AZDOME M550 Pro Dash Cam User Manual

1. Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the AZDOME M550 Pro Dash Cam. This manual provides detailed instructions on how to set up, operate, and maintain your dash cam. Please read this manual thoroughly before use to ensure proper functionality and to maximize your device's performance.

Important Notes:

• A 64GB microSD card is included with your dash cam. Please format the microSD card using the dash cam for its first-time use.
• The dash cam is built with a Super Capacitor and requires continuous power connection during operation. It has a 1mAh Lithium Metal Battery solely for memorizing time settings.
• For optimal performance, use only AZDOME car chargers and SD cards. Using third-party or unqualified SD cards may affect performance and could cause random reboots during recording.

2. Package Contents

Please check the box for the following items:

• Front and Cabin Camera (x1)
• Rear Camera (6M/20ft) (x1)
• Car Charger (x1)
• Cable Clips (x5)
• Type-C USB Power Cable (3.5M/12ft) (x1)
• Adhesive Bracket (x1)
• 64GB Card (x1)
• Pry Tool (x1)
• User Manual (x1)

3. Specifications

4. Product Diagram

Familiarize yourself with the components of your AZDOME M550 Pro Dash Cam.

Note: The image above shows the main unit. For detailed component identification, please refer to the included user manual PDF.

Cabin Camera IR LEDs:

There are 6 hidden IR LEDs around the lens of the cabin camera. These IR LEDs automatically illuminate images in the dark, allowing the dash cam to capture video details inside the cabin during night driving.

5. Installation

Proper installation ensures optimal performance and safety. Follow these steps carefully:

5.1. Front and Cabin Camera Installation

1. Clean and dry the windshield thoroughly before installation. Remove any foreign matter.
2. Stick the electrostatic film on your windshield.
3. Attach the magnetic bracket to the electrostatic film.
4. Connect the M550 Pro dash cam to the magnetic bracket via its strong magnetic attraction. Plug in the cabin camera.
5. Insert the microSD card into the microSD slot of the dash cam. Format the SD card for first-time use.
6. Turn off the car engine.
7. 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.
8. Adjust the lens angle of the front camera. It is recommended to point the lens slightly downwards (approx. 10° below horizontal) to achieve a 6:4 road-to-background video ratio.
9. Turn on the engine. The dash cam will power up and start recording automatically. Video files are stored on the microSD card. The loop recording feature will overwrite the oldest files when the card is full, ensuring you always have the most recent video files.

Diagram showing ideal mounting area for front and cabin camera with charging cable routing.

5.2. Rear Camera Installation

10. Peel off the protective film from the double-sided tape and attach the rear camera to the rear windshield.
11. Adjust the lens angle by rotating the body of the rear camera. Connect the rear camera to the front camera.
12. Use the pry tool to lift the edges of the rubber window sealing and molding and tuck in the rear camera connection cable.
13. Plug the cigarette lighter power cable into the cigarette lighter socket and the front camera. Use the pry tool to lift the edges of the windshield trim/molding and tuck in the power cord.

Diagram showing rear camera cable routing.

Note: The original rear camera cable length is 6m/20ft. An optional 4-pin extension cable is available for purchase if a longer cable is needed.

General wiring diagram for dash cam installation.

6. Operation

6.1. Power ON/OFF

The camera is designed to power up and record automatically when it receives power (e.g., when the car engine is on). It saves video records and turns off automatically when the car shuts off.

• Auto Power ON/OFF: Plug the car charger into the cigarette lighter socket. When the car engine is on, the dash cam will turn ON and start recording automatically. When the car key is turned to the LOCK position, the dash cam automatically saves the recording and turns OFF.
• Manual Power ON/OFF: To manually turn ON, press the power button once. To manually turn OFF, press and hold the power button for at least 2 seconds.

Important:

• Do not remove or insert the Cabin camera/Rear camera when the dash cam is powered on, as this may damage the camera. The dash cam may reboot automatically if it detects different cameras connected to improve stability.
• Always connect the dash cam to power when using it.
• If your car's 12V cigarette outlet is always hot (provides constant power even when the car is off), the auto ON/OFF feature will not work. Continuous recording in this scenario will drain your car's battery. To remedy this, consider hardwiring your dash cam to your car's fuse box with an AZDOME 3-Lead Auto Trigger Hardwire Kit (not included, search for ASIN: B096G6FKZP or B0BM9JL327 for compatible kits) or change the fuse box connection for your 12V outlet to a socket that only supplies power when the car key is in ACC or ON position.

