Aldi-LIDL Specials - Megathread!

plodder · 03-10-2017 11:05AM

plodder wrote: »

Haven't used them on the bike yet, but they are seriously bright. The only question for me is how long they last on a charge. That remains to be seen.

So, I used them on flashing mode this morning. Quite bright, though not full power, but were easily visible. When I got to the office after 60 min cycle, I plugged them in to see how long recharge would take, and it barely registered any loss at all (as in the charge led just stayed lit). Very happy with them.

willdill · 03-10-2017 12:47PM

So there rwally warm mate yeh i do feel the cold big time so need a nice toastie base layer

AndrewJRenko · 03-10-2017 04:25PM

Annie get your Run wrote: »

I used both Velcro straps together and it seems to stay put okay but I don't have a lot of confidence in it either. I too will be looking for an alternative - the Velcro will be rubbish in the rain!

I had a previous rear camera with a velcro strip on the mount, and it worked fine - didn't seem to pick up the rain at all, possibly because of the position.

Is anyone else seeing some 'unusual' operation with the camera.

1) After charging, when I unplug it, the LEDs start flashing, and I have to power them off
2) The first clip recorded on each session seems to be usuable or unplayable
3) It just seems to stop recording after about 20 minutes with a few beeps. There is plenty of battery and space on the card, but I have to press the button again to get it going.

Is it just me?

Grassey · 03-10-2017 04:39PM

AndrewJRenko wrote:

3) It just seems to stop recording after about 20 minutes with a few beeps. There is plenty of battery and space on the card, but I have to press the button again to get it going.

What size is the file? I had a similar issue with a gopro years back, turned out that once the file size hit 4.7gb at around 20 mins it would stop on lower speed cards. No idea if it's similar here, but struck me as similar reading it.

03-10-2017 05:20PM

Grassey wrote: »

What size is the file? I had a similar issue with a gopro years back, turned out that once the file size hit 4.7gb at around 20 mins it would stop on lower speed cards. No idea if it's similar here, but struck me as similar reading it.

That could be down to the formatting of the card, if it was FAT32 it would have a file size limit of around 4gb.

Annie get your Run · 03-10-2017 05:39PM

AndrewJRenko wrote: »

I had a previous rear camera with a velcro strip on the mount, and it worked fine - didn't seem to pick up the rain at all, possibly because of the position.

Is anyone else seeing some 'unusual' operation with the camera.

1) After charging, when I unplug it, the LEDs start flashing, and I have to power them off
2) The first clip recorded on each session seems to be usuable or unplayable
3) It just seems to stop recording after about 20 minutes with a few beeps. There is plenty of battery and space on the card, but I have to press the button again to get it going.

Is it just me?

No, I'm having similar issue although it seems to have about 55 mins before it stopped for me. Mine is filming in 5 min increments which I like but am raging I hadn't deleted this mornings trip before I headed home this evening as it stopped in the PP - I heard the 3 beeps but just assumed it was telling me I was going below 50% battery, didn't realise I could have just turned it back on again!!!

I'm assuming a bigger card (32gb) will help with this?

Annie get your Run · 03-10-2017 05:41PM

Deleted User wrote: »

That could be down to the formatting of the card, if it was FAT32 it would have a file size limit of around 4gb.

For those of us who know nothing about this, what does that mean? I just put the card that came with the camera in, I didn't do anything with it first - should I have formatted it?

NBar · 03-10-2017 05:51PM

from another site

"I got this reply from Quesh today when I emailed them about the shutting off problem

We are currently waiting on the national holiday in China to finish so we can obtain the firmware for this item.

This will be available on our website as an update within the next 2 weeks."

rodneyTrotter. · 03-10-2017 07:48PM

PaulieC wrote: »

Anyone used the camera yet ? The velcro strap for fixing it to the seat post is as useful as a chocolate teapot. Camera just keeps twisting on the post so it's not pointing directly backwards. I think a rubber elastic strap is in order.

