Do you have an old Android phone you’re unsure what to do with? Turning it into a dash cam is an idea that could save you a lot of money.
A dash cam is a small camera that you can mount on your car’s dashboard to record video footage continuously while you’re driving. It comes in handy with evidence to prove your innocence if you are involved in an accident. Besides these practical uses, this device can also capture some fantastic and unexpected moments on the road and preserve memories of your driving experiences.
Your old Android phone already has a camera and only needs a little set-up to transform it. This is a fun project that can save you money by using a device you already have instead of buying a new device.
Requirements
Making a dash cam using an old Android phone doesn’t require a lot of things. Apart from the phone itself, you will need to install a video recording app on it. You should also get a USB charging cable for your phone and a car mount to hold it at an angle that allows it to capture footage of the road ahead.
The phone’s camera resolution doesn’t have to be the best. A device that can record 480p footage or above will do the job. The most important thing here is choosing the right video recording app. While it’s possible to use the native camera app on your phone, it can create unnecessarily large video files that can take up too much memory space. A specialized dash cam app is more efficient in its recording process.
One important feature to look for in a dash cam app is a “Retain” feature. This enables you to save a specified footage minutes before an event by simply tapping a button. The feature will help you avoid having to store lengthy recordings and minimize the amount of footage you need to review. However, it requires you to react promptly after something occurs. DailyRoads Voyager and AutoBoy Dash Cam are some of the best dash cam apps to consider.
Setting up your old Android phone as a dash cam
Installing your DIY dash cam is a straightforward process. First, secure the car mount to your dashboard or windshield. Then, put your phone on the mount, ensuring that it has an unobstructed view of the road. Finally, connect the phone charger to keep the battery charged and ready to record at all times.
Familiarize yourself with the app before hitting the road. You don’t want to be distracted by trying to navigate through the app while behind the wheel. Avoid the temptation to use it while driving because it is dangerous and most likely, illegal. To ensure smooth operation, configure the app, including specifying the amount of storage space and film time you want to keep in advance. With these steps, your dash cam will be all setup and ready to use.
Conclusion
While using a dash cam may not be thrilling most of the time, it can be useful in those rare, unexpected situations. Whether it’s an accident or any other unexpected occurrence, having video footage can provide valuable documentation. You can also use the device to create time-lapse videos of your travels.
