1. Introduction
The Bluavido ZW3 is a 3-channel 4G LTE dash camera system designed for comprehensive vehicle surveillance and driver assistance. It features a front camera (1080P), an interior camera with IR night vision (720P), and a rear camera (720P). This device supports GPS tracking, Wi-Fi hotspot functionality, 4G network connectivity, and is equipped with an SOS panic button. It utilizes JT808 and JT1078 communication protocols for fleet management on compatible tracking platforms. The ZW3 is ideal for personal vehicles, rideshare drivers, taxi fleets, and cargo transport, providing real-time analysis and instant voice alerts to prevent accidents.
2. Safety Information
Please read and understand all safety instructions before using this product. Failure to follow these instructions may result in injury or damage to the device or vehicle.
- Do not attempt to disassemble, repair, or modify the device.
- Ensure all cables are securely connected and do not obstruct the driver's view or vehicle controls.
- Avoid exposing the device to extreme temperatures, direct sunlight for prolonged periods, or excessive moisture.
- Use only the provided power cable and accessories.
- Keep the camera lenses clean for optimal recording quality.
3. Package Contents
Verify that all items are present in your package:
- 1 x Main Dash Camera Unit (with Front Camera)
- 1 x Interior Camera (IR Night Vision)
- 1 x Rear Camera
- 1 x Power Cable (Hardwire Kit / ODB Buck Line)
- 1 x GPS Antenna
- 1 x 3M Holder
- 1 x User Manual (this document)
- Connection Cables for Rear Camera
Video 1: Product Unboxing and Component Overview
4. Product Overview
The main dash camera unit integrates the front camera and provides ports for external connections. Familiarize yourself with the key components:
- Front Camera: Integrated into the main unit, captures 1080P video. Rotates 180 degrees.
- SIM Card Slot: For 4G LTE network connectivity.
- TF Card Slot: For Micro SD card storage (supports up to 256GB Class 10).
- Power Key: Multi-functional button for Wi-Fi hotspot broadcast, reboot, factory reset, and photo capture.
- Reset Hole: Used with a pin header to perform a factory reset.
- SMA Connector: For GPS antenna connection.
- CH1 & CH2 Ports: For connecting the external interior and rear cameras.
5. Installation
Follow these steps to install your Bluavido ZW3 Dash Cam system:
5.1 Mounting the Main Unit
- Clean the area on your windshield where you intend to mount the dash cam. Ensure it is free of dust and grease.
- Attach the 3M holder firmly to the cleaned windshield. Press firmly to remove any air bubbles between the adhesive and glass.
- Mount the main dash cam unit onto the 3M holder.
5.2 Inserting SD Card and SIM Card
- Insert a Class 10 Micro SD card (max 256GB, not included) into the TF card slot.
- Insert your 4G SIM card into the SIM card tray. Ensure it is locked properly to prevent it from falling out.
- It is recommended to format the SD card via the CarAssist app before first use.
5.3 Connecting Cameras and GPS Antenna
- Connect the GPS antenna to the SMA connector on the main unit. Position the GPS antenna facing the sky for optimal signal reception.
- Connect the interior camera to one of the CH ports (e.g., CH1).
- Connect the rear camera to the other CH port (e.g., CH2). The standard rear camera cable is 5.6 meters long.
- Route all cables neatly and securely to avoid obstructing the driver's view or vehicle operation.
5.4 Power Connection
The device is powered via a hardwire kit (ODB buck line) connected to your vehicle's fuse panel. Ensure correct wiring sequence:
- Yellow Wire: Connect to BAT+ (Long battery 12V).
- Red Wire: Connect to ACC12V.
- The system supports 9V-16V. For 24V vehicles, an adapter is required.
6. Operation
6.1 Basic Recording
Once powered on and an SD card is inserted, the dash cam will automatically begin recording. The front camera records in 1080P, while the interior and rear cameras record in 720P.
6.2 Loop Recording
The device supports continuous loop recording. When the storage card is full, the oldest files will be automatically overwritten by new recordings, ensuring continuous operation without manual intervention.
6.3 G-Sensor Function
The built-in 6-axis G-sensor detects sudden impacts or collisions. In such events, the current video file will be automatically locked to prevent it from being overwritten, preserving critical evidence.
6.4 Night Vision
The interior camera is equipped with IR night vision functionality, allowing for clear recording even in low-light or dark conditions inside the cabin.
