dash cam for my train recommendation

[Jaroon]

Hi guys,

I'm a train driver. My work is a little different from either passenger or tradition freight, basically I need to learn alot of different routes and though some videos exist I'd like to start my own collection. The two issues with camera choice are it will need to be able to run off battery as a 12v socket will not usually be available and second is budget. I don't need crystal clear clarity but it is basically for single use on a journey so I can review it at home and if I need a refresh if I don't get over the route or a while so I'm probably looking at a maximum of 15/20 hours footage a year so really don't want to spend loads. My company might reimburse me but I doubt it as then every driver will claim.

Any suggestions of other possible solutions gratefully recieved.

[untakenname]

A suction mounted dashcam or actioncam for portability and then a powerbank to plug the usb cable into.

I used to use a powerbank on one of my dashcams and it would record for a couple of days before running out of battery, a 200gb+ SD card is cheap these days and will easily record a days worth of footage.

[Gingernm]

Check which ever camera you buy for maximum memory card storage, lots won't recognise memory cards over a certain size, so no point paying for cards beyond maximum.

I have an apeman dashcam, bought from Amazon for @£30, that captures 1080hd. Small unit, comes with suction mount and memory card.

[STeve-ST]

currently using the nextbase 522gw as I did have the 612gw 4k version but found the 522 a step up in class and features far superior, hope that helps

[Jaroon]

Thanks for the help the use of a power bank is an obvious but great idea, cheers.

[AJB88]

Interested in what your driving as somebody who works in the industry?

[gmaz]

Look at action cams like this

https://www.amazon.co.uk/APEMAN-Action-Waterproof-...

or cycle cams as these will have more mounting options than a dashcam which is designed to be permanently stuck to a windscreen.

And yes a powerbank and large memory card should handle long journeys.

[Proteu5]

With power banks, you do need to be careful that the current draw isn't so low that it (the power bank) does not recognise it is charging something, and the turns off.

[Jaroon]

Proteu5 said:

With power banks, you do need to be careful that the current draw isn't so low that it (the power bank) does not recognise it is charging something, and the turns off.

Bugger, bought from amazon now. I guess I can just check this by having the camera fully discharged and see if it works from the power bank. Cycle helmet not a bad idea but winbdscreen mounted should not present an issue. Amazon are good for returns if I need to change it.

Appologies to the poster interested in what I drive but would rather not say as I've had a few stupid arguments on here over the years and my traction card would reveal my exact work place.

[Rick101]

I think most in the industry would be able to hazard a guess fairly easily.

Not sure if it's a recording is a regular thing drivers do, but I'd be checking with your Driver Manager whether is safe and permissible to have that sort of equipment in the cab.
If you are attaching it to the train in any way, I suspect the maintainer may have an opinion too.

I could certainly see potential risk. Worth checking out.

Edited by Rick101 on Tuesday 1st October 15:53

[Jaroon]

Rick101 said:

I think most in the industry would be able to hazard a guess fairly easily.

Not sure if it's a recording is a regular thing drivers do, but I'd be checking with your Driver Manager whether is safe and permissible to have that sort of equipment in the cab.
If you are attaching it to the train in any way, I suspect the maintainer may have an opinion too.

I could certainly see potential risk. Worth checking out.

Edited by Rick101 on Tuesday 1st October 15:53

Fair points, I am a driver manager and as a rule our customers (train manufacturers) are fairly accommodating, evaluating risk is a major part of my job, I am also a Test Train Manager, not really an issues in this area tbh. Real issues in the product area though. The Dash cam with power bank does not seem to have sufficicent output for the job so I am investigating Cycle cams but could do with a suction holder, all in a smallish unit. I'm still looking and still falling short lol.

[Rick101]

Happy days then, nowt to worry about