REDTIGER F7N Dash Cam Hardwire Kit (Model HW-F7N)

1. Introduction

This manual provides detailed instructions for the installation and operation of the REDTIGER F7N Dash Cam Hardwire Kit (Model HW-F7N). This kit is designed to provide a permanent, hidden power supply to your compatible REDTIGER dash cam, enabling features such as 24-hour parking surveillance and low voltage protection.

The hardwire kit features an 11.5ft USB-C port cable, providing a stable 5V/2.5A output from a 12V-24V vehicle power input. It is specifically compatible with REDTIGER F7N, F7NP, F7NS, and F7NT series dash cams.

Compatible REDTIGER Dash Cam Models: F7N, F7NP, F7NS, F7N Touch.

2. Safety Information

• Always ensure the vehicle's engine is off and the negative terminal of the car battery is disconnected before beginning any wiring to prevent short circuit accidents.
• Verify that the ACC (Accessory) and B+ (Constant Power) connections are correctly identified and wired. Incorrect wiring can damage the device or vehicle electrical system.
• Installation steps may vary significantly depending on your specific vehicle model and its electrical system. It is highly recommended to consult your vehicle's manual or seek professional assistance if you are unsure about any part of the installation process.
• Use only the dedicated REDTIGER hardwire kit for compatible REDTIGER dash cams. Other brands' hardwire kits may not be compatible and could lead to malfunction or damage.

3. Package Contents

The REDTIGER F7N Dash Cam Hardwire Kit package includes:

• REDTIGER F7N Hardwire Kit (USB-C cable with integrated power module and fuse taps)

The REDTIGER F7N Hardwire Kit, showing the USB-C connector and fuse taps. A detailed view of the dash cam's Type-C input port is also shown.

4. Installation Guide

Follow these steps to install your REDTIGER F7N Hardwire Kit:

1. Prepare for Installation: Ensure the vehicle's engine is off and the negative terminal of the car battery is disconnected. Gather any necessary tools, such as a fuse puller, wire stripper, and a circuit tester.
2. Locate the Fuse Box: The fuse box is typically found under the dashboard on the driver's side, in the engine compartment, or in the trunk. Refer to your vehicle's manual for the exact location.
3. Identify Fuse Slots:
   • ACC (Accessory) Fuse Slot: This slot provides power only when the ignition is on.
   • B+ (Constant Power) Fuse Slot: This slot provides continuous power, even when the ignition is off.

   To identify these, use a circuit tester. The terminal that still has current after the car is turned off is the B+, while the terminal that loses power after the car is turned off is the ACC. Some car models may have a delayed power-off feature for the ACC terminal; wait until power is completely cut off before testing.

   Common fuse types for reference:
   ACC: DOME, RADIO, TAIL, EFI, TEL, ECU-IG, ECU-B
   B+: POWER, CB DOOR

4. Connect the Wires:
   • Connect the red wire from the hardwire kit to the identified ACC fuse slot using a fuse tap or adapter.
   • Connect the yellow wire from the hardwire kit to the identified B+ (constant power) fuse slot using a fuse tap or adapter.
   • Connect the black wire from the hardwire kit to a suitable grounding point near the fuse box. This should be a metal surface securely connected to the vehicle's chassis. Use a ring terminal or appropriate grounding connector.
   

   Wiring diagram showing connections for ACC, B+, and Ground.

5. Route the Cable: Route the USB-C cable from the fuse box to your dash cam's mounting location. Use a trim removal tool (crowbar) to hide the cable along the gap of the front windshield, through the A-pillar, along the gap between the car body and the ceiling on the passenger side, and between the rear seat and the ceiling if routing to the trunk. Ensure all excess wires are neatly tucked away and do not interfere with vehicle controls or airbags.
6. Connect to Dash Cam: Plug the USB-C end of the hardwire kit into your compatible REDTIGER dash cam.
7. Test the Installation: Reconnect the negative terminal of the car battery. Turn on the vehicle's ignition. The dash cam should receive power and begin functioning. Test the parking monitor feature by turning off the ignition and observing if the dash cam enters parking mode.

Installation Video Guide

5. Operating Features

24-Hour Parking Surveillance

The hardwire kit enables your dash cam to continuously receive power from the vehicle's battery, allowing it to operate and record for 24 hours, even when the car's engine is off. This feature is essential for parking monitoring modes.

Car in a parking lot, illustrating the 24-hour parking monitor feature.

Low Voltage Protection

The REDTIGER hardwire kit incorporates a low voltage protection feature to safeguard your vehicle's battery. If the vehicle's voltage drops below 11.8V (+/-0.2V), the kit will automatically cut off power to the dash cam after 60 seconds. This prevents excessive battery drain and ensures your vehicle can start. This protection is not applicable to trucks with a voltage higher than 24V.

Additional security safeguards include overheating, overcurrent, and short-circuit protection.

Car interior showing a dash cam installed, highlighting low-voltage battery drain protection.

6. Parking Mode Configuration (F7N Series)

To properly set up Parking Mode on your REDTIGER F7N series dash cam after hardwire kit installation, follow these specific steps:

1. Ensure the hardwire kit is correctly connected (Yellow to constant 12V, Red to switched 12V, Black to ground).
2. Turn on the vehicle's accessory power (ACC) but do not start the engine.
3. On your dash cam, press the menu button and navigate to select "Parking" mode.
4. While a blue message box related to parking mode is displayed on the F7N screen, turn off the vehicle's accessory power (ACC). This timing is crucial. You should then see a new blue message box, and the F7N unit will power off.
5. Turn the vehicle's accessory power (ACC) back on (again, do not start the engine).
6. Press the menu button and select "Parking" again.
7. You should now see the full menu options for Parking Mode, allowing you to configure settings such as sensitivity and recording duration as desired.

7. Troubleshooting

• Dash Cam Not Powering On: Double-check all wire connections (ACC, B+, Ground) to ensure they are secure and correctly identified. Verify that the fuse taps are properly inserted and that the fuses themselves are intact.
• Parking Mode Not Activating: Ensure the ACC and B+ wires are connected to the correct fuse types (switched and constant power, respectively). Review the specific Parking Mode configuration steps for your dash cam model, as outlined in Section 6.
• Battery Drain Issues: Confirm that the low voltage protection is set correctly on your dash cam (if configurable) and that the hardwire kit is functioning as expected. If the issue persists, consult a professional auto electrician.
• Fuse Compatibility: Vehicle fuse types and sizes vary. Ensure the fuse taps provided with the hardwire kit are compatible with your vehicle's fuse box. If not, appropriate third-party fuse taps may be required.
• General Issues: For any professional help or persistent issues, please contact REDTIGER customer service.

8. Specifications

9. Warranty and Support

Warranty

Every REDTIGER customer receives a 1-year guarantee for quality-related problems from the date of purchase.

Customer Support

For any inquiries, technical assistance, or warranty claims, please contact REDTIGER customer service. Support is available 24 hours a day via email and phone.

• Email: Refer to your product packaging or the official REDTIGER website for contact details.
• Phone: Refer to your product packaging or the official REDTIGER website for contact details.