Fire Cam 1080p Helmet Camera Instruction Manual

1. Introduction

The Fire Cam 1080p Helmet Camera is designed for durability and high-definition video capture in demanding environments, specifically for interior firefighting. This manual provides essential information for the proper setup, operation, and maintenance of your camera to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

2. What's in the Box

Your Fire Cam 1080p Helmet Camera package includes the following items:

• Fire Cam 1080p Helmet Camera Unit
• 32GB U3 Micro SD Card with Adapter
• 2 x Rechargeable 3.7V Li-Po Batteries
• BlackJack Fire Cam Mount (for US style fire helmets or any brim style helmet)
• Water Resistant Cap (for audio recording)
• Waterproof Cap (no audio, for underwater use up to 33 feet)
• Spare Waterproof O-rings
• 2 x Spare Glass Lenses
• USB Cable with AC Wall Charger

3. Setup

3.1. Mounting the Camera

The camera is designed to be mounted on a helmet using the included BlackJack Fire Cam Mount. This mount secures the camera to the brim of US-style fire helmets or other brimmed helmets.

1. Position the BlackJack mount on the desired location of your helmet's brim.
2. Use the provided Allen wrench to tighten the two Allen head screws on the mount, securing it firmly to the helmet.
3. Slide the Fire Cam 1080p unit into the mount. Ensure the camera's lens is facing forward and the control buttons are accessible.
4. Tighten the screw on the mount to hold the camera securely in place.

3.2. Inserting the SD Card and Battery

The camera uses a Micro SD card for storage and is powered by a rechargeable Li-Po battery.

1. Unscrew the rear end cap of the camera unit.
2. Insert the provided 32GB U3 Micro SD card into the TF card slot. Ensure the card is oriented correctly. The manual specifies using Class 6 or 10 memory cards for proper operation.
3. Insert one of the rechargeable 3.7V Li-Po batteries into the battery compartment.
4. Replace the end cap. Choose between the water-resistant cap (with audio hole) or the fully waterproof cap (no audio hole) based on your operational needs.

3.3. Charging the Battery

Before first use, fully charge the camera battery.

1. Connect the camera to the USB cable.
2. Plug the USB cable into the AC wall charger and then into a power outlet.
3. The indicator light will show charging status (refer to indicator light section for details).
4. A full charge typically provides approximately 2 hours of battery life.

4. Operating the Camera

4.1. Power On/Off

To power on the camera, press and hold the power button until you feel a vibration and hear a beep. To power off, press and hold the power button until you hear five beeps, indicating it has shut down.

4.2. Mode Selection

The camera features a slider switch to select between video recording and photo capture, as well as different video resolutions.

• Video Mode: Slide the switch to the video icon. You can choose between 1080p at 30fps or 720p at 60fps.
• Photo Mode: Slide the switch to the photo icon to capture still images.

4.3. Recording Video and Taking Photos

Once the camera is powered on and the desired mode is selected:

• To Start Recording: Press the main control button once. The camera will vibrate and the indicator light will flash (e.g., purple/blue) to confirm recording has started.
• To Stop Recording: Press the main control button once. The camera will vibrate and the indicator light will change to standby mode.
• To Take a Photo: In photo mode, press the main control button once to capture a still image.

4.4. Indicator Lights

The camera uses indicator lights to communicate its status:

• Solid Blue/Purple: Standby mode.
• Flashing Blue/Purple: Recording video.
• Other Colors/Patterns: Refer to the detailed user manual (accessible via QR code on packaging) for specific meanings related to battery status, errors, etc.

4.5. Using End Caps

Two end caps are provided for different operational scenarios:

• Water Resistant Cap (with audio hole): Allows for audio recording of surroundings, including radio traffic. Suitable for general use where audio is desired.
• Waterproof Cap (no audio hole): Provides full waterproofing for underwater use up to 33 feet. No audio will be recorded with this cap.

5. Maintenance

5.1. Cleaning

Regular cleaning ensures clear footage and extends camera life.

• Wipe the camera body with a soft, damp cloth.
• Use a lens cleaning cloth or specialized lens cleaner for the glass lens to avoid scratches.
• Ensure all caps are clean and free of debris before sealing for water protection.

5.2. Battery Care and Storage

• Always use the provided charger and USB cable.
• Store batteries in a cool, dry place when not in use.
• For long-term storage, charge batteries to approximately 50% to prolong their lifespan.

5.3. O-Ring and Lens Replacement

The camera comes with spare O-rings and glass lenses. Regularly inspect O-rings for wear and tear, especially if frequently using the waterproof cap. Replace them as needed to maintain water resistance. The glass lens can also be replaced if damaged.

6. Troubleshooting

• Camera not turning on: Ensure the battery is fully charged and correctly inserted.
• Poor video quality in low light: The camera features auto low-light adjustment. For extremely dark conditions, using an external light source (e.g., a helmet-mounted flashlight) pointed in the same direction as the camera can significantly improve video clarity.
• Condensation on lens: In certain fire situations, condensation may temporarily fog the camera lens. This typically clears as temperatures stabilize.
• Recording issues: Ensure a Class 6 or 10 Micro SD card is used and properly formatted. Check that the card has sufficient free space.
• Audio quality: The microphone is located in the water-resistant cap. For optimal audio, ensure this cap is used and the microphone hole is clear.
• Camera not recognized by computer: Ensure the USB cable is securely connected. Try a different USB port or computer. The camera's software should be automatically recognized.

7. Specifications

8. Warranty and Support

Fire Cam products are designed for durability in challenging conditions. Individual camera parts are replaceable, ensuring years of use. For specific warranty details, replacement parts, or technical support, please refer to the official Fire Cam website or contact their customer service directly. Contact information can typically be found on the product packaging or the brand's online store.