How to Install Modified Firmware

10 Step Guide to Update MODs on VIOFO A129 A119S A119Pro A119 Dash Cams.

How to Load BCHobbyist Modified Firmware on VIOFO Dash Cams
Step 1) Download the MOD FW desired for A129 , A119S , A119Pro , A119
Step 2) Insert MicroSD card into Computer using Card Reader.
Step 3) COPY the MOD file to Root of empty memory card.
Step 4) Rename A129 MOD file eg. FWA129_MOD-27W+DCTeam.bin  to  FWA129.bin
           Rename A119S MOD file eg. FWA119S_MOD-26S+DCTeam.bin   to  FWA119S.bin
           Rename A119Pro MOD file eg. FWA119P_MOD-27P+DCTeam.bin   to  FWA119P.bin
           Rename A119 MOD file eg. FWBA119_MOD-27L+DCTeam.bin   to  FWBA119.bin
Step 5) Safely Remove/Eject/Unmount memory card from computer.
Step 6) Disconnect power cable from Dash Camera.
Step 7) Insert MicroSD card with correctly named binary file into Dashcam.
Step 8) Connect power to Dashcam wait 60-80 seconds for Dashcam to restart.
Step 9) Stop recording, enter MENU, select DEFAULT Setting, wait for Dash Cam to restart.
Step 10) Set Date, Time Zone, Resolution, Bitrate, Loop Recording, Sharpness...


Note: Pay close attention when Renaming the firmware file. Do not change the last 3 letter file extension. Some computers show .bin others hide file extensions, don't add .bin since its already there just hidden from view. Avoid incorrectly renaming firmware example: FWA129.bin.bin or FWA119S(1).bin
If any update fails it's very easy to recover using official stock firmware copied to microSD card then Power-On wait until it restarts (1 min).

Disclaimer: All BCHobbyist Modified Firmware is rigorously tested by DCTeam Members under all conditions world wide. These MODs are not official VIOFO releases and considered Beta Firmware, I/we are not responsible for damage, loss, injury, or greatly improved image quality, use at your own risk.

What are the risks using Modified Firmware

BCHobbyist Modified Firmware is always created in multiple Bitrate values for video clip size control. The low 22 & 24Mb/s Bitrate MODs create clips at similar size to stock firmware.

None of my A129 or A119S or A119 Pro or A119 Dashcams have failed and I create and test 100's of MODs at low & extreme Bitrates including A129 Duo at 35Mb/s and none have failed or even caused failed startup or file corruption. Many reported issues can be attributed directly to not Formatting new memory cards or not Resetting Defaults after update or card Brand/Type isn't 100% supported in Firmware or using Fake/damaged cards or Low Power source. I've been using older Lexar 64GB TLC C10 U1, Samsung 64GB TLC C10 U3 and newest Viofo 64GB C10 MLC U3 cards with zero issues, considering I push the hardware beyond my own safe limits to probe the MAX i'm actually surprised nothing has happened. I did of course modify each Dashcam by removing the black acetate tape over the cooling vents as shown in my old A119S Tips #1 video. My MODs are very conservative compared with others, use at your own risk, and always start with 22-25 Mb/s MODs since Viofo already uses these values.

All VIOFO and Modified Firmware versions can be updated or downgraded changed or reflashed over each other from any version without issue. Recommend everyone load Official Viofo version for 2 weeks then compare against MOD of choice. Always save footage from stock firmware on all new Dashcams for possible Lens defect evidence for returns.

Anyone reading this website worried about MODs causing permanent damage must understand  running official 20 Mb/s firmware in HOT regions in extreme temperatures or leaving Dashcam in Parked car with or without Parking Mode enabled will reduce the lifespan of the device if internal component temperatures reach 70C or higher. In extreme temperatures avoid using WiFi or 60fps settings since each generate 3x more heat than MODs.

Most effective ways to reduce Dash Camera heat is:
- disable WiFi
- disable Bluetooth
- avoid 60fps and use 30fps
- don't use Parking Mode in full sun for hours
- remove any external or internal tape blocking cooling vents
- avoid windshield sun reflector panels in parked vehicle with Dashcam mounted.

No Dashcams have failed using my MODs.

Why use Modified Firmware

BCHobbyist created these MODs for owners unhappy with official firmware. Image Quality is affected by Resolution, Sensor, Lens, Focus, Sharpness, Saturation, Exposure, WDR, and other hidden controls. VIOFO's product line combines different Sensors and Lenses as expected but many End Users aren't aware of the differences each has on image quality. In an effort to improve the over-sharpened official firmware BCHobbyist started to modify the baseline firmware. These useful A129 , A119S , A119 Pro , A119 MODs have become popular and a Team of dedicated Testers now verify stability and image quality worldwide.

It's been revealed not all Lenses are equal with variations in Focus and alignment. Dash Cams with poor/blurry/soft center focus Lens can load High/Strong Sharpness MODs to compensate. Lens with perfect center focus will benefit using Low/Soft or Med/Normal Sharpness MODs. VIOFO has recognized the need to offer customers more image quality control and is about to release official firmware with new MENU options = Bitrate Low / High and Sharpness with Soft / Normal / Strong for all Dash Camera models.

