Thinkware U3000 Overview and Giveaway

[@aaoaaa]

Thank your efforts. Looking forward for the next video detailing the picture quality issues that makes the older U1000 and A139 pro have much better picture quality than this premium and expensive product

[@davidluong5651]

Helpful video, I just got myself a U3000 front cam and trying to learn what it can do.

[@Dalrae]

wow looks like a great dashcam. Love the radar addition!

[@VortexRadar]

haha yeah, nice to see companies trying something new and beneficial instead of being just another recording box on your windshield, haha.

[@TheCoolTeam]

Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!

[@VortexRadar]

👍👍

[@aaoaaa]

Which mobile hotspot you recommend to have in the car, just to have the dashcam connected 24/7, considering that I will connect it to the battery pack. Something with a strong reception and low power consumption and not locked to a specific US mobile carrier

[@utsavratti]

Is it worth upgrading from the U1000? Can I use the same mount and hardwired power connection?

[@adamnowak276]

Do you know anything about Thinkware T700? It's a LTE dash cam like DR750X LTE. I'm about to choose one of those and can't decide. I was quite a happy owner of DR750X 2ch on my previous car, but I'm wondering, if Thinkware might be a better option or not.

[@overlanding21]

I have a Jeep Wrangler and my windshield is near 90 degree angle, would the camera still rotate to the point that it would work with the wrangler windshield?

[@ThatCleanMT]

I’m very happy with the U3000. I replaced my years old U1000. My only gripe with it is that I hate that angled barrel power port that they keep using. It’s annoying and makes installation applications a bit sloppy.

[@VortexRadar]

I agree that it'd be nice to see them change that. What are your thoughts on the upgrade? I'm gonna swap out my mom's U1000 for a U3000 this coming week and so it's fresh on my mind.

[@envyx952]

I have been using the U1000 for 3 years. Recently the parking mode stop working. I am thinking about upgrading to the U3000. Hopefully it will not have the same issue.

[@BillBarnum]

What are the advantages and disadvantages of using the CPL Filter that comes with the U3000?

[@doug4500]

I just installed this system in my car . Install was fairly easy . Having problems getting connected to cloud and connecting to Wi-Fi hotspot. I do have a ticket in with THINKWARE support. Awaiting response. Will provide update once resolved

[@jamesorr214]

Me too. And the longer I have to wait, the more comments against the U3000 I seem to be able to make. Thus far the best thing I can say about the U3000 is buy a Blackvue or something else. Cloud is problematic (doesn't work at all for me) which was 50% of the reason why I bought it. Support seems useless. 1 star product at 5 star price.

[@KumiOriFarm]

I'm still looking for a good option that would additionally record a police officer at the driver or passenger window. Perhaps with a swiveling lens.

[@CarolinaDreamerAutomotive]

Lack of HDR to utilize the Starvis 2 sensor full capabilities is questionable. What else is Thinkware omitting in the software/hardware experience. The A139 and mini 2 are the "clear" Starivs 2 choices at the moment

[@nizarnabhan7573]

It is a nice quality to have, but I was wondering why they didn't make it to workings to 4 channels to install extra right & left to also the inside cam

[@VortexRadar]

No dashcam does everything. There are 3-4 CH options natively, you can DIY it, etc. This is already an expensive dashcam. Imagine how much it’d cost if you make it a 5CH setup. You also run into issues with pushing a lot of data, overloading the memory card, etc.

[@wolfusa2002]

Hi! Are the connectors the same? I have a U1000, and am wondering if I have to re run all my working or if the power cable will work as well as the rear camera. Thank you!

[@VortexRadar]

Same power cable, new front/rear cam cable

[@stephendavis3710]

Hey I need advice so I have a reserve parking spot that people I guess like to take to the point where they started slashing my tires am on my 5th tire and I really need a dashcam to catch them in the act money not a problem just want something that can get most angles with good footage

[@Kal-el23]

As someone else asked I’m curious about the motion detection recording. My concern is how short it is and if it would miss someone lurking around the vehicle. For example, if it does 20 seconds of recordin what if somebody is lingering for more than that time? How good is the radar at continuing to pick up the motion? There are gaps with my van true element two, it records for 30 seconds and even if there is significant motion after that, it doesn’t seem to go back into motion detection immediately as if maybe there is a cool off period.

