Every dashcam has a feature called ‘Loop Recording’ whose function is to ensure that the dashcam continues to record even after the storage space is exhausted. Dashcams with loop recording feature stores their video files on the SD storage card in short fragments which could be between three and five minutes.
Once all the storage space in the SD card is full, the dashcam will continue recording by automatically deleting the oldest files to create space for the new files. When loop recording starts, your dashcam will record footage in multiple short videos of 3 or 5 minutes. Loop recording maximizes limited storage spaces on your dashcam SD card and ensures that you always have the most recent recordings with you.
To keep some of your oldest files that you consider important from being deleted by the loop recording function, you can protect your video file by storing it in a separate folder that is shielded from deletion. Below are some of the two ways dash cams can protect your files from being deleted.
G-sensor: G-sensors come as an in-built feature in dashcams that can detect vibrations. This enables the dashcam to detect when an incident is taking place. When a certain critical point of vibration is reached, the recorded video will be automatically protected and stored in a separate folder which can’t be erased by loop recording.
Manual SOS recording: Several dash cams come with an SOS feature button which allows the driver to manually save the current file. When the SOS button is pressed, the current footage is protected and stored in a separate folder.
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In some of the dash cams, a snapshot of the present situation is captured when the SOS button is pressed. This will prevent the file from being erased. Your important clips can be used for insurance purposes or presented as a shred of evidence for the police.
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Loop Recording and Assorted file segmentation
The Loop recording function sorts every file into manageable segments which are about three minutes long. You, therefore, do not have to record one large file. It becomes easier to download and transfer the file. In Wi-Fi-enabled dash cams, files are downloaded quickly and they can be shared on both the tablet and the phone.
With loop recording, it is advisable to format the SD card at least once every month. This will free up space in the card. There is a setup function in every dashcam to delete all files including those that were protected.
How Loop Recording does as Time lapse
Many dash cams have three minutes default recording time for each file. This can be extended up to five minutes, providing easier management of file size, especially when playing back the footage. The majority of dash cams at 1080p HD will record for at least four hours before loop recording. When the resolution is altered, the amount of time it can record before looping can either increase or decrease.
What are some of importance of Loop Recording
The Loop recording function was created for two key reasons. First, this function can divide what would have been a long video into smaller, well-organized video clips which are easier to transfer and manage. Larger videos are hard to navigate or even edit. Dividing it into smaller portions makes it easier.
Second, loop recording is of importance as most dash cameras have limited storage spaces, yet a driving trip can take many hours, and there is a need to shoot videos throughout. Loop recording will ensure your oldest files are deleted to create more space for newer recorded footage.
Loop recording is especially suitable for drivers who are not concerned with storing hours of footage simultaneously but rather want to capture specific parts of their journey when an incident or accident occurs. Such footage will be stored even after the memory is full.
You may be wondering where to place the dashcam for it to function well in loop recording mode. Well, upon purchase, most kits will come with instructions on where to mount a dashcam in your car or truck. The most common places are the windshield, the rearview window, and the dashboard.
The term “dashcam” comes from the word dashboard. Originally, police car cameras were mounted on the dashboard while they recorded the front view of the windshield. Some countries however have dash camera laws on where to or not to mount your dashcam. The places where you mount your dashcam do not affect the loop recording function.
It is advisable to hardwire your dashcam into your car to obtain the maximum functionality of this technology. When the engine is turned ON, your dashcam should roar to life. Most dash cams have parking mode surveillance which can function even when the car is turned OFF, so long as it is hardwired.
Things to Keep in Mind When Mounting Your Dash Cam to the Windshield.
When mounting your dashcam, look out for the sunshade tint. The lens of your dashcam should not be pointed through a sunshade tint or anything above that protects your eyes from the direct rays of the sun. Ideally, the camera lens should be looking underneath it.
Also, ensure your dashcam is not installed outside the range of your windshield wiper coverage. This is because, on those days when it rains or snows, the camera lens will be shielded from capturing videos. It is also essential to keep your dashcam out of sight. Ensure your dashcam will not be in your line of sight while driving, else, it is likely to obstruct your view in case of an emergency and cause an accident. Dashcams should be mounted up and out of sight.
Lastly, ensure the dash cam can be removed easily from the mounting bracket. The dashcam should have enough room to slide off after mounting. Do not put the adhesive mounting pad too close to the top of the windshield. It will be hard to slide off the dash camera.
The loop recording function will continue to work perfectly regardless of the mounting position of your dashcam. But the proper mounting location will enable clear capture of the footage.
