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USB Drive For Recording Sentry Mode, etc.
- Thread starter davenlei
- Start date
Tesla Dashcam records 10 minute clips. The Tesla Dashcam software automatically overwrites the Dashcam clip after 1 hour unless the clip is saved. You can save a Dashcam clip by tapping the Dashcam screen icon, honking the horn (see settings.) The current Dashcam video buffer is automatically saved n the event of a collision. Once saved the clip is retained on the USB storage device until you delete it or reformat the device. Sentry mode events, also short clips, are saved automatically until you delete them. Unless you plan on storing a large music collection on the USB drive (usually in a separate drive partition but this may no longer be required as the USB storage device can now be formatted using exFAT and NTFS) then 128GB is plenty, i.e. up to 17 hours of Tesla video recording. A 256GB storage device would store ~35 hours of Tesla Dashcam and Sentry mode video clips.
For maximum life and reliability of the USB storage device for Tesla Dashcam and Sentry Mode use a High Endurance (Sandisk) or PRO Endurance (Samsung) MicroSD card and a USB adapter. You can use SSD as these generally have a larger storage capacity. SSD cost more, take up space in the glove box and use more power. The USB thumb drive that comes with the Tesla vehicle is not designed for a high volume of total read/write operations so it will likely fail within a relatively short time. You may not know the storage device has been corrupted until you need to retrieve a recording.
For maximum life and reliability of the USB storage device for Tesla Dashcam and Sentry Mode use a High Endurance (Sandisk) or PRO Endurance (Samsung) MicroSD card and a USB adapter. You can use SSD as these generally have a larger storage capacity. SSD cost more, take up space in the glove box and use more power. The USB thumb drive that comes with the Tesla vehicle is not designed for a high volume of total read/write operations so it will likely fail within a relatively short time. You may not know the storage device has been corrupted until you need to retrieve a recording.
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I bought a fast thumb drive but shortly thereafter had errors. Switched to a SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD and it's been flawless.
The USB port inside the glove box is for the Dashcam/Sentry Mode storage device. This is a USB-A 3.x data port. The other USB ports inside the center console and for the rear passengers are USB-C.
So I was going to plug a USB drive I bought in the glove box and there was a 128GB Tesla branded one in there already. Do they come with the thumb drive from the factory installed normally? The car is brand new and manufactured 3/28.
Yes, Tesla now provides a 128GB USB memory stick. The Sales/Service center installs the memory stick in the glove box. The high volume of data write operations with Tesla's Dashcam recording and Sentry mode will quickly damage a standard USB device. For a more reliable, longer life data storage device use an SSD or else a High Endurance (Sandisk) or PRO Endurance (Samsung) MicroSD memory card and a USB adapter.
Marcust99
Member
I’ve just joined bc ive just gotten my new Y back from the body shop. I drive it home from the Tesla Svc Ctr where it was delivered, I drove it home 28 miles parked it, went in side and an hour later my car was side swiped hit and run. 
that is not why I am texting I text box I’m 74 yr and about as computer illiterate as possible. I don’t even know the questions to ask. I did find out about the fire stick USB ports. Was a fire stick supposed to be in the car when it was delivered?
Thanks
ChristmasCarol
that is not why I am texting I text box I’m 74 yr and about as computer illiterate as possible. I don’t even know the questions to ask. I did find out about the fire stick USB ports. Was a fire stick supposed to be in the car when it was delivered?Thanks
ChristmasCarol
Yes, the Tesla vehicle comes with a 128GB Samsung USB thumb drive. The drive should be in the USB-A port located inside the glove box.I’ve just joined bc ive just gotten my new Y back from the body shop. I drive it home from the Tesla Svc Ctr where it was delivered, I drove it home 28 miles parked it, went in side and an hour later my car was side swiped hit and run.
Thanks
ChristmasCarol
I say: Check the glove box for the stick? Is it in there?I’ve just joined bc ive just gotten my new Y back from the body shop. I drive it home from the Tesla Svc Ctr where it was delivered, I drove it home 28 miles parked it, went in side and an hour later my car was side swiped hit and run.
Thanks
ChristmasCarol
talhas3
Licensed Real Estate Salesperson Rochester NY, NJ
So have other people used this method as well? Ordering some accessories and this is one of the top priority things that I can't get wrong
Works great: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08PZTP34M/So have other people used this method as well? Ordering some accessories and this is one of the top priority things that I can't get wrong
Either the 128GB or 256GB High Endurance microSD card. Sandisk also makes a Max Endurance microSD card for even longer life but that one is probably overkill for this application.
talhas3
Licensed Real Estate Salesperson Rochester NY, NJ
I ended up ordering the combo one that comes with the USB adapter as well
If anyone has a new build MY, here are some pics of the USB A (used for sentry mode) in the glove box, and then the two very hard to find USB C ports inside the center console with the sliding door. I feel like an idiot, but it took me an hour to find these
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