Model Year 20/21 VIOFO A229

[Naxterra]

Hi,

I am thinking about buying a dashcam after an hit & run accident, and VIOFO A229 Ultra has high ratings in Amazon, but I wonder how can I install cables to the fuse box properly to get the parking mode. I don't want to go to a Cupra Specialist service because most likely they ask more money than the dashcam's actual price. Also if you have any other dashcam recommendations, I can also consider them. I need both front and rear cams, no need for inner camera.

 

[James_R]

If you wire a dashcam to be live at all times (even using a permanent live in the fuse box) you'll end up draining the 12v battery.

I see it all the time and I assume it's the reason why VWG only supply dash cams that require an ignition live to run, but have a battery backup for parking mode.

 

[Naxterra]

If you wire a dashcam to be live at all times (even using a permanent live in the fuse box) you'll end up draining the 12v battery.

I see it all the time and I assume it's the reason why VWG only supply dash cams that require an ignition live to run, but have a battery backup for parking mode.

I see, then I will connect it lighter port only and don’t use parking mode. Thanks for the advice

 

[Steve-Formentor]

I see, then I will connect it lighter port only and don’t use parking mode. Thanks for the advice

Viofo do a hardware kit that disconnects the constant live if the battery voltage drops to prevent the battery going flat. I recently had a Garmin with a similar installation kit fitted and Parking Mode enabled. I have had no problems even though the car has sometimes stood several days between being driven.

 

[Naxterra]

Viofo do a hardware kit that disconnects the constant live if the battery voltage drops to prevent the battery going flat. I recently had a Garmin with a similar installation kit fitted and Parking Mode enabled. I have had no problems even though the car has sometimes stood several days between being driven.

In the Viofo's page I see this cable set. VIOFO Type-C HK4 Hardwire Cable For A119MINI2/A229 Plus/A229 Pro/A229 Ultra/A329/T130/WM1 8 piece set. Will this be enough to save the car's 12v battery?

 

[Steve-Formentor]

In the Viofo's page I see this cable set. VIOFO Type-C HK4 Hardwire Cable For A119MINI2/A229 Plus/A229 Pro/A229 Ultra/A329/T130/WM1 8 piece set. Will this be enough to save the car's 12v battery?

According to Viofo the HK4 kit definitely does provide protection against flattening the battery, see this link: https://www.viofo.nl/en/products/viofo-hardwire-kit-voor-viofo-t130 Not wishing to disrespect Viofo because I know they are well regarded but for tech like this I've always favoured Garmin, had several of their products over the years and whilst they might not provide the best spec for the money, their products have always been rock solid, dashcam in my last car owned for 10 years was still working perfectly when I sold it. Whatever make you choose I would suggest that you install a high endurance sd card such as Sandisk, standard sd cards tend to fail because of the heat and number of re-writes.