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Predator Owl V1

Modular Dash-cam Installation Kit

Install your own modular dashcam with a pre-configured kit for V0LT Predator.

From $340

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A modular dashcam allows you to install the core of your dashcam separate from the camera, which dramatically improves both security and aesthetics.

With a modular camera, only the camera unit needs to be exposed, leading to a clean and durable install.

A pre-configured installation kit from V0LT takes all of the guesswork out of purchasing and setting up individual components. With the included documentation, practically anyone with basic technical experience can install a completely custom dash-cam!



Features

Private

Predator is completely private, by nature of being entirely open source. All users are free to inspect and audit the code that powers it. If you've ever worried about your devices doing nefarious things with your information behind the scenes, Predator's trustless design is a great way to improve privacy and security.

Secure

Predator dramatically improves video security by off-loading the video storage onto a concealed controller. While the camera unit remains exposed on the dashboard, the controller and SD card containing all of your videos can be tucked away in the body of the car to make it extremely difficult for a thief to access the contents of your camera.

Modular

Predator is extremely modular, which makes it easy to replace and upgrade individual components over time. For example, increasing your dashcam resolution is as easy as unplugging the old camera from the controller, and plugging in an upgraded model. Nearly any generic USB camera will work with Predator.

Customizable

Predator is exceptionally customizable, due in large part to its open source nature. While all common configuration values can be easily modified, users with technical experience can go even deeper, and modify the core system that powers Predator by editing its source code.

Generic

Predator runs on a multi-purpose Linux computer, meaning it's entirely possible for a technically-minded user to run custom software alongside Predator. While this installation kit comes pre-configured as a Predator dashcam system, there's no artificial restrictions on what the hardware can be used for.

Documented

Predator is thoroughly documented, which makes it easy for technical users to repair, modify, upgrade, and troubleshoot their own software/hardware, without being dependent on V0LT.

Functionality

Networking Capable

Predator supports wireless file transfer, without depending on the internet or subscription services of any kind. Nearly any device with a modern web browser should be able to connect to Predator and download dashcam video segments through the control interface.

Loop Recording

Predator supports looped recording, such that old dashcam video segments are automatically removed as new videos are created. Dashcam video segments can be manually saved from the control interface to prevent them from being overwritten.

GPS Compatible

Predator can integrate with GPS receivers to add speed and location information to videos, as well as enable useful features like automatic parking detection and time synchronization.

Video Overlays

Predator allows the user to set customizable video overlays, including timestamps, location information, altitude data, the vehicle's license plate, and any brief text message. Custom colors can even be configured to match style preferences!

Multiple Channels

Predator supports an arbitrary number of video channels, which opens up a wide gamut of installation possibilties. Predator comfortably supports front, rear, and interior recording, but users who are willing to tinker can connect even more with a quality USB hub.

Plate Recognition

In addition to its dash-cam capabilities, Predator can also function as a stand-alone license plate reader. While each Predator Owl kit is primarily designed to take advantage of Predator's dash-cam functionality, they still include the software you need to run ALPR.

Disclaimers

While I strive to make Predator a consistent, reliable product, here are some disclaimers to note before committing to a purchase.

Value

If you simply want the highest resolution dash-cam for the lowest price, Predator is certainly not the way to do it. Each kit is bespoke, and designed for technical users who want a dash-cam to fill a unique niche.

Stability

Predator is a complex mix of various different components. As such, it's worth conducting regular checks after installation to ensure everything is working as expected. If your dash-cam is critical to your vehicle's security/safety, consider running a second dash-cam from a different manufacturer for redundacy.

Reliability

Predator is designed to be as reliable as possible. However, it's not uncommon for there to be undiscovered bugs. If you encounter such an issue, be sure to reach out to V0LT directly for one-on-one support to resolve the problem!

Audio

Only packages containing 2 or more cameras come with a microphone for audio recording. Additionally, audio quality is far from a priority, and the default microphone struggles with wind noise and loud music. However, it is possible to purchase a USB audio device separately, or even re-use a webcam you already have for audio recording. To learn more about your options, contact V0LT.

Headless

Predator is designed to be tightly integrated with your car. As such, none of the kits below come with a display. The built-in web interface allows you to make configuration changes or offload video from your camera. Alternatively, the SD card can be removed from the controller for direct access.

Warranty

While all packages come with one-on-one technical support, V0LT does not provide an extended warranty. Repairs, replacements, and returns are handled on a case-by-case basis.

Packages

$220 Minimal

For testing and basic development

This kit comes with the bare minimum hardware required to get a Predator system up and running for sake of testing, and is not recommended in most cases.

  • Controller: A Raspberry Pi 5 with a 128GB SandDisk Extreme MicroSD card, pre-configured with Predator and Optic Pro
  • Camera: A Mokose 4K USB webcam
    • This camera is selected for it's durability, heat resistance, and lens quality.
    • While the camera unit supports 4K recording, the controller is not designed to handle this resolution (see specifications section below).
Purchase

$340 Core

For front-facing dashcam recording

This kit comes with everything included in the Minimal package, as well as the following additions:

  • Cooling: An integrated Raspberry Pi 5 active cooler, for long term thermal performance
  • Accessories: Real-time clock battery to preserve date and time between power cycles
  • Mounting: A flat GoPro-style adhesive mount, with 1/4th inch tripod buckle adapter for webcam
  • Power: A pre-soldered 12V to 5V USB-C connector, to power the controller
  • Wiring: 3 meters of 16 gauge two-pin (red/black) wiring
  • Fuses: A fuse-tap kit sized to fit your specific car
Purchase

$420 Enhanced

For front and rear dashcam recording

This kit comes with everything included in the Core kit, as well as the following additions:

  • Location: A VK162 USB GPS module
  • Camera: A Noroum V11 USB webcam for rear recording, including GoPro-style mounting and a 2 meter USB extension (male to female).
Purchase

$600 Ultimate

For in-depth, custom installations with 3-channel recording

This kit comes with everything included in the Enhanced package, as well as the following additions:

  • Toolkit: Multimeter, soldering kit, heat-shrink tubing, wire strippers, trim removal tools
  • Networking: GL.iNet SFT1200 compact router for dedicated vehicle-integrated networking (Includes short male-to-male gigabit Ethernet patch cable for controller, and 3 meter male-to-female Ethernet extension for custom vehicle integration)
  • Power: Pre-soldered 12V to dual 5V USB-C connector, to power both the controller and router (replaces single USB-C wiring harness from Core package
  • Camera: A third Noroum V11 USB webcam for 3 total channels, including GoPro-style mounting and a 2 meter USB extension (male to female).
Purchase

Add-ons

These components can be added (in any amount) to any package as custom requests.

  • $3 - Button: A 12mm stainless-steel push button for custom-integrated controls
  • $15 - Relay: A JD1912 automotive relay for custom integration with vehicle compoments (brakes, horn, etc.)
  • $1 - 8x GPIO Pin Connectors: Several female GPIO pin connectors to safely wire in custom integrations

To order a custom package, contact V0LT directly at the link below. All systems are made to order, so individual customizations are possible, but processing time will vary depending on the components. Additionally, shipping is not included in the listed prices, although local pick-up is available. If you want custom modifications (or want certain components removed from the package), be sure to mention so!

Contact

Specifications



Manual

The owners manual can be downloaded here.