6.5 Parking Monitor
After the car engine is turned off, the dash cam enters sleep mode. If an impact or movement is detected near the vehicle, the parking monitor will:
- Automatically turn on and start recording for a few seconds.
- Send an alarm message and capture photos to the linked CarAssist mobile app.
6.6 Power Key Functions
- Short Press: Broadcasts the Wi-Fi hotspot name and working status.
- Press for 2 seconds: Reboots the dash camera.
- Long Press: Powers off the dash camera. If held until red and green LEDs illuminate, it performs a factory reset.
- Short Press (during operation): Captures a photo and uploads it to the app.
6.7 LED Indicator Status
- Red Indicator: Lights for 10 seconds during startup. Flashes to indicate a recording error or during firmware upgrades.
- Green Indicator: Stays on continuously when the dash cam is working correctly.
- Blue Indicator: Flashes to indicate searching for a 4G network or an error in the 4G connection.
7. CarAssist Mobile App
The CarAssist app provides comprehensive vehicle management, monitoring, and remote control features for your dash cam.
7.1 Application Introduction
The app supports vehicle management, real-time monitoring, mobile phone interconnection, real-time playback, one-click capture, two-way talk, video editing, and sharing.
7.2 Operating Conditions
Your smart device must be running Android 4.0 or above, or be an iOS device.
7.3 Download and Installation
Method 1: Scan QR Code
Use your mobile phone's QR code scanner (e.g., WeChat, browser) to scan the QR code below. Alternatively, visit www.carassist.cn to download and install the application.
Method 2: App Store Search
Search for "Car Assist" on Google Play Store or Apple App Store, then download and install the application.
7.4 Login and Device Binding
- You can log in to the CarAssist app using your Facebook ID or WeChat ID.
- On your mobile phone, find and connect to the dash cam's Wi-Fi hotspot. The default Wi-Fi hotspot name is "FX-xxxx" and the default password is "12345678".
- Open the CarAssist app, tap the "+" icon in the upper right corner.
- A dialog box will appear. Tap on the serial number of your device, then tap "Confirm" to send a binding request to the dash cam.
- Short press the Power Button on the dash camera to agree to the binding request.
7.5 Vehicle Management
One user account can connect to multiple dash cam devices. Conversely, one dash cam device can be connected to multiple users simultaneously. You can rename devices within the app for easier identification.
7.6 Cloud Functions (Requires 4G Network)
Ensure your dash camera and phone are connected to a 4G network for these features:
- Vehicle Monitoring Alarm: In case of collision, the device captures a 720P picture / 10S video (front and interior cameras) and uploads it to your phone. Files are saved in the snapshot folder for viewing, editing, and sharing.
- Remote Live Intercom (Two-Way Talk): Access the Live menu in the app to view live footage and communicate remotely with the driver. Tap "Press to talk" to speak. You can also save live view videos.
- GPS Track Playback: Use the "Track Playback" feature to review your vehicle's location and driving history for any past date. Different time segments are color-coded for distinction.
- Real-Time 1080P/720P Preview Playback: Preview live 1080P/720P driving videos in full screen on your mobile phone. You can also play back any recorded video files.
- One-Click Video Capture: In the preview interface, tap "Video Capture" to record a 10-second video clip (-5s, +5s).
- Video Download: Point-to-point video download to your phone without consuming internet data.
8. Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS & DSM)
The ZW3 dash cam incorporates advanced AI algorithms to actively protect drivers and fleets by analyzing driving behavior 24/7 and providing instant voice alerts.
- ADAS (Front-view Functions):
- Lane Departure Warning (LDW)
- Forward Collision Warning (FCW)
- High-precision Traffic Monitoring
- DSM (In-cabin Functions):
- Drowsiness Detection
- Distraction Detection (Phone Use)
- Look-away Detection
9. Maintenance
- SD Card Formatting: Regularly format your Micro SD card via the CarAssist app to maintain optimal performance and prevent data corruption.
- Lens Cleaning: Keep all camera lenses clean using a soft, lint-free cloth to ensure clear video recordings.
- Firmware Updates: Check the CarAssist app or manufacturer's website for available firmware updates to ensure your device has the latest features and improvements.
- General Care: Avoid harsh chemicals for cleaning. Do not expose the device to extreme temperatures or direct water.