[@VortexRadar]

Those are excellent questions. I’ll definitely cover that in the full review. 👍

[@Kal-el23]

@@VortexRadar It would be great to see that done in real time. I never really see people showing how motion detection works on these dashcams beyond the first detection, i.e. what subsequent detections looks like in capturing an entire incident and seeing if there are indeed gaps due to a 'cool down'. Vanture for instance says there's something like a 5 second 'out of motion detection' and 5 second 'into motion detection' mode or something. So you could potentially have a 5-10 second gap between when it finishes recording the first detected incident and the next. A good example of this is if you have someone parked across from you, motion detection may pick up them getting into their car, record for X amount of time, but then doesn't record them LEAVING (hence not getting their license plate IF required) due to a gap in motion recording. I guess maybe that is why people prefer timelapse mode instead.

[@xXMarkWadeyXx]

I've noticed that footage captured in the folder "motion_timelapse_rec" & parking_rec, the footage is juddering when viewing objects that are near and moving left to right, or right to left. The footage in the other folders "Cont_rec", "evt_rec" & "manual_rec" are playing smoothly. I think I could see the same juddering with some of the footage in this video?

[@egovorch]

Greetings, For these dash cameras that mount directly on the windshield, I was wondering how long they will usually remain fixed in place. With the extreme summer heat and UV exposure, it seems that the adhesive would get soft/melt and the dash camera would fall off the window. Just wondering if any of your videos have addressed that issue for long term users?....thanks again for another great vlog.

[@Turb0Yoda]

I’ve had a VIOFO on the windshield in multiple cars for 2-3 years in SoCal with 0 issue

[@ttww1590]

There is no issue to address with the premium cams. Clean the surface. Attach the mount (not cam) with moderate presure. wait a day and you're good to go. If you get a cheaper cam or need replacement tape get fresh stock 3m vhb.

[@Julian-nl7vv]

Had a Thinkware F800Pro for more than 4 years and it was fine.

[@Tristand09]

We've had some weird thing on our car for almost 21 years. The beating sun has never made it fall off.

[@drevildruid]

I have an Apeman on my windshield in Phoenix, AZ. The temps have been 118 F with no issue from the camera mount staying adhered to the windshield mount.

[@jajabor7614]

Hi, what after market hotspot are you using?

[@jameshypnoticdancer]

I have 800q, could not get cloud to work and originally bought because upgrades should use same mount and rear camera but 1000 makes upgrade everything

[@VortexRadar]

Yeah Thinkware has revamped their cloud features for the U3000 and Q1000. Setup, for example, is still a bit wonky, but overall things are a bit better now. Still not amazing, but I think better.

[@adamnowak276]

Do you get parking mode notifications in radar or energy saving modes? And one more question: I had DR750X and my car was parked in a car park near my apartment building, about 30 meters from my window (I live on the 3rd floor). The camera was able to connect to my wifi without having to resort to an additional router hidden somewhere in the car. Are Thinkware cameras also capable of getting the wifi signal from a distance of - say - 20-30 meters?

[@VortexRadar]

Energy saving mode saves power in part by shutting off all cloud and notification features. You’ll need to use a traditional parking mode to get notifications. I suspect that your Thinkware should offer similar WiFi strength to your Blackvue.

[@woyopol]

Thank you for your reply. How do I find out if there were any events during parking in radar/energy saving modes? I suspect the camera notifies me when I get into the car, right?

[@HAMMER_2.2]

So if i have a mobile hotspot in me vehicle (connected to an external batterypack for power), and am not using the Energy Saving or Radar parking modes, I can then get impact notifications? Is there any other way to have my phone alert me of an incident while parked, while taking advantage of one of the more advanced parking modes?

[@VortexRadar]

Right, then you'll get those impact notifications. If you'd like more detail regarding Thinkware's cloud features, they've got some info up here: thinkwarestore.com/thinkware-connected/

[@rinkopr5561]

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do a review on a RVM camera system with priority on its function as a replacement for an OEM rvm. Such as the Nexigo D90 or the Wolfbox G900

[@AlexAnder-ut9es]

Get Blackvue to get LTE built right in or wait til Thinkware catches up and releases their own LTE enabled cam. I did buy this one but without built in LTE support, it's a big miss.

[@Slamjam88]

If you have this dash cam set up with the traditional OBD install will the parking mode kill your battery or do you need an external battery?

[@VortexRadar]

Nope, I’ve been running it on OBD II for months and it’s lasted a long time. On my Audi opening the doors makes the dashcam think the engine has turned on for some reason which triggers the voice notifications, but it lasts a long time and is easy to install.

[@Slamjam88]

@@VortexRadar thanks for the information I really didn't want to buy an external battery at this time because they're super expensive and I don't park for that long when it's not in the garage. Is there any other good dash cams you would recommend over this one with an OBD2 port connector?

[@swilliams23]

The a119 mini 2 has the new Sony starvis 2 sensor. I thought I’d hear that information here first but a video from 9 days ago on a different channel popped up for it. I had to go through your vids to see if I missed it! Will you be reviewing that dashcam?

