Pictrey A400 4K Dash Cam User Manual

1. Product Introduction

The Pictrey A400 is a high-performance 4K dash cam designed to enhance driving safety and convenience. It features stunning 4K resolution, advanced NightVIS 2.0 technology for superior night vision, ADAS for smart driving assistance, and seamless Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity for easy control via the DDPAI app. Built with a supercapacitor, it offers enhanced reliability even in extreme temperatures.

Figure 1: Pictrey A400 Dash Cam with key features highlighted.

1.1 Appearance

Figure 2: Front view of the A400 Dash Cam.

Figure 3: Rear view of the A400 Dash Cam with display.

Figure 4: Bottom view of the A400 Dash Cam showing function buttons.

1.2 Function Buttons

The dash cam features several buttons for control:

• Return/Settings Button: Used to return to the previous menu or access settings.
• Recording On/Off Button: Toggles video recording.
• Screen On/Off Button: Turns the screen on or off, or activates the screen saver.
• Reset Button: Hold the confirm button for 6 seconds to reset the device.

2. Specifications

Figure 5: DDPAI Dash Cam Comparison (A400 vs N5 Dual).

3. Package Contents

The standard package for the Pictrey A400 Dash Cam includes the following items:

• Pictrey A400 Dash Cam
• Car Charger
• Pry Tool
• 3.5m Power Cable
• 3M Adhesive
• Static Stickers
• User Manual

Figure 6: Pictrey A400 Package Contents.

Note: The standard package does not include a memory card or Hardwire Kit. These must be purchased separately for recording and parking monitoring functionalities.

4. Setup

4.1 Memory Card Installation

The Pictrey A400 supports Micro-SD cards up to 256GB. It is recommended to use a branded Micro-SD card with UHS-3 or higher speed for optimal performance.

4.1.1 Installing the Memory Card

1. Ensure the Dash Cam is powered off.
2. Insert the memory card halfway into the slot (refer to the silkscreen printed pattern).
3. Use a fingernail or paper clip to push the card all the way inward until it clicks and locks in place.

4.1.2 Removing the Memory Card

1. Gently push the edge of the memory card inward until it clicks and pops out.
2. Simply pull the card out of the slot.

Note:

• Do not remove the memory card while the Dash Cam is turned on.
• Before first-time use, format the memory card to prevent errors and ensure smooth operation.

Figure 7: Memory card insertion diagram.

4.2 Dash Cam Installation

The Dash Cam can be installed using different power supply methods:

4.2.1 Cigarette Lighter Power Supply

1. Wipe the front windshield: Clean the front windshield with a soft cloth to ensure the bracket can stick firmly.
2. Power on the Dash Cam: Insert the car charger into the cigarette lighter. Connect the Dash Cam to the car charger using the included Type-C power cord. The Dash Cam will automatically start recording when the car starts.
3. Determine installation position and adjust lens angle:
   1. Connect the Dash Cam to your mobile phone via the DDPAI App (see section 4.3 App Connection).
   2. Launch the app, enter the preview interface, then tap "Device Settings" > "ADAS intelligent assistance reminder" > "Adjust ADAS installation position".
   3. Follow the on-screen instructions to assist with installation and positioning.
4. Stabilize the Dash Cam:
   1. After determining the installation position, attach the electrostatic sticker to the windshield.
   2. Peel off the film of the 3M sticker on the bracket and stick the bracket to the center of the electrostatic sticker.

   Note: Pay attention to the direction and position when attaching the 3M sticker. Confirm the recording angle is correct before attaching.

5. Wiring: Route the power cord from the cigarette lighter receptacle to the Dash Cam, hiding it in the plastic guard plate of the car using the pry tool.

Figure 8: Cigarette lighter power supply installation diagram.

4.2.2 Connect the Fuse Box (Intelligent Hardwire Kit is Required)

This method ensures a clean installation and enables parking monitoring. However, it is complex and should be performed by a professional automobile service shop to avoid vehicle damage.

Note: The intelligent hardwire kit needs to be purchased separately.

4.2.3 Connect the OBD Interface (OBD Power Cable is Required)

This method is easy to operate and also enables parking monitoring.

1. Plug the Type-C connector of the OBD power cable into the Type-C port of the Dash Cam.
2. Connect the other end of the OBD power cable to the OBD port of the vehicle.

Note: The OBD power cable needs to be purchased separately. The location of the OBD interface varies by vehicle model.

Figure 9: OBD power cable connection diagram.

4.3 App Connection

The DDPAI App allows you to control the dash cam, view footage, and manage settings.