10. Troubleshooting (FAQ)
| Product Questions | Solutions |
|---|---|
| The 3M holder is not firmly attached to the windshield. | Ensure the windshield is clean. Squeeze out any air between the 3M adhesive and glass, and press firmly. |
| The body of the camera shakes, and the video is skewed. | Ensure the camera and 3M holder are fastened well. |
| The video is not clear and dark. | Ensure the camera lens or the car windshield is clean. The camera lens's shooting angle should not be too high. |
| The parking monitor function is not working. | Check if the power cable is connected correctly: Yellow wire to BAT+ (Long battery 12V), Red wire to ACC12V. |
| The device is not powering on or working normally. |
|
| The Red LED is not lighting up. | Check the SD card direction. Format the SD card on the CarAssist app. Ensure the SD card is Class 10 standard. |
| The Blue LED is blinking. | Check if there is 4G data in the SIM card. Check the SIM card direction. |
| The Green LED is not lighting up. | Check the GPS antenna connection. Make sure it faces the sky. |
| Forgot the Wi-Fi and password. | Short press the Power button to broadcast the Wi-Fi and password again, then input the correct Wi-Fi password. |
| Mobile APP cannot preview live image or video. | Check if you are connected to the correct Wi-Fi hotspot. Power off and restart the mobile app. |
| Can I add more cameras to the system? | The Bluavido ZW3 is designed as a 3-channel system (front, interior, rear) and does not support additional external cameras beyond the included ones. |
11. Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | ZW3 |
| CPU | Spreadtrum SL8541E + SA206 Quad Core, Cortex-A53@1.4GHz, Mali820@680MHz |
| OS | Android 8.1 |
| Storage | Flash ROM 32GB, RAM 2GB LPDDR3 |
| Display Size | No Screen |
| Front Camera | GC2053 (1920x1080P), F2.2 Aperture, 140° Wide Angle, MIPI interface |
| Interior Camera | GC2053 (1280x720P), F2.0 Aperture, IR (850) Night Vision, MIPI interface |
| Rear Camera | GC2053 (1280x720P), F2.0 Aperture, MIPI interface, 6-meter cable |
| Video Format | TS, H.264 Compression |
| Frames Per Second | 25 fps (Front: 1080P/25fps, Rear/Interior: 720P/25fps) |
| GPS Logger | Internal, GPS&BD Dual Band, with External GPS antenna |
| Network Band | GSM:B5/B3/B8; WCDMA:B1/B5/B8; TDD-LTE:B38/B39/B40/B41; FDD-LTE:B1/B3/B5/B8 (Check local 4G network band before purchase) |
| WiFi | 802.11ac/b/g/n 2.4G&5G, Supports WiFi hotspot |
| G-Sensor | 6-axis G-Sensor |
| Loop-Cycle Recording Feature | Yes |
| Parking Monitor | Yes (Requires Hardwire Kit) |
| SOS Function | Support one-key click alarm |
| Max External Memory | 256G (Micro SD/TF, Class 10 required) |
| Audio | Built-in High-Sensitivity Microphone + 8Ω 2W Hi-Fi Mono Speaker, MIC-Phone Noise Reduction |
| Power Source | Corded Electric, Fuse Box Power Take-off, 9-16V Wide Voltage |
| Working Temperature | -25 to 75 degree Celsius |
| Storage Temperature | -30 to 80 degree Celsius |
| Weight | 1.029KG (Package Weight: 1.05KG) |
| Dimensions (Package) | 32cm x 25cm x 10cm |
| OSD Language | Arabic, English, French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Thai |
| Certification | CE, RoHS |
12. User Tips
- 4G Network Compatibility: Before purchasing, always check if your local 4G network bands are compatible with the dash cam's supported bands (B1/B3/B4/B5/B7/B8/B20).
- Secure Mounting: Ensure the dash cam and its 3M holder are securely fastened to a clean windshield to prevent shaking and skewed video.
- SD Card Maintenance: Regularly format your SD card through the CarAssist app to prevent recording issues and ensure smooth operation.
- GPS Antenna Placement: For accurate GPS tracking, ensure the GPS antenna is positioned with a clear view of the sky.
- Power Connection: Double-check the hardwire connections (Yellow to BAT+, Red to ACC12V) to ensure the parking monitor functions correctly.
13. Warranty and Support
This product comes with a 365-day warranty. For technical support, troubleshooting beyond this manual, or warranty claims, please contact the seller or refer to the official Bluavido support channels.
A detailed user manual in PDF format is available for download. You can find it by searching for "User manual (PDF)" on the product page or by visiting the manufacturer's support website.