Introduction
This document provides comprehensive instructions for the installation, operation, and maintenance of your Car and Driver CAD-ZX1002 Full HD Dual-View Dash Cam. Please read this manual thoroughly before use to ensure proper functionality and to maximize your device's performance.
What's in the Box
Verify that all components are present upon unboxing:
- Front Camera with OLED Touchscreen
- Modular Second Camera
- Micro SD Card – 16GB
- Car Charger with Built-In Power Cable
- Micro USB Cable
- Extensive Mount
- Two Camera Mounts
- Adhesive Disc
- Short MSC Extension Cable
- Long MSC Extension Cable
- Elastic Headrest Strap
Product Overview
The Car and Driver CAD-ZX1002 is a Full HD Dual-View Dash Cam system designed to enhance driving safety and record road events. It features a main front camera and a modular second camera for versatile monitoring.
Key Features:
- Dual-View Full HD Cameras: Records 1080p video with a Sony sensor. The front camera offers a 150-degree viewing angle, and the modular second camera provides a 140-degree viewing angle.
- 3-inch OLED Touchscreen: For intuitive control and settings adjustment.
- Flexible Monitoring & Camera Placement: The modular second camera can be mounted on the rear window, used as an interior camera, or as a backseat baby monitor with the headrest strap.
- Advanced DriveSmart Safety Alerts: Includes real-time lane departure warnings, forward collision alerts, and parking-mode detection.
- Night Vision: Enhanced low-light recording capabilities with a 6-glass lens, F1.8 aperture, and 4 infrared LEDs.
- G-Sensor: Automatically detects collisions and locks video footage to prevent overwriting.
Setup and Installation
Follow these steps for proper installation of your dash cam system.
1. Insert Micro SD Card
Locate the Micro SD card slot on the main camera unit. Gently insert the provided 16GB Micro SD card until it clicks into place. Ensure the card is correctly oriented.
2. Mount the Front Camera
- Clean the desired area on your windshield thoroughly.
- Attach the extensive mount to the main camera unit.
- Remove the protective film from the adhesive disc on the mount.
- Firmly press the mount onto the windshield, ensuring a clear view of the road.
Image: Front dash cam mounted on a car windshield, capturing the view of the road ahead.
3. Connect Modular Second Camera
The modular second camera connects to the main unit via an extension cable. Choose one of the two camera mounts (adhesive or headrest strap) based on your desired placement:
- Rear Window: Use an adhesive mount and the long MSC extension cable to route the cable discreetly along the vehicle's interior trim to the rear window.
- Interior/Baby Monitor: Use the headrest strap for mounting on a headrest, or an adhesive mount for other interior surfaces. Use the short MSC extension cable if needed.
Image: Modular second camera mounted on a car headrest, facing backward, suitable for monitoring the backseat.
4. Power Connection and Cable Management
- Plug the car charger into your vehicle's 12V power outlet (cigarette lighter).
- Connect the Micro USB cable from the car charger to the main dash cam unit.
- Carefully route the power cable along the edge of your windshield and interior trim to conceal it and prevent obstruction of your view.
Image: Car and Driver Dual-View Dash Cam system, showing the main unit, modular camera, and power connections.
Operating Instructions
Your dash cam is designed for ease of use. Here's how to operate its main functions.
1. Power On/Off and Basic Recording
The dash cam will typically power on automatically when your vehicle starts and begin recording. It will power off when the vehicle is turned off. Use the 3-inch OLED touchscreen to navigate menus and control recording.
2. Touchscreen Interface
The OLED touchscreen allows you to view live footage from both cameras, access recorded videos, and adjust settings. Tap on the screen to bring up control options.
Image: Car and Driver Dash Cam with a 3-inch OLED touchscreen display, illustrating the interactive interface for monitoring both cameras.
3. Parking Mode Detection
When enabled, parking mode will automatically record if your vehicle is hit or detects motion while parked. This feature helps capture incidents even when you are away from your vehicle.
4. G-Sensor and Collision Detection
The built-in G-sensor detects sudden impacts or collisions. Upon detection, the system automatically locks the current video footage to a protected folder, preventing it from being overwritten during loop recording.
Image: Car and Driver Dash Cam highlighting safety features like G-Sensor Collision Detection, Forward Collision Detection, and Lane Departure Warning.
5. Night Vision
The dash cam is equipped with enhanced night vision, utilizing a 6-glass lens, F1.8 aperture, and 4 infrared LEDs to provide clear recordings in low-light conditions.
6. App Usage (if applicable)
While this model does not feature a dedicated mobile app for direct connection, recorded footage can be accessed by removing the Micro SD card and inserting it into a compatible card reader on a computer.
Maintenance
- Cleaning: Regularly clean the camera lenses and touchscreen with a soft, dry cloth to ensure clear recordings. Avoid abrasive materials.
- SD Card: Periodically format the Micro SD card (at least once a month) to maintain optimal performance and prevent data corruption. Back up any important footage before formatting.
- Firmware Updates: Check the manufacturer's website for any available firmware updates to ensure your dash cam has the latest features and bug fixes.
Troubleshooting
- Camera Not Powering On: Ensure the car charger is properly inserted into the 12V outlet and the Micro USB cable is securely connected to the dash cam. Check your vehicle's 12V outlet for power.
- Recording Issues: Verify that the Micro SD card is inserted correctly and has sufficient free space. Format the SD card if issues persist. Ensure loop recording is enabled.
- Screen Display Problems (e.g., lines, colors): If the screen develops lines or color issues, contact customer support.
- Poor Night Vision: Ensure the camera lens is clean. Verify that the infrared LEDs are functioning.
- G-Sensor Not Activating: Check the G-sensor sensitivity settings in the device menu. Adjust to a higher sensitivity if needed.
Specifications
- Product Dimensions: 8.19 x 3.23 x 5.43 inches
- Item Weight: 6.4 ounces
- Item Model Number: CAD-ZX1002
- Front Camera Video Resolution: Full HD 1080p
- Front Camera Field of View: 150 Degrees
- Modular Second Camera Field of View: 140 Degrees
- Image Sensor: Sony Image Sensor
- Display: 3-inch OLED Touchscreen
- Special Features: G-Sensor, Lane Departure Warning, Forward Collision Detection, Modular Dual-Camera System, Night Vision
- Connectivity Technology: USB
- Mounting Type: Dashboard Mount
- Supported SD Card: Micro SD Card (16GB included)
Warranty and Support
For warranty information, technical support, or to inquire about replacement parts, please refer to the contact details provided with your product packaging or visit the official Car and Driver Connected Car Essentials store on Amazon: Car and Driver Store.
