VIOFO A229 Duo Test/Install/Review

arcenik · Oct 26, 2022

So, I have been wanting a new dash cam for my daily commuter, which is a Lexus CT200H. So of course, I picked up a new one for my Xrunner. I ended up getting a VIOFO A229 Duo it’s a 2k front and 2k rear video. It’s a slight upgrade from the one I took out which is a 2k front 1080P rear.

What I got:
A229 Duo – $220.99
64gb Sd card – $29.99
HK4 hard wire kit – $16.19
CPL filter - $14.39
Total $296.96

This is from their website, it’s actually on sale right now. They give you a few discounts too if you buy them all together.

They also sell it on Amazon for $259, it has a coupon for $40 off so it brings the price down to just about the same as the website. https://amzn.to/3z95RKS

It has pretty good reviews too

Both offer free shipping.

Having a dash cam previously I had all the wiring figured out.

I kept all the wiring in the headliner for a clean install

I got the B+ and Ground from the dome light and the ACC+ from the mirror.

Before the installation, I did some testing on the HK4 hard wire kit. The last black vue kit I had with my old dash cam would not turn off at the voltage that was selected. I ended up just setting it to not stay on. I can confirm the HK4 works in every voltage setting. It takes approximately 90 seconds of Under voltage before it shuts off the camera.

This in tandem with the parking mode timer works great. You have the option to run it as long as the battery is above a voltage or a preset time. It will shut down on whichever comes first. You can set the time for up to 8 hours. If you only want 8 hours as long as it is above 12volts just set the HK4 kit to 12volts and the timer to 8.

For me, I only want to run the camera for up to 1 hour. If I’m parked longer than that it’s usually at work or home which I don’t have to worry about. The 1 hour is perfect if I run to the store or other places.

I made a few videos showing the installation, settings menu, and app.

Just some quick YouTube videos.

CPL filter

I am glad I got this. The location of the radio in the 2nd gen makes it reflect off the windshield. The CPL filter will block most of the reflections. This is just a press fit, but you do need to line up the marking on the filter and lens. For best results I installed the filter then pulled up a live view on my radio (you can use your phone too) then I rotated the filter to block the reflection. I could not get it completely blocked but it is a 99% improvement. This should be done at night.

Video with and without the CPL filter.

Pro’s

2k front and 2k rear. I feel the rear is where you really need the higher resolution these days with all the hit and runs.

The HK4 hard wire kit is one of the best I have seen. The voltage settings work great and it is simple to install.

Simple one-wire hookup to rear camera. (this is pretty standard with most 2ch cameras nowadays

Simple setup with the app, it even works on my android radio.

Price, it is very competitively priced for a 2k front and 2k rear.

30FPS

CPL filter option

Con’s

Not really a con, but I am on the fence about the screen, for me, I am not sure if it’s really needed. I guess this is good if you don’t want to use a phone for setup.

The front camera is a little bulky, mostly because of the screen.

4k front would be better, they do make one but it costs slightly more and only has 1080p rear. As stated before I really like the 2k in the rear.

Only 30 FPS, 60 FPS would be awesome, but not many dash cams come with 60fps

My tint darkens the rear image at night. I might cut out a section to allow the camera to see.

Some footage of me diving.

I could not figure out how to upload in 2k so this is 1080p only.

Overall for the price, I think this is great with 2k front and rear.

Anyway. just thought I would post in case anyone else is looking to pick up a dash cam for their Tacoma. This one is reasonably priced, works well, and fits nicely.

If anyone wants to see different videos or has questions, let me know.