Thinkware M1 Camera System.
Camera systems for motorcycles are becoming popular with bikers for many reasons. It pays to invest in a good brand who manufacture quality kits.
Isaac tests the Thinkware M1 dual-camera system.
After reading many articles about products on the market, the M1 came out on top of many polls so I put it to the test.
First, I had to install the system on my bike which was straight forward and took me around 90 minutes. All the parts come well labelled and the cameras have different Thicknesses of cable so they match up. Road Tests made a film of how to install the system which is on our Youtube Channel, look for Jeremy Webb.
I won’t take you through the whole process of installing the camera system as that would not make good reading. I will mention you have to wire the control unit into the bike’s wiring to allow the camera to switch on and off when you start and turn off the bike. Or you can do as I did and put in a switch from the control unit to the bike’s battery. This allows me to control switching the unit on and off. When on The circular button (see the first photo) lights up blue. The controller also controls the wi-fi connection and allows for manual recording when you want to capture something special.
The control unit is well protected within a rubberised case, where the usb outlet is and the SD card is inserted. It is compact and fits under the seat of most bikes.
An App on your smartphone connect wirelessly with the conteol unit, allowing you to see what the Front and Rear cameras are seeing. This allows you to set the cameras in the ideal position. It also allows you to view all the recorded files without habing to upload them to your PC from the SD card.
The Thinkware M1 system has Numerous features which make it stand out from competitors. It also does away with the need for cameras attached to helmets which have limited recording time.
Super night vision 2.0
Videos recorded in a low-light environment, such as dark alleys or parking lots, may not be clearly identifiable. SUPER NIGHT VISION 2.0 in the M1 uses Image Signal Processing (ISP) technology to record a clear, visible video in any situation.
Trip log with built-in GPS
Using the GPS data, the M1 can plot your bike’s location and routes with its driving speed on the map. The GPS helps you accurately assess the status of the accident by providing you with the vehicle speed, the direction of the collision and the severity of an impact.
Format free technology
M1 utilizes the FAT (File Allocation Table) system. This allows THINKWARE’s proprietary Format Free Technology to eliminate the need for periodical manual formatting of recorded video files on the microSD memory card. It also helps extend the life of your memory card. You can view recorded video files on any PC without having to worry about converting files. THINKWARE M1 saves the hassle of manually clearing memory space.
Key features of the Thinkware M1 Dual camera system.
PC / Mac viewer
The intuitive and simple-to-use interface of THINKWARE DASH CAM allows you easy and convenient viewing of your recorded videos. Through PC or Mac viewer, you can playback and download recorded videos along with your route history and speed record. You can also change the dash cam settings, format the memory card, or install updates with just a few clicks on the viewer.
Failsafe recording
Suppose the power gets disconnected after an accident. In that case, the fail-safe recording uses the Super Capacitor for backup power to ensure safe storage of any recording in progress. So you can be assured that your valuable data will be securely stored under any circumstances.
High definition video quality
CMOS Image Sensors allow constant Full 1080p HD resolution recording during both daytime and nighttime along with a 140-degree wide-angle lens view. This will minimize blind spots to assure the recording of all events without fail.
IP66 rated weatherproof
The IP rating is solid. The water protection standard of International Electrotechnical Commission IP66 means M1 is protected from total dust ingress and high-pressure water jets from any direction. Rains on a mountain road, dry, dusty deserts, snowy hills, wild weather and rough road conditions are no excuses for our true motorsports enthusiasts.
The Thinkware M1 is a High-quality system which offers superb value for money. It is practical and offers peace of mind to the owner. You get superb quality footage which you can easily upload.
Price direct from Thinkware £299
https://thinkwaredashcam.eu
All the wiring and the control unit I secured under the seat.
Front facing camera which I located under the headlight.
The rear-facing camera.