Thinkware U3000 (4K) Dashcam has arrived

[intensifi]

update 7/11/23: See post #20 for the debrief post installation, setup and operation.

Time to schedule the install.

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[SWO]

Curious if there's any interference from the windshield with the parking mode radar.

 

[Zigma51]

Curious if there's any interference from the windshield with the parking mode radar.

I am about to buy this same dash cam and I also wonder this.

 

[Mach-Lee]

Curious if there's any interference from the windshield with the parking mode radar.

The radar feature will be useless because of the metallic windshield coating blocking it. FCC docs say it's a 24 GHz (K-band) radar, so it won't interfere with the cruise radar which is 77 GHz, but it could interfere with the blindspot and forward lane sensors which I believe are also K-band.

Best to skip the radar dashcams IMO.

 

[tigers]

I installed the exact same one about two weeks ago but sadly had to return it last weekend since it began failing in all sorts of weird ways including inability to record and failure to connect to my phone.

But when it did work, it worked great and the video was top notch. Hopefully the replacement one lasts longer, LOL.

 

[The Electric Duo]

I installed the exact same one about two weeks ago but sadly had to return it last weekend since it began failing in all sorts of weird ways including inability to record and failure to connect to my phone.

But when it did work, it worked great and the video was top notch. Hopefully the replacement one lasts longer, LOL.

We're waiting on a review unit from Thinkware and they said the delay is due to some quality control issues. So at least it seems they are aware of some bugs and can hopefully fix them.

 

[intensifi]

We're waiting on a review unit from Thinkware and they said the delay is due to some quality control issues. So at least it seems they are aware of some bugs and can hopefully fix them.

I have the gear to bench test this unit before the install. Any ideas on test sequences?

 

[intensifi]

I installed the exact same one about two weeks ago but sadly had to return it last weekend since it began failing in all sorts of weird ways including inability to record and failure to connect to my phone.

But when it did work, it worked great and the video was top notch. Hopefully the replacement one lasts longer, LOL.

You had a U3000 two weeks ago? I was under the impression they just started shipping.

 

[tigers]

Yeah, I got it from https://www.blackboxmycar.com/ who shipped them the week of 6/3 if I recall. I've bought a number of dashcams from them over the years.

You had a U3000 two weeks ago? I was under the impression they just started shipping.

 

[tigers]

Ours had all sorts of issues. Here's the list I sent along when I sent it back for RMA:

• No longer able to connect to the camera via the app. After the initial install, the app connection worked most of the time but after about a week it no longer connects to the app and complains of SD card issues (see below). When attempting to connect via the app, it just says “Bluetooth Connection Failed”. This is on an iphone 13 pro max with ios 16.5. Verified that Bluetooth was on and additionally tried deleting and reinstalling the app.
• Camera no longer recognizes SD cards and either complains that they aren’t formatted or that there is an error with them. Tried formatting them via the camera (by holding the REC-Wifi button) or formatting them with a computer, however nothing worked. Tried both ExFAT and FAT32 file systems.
• When camera did work, about 2/3 of the video files recorded were unplayable. The unplayable files were tried in both VLC and the macOS native video player.
• The record and wifi lights will sometimes randomly turn off then back on.
• The GPS light no longer turns on.
• Occasionally the camera will get into a loop of repeating “Have a safe drive today”
• Camera is hardwired installed in a Ford Mach E to a Thinkware battery. However, the above symptoms were noted on both the battery connection and via the cigarette lighter connection.
• Temperatures have been mild and never reaching more than approx. 75F/24C
• Tried resetting via holding the rec-mic button as well as pushing the reset button on the side of the camera.

Basically: test that the files aren't corrupt (most of ours were) and that you can reliably connect via the app.

I have the gear to bench test this unit before the install. Any ideas on test sequences?

We're waiting on a review unit from Thinkware and they said the delay is due to some quality control issues. So at least it seems they are aware of some bugs and can hopefully fix them.

 

[SWO]

The radar feature will be useless because of the metallic windshield coating blocking it. FCC docs say it's a 24 GHz (K-band) radar, so it won't interfere with the cruise radar which is 77 GHz, but it could interfere with the blindspot and forward lane sensors which I believe are also K-band.

Best to skip the radar dashcams IMO.

Thanks. That's what I was afraid of.

 

[AliRafiee]

Get one of these and install it in 15 minutes.

https://dongar.tech/products/ford5pin

 

[jason330i]

We've got two U1000s across two EVs. Been working great for us.
?

 

[Neil4Real]

The radar feature will be useless because of the metallic windshield coating blocking it. FCC docs say it's a 24 GHz (K-band) radar, so it won't interfere with the cruise radar which is 77 GHz, but it could interfere with the blindspot and forward lane sensors which I believe are also K-band.

Best to skip the radar dashcams IMO.

This radar feature is different than other radars where it tells you if a speed gun is detected? I've been wanting to get one of those in my car, would that still work? Assuming I'd have to place it on the black dots.

 

[Mach-Lee]

This radar feature is different than other radars where it tells you if a speed gun is detected? I've been wanting to get one of those in my car, would that still work? Assuming I'd have to place it on the black dots.

You're talking about a radar detector, yes those have to be placed in the black dots so the radar can get through. There are several topics on the forum about radar detector mounting if you search.

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