[@VortexRadar]

Yeah I’ve talked about it 2 months ago here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqariamPq5mbpsk You’re right that I’m very backlogged and trying to get through reviews. Funny enough I’m working on the A119 Mini 2 review as we speak and so it should be one of the next videos tonight go live once it’s ready. It’s great that other people can help get videos out sooner so you can get more info sooner, especially when I’m really busy. :)

[@shumat3]

What dash camera setup would you recommend to catch and record someone keying or scratching my vehicle. I can’t seem to find a reliable option. I’m willing to spend a decent amount of money on this. Thank you!

[@Kal-el23]

Interested in this as well and the primary reason why I got a dash am (due to a vandal keying a neighbors car). I currently have the vantrue element 2 which has a 30 second motion detection recording however, it’s been failing lately and shutting off so I’m looking for a new dash cam. I’m concerned with the low level of motion recording that some of these other dash cams have, and that it would potentially miss incidents.

[@shumat3]

@@Kal-el23The dash camera market is truly behind. I’m surprised that with all the advancement of technology dash cams still have all these problems and weird features that don’t always work. Ring Camera took a crack at it but I believe they failed due to the KZbin reviews I’ve seen.

[@Kal-el23]

@@shumat3 I think they focus more on things like heat retention and image quality which are the 2 most important things in their minds.

[@godisgr8466]

Great review Sir! Thanks. My only concern is whether the dash cam can tracked if stolen. I'm looking for a dash cam that can be tracked if stolen (GPS built-in) even when its battery is run out! What brand would you recommend, Sir?

[@VortexRadar]

That’s not how they work, sorry.

[@FrankQ-i8j]

Apple air tag, one of the best tracking.

[@ttww1590]

Lack of HDR seems disappointing and confusing. Sad they still don't let you customise audio alerts.

[@VortexRadar]

Yeah both of those are a bit surprising. There's a couple other things I want to mention in the full review as well.

[@chefgav1]

@@aaronmoore3050HDR on a starvis 2 at night is a must

[@jackdominiak445]

I'm no expert, however I've read HDR is not very good for moving footage, seems to me they have overcome that with the CPL filter, at least that's the way it looks to me?

[@kelvingil]

Thanks for this video... Does it use the same cables as U1000?

[@VortexRadar]

The power cable is the same, but the front/rear cable is different.

[@kelvingil]

@@VortexRadar Thanks for the reply, that's not good news for me, since I ran the cables inside the roof of my car

[@douglasman2181]

How do u guys compare U3000 with Blackvue DR970X lte?

[@VortexRadar]

I compared them here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqariamPq5mbpsk

[@PanzerPlatform]

I just have one question for the upcoming review. It is it really “2000” better? I guess U2700 would sound weird. lol

[@VortexRadar]

lol

[@gsgs856]

since July until now Thinkware connected still cannot registration

[@Blue84Stang]

Does this work with the multiplexer?

[@VortexRadar]

I don’t believe so

[@Rcmiller]

I am currently still using an 800 , I notice you review different brands why do you think Thinkware is good , I have thought of changing brands but haven’t decided. Thanks.

[@VortexRadar]

Their specialty is low power long term parking recording. Their reliability is pretty good too. Video quality tends to lag behind the competition though.

[@Rcmiller]

I hate ask what’s one with better video , one thing is slow sometimes. I am taking about my 800. Thanks.

[@VortexRadar]

The Viofo’s are my go to pick for that. Here ya go: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pKPZhat5eqeVm80si=D3VD_5J4-DmR3qjY

[@idahmad208]

I want a 4k dashcam without the extra features like in the U3000. My car already has more features than u3000. Also, parking recoding is essential. Please do you have any suggestions?

[@VortexRadar]

You bet. That's what this video is all about: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqariamPq5mbpsk

[@formetoknow540]

Viofo A139pro

[@jamesorr214]

Does anyone know what the problem is when trying to register a U3000 on the Thinkware Connected app? Thought I'd ask because Thinkware don't seem to know.

[@jamesorr214]

So, if anyone is having issues with the Thinkware Connected app and doesn't want to waste 5 days working on this, here is a possible solution: 1. Do not try this on home wifi. 2. Do not try this if you have poor mobile/cell reception. 3. Park under a mobile/cell tower and proceed. It will likely work just fine. To say that this has been 5 days spent in frustration understates things. The error of "Check the certification number and try again" is incorrect. It is a networking error and is caused by a) using home wifi or b) poor mobile/cell phone data connection - could be connectivity or speed. I've gone from rating the device as a 1 star experience to perhaps a 3 star. Incorrect error messages and the essential information of you must use mobile data to complete the registration being some of the reasons why. Also, tech support seem focused on all the issues being with the user and literally having no clue as how to progress this issue further. At least here in Australia. Land of crap mobile/cell phone reception. @vortexradar

[@anilaba1982]

Does it have anti-shake feature for while driving on old roads?