6.2. First Time Use

When first turned on, after a firmware update, or after a factory reset, the dash cam will prompt you to set your preferred Language, Time Zone, and Date & Time. Follow the on-screen instructions and press the OK button to confirm each step.

Time Zone Settings:

The dash cam applies time and date settings upon receiving a GPS connection. Adjust your time zone manually, especially considering standard vs. daylight saving time. If unsure, refer to an online time zone converter.

6.3. Button Functions

6.4. Built-in 5GHz WiFi & App Connectivity

The M550 Pro features 5GHz WiFi for high-speed data transmission, allowing you to download 800MB videos within 10 seconds. This is significantly faster than 2.4GHz connections.

To connect your smartphone:

1. Download the "AZDOME" app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
2. Turn on WiFi on the dash cam by long-pressing the Down Button for two seconds.
3. On your phone, go to Settings > WiFi and select the dash cam's WiFi network (SSID: M550Pro_********, Default Password: 12345678).
4. Once connected, open the AZDOME app to view real-time video, download files, and manage settings.

Illustration of 5GHz WiFi connection and app interface.

Important WiFi Notes:

• The dash cam's WiFi is for video/photo transfer only, not for internet broadcasting.
• The WiFi signal range is approximately 10 feet without obstructions.
• If your phone cannot find the M550 Pro WiFi, ensure your phone supports 5GHz band. If not, switch the dash cam to 2.4GHz mode via its menu.
• For iPhone users, if a "No Internet Connection" pop-up appears, select "Keep Trying WiFi" to maintain connection.
• For Android users, allow necessary permissions (location, photos, media) when installing the app. If "No Internet" message appears, confirm you want to stay connected.

6.5. Built-in GPS

The M550 Pro has built-in GPS to record driving speed, longitude, and latitude. You can view this data along with your recorded videos using the AZDOME GPS Player software on your computer.

Visual representation of GPS tracking and data display.

6.6. Loop Recording

The dash cam supports seamless loop recording, which means it continuously records video. When the memory card is full, the oldest video files are automatically overwritten by new recordings. You can set the loop recording duration to 1, 3, or 5 minutes per video clip.

Diagram illustrating loop recording and recording times for different SD card sizes.

6.7. IR Night Vision

Equipped with 6 IR LEDs and an F/1.8 aperture 6-glass lens, the M550 Pro provides super night vision. This allows for clear recording in low-light conditions, capturing details both outside and inside the vehicle.

Comparison of night vision with and without IR LEDs.

6.8. 24-Hour Parking Monitor

The 24-hour parking monitor feature requires a 3-lead hardwire kit (not included) with an output current of 2.5A. This mode offers two options:

• Collision Detection Parking Mode: The dash cam detects impacts via the G-sensor and automatically records and locks a 20-second video (starting 5 seconds before the incident). The camera will then turn off.
• Time-Lapse Parking Mode: The dash cam continuously records at 1 frame per second (1fps) for 24 hours. If an impact is detected, it will record and lock a 20-second video, then resume time-lapse recording.

Visual explanation of collision detection and time-lapse parking modes.

6.9. G-Sensor

The G-sensor is a 3-axis impact gravitational accelerometer. When a physical or gravitational impact is detected, the dash cam switches to emergency recording mode and saves a locked 20-second video (starting 5 seconds before the event). This file will not be overwritten by loop recording. You can adjust the G-sensor sensitivity (Off/High/Middle/Low) in the settings; higher sensitivity requires less force to trigger file protection.

6.10. Video Playback

You can play back recorded videos directly on the dash cam, via the AZDOME app on your smartphone, or using the AZDOME GPS Player software on your computer.

• On Dash Cam: Press the 'M' button to access the Menu settings, then select 'Playback Mode'. You can navigate through files and delete/protect them.
• Via Smartphone: Use the AZDOME app to check real-time video and download recorded files to your phone.
• Via Computer: Remove the microSD card, insert it into a card reader, and connect it to your computer. Download and install the AZDOME GPS Player from www.azdomevip.com (Support > Downloads). Use the player to browse and play video files, including GPS data.

Product overview video demonstrating features like multi-channel recording, night vision, WiFi, GPS, and parking monitor.

7. Maintenance

7.1. SD Card Formatting

It is recommended to format the memory card every 1-2 months for stable performance. The formatting process optimizes the card's file system for the camera. You can format the card directly through the dash cam's menu settings.

