IMOU S400

IMOU S400 Dash Cam User Manual

Your Smart Driving Partner with 4MP QHD

1. Introduction

The IMOU S400 Dash Cam is a high-performance 4MP QHD car DVR designed to capture crystal-clear video footage of your journeys. Featuring advanced functionalities like voice control, smart parking monitoring, loop recording, and built-in Wi-Fi, it ensures comprehensive coverage and ease of use. This manual provides detailed instructions for setting up, operating, and maintaining your dash cam to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

IMOU S400 Dash Cam with phone showing live view

IMOU S400 Dash Cam: Your smart driving partner.

2. Packing List

Please check the contents of your package to ensure all items are present:

  • Dash Camera x1
  • Bracket x1
  • Car Charger x1
  • Quick Start Guide x1
  • Electrostatic Stickers x1
  • Power Cable x1
Diagram of IMOU S400 Dash Cam packaging and included accessories

Contents of the IMOU S400 Dash Cam package.

3. Camera Overview

Familiarize yourself with the different parts and controls of your IMOU S400 Dash Cam:

Diagram showing parts of the IMOU S400 Dash Cam including screen, buttons, ports, and lens

Front and side views of the dash cam with labeled components.

  • **Screen**: Displays live view, menu, and settings.
  • **Indicator Light**: Shows device status.
  • **Buttons**: Menu, Power, Confirm, Up, Down, Speaker (for navigation and control).
  • **Installation Slot**: For attaching the dash cam to the bracket.
  • **TF Card Slot**: For inserting the MicroSD card.
  • **Lens**: Captures video footage.
  • **Peripheral Port**: For additional accessories (if applicable).
  • **Power Port**: For connecting the power cable.

4. Setup and Installation

Follow these steps to properly install your IMOU S400 Dash Cam in your vehicle:

  1. **Insert TF Card**: Cut off the power supply before installing the TF card. Gently insert the TF card into the TF card slot until it clicks into place.

    Video: Installation Guide of Dash Cam (0:19 - 0:24 shows TF card insertion).

  2. **Attach Dash Cam to Bracket**: Securely attach the dash cam to the provided bracket.

    Video: Installation Guide of Dash Cam (0:25 - 0:31 shows attaching dash cam to bracket).

  3. **Clean Windscreen**: Wipe the selected spot on your front windshield clean where the dash cam will be mounted.
  4. **Apply Electrostatic Sticker**: Put up the electrostatic sticker to the selected spot on the windscreen. This helps in easy removal without leaving residue.

    Video: Installation Guide of Dash Cam (0:32 - 0:41 shows applying electrostatic sticker).

  5. **Remove Adhesive Backing**: Remove the protective sticker from the adhesive pad at the bottom of the bracket.

    Video: Installation Guide of Dash Cam (0:42 - 0:46 shows removing adhesive backing).

  6. **Attach Dash Cam to Windscreen**: Firmly attach the dash cam (with bracket) to the electrostatic sticker on the windscreen. Press firmly for a few seconds to ensure a secure bond.

    Video: Installation Guide of Dash Cam (0:47 - 0:54 shows attaching dash cam to windscreen).

  7. **Connect Power Cable**: Plug the car power cable into the bracket's power port.

    Video: Installation Guide of Dash Cam (0:55 - 1:00 shows plugging power cable into bracket).

  8. **Route Cables**: Carefully route the power cable along the edge of the windscreen and dashboard to ensure it is neat and does not obstruct your view or driving.
    Diagram showing proper cable routing in a car interior for the dash cam

    Proper cable routing for a clean and safe installation.

    Video: Installation Guide of Dash Cam (1:01 - 1:06 shows routing cables).

  9. **Connect to Car Power**: Connect the other end of the power cable (car charger) to the car's cigarette lighter socket.

    Video: Installation Guide of Dash Cam (1:07 - 1:12 shows connecting power cable to fuse tap/cigarette lighter).

  10. **Power On**: The dash cam will power on automatically once connected to the car's power supply.

    Video: Installation Guide of Dash Cam (1:13 shows dash cam powering on).

Important Tips for Installation:

  • The device can ONLY work by connecting to the car power with original cables. Do not run the device with your own power at home.
  • To enable time-lapse recording for 24-hour parking monitoring, a dedicated 24-hour non-stop power cable (not included) is required and must be purchased separately.
Diagram showing installation steps: Clean, Stick, Install, Power on

Visual guide for the installation process.

5. Operating Instructions

5.1 Voice Control

The IMOU S400 Dash Cam supports voice commands for quick actions, allowing you to keep your hands on the wheel and focus on driving. In an emergency, simply tell the dash cam to immediately record what happened with your voice.

