COMTEC HDR-251GH Full HD Drive Recorder User Manual

1. Product Overview

The COMTEC HDR-251GH is a high-performance Full HD drive recorder designed to capture clear video footage of your journeys. Manufactured in Japan, this device offers advanced features such as parking surveillance, continuous recording, and impact detection, ensuring comprehensive coverage for your vehicle. Its integrated GPS functionality records precise location and speed data, while HDR technology guarantees optimal image quality in various lighting conditions, including challenging night scenes and strong backlighting.

Image 1.1: The COMTEC HDR-251GH Drive Recorder mounted on a car windshield, showing its compact design and clear display of the road ahead.

2. Included Accessories

Verify that all the following items are included in your package:

• Main Unit x 1
• Mounting Bracket x 1
• Built-in Battery x 1
• Double-sided Tape for Bracket Fixing x 1
• Cigar Plug Power Cord (approx. 4m) x 1
• microSDHC Card (8GB) x 1 (pre-installed in main unit)
• Hex Wrench for Angle Adjustment x 1
• Cord Clamps x 3
• Instruction Manual (with warranty) x 1
• Compensation Service Registration Postcard (with privacy protection sticker) x 1

3. Setup and Installation

Follow these steps to properly install your COMTEC HDR-251GH drive recorder in your vehicle:

1. Mounting the Main Unit: Attach the drive recorder to the windshield using the provided mounting bracket and double-sided tape. Ensure it does not obstruct your view.
2. Connecting the Power Cord: Insert the cigar plug power cord into the main unit. Use the hex wrench to secure the unit's angle.
3. Routing the Power Cord: Carefully route the power cord along the edge of the windshield, tucking it under the A-pillar trim and door molding to conceal it and prevent interference.
4. Connecting to Power: Guide the power cord down to the floor and connect the cigar plug to your vehicle's accessory power socket.

Image 3.1: Side view of the COMTEC HDR-251GH Drive Recorder securely mounted on the car dashboard, showing its discreet placement.

Image 3.2: Front view of the COMTEC HDR-251GH Drive Recorder mounted on the car dashboard, capturing the road ahead.

4. Operating Instructions

4.1 Recording Functions

• Continuous Recording: The device automatically records video from engine ON to OFF. Recording duration varies based on video size and quality settings. Older footage is overwritten when the recording limit is reached (default setting).
• Impact Recording: The built-in G-sensor detects impacts and automatically saves the video footage (10 seconds before and 30 seconds after the impact) as impact recording data. Older footage is overwritten when the recording limit is reached (default setting).
• Manual Recording: Pressing the dedicated switch allows you to record video at any desired moment (10 seconds before and 30 seconds after the switch is pressed). Older footage is overwritten when the recording limit is reached (default setting).

4.2 Parking Surveillance Mode

With its built-in battery, the device can record 10 seconds before and 30 seconds after an impact even when the engine is off, providing surveillance for your parked vehicle.

4.3 GPS Functionality

The integrated GPS records your vehicle's driving speed and location information along with the video data. Date and time information is automatically corrected by GPS, eliminating the need for manual settings.

4.4 Viewer Software

Use the dedicated viewer software (included on the microSDHC card or downloadable from the COMTEC website) on a Windows 7/8.1 PC to review recorded data. This software allows you to display driving routes on Google Maps, check driving speed, zoom into video, save linked recording data, and convert videos to still images.

4.5 Easy Switch Function

The easy switch allows one-touch operation of functions such as playback, recording, and audio ON/OFF. The audio ON/OFF toggle is particularly useful for quickly disabling audio recording when privacy is desired.

4.6 Large LCD Screen

The 2.8-inch full-color TFT LCD screen provides clear viewing of recorded footage directly on the device. It also displays live footage during recording, simplifying angle adjustments.

5. Key Features

• Full HD 2 Million Pixels: Records high-quality Full HD video (1920x1080) with a 1/3-inch CMOS sensor and Ambarella A7 chip, ensuring clear capture of details like license plates.
• HDR (High Dynamic Range) Function: Prevents overexposure and underexposure in scenes with high contrast, such as tunnels or strong backlighting, providing clear images day and night.
• F1.8 Large Aperture Glass Lens: Employs a large-aperture F1.8 lens with 6 glass elements for bright and clear recordings, especially in low-light conditions.
• LED Traffic Signal Support: Compatible with LED traffic signals across Japan, ensuring signals are properly recorded without flickering, regardless of regional power frequencies.
• Noise Countermeasures: Designed to minimize interference with digital terrestrial TV reception and car navigation GPS signals.
• Honeycomb Structure: The main unit's case features a honeycomb structure, increasing its strength by 15% compared to conventional products, protecting valuable footage.
• Backup Function: In case of power loss due to an accident, the backup function ensures that the recorded video is protected.
• Recording Failure Prevention: The device checks the microSDHC card upon startup to prevent recording failures due to card damage.
• Dashboard Mounting Support: The built-in G-sensor automatically detects the unit's orientation and inverts the LCD display, allowing for flexible mounting on the dashboard.

Image 5.1: A visual representation of the HDR-251GH's key features, including HDR for clear night images, LED signal compatibility, and robust construction.

Image 5.2: Detailed view of the HDR-251GH's HDR function for balanced exposure and its compatibility with LED traffic signals.

Image 5.3: The user interface of the HDR-251GH, illustrating recording status, GPS data, and various settings for optimal operation.

6. Specifications

7. Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues with your HDR-251GH drive recorder, please refer to the following common solutions:

• Device not powering on: Ensure the power cord is securely connected to both the drive recorder and the vehicle's power socket. Check the vehicle's fuse for the accessory power.
• Recording issues: Verify that the microSDHC card is inserted correctly and is not full. Format the card regularly to maintain optimal performance. If the issue persists, try using a different compatible microSDHC card (Class 10 or higher, 4GB-32GB).
• Poor video quality: Clean the camera lens. Ensure the windshield area where the camera is mounted is clear of obstructions. Check if HDR is enabled for challenging lighting conditions.
• GPS not acquiring signal: Ensure the device has a clear view of the sky. Avoid mounting near metallic objects that might interfere with the GPS signal.
• Interference with other devices: The device includes noise countermeasures. If interference occurs, ensure proper installation and cable routing away from sensitive electronics.

For more detailed troubleshooting, please consult the full instruction manual or contact customer support.

8. Warranty and Support

8.1 Product Warranty

The COMTEC HDR-251GH drive recorder comes with a 3-year manufacturer's warranty from the date of purchase. Please retain your proof of purchase for warranty claims.

8.2 Compensation Service

This product includes a unique compensation service. In the event of an accident, COMTEC will pay a fixed compensation of 20,000 Yen for one year from the registration date. Please refer to the included Compensation Service Registration Postcard for details on how to register and claim this service.

8.3 Customer Support

For further assistance, technical support, or warranty inquiries, please visit the official COMTEC website or contact their customer service department. Contact information can be found in the full instruction manual.

9. Additional Content