DIY Blackvue DR400G-HD/Power Magic Pro Dashcam

[subiestar]

How do you guys update the firmware?

I followed the steps where I formatted the micro SD card using SD formatter, then I run the "DR400G-HD_v1.038E(2012_0228)_Patch_Setup0" executable. It successfully installed the new updates in the SD card. But when I insert it in my Blackvue and powered it up, it said "Different version detected" or something like that. And it never updated the new firmware

[F1point4]

Originally Posted by subiestar

How do you guys update the firmware?

I followed the steps where I formatted the micro SD card using SD formatter, then I run the "DR400G-HD_v1.038E(2012_0228)_Patch_Setup0" executable. It successfully installed the new updates in the SD card. But when I insert it in my Blackvue and powered it up, it said "Different version detected" or something like that. And it never updated the new firmware

Do you have the Version 1 or the Version 2 camera. I believe 1.038 is for Version 1 cameras only. If you have the version 2 then you need different software. Let me know if this is the case and I will send you a link to the version 2 firmware.

[F1point4]

Getting my DIY on some more. Felt like my camera was getting too hot so I was inspired by this post to to help cool the unit down...

http://forums.redflagdeals.com/merge.../#post14459725



I purchased Akust heatsinks from Microcenter. They come with thermal tape to stick onto the camera.
http://www.microcenter.com/product/3..._Chip_Heatsink

20121207_BlackvueHeatsink-01 by VictorN07, on Flickr


When I took it apart, there was an RF Shield with a piece of foam stuck on the back of the camera sensor. I took that off, cleaned it with 91% alcohol and stuck the heatsinks on.

20121207_BlackvueHeatsink-02 by VictorN07, on Flickr


The heatsinks were larger than the ones in my inspiration post. I was also lazy so I took a shortcut and split the entire back case in two. The small piece is held in with two screws, and the large piece is held in with screws and clips.

20121207_BlackvueHeatsink-03 by VictorN07, on Flickr


20121207_BlackvueHeatsink-04 by VictorN07, on Flickr



My only real concern is that the the heatsinks will fall off because they are just taped on. I think it'll be okay since these heatsinks will stay on video card memory hanging upside down.

Let's see how it does!

[subiestar]

Originally Posted by F1point4

Do you have the Version 1 or the Version 2 camera. I believe 1.038 is for Version 1 cameras only. If you have the version 2 then you need different software. Let me know if this is the case and I will send you a link to the version 2 firmware.

I got the v2 (at least that's what my local retailer told me). If you could send me the v2 link, I'd appreciate it.

[F1point4]

Originally Posted by subiestar

I got the v2 (at least that's what my local retailer told me). If you could send me the v2 link, I'd appreciate it.

PM sent

[DaJo]

If we ran these Magic Pros into our fuseboxes, it shouldn't void any electrical warranty right?

Also, when you start driving again... Does the camera sense that you are moving for it to enter back into "Normal Mode" or does it sense the power voltage going back up from the car turning on?

I'm kind of on the edge of getting the Power Magic Pro... Thanks!

[flatline]

Those of you with more experience in this area, would you recommend for or against picking up a Blackvue from an Amazon vendor?

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/BlackVue-DR400G-HD-Recorder-Worldwide-Express/dp/B00681UKFU/"]Amazon.com: BlackVue DR400G-HD Car Black Box/Car DVR Recorder GPS 16GB +Worldwide Express: Car Electronics[/ame]

You can also get the Power Magic Pro from the same vendor

[ame="http://www.amazon.com/BlackVue-vehicle-Battery-Discharge-Prevention/dp/B008B8ERIO/ref=pd_sim_e_1"]Amazon.com: Power Magic Pro BlackVue vehicle Battery Discharge Prevention for Parking Mode (for BlackVue DR350, DR300G and DR400G HD): Car Electronics[/ame]

I don't have a lot of experience dealing with eBay or the like to get this stuff from overseas.

[DaJo]

Originally Posted by flatline

Those of you with more experience in this area, would you recommend for or against picking up a Blackvue from an Amazon vendor?

Amazon.com: BlackVue DR400G-HD Car Black Box/Car DVR Recorder GPS 16GB +Worldwide Express: Car Electronics

You can also get the Power Magic Pro from the same vendor

Amazon.com: Power Magic Pro BlackVue vehicle Battery Discharge Prevention for Parking Mode (for BlackVue DR350, DR300G and DR400G HD): Car Electronics

I don't have a lot of experience dealing with eBay or the like to get this stuff from overseas.

I've heard that there are different versions of these softwares in the BlackVues, just make sure you get the North American English version and not the Korean one...saves you the trouble...

[subiestar]

So it seems like there's different versions of the Power Magic Pro as well. The cut-off voltage settings described in @F1point4 guide are 11.1v, 11.4v, 22.2v, and 22.8v.

The Power Magic Pro I got has 11.8v, 12v, 22.8v, and 23.2v cut-off settings.

I'm going to try 11.8 and see how it goes.

[DaJo]

Originally Posted by subiestar

So it seems like there's different versions of the Power Magic Pro as well. The cut-off voltage settings described in @F1point4 guide are 11.1v, 11.4v, 22.2v, and 22.8v.

The Power Magic Pro I got has 11.8v, 12v, 22.8v, and 23.2v cut-off settings.

I'm going to try 11.8 and see how it goes.

Weird... I got the same version as yours...

[Thongpocket]

I'm just curious why everyone here wants a dash cam? Is it just to deter vandals? I think its a good idea, just curious about the motivation.

[DaJo]

Originally Posted by Thongpocket

I'm just curious why everyone here wants a dash cam? Is it just to deter vandals? I think its a good idea, just curious about the motivation.

Accident insurance claims (In cases where there are no witnesses), vandals, Hit & Runs...etc

[F1point4]

Yes. It also is good for recording stuff which doesn't happen to you. Like this


[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3SN8xF1Z7U"]2012-12-06_Accident.mov - YouTube[/ame]

[subiestar]

Originally Posted by subiestar

So it seems like there's different versions of the Power Magic Pro as well. The cut-off voltage settings described in @F1point4 guide are 11.1v, 11.4v, 22.2v, and 22.8v.

The Power Magic Pro I got has 11.8v, 12v, 22.8v, and 23.2v cut-off settings.

I'm going to try 11.8 and see how it goes.

After reading a few sources, they all claim 12.0v is 25% battery charge. And 11.8v is 0% charge. But then cars can normally crank as low as 10v.

I was gonna return my PMP, but now I think I'll keep.

BTW, if anybody is looking for Power Magic Pro with a lower voltage cut-off. Newegg has one with 11.6v, 11.8v, 22.8v, and 23.2v settings.