Woman driving and using voice commands for the dash cam

React fast with voice commands like "Lock the video" or "Take photos".

5.2 Loop Recording

The dash cam automatically overwrites the oldest unlocked video files with the newest ones when the memory card becomes full. This ensures seamless operation without the need for manual deletion.

Dash cam with a clock icon and states for loop recording: Lock the video, Deleting, Wait to delete

Loop recording ensures continuous footage by managing storage space.

5.3 Smart Parking Mode (24-Hour Event-based Auto-recording)

When connected with a dedicated 24-hour non-stop power cable (sold separately), the dash cam can automatically record abnormal events such as collisions, theft attempts, or vicious scratches while your car is parked. The built-in G-sensor will automatically activate and lock the video evidence for further investigation.

Car with a shield icon and icons for collision, theft, and vicious scratch, indicating 24-hour event-based auto-recording

24-hour event-based auto-recording protects your vehicle.

Man looking at car accident with a locked video frame, illustrating important information being kept

G-sensor ensures important information is kept during incidents.

5.4 Time Lapse Recording

Time-lapse photography captures frames at a much lower rate. When played back at a normal rate, the video appears to be moving faster, effectively lapsing in time. This feature saves storage space and makes reviewing long periods of footage easier.

Time lapse video frames with icons for save space, easy to playback, no need to clean up memory

Time-lapse recording for efficient storage and review.

5.5 Built-in Wi-Fi and App Interconnection

The IMOU S400 Dash Cam features built-in Wi-Fi, allowing you to connect it to your smartphone via the ImouGO APP. This enables you to play back and download recordings easily and conveniently while on the road or on a trip.

Hand holding a smartphone displaying the ImouGO app interface for the dash cam

Access recordings and settings via the ImouGO app.

Connecting to the ImouGO App:

  1. **Download App**: Search for "ImouGO" in Google Play Store (Android) or Apple App Store (iOS) and install the application.
    QR codes for downloading ImouGO app from Apple App Store and Google Play

    Scan QR codes to download the ImouGO app.

  2. **Connect to Dash Cam Wi-Fi**: On your smartphone, go to Wi-Fi settings, select and connect to the dash cam's Wi-Fi network.
    • **Wi-Fi SSID**: Imou-xxxxxx (The last 6 digits of the serial number)
    • **Default Password**: 12345678 or 1234567890
    Smartphone screenshots showing Wi-Fi settings and connecting to the dash cam's network

    Steps to connect your smartphone to the dash cam's Wi-Fi.

    Video: Installation Guide of Dash Cam (1:14 - 1:33 shows connecting to Wi-Fi).

  3. **Run ImouGO App**: Open the ImouGO App.
  4. **Enter Device**: Select "Enter this device" or "Connect new device" within the app to establish a connection with your dash cam.

    Video: Installation Guide of Dash Cam (1:34 - 1:45 shows connecting via app and live view).

  5. **Set Parameters & Preview**: Once successfully connected, you can set various parameters and view real-time video from your dash cam.

5.6 Multilingual System

The dash cam supports a multilingual system, allowing you to operate it in various languages beyond U.S. English. You can select your preferred language from the settings menu.

Dash cam screens showing language selection menu with multiple languages

Select your preferred language from the dash cam menu.

5.7 Share Wonderful Moments

With the ImouGO APP, you can easily download photos and videos from your dash cam. Share your wonderful moments with friends, family, and on social media directly from the app.

Smartphone showing ImouGO app with options to share moments

Easily share your driving moments via the ImouGO app.

6. Maintenance

  • **Clean Lens**: Regularly clean the dash cam lens with a soft, lint-free cloth to ensure clear video quality.
  • **Check TF Card**: Periodically check the TF card for proper insertion and functionality. Format the card monthly to maintain optimal performance and prevent data corruption.
  • **Cable Connections**: Ensure all power and accessory cables are securely connected and routed to prevent accidental disconnections or damage.
  • **Temperature Range**: The dash cam is designed to withstand extreme weather conditions with an operating temperature range of -20℃ to +70℃ (-4℉ to +158℉) and working humidity of 10-90% (non-condensing). However, avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight in extreme heat when the vehicle is parked to prolong its lifespan.
    Dash cam with temperature range from -20°C to 70°C, indicating ability to withstand extreme weather

    The dash cam is built to withstand a wide range of temperatures.

7. Troubleshooting

  • **Dash Cam Not Powering On**:
    • Ensure the car charger is securely plugged into the cigarette lighter socket and the car's ignition is on.
    • Check the power cable connection to the dash cam bracket.
    • Verify the car's cigarette lighter socket is functional.
  • **"SD Card Not Detected" Error**:
    • Ensure the TF card is inserted correctly and fully into the slot.
    • Try reinserting the TF card.
    • Format the TF card using the dash cam's settings menu or on a computer.
    • If the issue persists, try a different, high-quality TF card (Class 10 or higher, up to 128GB).
    • Video: Installation Guide of Dash Cam (1:46 shows "SD card not detected" message).