4.3.1 Downloading the DDPAI App

Scan the QR code below or search for "DDPAI" in the Google Play Store (Android) or App Store (iOS) to download the app.

Figure 10: QR code for DDPAI App download.

4.3.2 Bluetooth Connection

1. Power on the Dash Cam.
2. On your mobile phone, enable Bluetooth.
3. Launch the DDPAI App, tap "Device" > "+ Add a device".
4. Select the current device name (e.g., DDP1BXXXX) from the detected Bluetooth device list.
5. Press the confirm button on the far right of the device to authorize the connection.

Note:

• The device can only connect to one phone at a time via Bluetooth.
• If you fail to search for the Bluetooth device, tap "Rescan" in the app.
• After successful Bluetooth connection, you need to connect via Wi-Fi to view the device album, adjust settings, or access the preview interface.

4.3.3 Wi-Fi Connection

For iPhones:

1. In the DDPAI App, tap "Go to connection" > "WLAN".
2. In your phone's Wi-Fi settings, select the device's Wi-Fi network (e.g., "pictrey_A400_XXXX").
3. Enter the default password (1234567890) and tap "Join".

For Android Phones:

1. If Wi-Fi is enabled on the dash cam, it should automatically connect.
2. If not, launch the DDPAI App, go to "Device" > "+ Add a device", then tap "Device with screen".
3. Tap "Next" > "Connect to Wi-Fi".
4. Select the device's Wi-Fi network and enter the default password (1234567890) to connect.

5. Operation

5.1 Device Interface Introduction

Once powered on, the device displays a main interface with a status bar, real-time preview area, and function buttons.

• Status Bar: Displays recording status, date, time, memory card status, Wi-Fi, and audio recording status.
• Real-time Preview Area: Shows live video from the dash cam.
• Function Button Area: Allows access to settings, recording on/off, and screen on/off.

5.2 Video Function

5.2.1 Preview Video

You can preview video directly on the device screen or via the DDPAI App.

• On Device: The video is displayed on the 1.9-inch IPS screen.
• Via App: After connecting to the app, enter the real-time preview interface. Tap the landscape preview icon or rotate your phone horizontally to switch to full-screen preview.

Note: App preview is in lower quality; download for HD quality.

5.2.2 Playback Video

1. After connecting to the app, enter the real-time preview interface.
2. Drag the progress bar to select the desired time point.
3. Tap the thumbnail or wait 5 seconds for the recorded video to play.

Different colors on the time progress bar indicate different video types:

• Red: Emergency event (sudden braking or collision).
• Orange: Parking monitoring mode.

5.2.3 Download Video

Method 1 (from playback):

1. During playback, drag the progress bar to the desired starting point.
2. Tap the download icon to enter the downloading interface.
3. Tap "Complete" to save the file to your local album.

Method 2 (from device album):

1. Tap on the "Device" interface in the app.
2. Hold the video/photo file to enter selection mode.
3. Select the desired files and tap "Download".

Note: Video length ranges from 5 seconds to 3 minutes.

5.3 Taking Photos

The Dash Cam supports two main photography modes:

• Collision Sensing Photography: The Dash Cam automatically takes pictures when it detects a collision or emergency braking.
• Manual Photography: Enter the preview interface in the app and tap the camera icon to take a photo.

Note: Collision sensing and voice photography generate associated videos (default 10 seconds) saved in the "Snap"/"Emergency" tab of the "Device Album".

5.3.1 Viewing Photos and Videos

• Device Album: After connecting to the app, tap "Device Album" on the "Device" interface to view captured photos and videos stored on the dash cam.
• Local Album: Photos and videos downloaded to your phone can be viewed in the "Local Album" tab of the "Device" interface without connecting to the dash cam.

You can enable automatic download of snapshot/emergency files in "Me" > "APP Settings".

5.4 Parking Monitoring

Parking monitoring requires an intelligent hardwire kit (sold separately). When enabled, the Dash Cam automatically enters parking monitoring mode after the vehicle is turned off.

• Time-Lapse Recording Mode: Continuously records at 1 frame per second, saving storage while capturing detailed footage during long parking periods.
• Collision Detection Mode: Automatically triggers high-definition recording upon detecting an impact, capturing critical moments.
• IPS Power Management: Intelligently detects vehicle voltage to prevent battery drain.

Figure 11: IPS Power Management for parking monitoring.

Figure 12: Collision Detection in parking mode.

5.5 Collision Detection & Locked Videos

When the Dash Cam is in working mode and detects a collision or sudden braking, it generates an emergency photo and a related video, which are stored separately and not overwritten by loop recording.

