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VIOFO A229 Plus 2K Dashcam Single US$116.04 (~A$184.98), w/ Rear Cam US$157.69 (~A$251.38) Delivered @ VIOFO Official AliExpress

1180
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Looking into this for my car and seem to be quite cheap compared to deals already posted.

VIOFO A229 Plus 2K Dashcam: US$116.04 (~A$184.98AUD)
VIOFO A229 Plus 2K Dashcam w/ Hardwire Kit: US$124.58 (~A$198.60)
VIOFO A229 Plus 2K Dashcam w/ Rear: US$157.69 (~A$251.38)
VIOFO A229 Plus 2K Dashcam w/ Rear w/ Hardwire Kit: US$165.19 (~A$263.33)

Coupons change depending what you buy, I only listed the 2 for the 2 in title.

Check here for USD/AUD Payment

Original Coupon Deal

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Comments

  • +25

    Get the one with rear camera. Watch dash cam owners Australia if you need any reasons why

    • +15

      I did watch that and now I mount side cameras as well.

      • Are they mounted to your rear windows? If so, do you just never roll your rear windows down?

        • Rear windshield

          • @belongsinforums: I'm referring to the side cameras. My rear camera is mounted to my rear windshield.

            • @AlbiesDad: There are no side cameras, single rear only.

              • +4

                @Azro: I am referring to nightelves' comment where they mention they have side cameras mounted.

                • +2

                  @AlbiesDad: I think they were joking, but it’s a great idea!

      • +9

        Also need a 360 camera above the car like Google's streetview cars.

        • +1

          Yep, still waiting for someone to make this one. Seems like a no brainer.

    • +6

      Love that channel lmao

    • +1

      Yep, all my cars have front and rear just in case.

    • -1

      Don't know how to mount the rear. Need to rip all the inner covers around ceiling of car not familiar with such process etc.

      • The other is to run it on the floor by removing the trims by the door fame. thats where most of the other factory wiring is.

      • Mine runs under the front seat. Not perfect but works

    • DAS US

  • Os it worth getting it with Aliexpress, unsure how good the warranty is

    • +2

      Personally, this is something I'd rather get from Amazon.

    • +20

      I had my old viofo die well out of warranty.

      Contacted support. Tried a few fixes which did nothing, I sent them back the old one to an Australian address and paid a $30 service charge and they shipped me a brand new one.

      They didn't ask for anything but the serial number and were amazing to deal with.

      • +3

        might contact viofo if thats the case
        my a129 duo just died after 5 years, after 2 minutes screen goes fuzzy then black and is burning hot

      • +3

        I vouch for support from Viofo, mine was out of warranty and they still offered to replace the rear cam for a $30 fee, very responsive.

        • Second this, as i had an issue with the rear camera. They sent me a new one.

      • Wish Blackvue would do that. Mine is about five years old and seems the image sensor has failed. They want a service charge between $100-$180.

  • -1

    $160 to install is a bit dear, but DIY hardwire seems a bit risky…hmm choices choices

    • +1

      i installed the cheap $32 temu one in my BMW, was very easy

      • +17

        High yield investment right there.

        • +4

          Most people with second hand European cars are broke, goes with the territory.

    • +1

      Not that difficult, just need to run the wire in the door seals to a fusebox on either side of the front of the car (depending on your car) and check the fuse diagram to see what fuses are accessory power (that are not vital i.e. airbags, traction control, ABS etc.) that stays on while the car is off, then get a tap-a-fuse from Jaycar and voila it's hardwired for parking mode :)

      • -5

        It’s not easy to do properly either. You should never run it via the door seals - guess where the airbags are.

      • +1

        Could you link to a tap fuse just to know I'm getting the right thing? Usually handy with this type of thing, but haven't done a tap fuse yet.

        I have a BYD so will try and see if I can fit it.

        • BYD normally uses Micro2, but you should always double check. Also, depending on your BYD, most models only have constant circuits in the interior fusebox.

