Will this device start recording automatically when power is applied (e.g. the car starting) or do you have to press a button each time?
1374651
Yes - it starts working as soon as power is applied. It records automatically and stores one-minute files for that "regular" recording. When you hit a bump or get in a wreck it "backs-up" 15 seconds and records a one-minute file in a different folder on the Micro-SD card. It does have a button - if you push it, it also "backs-up" 15 seconds and records a one-minute file in a third different folder on the Micro-SD card.
1374652
Yes, it starts recording as soon as it receives DC power from the cigarette lighter. This camera was very easy to use in that regards.
1214807
Yes, it powers on and begins recording when the record button is held down for a few seconds.
2096533
Sure, as long as you have uninterrupted power to it.... like a cigarette lighter plug that stays on when the key is off. When you first turn it on the little screen on the back is lit and stays lit for maybe 10 or 15 seconds. Then it goes black but the camera is still recording. However, there is a little light on the bottom right corner that is usually blue but can be a mixture of blue and red when it's charging. That's the only indication that it's on. I plug mine into a under the seat power plug and just pull it half way out when parking. Then I push it back in the next time I drive and the camera comes on automatically. I love this little camera and bought one for one of my boys and he too loves it. The video from this little guy is awesome. Remember, if you have it positioned looking through the windshield it won't video the cop but it will record the dialog... the video will be whatever is right in front of you. I looked a long time before deciding on this camera and the instruction manual is very clear even if written in Asia. Be sure and order the memory chip when you order the camera. You can select the length of recording up to 5 minutes long and then a new clip starts automatically and has several of the last video's closing frames. This makes it very easy to find a particular clip for a particular time. It records several days of data. It also has GPS that stamps your speed etc. on the video. Like I said, awesome. I don't believe you'll be disappointed if you get this little guy. If you want to be totally stealthy you could put a tiny piece of black tape over the little blue light, or paint it but it's only like maybe 1/8" in diameter and not very bright. The audio picks up every sound in the car. You can listen to your tunes all over again when viewing the clips! Good luck!
729556
It starts automatically. 95% of the time, I press the start button on my car and less than 2 seconds later, there is a soft "ding" noise through the speakers letting me know the system is now linked to my phone. Nothing more to do except hit the play button on my phone and listen to tunes. The other 5% when that doesn't happen (usually when I've turned the car off for a few minutes and then turned it back on -- seems to confuse it) I just reach into the center console and hit the blue button on top to tell it to search again and the system is up and running again immediately.
940046
It would automatically turn on and start recording once the 12v outlet is energized.
1888514
Hi Smith, Thank you for contacting Timetec. Yes, if you leave the power plugged into the cigarette charger, when you start the car, the camera will start recording automatically. Feel free to let us know if you have any additional questions. thank you, Andy support@timetecinc.com
208719
NO. It senses that the car is off, and turns off by itself. That said, I have a Honda CIVIC. When the key comes out, the power is out too. Conversely, when I turn on my car, it powers up automatically and starts recording.
1020942
After the POWER switch is turned on it takes about 5 or 6 seconds for the unit to boot up at which time the screen will display the word STOP. The unit is then in a "standby/ready" mode and pressing the RECORD button will start recording instantly. When in the standby/ready mode, if you don't press any buttons for about 10 minutes the screen will go blank and the unit enters the "power save" mode. Pressing any button will return the unit to the standby/ready mode from which you can instantly start recording by pressing the RECORD button.
288066
No you don't need to manually switch it on/ off, when you start your car engine, this video Camera Recorder automaticaly run record by itself.
311242
You must use it if you are going to record in the "parking mode." I hardwired it to the fuse box and it works perfectly. If you don't do it then you will have a dead battery sooner than you think!
109352
Yes; you can set it to record/stop by the buttons on the box. Device works well - great buy.
119944
When I use the included lighter adapter, mine starts recording as soon as I start the car (the car's lighter socket is switched).
891969
Yes when it is recording, it has RED DOT next to the video icon blinking, when you set sensor at low or high may not record at night, I suggest , set to off sensor ,it will record all the time ,and it will stop record and it turn off when you stop engine and pull the key out .But you need 32 GB TF card,
2196445
I tested this function. It recorded one straight shot for 24 1/2 minutes and then stopped recording. It did not automatically start recording a new file but the camera did stay on. Pressing the record button again starts a new recording file.
636066
There is no on-off button. You have to plug and unplug, or turn off through device. Device should control recording.
1916650
TheProgrammerGuy nailed it. The power to the outlet on my car is always on so I have no need for the Power Magic Pro. I would caution you that, if you do use parking mode, change the settings. The default settings are way too sensitive and just about anything triggers a recording. The BV actually ran my battery down due to a combination of short commutes and the majority of the time in parking mode. After that experience I've set the parking mode sensitivity to minimum and, as an additional precaution, unplug it when at work or in the garage. No problem since.
2042021
After charging and pressing the power button, you should see and able to record. Try the car D/C adapter. If that doesn't work, then there is something wrong with the unit. One more thing, these cams are very sensitive to extreme temperature, cold or hot. Also, do you have a micro memory card in? If not, the unit won't work. Hope this help.