7.2. Firmware Update

Firmware updates introduce new features and improve performance. To update your M550 Pro:

1. Remove the microSD card from the dash cam and connect it to your computer via a card reader.
2. Download the latest M550 Pro firmware from www.azdomevip.com (Support > Downloads).
3. Unzip the downloaded firmware file and copy all firmware files to the root directory of your microSD card.
4. Insert the microSD card back into the dash cam.
5. Press and hold the "M" menu button, then connect the camera to the car charger. The dash cam will display a "SYSTEM UPGRADE" progress bar.
6. The update may take 1-3 minutes. Do not disconnect power during the update. The camera will turn on automatically once the update is complete.
7. Verify the new firmware version in the camera's menu under "About".

8. Troubleshooting (FAQ)

Q1: Camera turns ON/OFF automatically?

Ensure the output current is 5V/2.5A and use the provided car charger. Ensure rear cameras are connected correctly. The dash cam may reboot automatically if it detects different cameras connected to improve stability.

Q2: Video Image is blurred?

Remove the protective lens film, clean the lens, and ensure the windshield is clean and clear of grease, dirt, and debris. The dash cam has a minimum focal range of around 2 meters; objects closer than this may appear blurred.

Q3: Camera gets HOT?

It is normal for the camera to run slightly hot during high-speed video recording. The operating temperature range is -20℃ to 70℃ ( -4°F to 158°F).

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

Inspect the fuse in the Car Power Cable plug. If blown, inspect the power cable for damage. Ensure your car's 12V cigarette outlet provides power only when the car key is in ACC or ON position, or use a hardwire kit for constant power.

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

Your PC's codecs may not be compatible or up-to-date. Download the latest AZDOME GPS Player from www.azdomevip.com (Support > Downloads).

Q6: Video Files cannot be played on my computer?

The MP4 video files may not be compatible with your PC if suitable playback software is not installed. Use the AZDOME GPS Player or a universal media player.

Q7: Video has no sound?

Ensure 'Record Audio' setting is turned ON. Pressing the UP Button once while recording mutes the built-in microphone. Ensure 'Timelapse Record' setting is OFF if you expect audio.

Q8: Camera showing Memory Error?

Using unqualified or third-party SD cards can affect performance and cause random reboots. Ensure you are using a Class 10, U3 Speed microSD card, and format it regularly. If issues persist, contact support for a new memory card.

Q9: Maximum SD card capacity?

The dash cam supports up to 256GB microSD cards.

Q10: Does it record 24 hours?

Yes, with the optional 3-lead hardwire kit, the dash cam supports 24-hour parking monitoring in either collision detection or time-lapse mode.

Q11: Is the rear camera waterproof?

While the rear camera is designed for external use, prolonged exposure to water or improper installation can lead to water ingress. Ensure proper sealing during installation.

9. User Tips

• Overheating: It's normal for the camera to get warm, especially during continuous recording or in hot climates. The operating temperature range is wide (-20℃ to 70℃), so minor heating is expected. If it becomes excessively hot or reboots frequently, ensure proper ventilation and check power supply.
• SD Card Management: Regularly format your SD card (every 1-2 months) to prevent errors and ensure smooth recording. Use high-quality, recommended SD cards (Class 10, U3 Speed, up to 256GB) to avoid performance issues.
• Parking Mode: For 24-hour parking monitoring, a hardwire kit is essential. Ensure it's correctly installed and provides sufficient current (2.5A).
• Language Settings: The device supports multiple languages including English, German, French, Spanish, Japanese, Russian, and Chinese. You can select your preferred language during the first-time setup or in the menu.
• GPS Functionality: Utilize the AZDOME GPS Player on your computer to review driving routes, speed, and coordinates, which can be crucial for incident evidence.

10. Warranty & Support

AZDOME provides a one (1) year limited warranty for your product from the date of purchase against material or manufacturing defects.

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

Note:

AZDOME customer service is only provided for products purchased directly from AZDOME. If you purchased from another seller, please contact them directly for service or warranty issues.

You can also scan the QR code below to add us on WhatsApp for support:

Scan this QR code using your WhatsApp camera to add us.

For the full user manual in PDF format, please refer to: AZDOME M550 Pro User Manual (PDF)

11. Important Notices

• Video/Photo Disclaimer: Videos and photos recorded by the dash cam are for reference only. We are not responsible for data loss due to unusual circumstances. Data may be corrupted or lost if the TF card is removed during recording, if an invalid black screen appears during recording, or due to destructive collisions.
• Compliance: This product complies with the radio interface requirements of the European Community (CE, FCC, RoHS, WEEE certified).
• Disposal: This symbol indicates that the product must not be discarded as household waste. It should be delivered to an appropriate recycling facility to protect natural resources and human health. Contact your local municipality or disposal service for more information.
• FCC Rules: 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 Class B digital device limits. Maintain a minimum distance of 20cm between the radiator and your body during operation.