          • @idd: Great thanks. Is the constant circuits an issue? Does that mean it won’t activate parking mode?

            • @JSONBourne: Correct.

              • @idd: You're amazing thanks for this. Always thought it was as simple as the fuse box. I'll do a bunch of research and have a go when it arrives. Thanks!

    • No joke, $160 to install is like paying for a new dash cam already (like some REDTIGER 2ch dash cams).

      • +1

        Where is this $160 for install coming from ? I can't find any references to it.

    • +1

      Thats a fairly cheap price. Took me 4hrs diy to install front and rear cams, with no background automotive knowledge whatsoever. Most of time was spent removing trims, and I broke some clips along the way. Hardwire kit and associated tools cost me around $50.

      Next time i would pay for a pro install, but it was a good diy experience though.

  • +8

    Just a quick tip I found - if you want just the VIOFO A229 Plus 2K Dashcam w/ Rear w/ Hardwire Kit - which only qualifies for the $20 credit - if you add $10 of other additional items from Aliexpress and then you will be able to get the $40 credit so it actually works out cheaper for you

    • +3

      Just be sure the website/app doesn't default to the AUAS40 code if using Cashrewards. You need to use CASHRE5. If you leave the cart to browse it seems to default back to the AU code.

  • +2

    Thanks OP. Got the 2CH with Hardwire kit, with the CASHRE5 $40 discount by adding a $6 item to get me over the threshold. Now let's see if CR honours the cashback.

  • Amazon have the Vantrue E1 Pro 4k dashcam for $220.

    • This one is one of the better brands, no idea about Vantrue.

    • Does it use a capacitor?

  • The Mini 2 is under $140 before discount, but I can't get the code to work…it says "For security reasons your request can't currently be processed.

    I'm definitely over the threshold…

  • +5

    Installed mine 3 weeks ago. The great thing about the 2K models is that they don't over heat (They still get hot in summer) but not burning hot like the 4K models. Also as the file sizes are smaller so they don't thrash your SD card. Get the polarised filter as well as the hardwire kit to enable parking mode. Set yje hardwire kit to 12.2 - 12.4volts to protect the car battery so it shuts off at that voltage without risking draining the car battery. It is absolutely needed for parking in Malls, side streets and driveways, too many hit and runs when cars are parked now.

    • whats polarised filter?

      • +1

        The filter reduces reflection, but your need to line it up correctly. Like put a piece of white paper on the dash, rotate the filter until the reflection of the paper is least apparent (it may not totally disappear).

        • +2

          You don't have to do the paper thing. There is a correct alignment white marker on both the dashcam and the filter lens to properly install the polarised filter.

          • @Dollar Dreamer: Geez! I didn't RTFM and assumed it needed the paper routine like camera CPL filters.

            I couldn't find the optimal position after trying for few minutes and took it off.

            Will put it back on. It was an influencing factor to buy the 4K as it included the filter (instead of pay $20 on top of 2K).

            I did at one point wondered the previous filter was square and incorrectly assumed they made it round to be rotatable as an improvement. :D

    • Polarised filter came with mine (but I did get the new model with two cameras and hdd support)

      • +2

        You got the 4K model which comes with one.

    • who do you get to install the hardwire?

      • -6

        Youtube if you have a few brain cells left and are a bit handy, if not, any auto electricial / audio installer.

        • +3

          Not nessecarily about brain cells, its a pita to do this in some cars, Ive done my own as well as paid people depending on the cbf factor

          • @Franc-T: It's not as difficult as it seems especially with so many Youtube tutorials. But yea, some cars are a PITA.

          • @Franc-T: It was a PITA to install in my Volkswagen. Heaps of trims with difficult clips to take off, broke a few clips in the process.

      • +1

        If you’re not comfortable working on a car or not very handy, I’d recommend against doing it yourself - YouTube is a great start, but you need to do your own research too. Most of the YouTube videos I’ve seen has done something wrong (either wired incorrectly, across/along airbags or fuse taps are installed the wrong way), I’ve seen so many examples of “professionals” doing it wrong too, maybe they also learnt it from YouTube.

