David RX450h

Yes, the ability to review recording via WiFi is an excellent feature. When time comes to renew mine, I'm going for the WiFi-enabled type. BTW, if you use Apple Mac, there an excellent app, developed by one of the members of DashCamTalk forum - far more advanced than the standard BlackVue Viewer for Mac: http://earthshinesw.com/mac-dashcam-viewer/

Hear-hear ... I've been using BlackVue cams for nearly three years now, got two in the RX and one in my little Merc. Mine are the previous generation, no WiFi, but still quite good, plus I got them running custom firmware, so the bitrate is up to 15Mbps on the front ones, and 12Mbps on the rear one in the RX. Some people have had overheating issues with these models - DR400G-HD II, but I never had any problem, even when I took one to Caribbean for three months, leaving it in direct sunlight for hours in the hired car ... Can't fault them.

Thanks, ah so the 10%+2 is not just an urban legend then? Is that only applicable to motorways or to national speed limits, with some exceptions (like 30 or 20 zones)?

I always thought the 10% + 2 mph formula was used, therefore making 79 mph the top speed for which you won't get stopped? Or is it just an urban legend - seeing that it will make 35 mph in 30 zone okay too, which is clearly not the policy? ...

Derek, There really is nothing to fit as such - you just stick the camera mount bracket to the windscreen near the rear view mirror and plug the power supply in your 12v socket (make sure it's the one that's live on ignition, not always) . The cable is very long, so easy to hide all the way from lighter socket to the a-pillar, then up and to the centre of the windscreen. I actually take a spare mount and power lead with me on long overseas trips and use the cam in hired cars - it's that simple (all you need is a new sticky pad). If you want to go for a hard-wired setup (and you really don't have to), then get your feed from the same 'live on ignition' socket - there's only the lead and fuse to hide, no separate PSU/converter. When mounting the holder, it's a good idea to hook the cam to any RCA video-in capable display, just to make sure it's the best position for the camera - the sticky pad is basically a single use and very strong bond - you'd need a new one should you decide to change the position of your dashcam.

Spot on Neil, and as Phil said, solar won't be any use for main batteries. I should learn to read posts thoroughly LOL But, still a good solution to keep 12V battery from going flat

Yes, good solution too, particularly for a large car, such as RX.

Didn't need that for RX (it might change), but for my little Merc I installed an always-on power socket and bought a 4W Solar Panel Trickle Charger - works great.

I'm with Ian here: BG44K actually makes a noticeable difference, and I only put BP Ultimate in my cars, unless it's an emergency (hasn't happened for years though).

Reversing Camera

Brilliant! Just emailed it to a very good friend of mine, who happens to be a deputy permanent secretary in a certain Commonwealth country with the Westminster political system ...

Should anyone with BlackVue DR400G-HD II camera be interested: I have successfully upgraded the firmware (from the official 1.040 English version) to increase the bitrate - actually, the new firmware gives control over bitrate used, so strictly speaking, one can decrease that too - from default 7Mbps to 12Mbps. Resulting video is of a noticeably better quality, and certainly an improvement on already high quality original recording settings; although inevitably, file size has gone up to about 90MB per minute, so 32GB card will handle just over 5hrs. PM me for details of firmware upgrade, if interested

The transformation is truly amazing. What a great job!

I don't think you can get a more detailed how-to :D

You're quite right, but it is still better than nothing :winky: ... plus, as far as I can see from TV reports, etc, most crash-for-cash scams take place in front of you. Nevertheless, I have actually been thinking about either fitting a second, rear-facing camera, or getting the feed off the parking camera recorded (probably easier to just fit a second dashcam). Of course, it would be much better to use the same high end type of camera, as they will essentially be synchronised (BlackVue gets its time/date from GPS), which is very important in case of an insurance dispute, etc. As to the cam holding records of an occasional autobahn-speed driving - I make a point of moving files from my BlackVue card onto a backup disc regularly, so that at any given moment it is only very recent data on it. Not that I have ever exceeded a prescribed speed limit on a motorway ... :eerrrmm: :shutit:

I'm sure it will be Tom :) The initial setup could be a bit complicated, as you need to run software first to input your preferred settings onto the card (e.g. voice over OFF, miles, UK time zone, etc), and then transfer these to the camera, but after that everything, including the electrical part, is very easy. Please let us know how you get on ...

