AZDOME M550 Dash Cam User Manual

1. Introduction

Thank you for purchasing this AZDOME dashcam. This instruction manual contains information on how to operate your dash cam. Before using your dashcam, we recommend that you read through this manual to ensure correct usage. To improve the performance of the product, the contents of this manual are subject to change without prior notice.

Note:

1. A 64GB microSD card is provided with the AZDOME dashcam when you purchase the product. Be sure to format your microSD card with your dash cam for the first time use.
2. Please ALWAYS connect with power when using. As it is built in Super Capacitor (Only has a 1mAh Lithium Metal Battery used to memorize time).

For a detailed user manual, you can download the PDF version by scanning the QR code below or visiting www.azdomevip.com.

Scan QR code to download Manual

2. In The Box

Check the box for each of the following items before installing the dash cam:

• 

  Front and Cabin Camera x 1
• 

  Rear Camera (6M/20ft) x 1

• 

  Electrostatic films for front camera x 2

• 

  Car charger x 1
• 

  Mini USB Power cable (3.5M/12ft) x 1

• 

  Storage card x 1 (64GB)

• 

  Cable clips x 5, Pry tool x 1
• 

  User manual x 1

3. Specifications

4. Product Diagram

Components and Controls:

1. Screen
2. Cabin camera
3. Power Button
4. UP Button
5. OK Button
6. Down Button
7. Mode Button
8. Microphone
9. Reset Button
10. Speaker
11. USB charging port
12. Rear camera connection port
13. microSD card slot
14. Rear camera
15. Mounting bracket

5. Installation

Front and Cabin Camera Installation:

Install the front and cabin camera at the top of the front windshield. Remove any foreign matter and clean and dry the windshield before installation.

1. Correctly connect the magnetic bracket and M550 dash cam through the strong magnetic attraction. Plug in the cabin camera.
2. Insert the microSD card into the microSD slot of the dash cam and format your SD card for the first time use.
3. Stick the electrostatic film on your windshield, then stick the magnetic bracket on top of the electrostatic film.
4. Turn off the car engine.
5. Connect the charging cable to the mini USB port of the magnetic bracket. Use the pry tool to lift the edges of the windshield trim/molding and tuck in the power cord.
6. Adjust the angle of the lens by the bracket of the front camera. We recommend pointing the lens slightly downwards (≈10° below horizontal), so as to record video with a 6:4 road to background ratio.
7. Turn on the engine. The dashcam will power up and start recording. Video files are stored on the microSD card. When the microSD card fills up, the newest video files will start to replace the oldest video files (called loop recording) – so you will always have the most recent video files.

Rear Camera Installation:

Install the Rear Camera (IP68 waterproof) outside the car.

Here are three examples of where to guide the rear camera's wire:

1. Select a flat and central place near the number plate lamp at the rear of the vehicle to mount the camera.
2. Attach tape to the bracket of the camera to hold the camera in position while installing, and drill two small holes, one for the first screw, the second to run the reverse camera cable through.
3. Use a screwdriver to fix the first screw, leaving the screw loose enough to adjust the camera.
4. Insert the camera wire through the intended drilled hole, checking the installation position.
5. Mark the place that is suitable for the second screw and drill a small hole for it.
6. Fix the second screw and securely tighten both screws.
7. After the installation is completed, connect the rear plug to the rear camera connection port of the front camera.

8. Adjust the lens position to ensure that the lens is level with the ground.
9. Start the engine and check that the machine is installed correctly.

Note on Rear Camera Accessories:

1. If you need to install the rear camera on the rear window of your car, a Rear Window Bracket for the inside of your vehicle is required (not included). Search on Amazon for "Rear Window Bracket for M550".
2. The original cable for the rear camera is 6m/20ft, suitable for most types of cars. A 20ft 6 Pin rear camera Extension Cable is available (not included). Search on Amazon for "Extension Cable for M550".

Optional Accessories include Rear Window Bracket, Mini USB Hardwire Kit, Extension Cable, and 128/256GB SD Card.

6. Operating Instructions

Power ON/OFF:

The camera is designed to power up and record automatically when it receives power. It then saves the video record and turns off automatically when the car shuts off.