5.5.1 Setting Camera Sensitivity

The sensitivity of collision detection can be adjusted in the DDPAI App under "Device Settings" > "Adjust collision sensitivity". Higher sensitivity means it's more likely to trigger recording. Options include High, Medium-high, Medium (default), Medium-low, Low, Off, and Custom.

5.5.2 Setting Video Duration for Related Videos

The default duration for emergency-related videos is 10 seconds. This can be adjusted in the DDPAI App under "Device Settings" > "Duration of related videos during shooting". Options are 10s, 20s, and 30s.

• 10s: 5 seconds before and after the event.
• 20s: 10 seconds before and after the event.
• 30s: 15 seconds before and after the event.
• Off: Still generates a 5-second video before and after the event.

5.6 Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS)

The ADAS function provides real-time alerts for safer driving.

5.6.1 Enabling ADAS

In the DDPAI App, go to "Device Settings" and turn on the "Advanced Driver Assistance System" switch.

Note: The ADAS function automatically calibrates when the vehicle speed is 50km/h or above after power-on. If the installation position or lens angle changes, readjust according to the installation guide.

Figure 13: ADAS Smart Driving Assistance features.

5.6.2 Setting ADAS Sensitivity

You can adjust the sensitivity of ADAS alerts (High, Medium, Low) in the app. Higher sensitivity provides wider alarm range, suitable for novice drivers. Lower sensitivity has a smaller range, suitable for experienced drivers.

5.6.3 Fatigue Driving Voice Alert

Enable the "ADAS Driver Assistance" switch in the app to turn fatigue driving alerts on or off. When enabled, voice prompts will remind you to rest during long drives.

5.7 Data Transmission

To access recorded files:

1. Gently remove the memory card from the dash cam.
2. Insert it into a card reader and connect to a computer.
3. Open the "DCIM" folder to browse or edit photos and videos.

File naming conventions:

• 200 Video: Includes regular recordings and time-lapse recordings (prefixed with "S").
• 201 Photo: Includes voice-triggered photos (prefixed with "N") and collision-triggered photos (prefixed with "G").

6. Maintenance

6.1 Firmware Upgrade

To upgrade firmware:

1. Open the DDPAI App and connect to the Dash Cam's Wi-Fi.
2. Go to "Me" > "About DDPAI" > "Check version".
3. The app will automatically detect if new versions are available. Follow on-screen instructions to upgrade.

Note: Do not cut off power during upgrade to avoid damaging the device. If upgrade fails due to power outage, contact customer service.

6.2 Safety Precautions

• Do not operate the Dash Cam or watch videos on your mobile phone while driving.
• Do not install the Dash Cam in a location that blocks your driving view.
• Use only the power cord included in the product package.
• Use a branded Micro-SD card (up to 256GB). Format it regularly via the app.
• Do not open the Dash Cam shell or attempt repairs yourself. Contact official customer service for issues.
• The Dash Cam can be powered by an adapter that meets standard requirements.

7. Troubleshooting (FAQ)

7.1 How do I format a memory card?

• Method 1 (On Device): Press the Settings button on the home screen, select "Format", and confirm.
• Method 2 (Via App): Connect to the app, go to "Camera Settings" > "Storage Management" and format.
• Method 3 (Via Computer): Remove the card, insert into a card reader, connect to computer, right-click the drive, and select "Format".

7.2 What is the Wi-Fi password of the Dash Cam?

The default Wi-Fi password is "1234567890". You can change it in "Camera Settings" > "Set WIFI Password" via the app.

7.3 How do I reset the Dash Cam?

In case of abnormal state, press the function button for approximately 6 seconds to reset the device. It will automatically restart.

7.4 What if I forget the Wi-Fi password?

Press the confirm button for approximately 6 seconds to reset the device. Then connect the Dash Cam again using the default password (1234567890).

7.5 What should I do if the time is incorrect?

Connect your device to your mobile phone via the DDPAI app and ensure the app is connected to the camera's Wi-Fi. The camera will automatically synchronize the phone time.

8. User Tips

• For optimal performance and to prevent storage issues, always use a DDPAI industrial high-endurance microSD card (UHS-3 or higher speed).
• Regularly format your memory card through the app to ensure better maintenance and prevent errors.
• If using parking monitoring, ensure you have an intelligent hardwire kit installed by a professional.
• Keep the DDPAI app updated to benefit from the latest features and improvements.

9. Warranty and Support

The Pictrey A400 Dash Cam comes with a 1-year warranty. For any product failures or technical assistance, please contact the official ddpai Global Store customer service. Do not attempt to open the device shell or repair it yourself.

For additional guides and documents, you can refer to the official user manual PDF: View User Manual (PDF)