Drivers wanting increased textured details benefit using 24 Mb/s or higher Bitrates. Complex  patterns on road surface, buildings, bushes are blocky at low bitrates and noticeably improve at 26.6 Mb/s. The trade off is larger video file size and for A129 owners less Parking Mode support. Color Saturation can vary greatly from realistic tones also benefiting from a tweak. Replacing the Mute icon is a good example of simple graphic improvement done with modified firmware.

Modified Firmware Adjustments

Dash Camera Firmware contains everything required to operate the camera plus the End User Menu and Settings. The manufacturer may release new Firmware versions adding features, options, changing or updating settings and correcting bugs. When unwanted changes are discovered by the consumer very little can be done except wait for the next official release. This is where Modified Firmware can be helpful. Modifications can be major or minor, individual or combined offering alternatives until official firmware is acceptable.
My Modified Firmware make adjustments to a wide range of settings, text and graphics.

Bit Rate		Color Balance
Frame Rate		Color Hue
Sharpness		Menu Text
Edge Detection		Graphic Icons
Saturation		MP4 embedded Text
Brightness		Startup Logo

The goal is to improve image quality enough to compensate for Lens type and focus variations. Not all Lenses leave the production line with exactly the same focus or alignment. Sharpness and Bitrate are very important adjustments which can always be improved with slight tweaks. Creating MODs involves much testing in determining the best values. Side effects occur such as with A129 when increasing Bitrate to improve detail this disables most of the 7 Parking Modes.

Modified Firmware Tips

To ensure successful Modified Firmware installation follow the 10 Step Guide above. Consider always using a small 16-32 GB FAT32 partition MicroSD card which has been erased or recently formatted for all Firmware Updates. Larger 64-128 GB memory cards formatted as FAT32 work the same. Always use a stable power source and do not interrupt the 60-70 second update process. If the Update fails erase or format the memory card and load official firmware for recovery. Remember to Reset Default Settings after all updates.

Drivers in hot climates/seasons should avoid running Dashcam at 60fps and consider using only 30fps to reduce internal heating. In extreme temperatures under full Sun it's advised not to use Parking Mode for hours which can exceed 70C internally even with stock firmware.

A129 Duo owners must be aware enabling WiFi not only generates extra heat but also reduces bitrate to 8 Mb/s in dual camera mode decreasing image detail. Always disable WiFi setting before driving for best quality.

When using 25 Mb/s bitrate or higher suggest setting Loop Recording at 2 mins to prevent video file size from exceeding 500 MB and prevent file corruption on slower memory cards. If possible use faster 64-128 GB U3 write speed memory cards.

Image Quality

Question: Why don't Dash Cameras have perfect video like Smartphone or GoPro?
Smartphone cameras are superior to any Dash Cam currently. The major difference is Dash Cameras are designed to record for hours reliably in extreme heat & cold, smartphone couldn't do that. Dash Cameras continue to improve as better sensors are created. The original DVRs were 480P and 720P and junk compared to 1080P or 1440P. The goal is to combine best Sensor + Lens + Chipset + Firmware + Size to create outstanding video quality and functionality.
GoPro footage is usually 2K or 4K and over 30Mb/s bitrate creating 1min clips over 1GB size which stresses Dashcams. GoPro with Li-ion battery attached to windshield in full summer sun will shut off due to heat.
Many DVR Brands assume over-sharpened image is best for accident evidence, I disagreed and went my own way for realistic video, it seems a few others followed.
Two or three years from now Dashcam manufacturers will create something better, today they all struggle with designing a stable reliable mount and don't get me started on their Lens selections, so don't expect perfect image quality anytime soon from any $150US budget priced camera.

VIOFO A129 vs A119S Dash Cam side by side Comparison

This is one of my best Dashcam Comparisons for anyone trying to decide between newer A129 or older A119S model. In this demonstration A129 MOD-6Vj verses A119S MOD-6Vh both Dashcams are 1080P with identical narrow field of view coated Lens recording at 26.6 Mb/s bitrate. The most obvious difference is color with A119S more vivid and appealing. Consumers wanting the most advanced 1080P WiFi Dual Camera Dashcam will select A129, others preferring single front camera without WiFi and budget friendly favor the A119S. Both support Parking Mode but A119S is much simpler and works well using Power Bank as power source.

VIOFO A129 Duo Dash Cam Specifications
- 1920x1080P @ 60fps & 30fps
- Dual Channel Full HD Video Recording
- Dual Band Wi-Fi Built-in 2.4GHz & 5GHz
- Novatek NT96663 chipset
- Sony 2MP IMX291 Exmor R Starvis Image Sensor (Front & Rear Cam)
- F1.6 Aperture 7 Glass Element Lens in metal holder (Front & Rear Cam)
- 130 or 140 degree wide angle Field of View
- 2 inch HD LCD Display
- G-sensor & Motion Detection & Parking Mode
- SuperCapacitor powered

VIOFO A119S Dashcam Specifications
- 1920x1080P @ 60fps & 30fps
- Novatek NT96660 chipset
- Sony 2MP IMX291 Exmor sensor
- 7G F1.6 Lens plastic or metal base
- 130 or 140 degree Field of View
- 2 inch LCD Display
- G-sensor & Motion Detection & Parking Mode
- SuperCapacitor powered

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