Auto Power ON/OFF:

1. Plug car charger to cigarette lighter socket.
2. When the car engine is on, the dash cam will turn ON and start recording automatically.

When the car key is turned to LOCK position, the dash cam automatically saves the recording and turns OFF.

Manual Power ON/OFF:

• Manually Turn ON: Press the power button once.
• Manually Turn OFF: Press and hold the power button for at least 2 seconds.

First Time Use (Initial Setup):

This menu is used to set your preferred Language, Time Zone and Date&Time. This menu will appear when:

1. The Dash Cam is first turned on.
2. There has been a Firmware Update.
3. After the Dash Cam's settings have been reset, by using the 'Default Setting' option in the System Settings.

Time Zone Settings:

The settings that influence the displayed time & date will be applied upon receiving a GPS connection. Please make sure to adjust time zone setting during standard vs. daylight savings time. If you are unsure of your GMT offset, please look up your city on www.greenwichmeantime.com/time-zone/usa/.

Playing Video Files:

On the Dash Cam:

Press the 'M' button to access the Menu settings. Then choose 'Playback Mode' to go to the Playback Mode.

• Normal Videos: Video files saved in normal loop recording mode.
• Locked Videos: Video files the dashcam locks when the car is shocked or manually locked.
• Picture: Picture files that are taken.

In the thumbnail playback interface, you can long press the 'M' button to delete or protect related files.

Using Your Smartphone (AZDOME App):

Check real-time video using your smartphone:

1. Search for the AZDOME app in the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and install it on your smartphone.
2. Turn on WiFi of the dash cam: Long press the Down Button for two seconds to turn on the WiFi Mode. Scan the QR code below to get the whole process about WiFi.

3. Turn on WiFi of your phone and connect: Go to Phone's Settings > WiFi > Select WiFi of the dashcam. After it's connected to the WiFi, it will say 'No Internet Connection' which is normal. Because dash cam WiFi is ONLY for video/photo transfer function, NOT made to broadcast footage over the cloud or internet, please ignore the prompt.

WiFi Name SSID: M550_************

Default PASSWORD: 12345678

After installing the AZDOME APP, please register for an account with your email address on the registration screen to log in to the app. If you are unable to find this verification code in your email, please click the "Skip Login" button in the top right corner to proceed to the next step.

Once connected, the dash cam model M550 will show. Press 'Check Real-time Video' to enter the live video preview interface. Now you can view the video currently being recorded real-time by connecting your smartphone to the dashcam via Wi-Fi Direct.

Download video files into your smartphone:

1. Go to Dashcam Preview interface. Please STOP recording first, then press the 'Device Album' to get Photo, Video, Emergency files.
2. Select the video files to download into your phone, then you can find these downloaded video files in APP original interface menu named 'Local Video'. However, it will take a bit of time to download one video file.

What is a WiFi Feature?

The WiFi feature has been designed so you can pair your dash camera wirelessly with your smartphone and access your recording instantly from the dash cam. Here you can view, download and share your videos easily with your friends and family. Just like how you would connect your Bluetooth speaker to your smartphone for wireless music play, the same way dash cameras use WiFi signal (instead of a Bluetooth) to pair your smartphone with AZDOME M550.

Can I watch the videos around my car remotely?

NO. AZDOME M550 dash cam is NOT made to broadcast footage over the cloud or internet. It is NOT a cloud or an IP camera and it is NOT meant to do that. You can get live video and footage on AZDOME dash cam's APP as long as you stay within the 10FT range from the dashcam.

What is the WiFi Range?

The WiFi signal range is about 10FT when there are NO obstructions in the middle. Please NOTE that just like your home WiFi network, you don't have WiFi signal outside your home, the same way, WiFi range is 10FT from this small device.

For iPhone:

If you get this pop up for your iPhone while using WiFi feature, make sure to tap on ‘Keep Trying WiFi'. Otherwise the camera will get disconnected from the WiFi and then you will have to forget the AZDOME WiFi and then start to pair again to make it work again.

