1. Introduction
The IMOU Cruiser 4G is a versatile 360° PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) outdoor camera designed to provide high-definition surveillance with the flexibility of 4G LTE connectivity. It features 1080P resolution, smart color night vision, human detection, and smart tracking, ensuring comprehensive monitoring in various weather conditions.
Figure 1: IMOU Cruiser 4G Camera and Key Features
2. Setup Guide
Follow these steps to set up your IMOU Cruiser 4G camera:
- Download and Install Imou Life App: Scan the QR code on the camera packaging or search for "Imou Life" in Google Play Store (Android) or Apple App Store (iOS) to download and install the application.
- Register an Account: Open the Imou Life App and register for a new user account if you don't already have one.
- Insert Nano SIM Card: Locate the SIM card slot on your camera and insert a nano SIM card with an active 4G LTE data plan. Ensure the SIM card is correctly oriented.
- Connect Power: Connect the camera to a power source using the provided power adapter.
- Wait for Booting: Allow the camera to boot up. The indicator light will flash green once it's ready for connection.
- Add Camera in App: Follow the in-app instructions to add your camera. This typically involves scanning a QR code on the camera. If you have multiple cameras, repeat this step for each device.
- Troubleshooting Connection: If the Wi-Fi network has changed or the indicator status is incorrect, reset the camera and then repeat step 6.
Figure 2: Imou Life App Setup Process
3. Operating Instructions
3.1 4G LTE Connectivity
The Cruiser 4G camera supports 4G LTE connection, allowing it to operate in locations without Wi-Fi coverage. Simply insert a nano SIM card with a data plan. The supported bands are:
- EU Version: LTE FDD: Band 1/3/5/7/8/20/28, LTE TDD: Band 38/40/41
- American Version: LTE FDD: Band 1/2/3/4/5/7/8/28/66
Figure 3: Supported 4G LTE Network Bands
3.2 High-Definition Video
The camera delivers up to 1080P (1920 x 1080) high-definition video quality, ensuring clear and detailed footage. It also supports 8x digital zoom for closer inspection of distant objects.
Figure 4: 8x Digital Zoom Capability
3.3 Smart Color Night Vision
The Cruiser 4G offers advanced night vision capabilities with four distinct modes:
- OFF Mode: Night vision is disabled.
- IR Mode: Standard infrared black and white night vision.
- Color Mode: Full-color night vision, often utilizing built-in spotlights.
- Smart Mode: The camera uses IR mode normally and switches to full-color mode when motion is detected to capture more detail.
Figure 5: Smart Color Night Vision Modes
3.4 Weatherproof Design
With an IP66 rating, the Cruiser 4G is protected against dust ingress and powerful water jets, making it suitable for outdoor use in various weather conditions, including rain and wind.
Figure 6: IP66 Weatherproof Camera
3.5 Smart Tracking and Active Deterrence
The camera features advanced AI functions for smart tracking and active deterrence:
- Human Detection: Accurately identifies human figures, reducing false alarms from animals or inanimate objects.
- Smart Tracking: When a target is detected, the camera automatically locks onto and tracks the moving object, adjusting its pan/tilt rotation.
- Customizable Detection Zones: Define specific areas for detection to focus monitoring and avoid irrelevant movements.
- Favorite Point Setting: Set preferred monitoring points for the camera to focus on.
- Customizable Alarm Sound: Choose from various alarm sounds (e.g., siren, dog barks) or record your own message to deter intruders. The camera features a 110dB siren.
- Scheduling: Plan your security schedule to activate or deactivate features at specific times.
Figure 7: Smart Tracking in Action
Figure 8: Customizable Security Preferences
3.6 Two-way Talk
The built-in speaker and microphone with echo cancellation allow for clear two-way communication. You can interact with visitors or deter unwanted guests directly through the Imou Life App.
Figure 9: Two-way Talk Functionality
3.7 Product Overview Video
Video 1: IMOU Cruiser Smart Outdoor Pan/Tilt Camera Overview
4. Maintenance
4.1 Storage Management
The camera supports local storage via a Micro SD card (up to 256GB) and cloud storage (subscription-based after a 7-day free trial).
- SD Card: When the SD card is full, it will automatically overwrite older recordings. Regularly back up important footage to a computer or other storage device.
- Cloud Storage: Cloud recordings are typically stored for a limited duration (e.g., 3 or 7 days) before being automatically deleted. Ensure you download any critical footage within this period.
4.2 Cleaning
To maintain optimal performance, periodically clean the camera lens and housing. Use a soft, damp cloth to gently wipe away dust and dirt. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could damage the camera's finish or lens.