[@VortexRadar]

Nope

[@sdfasdfvccvvc]

Parking mode features are pretty neat, but the video quality (looking at the samples in this video) is pretty meh, especially without HDR.

[@NathanE808]

2:31 thats a big diff in video quality

[@ShawnD1027]

Me with my newest car being an '88: "OBD2 connection, LOL!"

[@Kal-el23]

What is your current go-to dashcam or favorite?

[@VortexRadar]

Right now the Viofo A139 Pro. You can check out the full review if you like.

[@Kal-el23]

@@VortexRadar I was looking at the one as well but a bit turned off by the 1080p rear camera. ;\

[@Kal-el23]

@@VortexRadar Any specific reason why you prefer the a139 over say this new one or the Thinkware u1000?

[@VortexRadar]

Yep, and it’s explained here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bqariamPq5mbpsk

[@paulk.1703]

They need to add LTE and it will be really awesome dash cam. I love my U1000 that has very good quality but sometimes i want to minitor my car while parking as well that why Blackvue DR750X pls LTE came into play. But that dash cam footage quality sucks...

[@aaoaaa]

Sh**!!! I installed it today and i really hate how the wires are connected from the top side, not like the U1000 which was from the side. This resulted i the dashcam being in lower position and in your face since you have to make good space for the rear camera wire which is deaigned in a bad way too since the back side of the wire head is long and straight, not sideways. Is this really a premium dashcam!!! I am truly pissed off since I like my dashcam to be out of the way and semi-hidden. Please mention this in the next videos so customers become aware of this major design flaw

[@VortexRadar]

That’s a good point. Thanks for bringing it up. If you want it behind or under your RVM it’s okay, but if you want it pressed up along your headliner, yeah that is an issue.

[@aaoaaa]

@@VortexRadar exactly thats what i wanted to do, to make it all the way up pressing against the headliner. Another issues I found so far, the app is noticeably slow compared to Blackvue, and that you can’t turn off the button’s LED lights. Thanks for your efforts

[@Ronald7077]

In the rear the U3000 is 4k in the rear on Oct 2023

[@VortexRadar]

It’s a 2K sensor for the rear cam. That doesn’t change based on date.

[@eyefivedashcam]

Anyone end up winning this? Never saw winner announcement.

[@VortexRadar]

Announced on Facebook and Twitter, yeah. I’ve also added the winner’s name to the video description.

[@Fee.1]

Why don’t they make every dash cam in a “remote” style. I am trying to record theft not incentivize it with a big piece of tech in my windshield. 😑

[@degensweepers1114]

VIOFO a119 v3 is still best as camera

[@VortexRadar]

Yeah that’s an awesome entry level dashcam, agreed. The U3000 is on the other end of the spectrum in terms of features and capabilities though. :)

[@row0111]

$$$

[@formetoknow540]

I never win these sorts of give aways

[@awesomesauce8151]

I wanted a dash cam and finally got one on Amazon. Its the Redtiger F7NP and for the price(got it for $140ish) its gotbl what i, GPS, WiFi l, HDR, parking recording, rear camera and the video is good. No need to spend $600 on something like this anymore

[@VortexRadar]

So that’s not actually a 4K dashcam. It’s a fake 4K model that uses a 5MP sensor, not an 8MP one. That said, there are definitely cheaper options if you don’t need advanced parking mode options, cloud features, etc.

[@awesomesauce8151]

@@VortexRadar Yeah not a real 4k image unfortunately but for the price the image is good enough

[@formetoknow540]

​@awesomesauce8151 should of gone with a viofo A139pro

[@awesomesauce8151]

@@formetoknow540 No way. That thing overheats

[@row0111]

I love the expensive dash cam haters, always full of so much knowledge with their $100 bargain buys @@VortexRadar

[@neststewart4268]

The problem with all THINKWARE products is the connectivity. Or more accurately the lack of connectivity. THINKWARE products are absolutely useless.

[@MrRichardyc]

This dashcam has bad night shots, everything looks over exposed and all details are lost. I can't even tell the license plate # of this car drove by at 13-20seconds of this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/jnyWZ55pd6aAqqM

[@VortexRadar]

Its sensitivity is nice, but the lack of HDR leads to it struggling to capture plates, yeah.