For Android phones:

When installing the AZDOME APP, it will have two pop-up prompts, select 'While using the APP' to allow AZDOME to access this device's location, and select ‘Allow’ to allow AZDOME to access photos and media on your device. There is one extra step you will have to take for the first time. Once you connect to the WiFi of M550, it will say ‘No Internet'. Which is fine. Wait about 10-15 seconds until you see the below pop up or notification. You just have to tap on the pop up notification that will show up in few seconds to select that you still want to stay connected even though there is NO Internet. Once you select this OK, you are set to go.

Playing Video Files Using Your Computer:

1. Remove the microSD card from the dashcam.
2. Insert the card into the microSD card reader and connect it to a computer.
3. Download AZDOME GPS Player from www.azdomevip.com > Support > Downloads and install it on your computer. (Note: Please close or ignore the prompt of the anti-virus software, we confirm that it will not bring any security impact to your computer.)
4. You can click the 'Open Files' button to browse and select the Movie or EMR folder of the microSD card on the AZDOME GPS Player. It will show all files in the Movie or EMR folder. Or you can also drag the video files directly to the launcher screen.
5. There are two ways to play video:
1. Click File-Open icon to choose the folder which you want to play, click to start play. (Note that you can ONLY select one folder to play and see no video files)
2. Select from 'My Computer' and find the memory card disk, choose the video file you want to play, you can drag and drop the file directly to the player. You can get the GPS information on the player.

File Naming Convention:

• File named **************A = Front camera video file
• File named **************B = Cabin camera video file
• File named **************C = Rear camera video file

Scan the QR code below to get the whole process about AZDOME GPS Player:

Menu Settings:

Video Settings:

• Resolution: Allows you to choose the video resolution.
• Loop Recording: Select the length (1min/3mins/5mins) of each video clip for continuous recording. The dash cam will delete the oldest files automatically when the memory card is full.
• Rear Cam Mirror: On (Default)/Off. When On, the dash cam screen will display the mirror image for the rear camera.
• Timelapse Record: Off (Default)/On. When On, 1-minute Time lapse video = 30 minutes real time coverage. Video files will be played at high-speed when playback. (Note: Time lapse is for leisure activity, not evidence. Turn off for normal driving.)
• Record Audio: On (Default)/Off. Turns the microphone on/off for video recording.
• WDR (Wide Dynamic Range): On (Default)/Off. Enhances detail and balances highlights/shadows for clear recordings in varying light conditions.
• Frequency: 50HZ/60HZ (Default). Set according to your country's power supply specification.
• G-Sensor: Off/High/Middle (Default)/Low. Detects physical impact; triggered files are locked as emergency files and won't be deleted by loop cycle. Higher sensitivity requires less force to trigger.
• Exposure: +2.0 to -2.0. Adjusts video exposure for brighter or darker video.

Parking Mode:

This function ONLY works when the AZDOME 3-Lead Hardwire Kit is installed properly (output current 2.5A). Select [Connected] and choose from three parking modes:

• Collision Detection Parking Mode: When the car engine is off, the camera stops continuous recording and enters impact detection mode. If a collision is detected (reaching set G-Sensor level), the camera turns ON, records a 1-min continuous video, saves & locks it in the EMR folder, then turns OFF. When the car starts, it returns to normal video mode.
• Time-Lapse Parking Mode: When the car engine is off, the camera stops continuous recording and enters timelapse 1fps recording mode. If a collision is detected, it locks the current timelapse video clip. When the car starts, it stops timelapse parking mode and returns to normal video mode.
• Motion Detection Parking Mode: When the car engine is off, the camera stops continuous recording and enters motion detection mode (LCD screen off after 15s). It records tens of seconds of video only when motion is detected by the front lens. If a collision is detected, it records a 1-min video, saves & locks it, then returns to motion detection mode. When the car starts, it returns to normal video mode.

System Settings:

• Fatigue Driving Reminder: Off (Default)/1hour/2hours/4hours. Dash cam will sound an alert after the chosen duration.
• Speed Unit: KM/H/MPH (Default). Choose between MPH and KMH.
• Volume: Low (Default)/Medium/High. Adjusts the internal speaker volume.
• Beep Sound: On (Default)/Off. Switches key tone on/off.
• Screen Saver: Live Video Always ON (Default)/Screen OFF After 1 Min/Screen OFF After 3 Min/Stealth Mode Startup. Controls screen display behavior.
• IR LED: Auto (Default)/Night Mode/Day Mode. Works on the cabin camera.
• Default Setting: Restores all settings to factory defaults. Your recordings will not be affected.
• GPS Info: Check satellite number, Longitude, Latitude, and Speed.
• Version: Check current firmware version.