Pull the strap as far as you can with just the buckle on one side sticking out , then pull it tight and it should be fine . Doesn’t budge for me now at all even on NCD backroads and that’s saying something

AndrewJRenko · 03-10-2017 09:23PM

Grassey wrote: »

What size is the file? I had a similar issue with a gopro years back, turned out that once the file size hit 4.7gb at around 20 mins it would stop on lower speed cards. No idea if it's similar here, but struck me as similar reading it.

Small enough files - <500mb for 5 minutes.

Annie get your Run wrote: »

No, I'm having similar issue although it seems to have about 55 mins before it stopped for me. Mine is filming in 5 min increments which I like but am raging I hadn't deleted this mornings trip before I headed home this evening as it stopped in the PP - I heard the 3 beeps but just assumed it was telling me I was going below 50% battery, didn't realise I could have just turned it back on again!!!

I'm assuming a bigger card (32gb) will help with this?

I got to 23 minutes this evening, but it stopped again with loads of room left on the card. Bit strange.

03-10-2017 09:48PM

Annie get your Run wrote: »

For those of us who know nothing about this, what does that mean? I just put the card that came with the camera in, I didn't do anything with it first - should I have formatted it?

All storage has a formatting, hard drive, usb stick etc.

FAT 32 is as old as the hills but is still widely used and standard on portable storage. It has limitations one of which is a maximum file size of around 4gb.

You can get around it by formatting the card on your computer and choosing exFAT instead of FAT32. Just right click the card in my computer and choose format. You'll see it there. No real need to use it unless you are making videos of 4gb+ and if you've issues just format back to fat32. Just take care formatting it will wipe your card.

PaulieC · 04-10-2017 07:01AM

Deleted User wrote: »

All storage has a formatting, hard drive, usb stick etc.

FAT 32 is as old as the hills but is still widely used and standard on portable storage. It has limitations one of which is a maximum file size of around 4gb.

You can get around it by formatting the card on your computer and choosing exFAT instead of FAT32. Just right click the card in my computer and choose format. You'll see it there. No real need to use it unless you are making videos of 4gb+ and if you've issues just format back to fat32. Just take care formatting it will wipe your card.

Formatting will wipe the card and delete the config settings which set the time and date that is displayed on the video recorded.

darraghsherwin · 04-10-2017 10:09AM

Just wondering if anybody else could not access the SD card on a Windows PC?
It worked fine on OSX but could not find the config file to change the date.

Camera quality is ok but seems to get the number plate right all the time, got some footage of some boy racer type trying to overtake on a bend before having to pull in for an oncoming car and then overtaking on the next bend on a stretch of dangerous bends around Lough Gill

youtheman · 04-10-2017 03:51PM

cornet wrote: »

Are the “High Performance” Lights any good? https://www.aldi.ie/high-performance-bike-lights-rear/p/080231184023401

https://www.aldi.ie/high-performance-bike-light-front/p/080231180823900

Got a pair of these lights, front and rear. The front one lasted exactly 2 cycles. Was light rain on the first cycle and water got into the unit. At the end of the second cycle it wouldn't work at all. Currently have it is a bag of desiccant seeing if I can dry it out. If not then I'll have to return it.

dahat · 04-10-2017 04:08PM

I purchased the light set for €17.99 and been really impressed so far.
The rear light held up for a 5hr spin on flashing without dying and I used the front light on dark roads this morning and really lit up dark roads. I purposely travelled on roads that are unlit to test it and was that impressed I'm off to buy a 2nd set later.

I would be very pleased if the set lasted and it gives me options to head off on the dark dry evenings for a quick spin.

plodder · 04-10-2017 04:20PM

youtheman wrote: »

Got a pair of these lights, front and rear. The front one lasted exactly 2 cycles. Was light rain on the first cycle and water got into the unit. At the end of the second cycle it wouldn't work at all. Currently have it is a bag of desiccant seeing if I can dry it out. If not then I'll have to return it.