        • +1

          Oh yea, grab the 2 fuse taps for your particular vehicle type (micro, micro2, mini etc) when ordering the hardwire kit, very important.

          • @Dollar Dreamer: Nope, that’s not what I’m referring to - you do know there’s only one orientation to install the fuse tap…right?

            • @idd: All explained in the tutorials if doing it yourself. It's not rocket science, it's the 1st thing that gets mentioned in all hardwire installs. But if you are uncomfortable and not able to follow instructions, get a pro.

      • @Truck-kun try Airtasker… Lots of reputable installers

      • Very easy if you just want to install a front camera without hardwiring (therefore no parking mode).

        Moderate if you want to hardwire, need to identify correct fuse, may even require spicing wires (some fuse box does not have clearance for a fuse tap).

        Can be difficult to clean install a rear camera if the car is a hatchback/van/SUV, because the door opens. You want to run wires through factory rubber conduit instead of having dangling wires, which requires to remove several panels in the cargo area and on the door to access both ends of the conduit.

        Speaking of which, most modern cars have sensors and electronics at the rear view mirror, it won't cost much to add an USB port there, it would really simplify a plug and play install. Both my Ranger and Everest have it, but apparently uncommon.

    • I’m not sure if you’re implying 4K models overheat, but more of an FYI for others - overheating 4K dashcams is not really an issue with the newer models.

      I regularly fit various branded 4K models for customers without complaints (yes, it does run hot). I also personally run a Thinkware U3000 and Viofo A229 Pro, the Viofo overheated 2-3 times out of the whole year, on the couple extremely hot days we had in Sydney - but at half the price of the Thinkware, it’s well worth it for it offers.

      For the voltage cut-off, it’s personal preference, but 12V cut-off is generally acceptable by the industry. 12.4V is too high where you’ll barely get any parking mode, rendering the feature useless.

      • +1

        Not worth the risk. The 2-3 times a year the 4K model overheated as you said, could have been the time you have a prang. Thinkware is better with heat management but too expensive. Budget 4K models are just not there yet with current video codec engines and chipsets, gets hot too quick. Newer and more efficient chips in 1 - 2 years will solve this for budget models. Currently 2K models such as this especially under $300 is better suited to Australian summer and is budget friendly.

        • +1

          I have one of this and an A329 and not seen it overheat at all to my knowledge.

        • I'm not here to change your mind. Like I said, more of an FYI for others to make their choices.

          Also, I've had a 2K Viofo A119 MINI 2 reguarly overheat when the weather got slightly too hot, might of been a faulty unit, go figure.

          • -2

            @idd: Mini. You have to compromise somewhere and that is heat dissipation and less air flow.This is not a Mini.

            • @Dollar Dreamer: Correct, we all have compromises and my original point to not rule out 4K models, as they don’t all overheat.

              • -2

                @idd: Like I said, this is not a Mini.

                • @Dollar Dreamer: You’re also not understanding the original intent of my reply (which is not necessary direct to you), so I will leave it at that.

  • should i buy in aud or usd?

  • Also get the 256GB Max Endurance Sandisk SD card (not the high endurance). https://www.amazon.com.au/SanDisk-Endurance-microSDXC-Adapte…

    • Recommend, but not a must-have, you can most definitely use a high endurance if budget is a factor - I’ve had a Samsung Pro Plus in one of my setups for the past two years (no errors, but touch wood) because I’ve been too lazy to swap it out for an endurance card.

      • +3

        The worst thing to do is trying to save $30 on an SD card in such a critical setup. Max Endurance card is designed for heavy vibration, shocks and heat. Just get the recommended SD card that Viofo recommends and that is the Max Endurance model. Thinking the Dashcam is working and at that one moment, when it doesn't or the SD card fails, you have an accident. Not everyone checks their SD card is working or not on every trip. This is one item no one should try to save a few dollars on and just get the Viofo recommended model; exactly as they say. (I know the skeptic in me also thinks maybe it's a business alliance to sell the expensive SD cards). In this case, not worth it to test that theory.

