Thinkware Dashcam Parking Mode

What is Parking Mode ?

All Thinkware dashcams have the option of using “Parking Mode”. Parking Mode allows the front and rear cameras to capture video when you are away from the vehicle. It can be activated by movement or impact. Some Thinkware cameras also have Energy Saving Parking Mode. The newest U1000 has Radar for enhanced parking capabilities.

What is required for Parking Mode ?

The software to run Parking Mode is already built into all Thinkware dashcams. The only requirement is that the camera is installed with the hard-wire power cable. It is not possible to use Parking Mode when using the cigarette lighter lead.

How to enable Parking Mode ?

By default, Parking Mode is disabled out of the box and will need to be enabled in the dash cam settings menu.

For models without WiFi (such as the F50, X330, X550, F70, F100), Parking Mode can be enabled by removing the SD card and using the Windows or Mac programme to alter settings. This method can also be used on the WiFi models, if required.

For Models with WiFi  (such as the F200, F750, F770, F800 Pro, Q800P Pro, U1000, X350) settings can be adjusted by using the Thinkware Dashcam Viewer or the Thinkware Cloud App. These Apps are available in the Google Play store or the Apple App store.

Models with an LCD can be setup by using the onscreen menus (X330, X350, X700)

How does Parking Mode Work ?

There are a few different parking modes available on Thinkware dashcams. Generally the newer models have more options.

1.  Disabled – this is the default mode for the camera out of the box. To activate parking mode you either need to use the Thinkware app on wifi enabled cameras or remove the SD card and use the desktop configuration software.
2.  Movement. In this mode the front and rear cameras (if fitted) are active. When movement is detected in front of the camera this is saved to the memory card. When recording in this mode the images are saved at 15 to 30 frames per second (fps). This is the highest consumption mode.
3.  Time lapse – in this mode the front and rear cameras run at 2 frames per second rather than the normal 15 to 30fps.This reduces the file sizes and allows more footage to be recorded.
4. Energy saving mode – When the ignition is turned off the Thinkware dashcam will go to sleep. When an impact is detected the camera will wake up within a second and then record for a further 20 seconds.
5. Radar – U1000 optional accessory. When the sensor detects a moving object it will turn off sleep mode on the U1000 and wait for an impact. If one is detected within the next 30 seconds the dashcam will save 20 seconds before and after the impact. If no impact is sensed the camera will return back to sleep mode. It should be noted that the Radar sensor is mounted on the front camera only, so that it will not operate from the rear of the vehicle.

Entering Parking Mode

To enter parking mode all that is required is that the vehicle ignition is turned off and after 30 seconds (approx) the camera will enter Parking Mode. If the voice announcements are enabled you will hear that it has  entered parking mode. If the dashcam is set to silent the green LED will flash to indicate Parking Mode.

To exit Parking Mode all that is required is to turn the ignition on.

If you are connected via wifi to the dashcam it will not be possible to enter Parking Mode until the wifi is disconnected. The same also applies if you are using the dashcam app to connect to view files or change settings.