Mangoal Universal 4K GPS Dash Cam Review

Mangoal Universal 4K GPS Dash Cam Review
https://youtu.be/BVA2JMVsmlM

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Mangoal specialise in producing custom fit high end dashcams designed to fit into the design of specific cars as if installed from new by the manufacturer. Now they have this new model designed to work with any vehicle, although still looking like an OEM install. The only differences between this and the previous model is that the universal fit camera is smaller and it comes with an external GPS unit, which was an optional extra for the earlier model.

Packaged in a large and robust mid-market product box, aside from the front camera with three short hardwired connecting cables, there is also the rear camera and cable set, GPS unit with connecting cable, ODB2 port power adaptor and cable, spudger fitting tool, two cable ties, and User Guide. The User Guide, unlike most, was very well printed in colour, easy to read and informative. A very nice touch was the inclusion of a 128GB micro SD card, which is the largest capacity the camera can handle and essential when dealing with 4K and HD video files.

Most dashcams are single camera units, but this system is supplied with a second small camera that is attached by cable to the front camera, which can be positioned in the back window to continuously record activity behind the car in addition to the forward picture recorded by the main camera. Also included was a small GPS unit which again connects to the front camera and can be positioned around the base of the windscreen.

Most cameras are powered from the cigar lighter port, or a USB port, but Mangoal cameras take their power from the cars OBD2 computer port. The OBD2 port is hidden away, usually under the steering wheel, and ois designed for use by vehicle engineers for diagnostic purposes. It has an always-on power output, which works even when the ignition is switched off, making it perfect for when the cameras are used for parking mode security.

Fixing the camera to the mirror on my Toyota Aygo was easier than I expected. It just pressed in place on the windscreen in front of the mirror There was plenty of spare power cable, which had to be folded up and taped out of the way when plugging into the ODB2 port.

Fitting the second camera was more of a chore as the cable has to be fed through the car from front to back but once it is done there should be no need to adjust it again. The supplied spudger tool can be used to conceal the cable behind the window and door trim. The rear camera is optional as the main camera will work perfectly well without it but it is better to use both cameras to protect you from tailgating claims. The same is true for the GPS unit as the camera system works perfectly without it.

The front camera has just two buttons, one for power and the other for manual camera control, so the use of the app is essential to configure the camera. To use the Skycamm app (yes, that is how it is spelt) open the app and follow the onscreen instructions to connect to the WiFi hotspot automatically created by the camera when it is powered up. Once connected, the app allows you to fully configure both cameras, view live video, and to edit and download previous recordings. You can also access recordings directly from the SD card by connecting it to your computer. When used to replay previous recordings, as the video plays, the position of the car is shown on a splitscreen scrolling map. This will even display live when the vehicle is in motion if the passenger has the app installed on their phone or tablet. The app is perhaps the best I have tried of its type, is attractively designed, simple and intuitive to use and has the best feature set. Remember that if your phone is connected to the camera hotspot, it cannot connect to the internet.

When the engine is on the camera records front and back video automatically and continuously in short TS format files, each with a unique time code number with a prefix to allow you to identify front and rear files recorded together. When the card is full the camera overwrites the oldest file. Several resolution options are offered for the front camera, the best being 3840×2160@30 FPS, with the rear preset to 1920×1080@30 FPS. The camera has the all-important G-Sensor which autosaves and protects video files in which it detects a sudden stop or impact. The front camera also has a microphone which can be useful in the event of an incident if you are quick-witted enough to read aloud the numbers of the cars involved.

The camera features two parking modes and these can be set to run 24/7 due to the power coming from the always live ODB port. The first mode reacts to impacts to the car which triggers the camera to start, but be aware that it may taken a second or so to respond when not in active mode. The other parking mode takes time lapse images on a schedule that you decide. Be aware that both these modes will use power even when the engine is off and may deplete the battery is left on for too long. With that in mind, both parking modes can be limited to a set period - 12 hours for example - to prevent excess battery drain.

Costing around £250 this is the most expensive dash cam I have yet tried but when properly installed it offers the best video quality I have yet found on a dash cam together with the most discreet and non-intrusive appearance. This is probably the best dash cam I have ever used.

The Good
GPS
OBD2 Power
Discreet Fitting
Good build quality
Good image quality
Microphone
Still Picture mode
App Control
Parking Mode
Time Lapse Mode

The Bad
Expensive
Complex Installation

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