That's worrying. I'll have to make sure I can find the receipt, just in case. Only used them once, and it wasn't raining.

Annie get your Run · 05-10-2017 08:07AM

Think I'll be returning the camera. It turned off 3 times on my way home yesterday and once this morning on the way into work. Also, despite having footage of a very close/dangerous pass yesterday evening I did nothing with it - the hassle involved in finding software to cut the clip in question out and doing something with it doesn't seem worth it, especially as I'd calmed down by the time I got home! Not having the loop recording is a pain as you've to download/delete the card after each trip.

Alanstrainor · 05-10-2017 09:28AM

Annie get your Run wrote: »

Think I'll be returning the camera. It turned off 3 times on my way home yesterday and once this morning on the way into work. Also, despite having footage of a very close/dangerous pass yesterday evening I did nothing with it - the hassle involved in finding software to cut the clip in question out and doing something with it doesn't seem worth it, especially as I'd calmed down by the time I got home! Not having the loop recording is a pain as you've to download/delete the card after each trip.

Anyone who wants to keep the camera should really just buy a 32GB card. Complete waste of time running that 8GB one. You should get a few days worth out of the 32GB card, and they only cost a tenner or so.

And as for cutting/editing clips, it all depends on what you want the camera for, but for most the priority should be to catch a plate in a collision. I compile some clips together from time to time and have gotten used to the software to do so, but it is a pain to do all the time.

Granted if the camera is failing then it should be returned regardless of all that...

Annie get your Run · 05-10-2017 10:38AM

Alanstrainor wrote: »

Anyone who wants to keep the camera should really just buy a 32GB card. Complete waste of time running that 8GB one. You should get a few days worth out of the 32GB card, and they only cost a tenner or so.

And as for cutting/editing clips, it all depends on what you want the camera for, but for most the priority should be to catch a plate in a collision. I compile some clips together from time to time and have gotten used to the software to do so, but it is a pain to do all the time.

Granted if the camera is failing then it should be returned regardless of all that...

TBH I'd probably keep it if it didn't keep turning off mid cycle and spend the extra on upgrading the card but I guess it's just a combination of all 3 things together that don't make it worth while for me.

I think I thought if I had a camera I'd report all the crazy lunatics that put our lives in danger every day but there are so many!!

CrowdedHouse · 05-10-2017 10:48AM

As an aside - I use this with my car dash cam, works quite well.

Dont't know if the bike cam files are the same.

http://www.registratorviewer.com/RegistratorViewer/index_en.html

Kaisr Sose · 05-10-2017 07:13PM

Annie get your Run wrote: »

TBH I'd probably keep it if it didn't keep turning off mid cycle and spend the extra on upgrading the card but I guess it's just a combination of all 3 things together that don't make it worth while for me.

I think I thought if I had a camera I'd report all the crazy lunatics that put our lives in danger every day but there are so many!!

Too right. Way too many. I just started using the Virb edit software (mpeg4 not avi). My fly6 records avi so I use 'freevideoconverter 'for that. It's handy enough to edit on Virb (recommended by a boardie).

I now have to decide whether to call into a station with a clip or two. It's a dilemma. If you are unhurt is that ok? I think not. It's still dangerous. If these motorists are not at least cautioned, they will continue to be a menace. Then, if they do hit somebody, it would be better if the records showed form for crazy/aggressive driving. Better to build the case one incident at a time and get them off the road, one at a time...! They ruin one of the simple joys of life – cycling home from work!!

Unknown Soldier · 06-10-2017 06:51PM

From the recordings I have so far I am more than happy with the camera. It seems to focus on "infinity" which the Fly6 fails at. If you are out to make a movie, it's not for you, get a Gopro or something. But If you just need evidence, and I hope you never will, then it seems to do the job. This is based on short term use, obviously!