Yes, I did - it was really easy, and I'm sure it'll be no problem to remove it to re-install in another car. On the other hand, the lighter socket lead, that comes with the standard kit, is very long, so shouldn't be a problem to hide it by going half way round the dash and up the a-pillar to the rear view mirror.

Yes, I've opted for a permanently wired one (power on ignition) because I don't like wires hanging around the dashboard, there is also an option to have it on even when ignition is off (with power management unit to prevent car battery going flat) - it's motion-activated, when in parking mode. You can, of course, just plug it into lighter socket, but it's very easy to fit the hard-wired option. The 12/24v just means it works with both types of vehicles (cars and HGV/caravans, etc). The BlackVue DR500GW is an excellent choice, I have DR400G v.II (no WiFi) and v.I before that, and they are great. Just be aware that, strictly speaking, it's illegal to attach [suction-mounted] devices to wipe area, it'll fail you your MOT, and, most importantly, this might defeat the purpose of having a camera to support one's insurance position, as having a device on suction-mount in wipe area is "dangerous driving" - see here: http://suction-mounted-car-cameras.blogspot.co.uk/ BlackVue fits behind the rear view mirror, so is perfectly legal.

It's just been discussed here: http://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/forum/topic/83668-car-dvr-sytems-car-cams/ While the iPhone with an app might be perfectly adequate, I personally prefer a more 'permanent' solution: a hard-wired, legally mounted camera, with recognised GPS accuracy and a high quality video output.

Have been using one for over two years now - was worried about crash for cash scams, etc... Tried quite a few, before settling on BlackVue DR400G HD (now in v.2) - http://www.blackvuehd.co.uk/BlackVue_DR400G_HD_v2.php Really pleased with the whole system, video and hardware quality, hard-wired kit, etc, etc. Also, the subject was briefly discussed not long ago here: http://www.lexusownersclub.co.uk/forum/topic/82542-dash-cams/ I'd be happy to go into more details if need be Just re-read your original message (should've done that to begin with LOL), and thought I better answer your questions: 1) what are your experiences with car cams? As above 2) Are they worth investing in, or a waste of time? I think it is well worth it, hopefully I shall never need it as a source of evidence, but it is better to be prepared. 3) Will having one/two fitted affect my insurance? I didn't get any direct discounts, but then I didn't ask, to be honest. 4) Are they easy to install, with non or few wires hanging about? Very easy - no wires hanging about the dash (I can't stand that); the hard-wired kit is fused, and of very high quality. The BlackVue camera, unlike most others, that come with inline power supply (a little box which is a nightmare to hide), has the power converter inside the camera, so nothing but wire to deal with. There's only about 2" of wire visible coming from the top of windscreen and into the cam - that's it. 5) Best place on screens to fit them. Actually, to stay legal in the UK at least, the camera cannot be suction-mounted within the wipe area. BlackVue is fixed behind the rear view mirror, so is perfectly legal. 6) Is there a model that you would/wouldn't recommend? As above Hope this info is of some use.

Many thanks to OP and others - I've just added this seller to my blocked users list

I use Ring Automotive RAC640 compressor, which seems to be pretty accurate.

I've tried quite a few different ones, settled on BlackVue DR400G-II HD - good quality and Mac OSX viewer...

I have replaced all internal bulbs in my other car with LEDs / SMDs and dimming works just fine - you need to buy "CANBUS" compatible ones and you'll be alright.

Wow that is a nice little Gadget for the price and the insurance saving potential the thing will make a profit in a couple of years. However I would like a discrete installation so the cigarette light jack doesn't appeal. How did you install yours and did get a chance to track the car when it was abroad? Lastly are you a Linux dude? That penguin... O_o This tracker actually comes with a hard-wiring set, even got its own splash-proof fuse, so I hard-wired it and put it inside the top rear spoiler (Mercedes A-class) - impossible to spot, the only disadvantage is I can't see the unit (well, no one can) , so indicators are pretty useless. It works fine through the thin plastic, only this car never was abroad ... I do check it often when I'm myself away though - as long as you can receive a text, you can track it. You send a query text and it replies with coordinates - position shows up in Google Maps or similar. Yes, I still play with Linux when I have time, even though my main systems are OSX. Linux is like a first love ... can't forget ;) Actually, I might bring some back into action - will be looking into a SCADA setup soon, and there are a few nice ones out there. That'll be fun!