Strong" multiple MODs will be available.