For those asking about cutting clips, windowsmovie maker is probably the best and handiest to use, but no longer about, in general. You can get it still but there is no guarantee it will works with your computer's OS. I have win10 on a 32bit laptop and it works fine. You can add words and all that fancy stuff.

You can however use VLC to crop your video, but you can't add titles, subtitles etc, you could probably add them using uTube? VLC also has a Frame by frame facility which is very useful. You'd be surprised how you can't see a reg in a video but can when in frame by frame mode. To record a clip, just hit the "record" button when the video is playing. It's usually saved to the default windows Video folder.

Don't become the next CyclingDub though or DubCycling, whatever his name was. Please. You don't want to be that person.

VLC Pic below.

I cut the following video this evening from a virb 3.5gigil'obits file using VLC.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Snhe5UsYzAU

Lights are great.

ED E · 06-10-2017 07:57PM

+1, VLC is the easiest way to cut and post footage. Do it the exact same way as Unknown.

detones · 07-10-2017 09:42AM

My Aldi camera definitely does look recording. I formatted sd card. Have had no issues with it turning off. Get about 55mins of footage on 8gb card. Have now purchased 32gb one. I think for the price quality is excellent.

CramCycle · 08-10-2017 08:51PM

Stopped on me twice, the second time I heard it beep and just turned it back on, no issues with memory.

Still debating whether to keep it or not.

Macy0161 · 09-10-2017 09:49AM

detones wrote: »

My Aldi camera definitely does look recording. I formatted sd card.

Mine arrived from England, but haven't had a chance to test it yet. So it does do loop recording? And Fat32 for the formatting?

coL · 09-10-2017 10:10AM

Macy0161 wrote: »

Mine arrived from England, but haven't had a chance to test it yet. So it does do loop recording? And Fat32 for the formatting?

Got mine a few days ago and only got a chance to play around with it at the weekend in the house (didn't get to go for a ride with it).

On Saturday I reformatted it using the SD formatter (recommended for formatting SD cards) and when I turned it on it turned itself off after 20 minutes twice. I was expecting this from the reviews I read but when I switched it back on for the third time it recorded 9 hours (had the light turned off and just the camera on) non stop and was loop recording.

Turned it back on to record on Sunday (without changing any settings) to see if it would do the same and it kept beeping and turning of after 20 mins. this happened 5-6 times

Not sure why it would go from working ok to turning off every 20 mins but I am going to try ringing customer support to see what they say.

Annie get your Run · 09-10-2017 07:51PM

I was away over the weekend so never got around to returning mine, gave it another go this morning and yes, it does seem to do loop recording, this mornings videos are gone and replaced with the one's coming home... It didn't turn off at all on the way in but it did once on the way home. I might take the plunge and get a 32gb card and format that tomorrow - if that fixes the turning off issue I'll keep the light. It'll be back up in case of an accident instead of using it to report every Tom, Dick (!) and Harry.

AndrewJRenko · 09-10-2017 07:59PM

NBar wrote: »

from another site

"I got this reply from Quesh today when I emailed them about the shutting off problem

We are currently waiting on the national holiday in China to finish so we can obtain the firmware for this item.

This will be available on our website as an update within the next 2 weeks."

No news on this, I suppose?

jimmycrackcorm · 09-10-2017 08:15PM

detones wrote: »

My Aldi camera definitely does look recording. I formatted sd card. Have had no issues with it turning off. Get about 55mins of footage on 8gb card. Have now purchased 32gb one. I think for the price quality is excellent.

I got it at the weekend, I'm happy that the charge will last me a few days unlike my Aldi Camera glasses which have to be charged after only using it for 50 minutes (enough to cover my commute but a pain to have to charge twice daily).

I haven't checked the video quality and I'm hoping that it does loop recording but what does bother me is that it won't sit straight on my seat post no matter hwo much I tighten the strap.

Aldi-LIDL Specials - Megathread!

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