7. Firmware Update

1. Remove the microSD card from the dashcam.
2. Insert the card into the microSD card reader and connect it to a computer.
3. Download the latest M550 Firmware from www.azdomevip.com > Support > Downloads.
4. Unzip the downloaded firmware (Zip file) and copy all ‘********.bin' firmware files to the root directory of microSD card.
5. Connect the camera to the car charger. Press the POWER button to start the firmware update process. You should see the blinking red LED which means your AZDOME M550 dash camera is updating the new firmware.

6. You can now check the latest firmware version by going into the camera's menu > Version.
7. Please format the SD-card on the Dashcam after the update, otherwise the Dashcam will update again after the next power on.

8. Troubleshooting (FAQ)

Q1: Camera turns ON / OFF automatically?

Ensure that the output current can reach 5V/2.5A and use our car charger. And ensure that the cabin camera and the rear camera are connected correctly. It is to improve stability that the dashcam reboots automatically once if it detects that there are different cameras connected.

Q2: Video Image is blurred?

Remove the protective lens film, clean the lens, make sure the windshield is clean and clear of grease, dirt, and debris.

Q3: Camera gets HOT?

It is normal for your camera to run slightly hot. Due to video being recorded at high speed, the dash cam may be hot during using. (No more than 158°F/70°C).

Q4: No power to my Dash Cam but it works upon my computer?

The cigarette power cable is not working. Inspect the fuse in the Car Power Cable plug. If the fuse is found to be blown, inspect the power cable for damage which may have caused the fuse to blow.

Q5: The sound is not synchronised with video during playback?

The Codecs upon your PC may not be compatible or the latest standard. Download the latest AZDOME GPS Player from www.azdomevip.com > Support > Downloads.

Q6: Video Files cannot be played on my computer?

The video files from the Dash Cam are in MP4 format and may not be compatible with your PC if suitable playback software is not installed.

Q7: Video has no sound?

Ensure that 'Record Audio’ setting is turned ON. Press once the UP Button while the video is recording, and it will Mute the built-in microphone. Ensure that ‘Timelapse Record' setting is turned OFF within the Menu.

Q8: Photograph is blurred?

The Dash Cam has a minimum focal range of around 2 meters. Objects closer than this are likely to become blurred. LONG PRESS for 2-Seconds to Take Snap.

Q9: I can not delete files on my Dash Cam?

Check to see if these files are 'locked'. If so please follow instructions to 'un-lock'. In the thumbnail playback interface, you can long press the ‘M' button to delete or un-lock related files.

Q10: Camera showing Memory Error or the video clips is recorded inconsistent length (e.g. 6, 10, 14, 18 seconds etc)?

Using unqualified SD or third party cards can affect dashcam's performance and in some cases, force the dashcam to reboot randomly during recording. If it still can not work normally, it should be that the TF card is unqualified and can not meet the recording requirements of the 3-channel dash cam. Please contact us to get a new memory card.

9. Warranty & Support

We provide a 12-month limited warranty for your product from the date of purchase, against any material or manufacturing defects.

For questions, support requests, or warranty claims, please contact us at service@azdomevip.com. Please include your order number and product model number in your request.

You can also contact us via WhatsApp:

Scan this QR code using the WhatsApp camera to add us on WhatsApp.

10. Compliance & Notices

CE Compliance:

This product complies with the radio interface requirements of the European Community.

Recycling Information:

This symbol means the product must not be discarded as household waste, and should be delivered to an appropriate and recycling helps protect natural resources, human health and the environment. For more information on disposal and recycling of this product, contact your local municipality, disposal service, or the shop where you bought this product.

FCC Compliance:

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.

If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with a minimum distance of 20cm between the radiator & your body. This transmitter must not be co-located or operating in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.