        • +1

          All SD cards will eventually fail and need replacing - most dashcams will give you symptoms when it happens. A Max card may get you more mileage, but it doesn't mean it won't fail. It's kinda of like going for a $70 Kmart blender vs a $500 Vitamix.

          I did say its Max Endurance is recommended, but we are on OzBargain and budget is a obviously major factor in most of the us here.

      • +1

        Viofo specifically does not recommend Sandisk High Endurance and Samsung Endurance Pro (Pro Plus/Ultimate maybe okay). They do however recommend Sandisk Max Endurance.

        https://support.viofo.com/support/solutions/articles/1900013…

        Some people have experienced slow card error when using the not recommend cards, appears to be an issue since A229 Plus (2K) and Pro (4K). So there is a speed difference in addition to longevity.

        • If you compare the Sandisk Max & High spec sheets, they both have the same read/write speed (same as Viofo too), operating temp and, advertised as shock/temperature proof.

          The only difference is the Max is designed to record longer, which is dependant on capacity too .

          I'm pretty sure the Samsung Pro Endurance is a card designed for dashcams, as opposed to the Pro Plus (but is working find for me).

          • @idd: I'm just saying there is the slow care error, and there are recommended and not recommended memory cards.

            Not here to argue the fine prints on a spec sheet.

      • Got to consider the warranty period too.
        Max = 10-15y
        High = 2y
        That alone tells you something about the durability of both.

        So if your Max fails in 10-15 years, make a warranty claim and get a replacement!

  • If I am installing with battery, do i need the hardware kit?

    • The hardwire kit will allow you to use the parking mode, otherwise it won't be an option. If you just want to plug it in to your car's 12v outlet, then you don't need the hardwire kit, but remember it'll switch off after a few seconds when you turn off the car

      • What if i am putting additional battery kit like Auto BlackBox CELLINK-NEO 8+s BATTERY PACK?

        • +1

          Be careful putting battery packs into your car, batteries do not like heat and can explode in those environments. Its part of the reason dash cameras tend to not come with batteries(unless you buy a very cheap one) and instead come with super capacitors so there isn't a battery baking in the cabin of your car whilst you are driving.

    • +1

      If you are installing with a dashcam battery with the dashcam, you will need the hardwire kit too in order connect to them with parking mode feature - otherwise there’s no trigger for the Viofo to go into parking mode.

      • yes i would recommend getting the Color Name: 2-Channel with HK4 since you are paying for the camera

  • +1

    Car is parked in parking station for 11 hours a day - will using parking mode drain the car battery? Is there an auxilliary battery that is recommended to ensure it can run?

    • Yes however you can configure the device so that it leaves enough charge for your car to start its engine.

    • Your parking mode duration depends on a various factors. But in general, a standard car battery most likely won’t get you 11hours a day in a parking station.

      You can either fit the dashcam with an additional dashcam battery (will also guarantee car battery is unaffected) or fit a Thinkware U3000 by itself, which is the only unit that will easily last a couple days at the moment.

  • Has anyone got one of these with a Snapshades front window shade?

  • +1

    I park my car at the train station 5 days a week, which is right next to a running trail so I anticpate quite a bit of motion/usage throughout the day - is it worthwhile getting an external battery pack?

    Can anyone recommend an external battery pack to go with this?

    • I would advise against an external battery pack, the whole point of these not having a battery within the cabin of the vehicle is to avoid head induced explosions.

      • +1

        Camera battery packs use lithium iron phosphate batteries, they are developed to withstand extreme temperatures.

        • -3

          Not always, you would need to confirm on purchasing

          • +1

            @doobey1231: There are battery packs specifically made to connect with dashcams and be stored in the car (Blackvue B130X, Cellink Neo8+ etc) - and not your standard portable packs, which is what theyre referring to.

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