Cars have the potential to be made much safer through the careful application of real-time video cameras. Backup cameras are the perfect example of how a well-placed camera can make cars safer and easier to drive. Cameras could also make checking your blind spot easier and safer. The Lanmodo Vast night vision camera system uses a front camera and intelligent image processing to provide better visibility for drivers traveling at night.
I subjectively have trouble driving at night, but I often have to. Basically, it's harder to see at night by definition. While street lights are supposed to make driving safer, they don't make it as safe as driving during the day. Indeed, how could they? They would need to be as bright as sunlight, and no one would stand that level of persistent lighting.
So, by definition, driving at night is not as safe as driving during the day. The stress of being extra observant at night to avoid accidents has made night driving a neurotic mess for me. So I found the idea of this product appealing. It uses core technology in a smart way to produce a product that could significantly improve my life. That's everything I love about technology.
The system uses basic image processing that amplifies the electrical signal from the camera, called "gain", which makes the image brighter. This brightening is however not free and the amplification also considerably degrades the quality of the image. That's why it's not very useful if you're looking for a nice video.
But if you're looking to detect a vehicle up to 300 meters away in the dark, this gain boost is more than enough. We found that even in the deepest darkness, the Lanmodo Vast was able to produce a clear image of objects in the image. It's clear enough to see cars, people and anything in your path.
It is quite true that the screen shows you objects that you would not otherwise be able to see. It is easy to spot vehicles or obstacles in the image, even when these vehicles are simultaneously in the streetlights, thanks to the zoom.
And when driving down a dark country road where high beams can attract deer, the Vast reduced my normally tumultuous anxiety about a deer collision to a low whisper. I soon came to rely on it while driving, even in well-lit night driving situations. The Vast made me feel safer because it enhanced my senses. I felt like a cyborg driving with super computer vision, or like Knight Rider.
The camera system can also be used without the night vision enhancement in other low visibility conditions, such as rain, fog, mist and haze.
The only complaint one could have with the screen is that it's much brighter than the road. It's not so bright that it's blinding or unpleasant. But staring at the screen for long periods of time, like you might at a red light, temporarily reduces your night vision in very dark areas. But the overall effect wasn't much worse than a rear-view camera or, for one always-on example, a smartphone's navigation screen. Glancing at the screen did not impair our ability to drive or see what was happening around us.
The fit and finish of the device is high quality, with physical buttons to drive the interface and smooth plastic bezels. The direction of the camera assembly on the back of the screen is adjustable, making it easier to point the camera correctly.
The mounting point on the bottom of the device is well positioned, indicating a thoughtful design. The suction cup mount included with the Lanmodo naturally balances with the weight of the system. With the suction cup engaged, the mount shows only moderate movement. The suction cup attaches best to smooth glass but also works on a smooth dashboard. If you mount the device to the dashboard, a wider base is also included with a sticky base that sticks to your dashboard. This prevents the device from slipping too much during use. It's the right size to be held in a GPS or clip-style smartphone holder, although the device is heavier than a typical smartphone and may sag.
The device can be powered via the included OBDII adapter or the 12V cigarette lighter style power adapter. Both methods effectively power the device and it is all about securing an efficient cable routing plan. The 12V adapter has about four feet of power cable attached to the outlet, while the OBDII port has about two feet of cable attached.
The screen can also be connected to a Lanmodo backup camera which was not included with our product. You can switch between the front and rear cameras with a hardware button at the top of the Vast's screen.
The Lanmodo Vast night vision system provides tangible and measurable improvement in detecting distant objects in the dark. By revealing what the darkness hides, you can drive at night with more confidence in your safety and less afraid of the dark.
You can purchase the Vast Camera for $50 off using code LMDNVS_MTE if purchased from the Lanmodo Boutique, for 10% off using code 10LMDVLK if purchased from Amazon, or also enter our contest mentioned above to win one of your own. Promo codes for the Lanmodo store and Amazon are valid until April 30, 2019.