5. Troubleshooting
5.1 App Issues
- "Failed to bind" error: This usually means the camera successfully connected to Wi-Fi but failed to link to your Imou account. Check if your router has a stable internet connection and try again.
- Modifying device info (photo, name, password): In the Imou Life App, navigate to the device's settings page. You can access this either from the preview page (click the icon in the top right) or via "Me" -> "My Device" -> select device.
5.2 Connectivity Issues
- Changing Wi-Fi network:
- If your camera has an Ethernet port and you have a cable, connect the camera to your router via Ethernet. Once the LED turns blue, access the device settings in the Imou Life App, tap "Wi-Fi Config," and connect to the new Wi-Fi.
- If no Ethernet option is available, reset the camera to factory default and then set it up again with the new Wi-Fi network.
5.3 Alarm and Notification Issues
- Not receiving alarm messages:
- Ensure the enable button in the upper right corner of the channel picture on the main page is active.
- Verify Imou Notifications are enabled in your phone's settings (e.g., iPhone: Settings -> Notifications; Imou App: Me -> Settings -> Notice).
- Confirm that the specific event (e.g., motion detection) is enabled in the device settings and its time schedule is valid.
- Ensure the device has a stable internet connection.
5.4 Night Vision Issues
- Image is all black at night:
- Check if the IR LED lights are functioning. If they are on but the image is black, there might be an issue with the ICR (Infrared Cut-off Filter).
- Ensure objects are within the effective IR distance (typically less than 10m for consumer cameras).
6. Specifications
| Category | Feature | Specification |
|---|---|---|
| Camera | Sensor | 1/2.9” 2 Megapixel Progressive CMOS |
| Resolution | 2 MP (1920 x 1080) | |
| Night Vision | 30m (98ft) Distance | |
| Lens | 3.6mm Fixed Lens | |
| Field of View | 86°(H), 45°(V), 105°(D) (355° Pan, 90° Tilt) | |
| Network | EU LTE FDD/TDD Bands | LTE FDD: B1/3/5/7/8/20/28, LTE TDD: B38/40/41 |
| EU Transmission Data | LTE FDD (Mbps): 10.3(DL)/5.1(UL), LTE TDD (Mbps): 9.1(DL)/3.1(UL) | |
| American LTE FDD Bands | LTE FDD: B2/3/4/5/7/8/28/66 | |
| American Transmission Data | LTE FDD (Mbps): 10.3(DL)/5.1(UL) | |
| Video & Audio | Video Compression | H.265/H.264 |
| Frame Rate | Up to 15fps | |
| Digital Zoom | 8x | |
| Audio | Built-in Mic & Speaker, 110dB Two-way Audio | |
| Auxiliary Interface | Audio | Built-in Mic & Speaker |
| Controls | Power on/off Button, Reset Button | |
| Storage Slot | Micro SD Card Slot (up to 256GB) | |
| Power Mode | Mains Electricity | |
| General | Material | Plastic |
| Power Supply | DC 12V 1A | |
| Power Consumption | < 6.2W | |
| Operating Temperature | -20℃~+50℃ (-4℉~122℉) | |
| Dimensions | 120.7 x 136.2 x 183.3 mm (6.96 x 4.33 x 5.59 inch) | |
| Weight | 418g (0.92lb) |
7. Warranty and Support
The IMOU Cruiser 4G camera typically comes with a 2-year warranty. For detailed warranty information, technical support, or service inquiries, please refer to the official IMOU website or contact their customer service directly.
About Imou
Founded in 2015, Imou is a commercial smart home product provider focused on the IoT market for global consumers. With over 1,000 employees and significant R&D investment, Imou has developed four visual-sense centered product lines: Imou Security, Imou Robots, Imou Lights, and Imou Link. Imou aims to provide diverse solutions for various usage scenarios, enhancing the smart product experience for users worldwide.
Figure 10: Imou Certifications and Company Information
8. User Tips
- Optimize Detection Zones: Carefully configure detection zones in the Imou Life App to minimize false alarms from irrelevant movements (e.g., passing cars on a distant road, swaying trees).
- Regular Firmware Updates: Check the Imou Life App periodically for firmware updates. Keeping your camera's firmware up-to-date ensures you have the latest features, security patches, and performance improvements.
- Internet Stability: For optimal performance and reliable notifications, ensure your 4G signal or Wi-Fi connection (if used) is stable and strong. Unstable connections are a common cause for binding failures and missed alerts.
- Account Security: For security reasons, each camera can only be bound to one Imou account at a time. If you need to transfer ownership or add the camera to a different account, ensure it's deleted from the previous account first.