KooshLog: Drive Recorder

KooshLog: Drive Recorder

As a follow up to the previous post above, I got myself a cheap Drive Recorder (aka Car DVR). The gadget cost me S$99 from Giffy Gifts.

This nifty thing is supposed to install on your dash and record everything that happens in front of you during your drives. Well, it works but is far from ideal. Here's a quick review:

Pros:

1. CHEAP!


Cons:

1. Field of view is too narrow (can't capture vehicles coming from your side until they are directly in front of you.

2. Resolution could be better. 320x240 is ok but 640x480 would be better at capturing details such as license plates.

3. There is no timestamp and the device does not have an internal clock. All recorded AVI files are timestamped 1/1/2004.

4. The device does not automatically start recording when power is supplied. This means you need to manually press the "ON" button, following by the "RECORD" button to start recording everytime you start your engine. Also, if you do not press the "RECORD" button to stop the recording before switching off your engine, some data may be lost when the power is cut off abruptly.

5. Mounting on the dash is not really ideal. Most of the time your dashboard and bonnet will be in the way. Best place to mount it is behind the rear view mirror.




Managed to mount it on the rear view mirror itself. In this position, buttons are accessible but I cannot see the status LEDs (i.e. power and the blinking recording LED). Anyway, I've attached a sample video clip captured from this device.