  • **Wi-Fi Connection Issues**:
    • Ensure Wi-Fi is enabled on your smartphone and the dash cam.
    • Verify you are connecting to the correct SSID (Imou-xxxxxx) and using the correct password (12345678 or 1234567890).
    • If your phone shows "Weak Security" for the dash cam's Wi-Fi, this is normal as it's a direct device-to-phone connection, not an internet connection.
    • Try restarting both the dash cam and your smartphone.
  • **Poor Video Quality**:
    • Clean the dash cam lens and the windscreen area where it's mounted.
    • Ensure the protective film has been removed from the lens.
    • Check the video resolution settings in the dash cam menu or ImouGO app.
    • The dash cam features WDR Light Processing and Automatic Light Exposure Correction to ensure clear visibility in various light conditions.
      Comparison of video quality in low light, cloudy, strong light, and night conditions with automatic light correction

      Automatic Light Exposure Correction for clearer images.

8. Specifications

Technical Specifications

Feature Detail
Sensor1/2.9 inch CMOS
Effective Pixels2560 (H)×1440 (V)
Frame Rate2K@30fps
Screen Resolution480 × 854
Screen Size3 inch
IrisF2.2
Field of View123°
Video CodeH.265
Audio InputBuilt-in MIC
Audio OutputBuilt-in 1 speaker
Storage1 TF card port, supports max 128G (Class 10 recommended)
Vehicle DetectionG-Sensor
Power Consumption≤ 5W
Operating Temperature-20℃ to +70℃ (-4℉ to +158℉)
Operating Humidity≤95% (non-condensing)
Protection GradeIP52
Assembly ModePortable Recorder
Chipset ManufacturerMSTAR
Pixels500Mega
OSD LanguageChinese (Simplified), English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Ukrainian
GPS loggerInternal
InterfaceAV-In, USB 2.0, Wi-fi, Micro SD/TF
Applicable modelsAll Car have Car Charge
MaterialOne-body Metal Structure
PowerMINI USB 5V
Size87*53.5*42mm
Weight160g

Functions

Function Description
Video Resolution2160P, 1440P, 1080P (Optional)
Time-lapse PhotographyRecord by time-lapse photography at 1 fps when vehicle stops.
Parking ModeLock video of collision during parking; sensitivity is optional.
Collision DetectionLock video of collision during driving; sensitivity is optional.
File BrowsingView videos, locked videos, and images.
Recording TimeSelectable from 1, 2, and 3 minutes.
Screen SetupScreen off time can be 1 or 2 minutes.
Audio RecordingEnable or disable audio recording.
Date & TimeAdjust date and time.
System ResetRestore factory settings.
Delete FilesSelect and delete files.

9. User Tips

Here are some tips to enhance your experience with the IMOU S400 Dash Cam:

  • **High-Quality TF Card**: Always use a reputable brand's Class 10 or U3 MicroSD card to ensure reliable recording and prevent data loss.
  • **Regular Formatting**: Format your TF card at least once a month to maintain optimal performance and prevent fragmentation.
  • **Cable Management**: Proper cable routing is crucial for safety and aesthetics. Ensure cables are tucked away neatly and do not interfere with driving controls.
  • **Parking Monitoring**: For 24-hour parking monitoring, remember to install the optional hardwire kit (non-stop power cable) to provide continuous power to the dash cam.
  • **Voice Commands**: Practice common voice commands like "Lock the video" or "Take photos" to react quickly in critical situations without taking your hands off the wheel.

10. Warranty and Support

The IMOU S400 Dash Cam comes with a 1-Year Free Warranty, including a 365-day free replacement policy. For any quality problems, please follow the warranty process:

  1. **Contact Seller**: Reach out to the seller or authorized support channel.
  2. **Confirm Quality Problems**: Provide details and evidence of the quality issue.
  3. **Buyer Return Item to Seller**: If required, return the defective item.
  4. **Seller Receive Return**: The seller will receive and inspect the returned item.
  5. **Seller Send A New One**: A replacement unit will be sent to you.
Diagram showing the 365 Days Free Replacement warranty process

Warranty terms and conditions for free replacement.

For further assistance or technical support, please refer to the contact information provided in your Quick Start Guide or visit the official IMOU support website.


IMOU S400 Dash Cam Installation Guide: Setup, Wiring & App Connection

IMOU S400 Dash Cam Installation Guide: Setup, Wiring & App Connection

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