1. Product Overview
The Comtec HDR361GS is a high-performance 360-degree dashcam designed to record comprehensive footage around your vehicle. Equipped with HDR/WDR functions, it ensures clear recordings in various lighting conditions. This device captures all directions, including the front, sides, interior, and rear of your vehicle. Its wide 240° vertical field of view is capable of recording traffic lights that might be missed by conventional 360° dashcams.
A key feature is its dedicated file system, which minimizes data fragmentation on the microSD card, reducing the need for frequent formatting. The package includes a 32GB microSD card, supporting extended recording times, and the unit is compatible with microSD cards up to 128GB.
Image 1: Comtec HDR361GS 360-Degree Dashcam main unit.
2. Setup and Installation
2.1 Mounting the Dashcam
The HDR361GS is designed for direct attachment to the front windshield using an adhesive mount. This smart design ensures the unit does not obstruct the driver's field of view, providing a clear and unobtrusive installation.
Image 2: Example of the dashcam installed on a car windshield, showing its compact and unobtrusive placement.
2.2 Power Connection
Connect the dashcam to your vehicle's power source. For standard operation, use the included power cable. For parking surveillance functionality, an optional direct wiring kit (HDROP-14) is required. Ensure all connections are secure before operating the vehicle.
2.3 Initial Configuration
Upon first power-on, the dashcam will automatically set the date and time via GPS. No manual adjustment is typically required. You can customize settings such as recording quality, G-sensor sensitivity, and display preferences through the device's menu.
3. Operating Instructions
3.1 Recording Modes
- Continuous Recording: The dashcam records continuously from the moment the engine is turned ON until it is turned OFF. When the microSD card reaches its capacity, older files are automatically overwritten.
- Impact Recording: Utilizing a built-in G-sensor, the device automatically detects impacts. When an impact is detected, the footage immediately before and after the event is saved as a separate, protected file. Older impact recording files may be overwritten if the dedicated storage area is full.
- Manual Recording: Pressing the designated switch allows you to manually initiate a recording. This footage is also saved as a protected file. Older manual recording files may be overwritten if the dedicated storage area is full.
3.2 Parking Surveillance Function (Optional)
With the optional HDROP-14 direct wiring kit, the dashcam can monitor your vehicle while parked. It records 360-degree footage even when the engine is off. In parking surveillance mode, the frame rate automatically switches to 5 frames per second (fps), allowing up to 13 hours of recording on a 32GB microSD card without overwriting. The system also detects impacts during parking and records the events before and after. A battery protection feature automatically stops operation if the vehicle's battery voltage drops below a set level.
Image 3: Diagram illustrating the detection zones for the parking surveillance function.
3.3 Image Quality Features
- HDR/WDR Function: This function performs image correction to mitigate whiteout, black crush, and strong backlight effects. It ensures clear recordings even in challenging lighting conditions such as tunnels or when facing bright headlights. This setting cannot be turned off.
- LED Traffic Signal Support: The dashcam is compatible with LED traffic signals across Japan, ensuring they are recorded clearly regardless of regional power frequency differences.
- Enhanced Night Recording: Equipped with a 1/2.5-inch image sensor, the HDR361GS captures brighter and clearer images at night compared to conventional models.
Image 4: Comparison showing improved clarity in night footage with HDR/WDR enabled, reducing glare from headlights.
3.4 GPS Functionality
The built-in GPS module records your vehicle's speed and location information alongside the video data. It also automatically corrects the date and time, eliminating the need for manual adjustments.
3.5 LCD Display and Viewer Software
- LCD Display: The main unit's LCD screen offers two display patterns: a 2-split view and a round view. This allows you to check front and interior camera footage directly on the device without needing dedicated viewer software.
- Dedicated Viewer Software: For detailed analysis, dedicated viewer software can be downloaded from the Comtec website. This software allows you to review recorded data on a PC, including video, audio, G-sensor information, and your driving trajectory displayed on Google Maps. You can also convert recorded data into video or still image files for saving. The software supports various display modes: Round, 16:9, Panorama, and 2-split.
Video 1: Demonstration of the Comtec HDR361GS viewer software during daytime driving, showing various camera angles and data overlays.
Video 2: Demonstration of the Comtec HDR361GS viewer software during nighttime driving, highlighting clarity in low-light conditions.
4. Maintenance
4.1 microSD Card Management
- Maintenance-Free Design: The HDR361GS uses a proprietary file system that significantly reduces data fragmentation on the microSD card. This minimizes the need for regular manual formatting, which is often required with other dashcams.
- Recommended Formatting: While maintenance-free, periodically formatting the microSD card can help extend its lifespan and ensure optimal performance.
- SD Card Check Function: The dashcam performs a check of the microSD card upon startup. If any damage or abnormality is detected, an alert is displayed on the LCD screen, preventing missed recordings due to a faulty card.
4.2 Backup Function
In the event of a sudden power interruption, such as during an accident, the built-in supercapacitor activates. This feature helps prevent file corruption and protects the recorded images, ensuring critical data is saved.
4.3 Cleaning
Regularly clean the dashcam lens and screen with a soft, dry cloth to ensure clear image quality. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or solvents.
5. Troubleshooting
If you encounter any issues with your Comtec HDR361GS dashcam, please refer to the following general troubleshooting tips. For more detailed solutions, consult the full user manual available on the Comtec website or contact customer support.
- Device not powering on: Check the power connection. Ensure the cable is securely plugged into both the dashcam and the vehicle's power outlet. If using the optional direct wiring kit, verify the wiring.
- No recording: Ensure a microSD card is inserted correctly and is not full or damaged. Check the SD Card Check Function alert. Try formatting the card (back up important data first).
- Poor image quality: Clean the lens. Ensure the windshield area where the dashcam is mounted is clean. Check if the HDR/WDR function is operating correctly.
- GPS not acquiring signal: Ensure the dashcam has a clear view of the sky. Avoid mounting locations that might block the GPS signal.
- Parking surveillance not working: Verify that the optional HDROP-14 direct wiring kit is correctly installed. Check the parking surveillance settings in the device menu.
6. Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Brand | Comtec |
| Model Name | HDR361GS |
| Product Dimensions | 4.17 x 6.6 x 10.9 cm |
| Weight | 420 g |
| Battery | 1 Lithium Metal battery (included) |
| Mounting Position | Front |
| Special Features | Built-in GPS, HDR/WDR |
| Color | White | Black |
| Image Sensor | 1/2.5-inch CMOS sensor |
| Effective Pixels | Max 3.4 million pixels |
| Lens Angle | Horizontal 360°, Vertical 240° |
| F-value | 1.8 |
| Lens Material | Glass |
| Connectivity | Wired |
| Mounting Type | Adhesive |
| Other Functions | Impact sensitivity (11 levels, including OFF), Voice recording, Date/time recording, LED signal compatible, Calendar/clock display |
7. Warranty and Support
7.1 Product Warranty
The Comtec HDR361GS comes with a 3-year product warranty from the date of purchase. Please retain your proof of purchase (e.g., delivery note) as it is required for warranty claims. The warranty is void if the product is used outside of Japan.
7.2 Accident Compensation Service
This product includes an accident compensation service, offering a uniform payment of ¥20,000 from Comtec in the event of an accident. This service is valid for one year from the date of registration. You must register for the service within one month of purchase. The service can be renewed annually for a fee for up to three years. However, if compensation has been claimed once, the service cannot be renewed.
7.3 Data Recovery Service
Comtec offers a free data recovery service for its dashcams for one year from the date of purchase. This service aims to restore recorded data from a damaged main unit or SD card to a playable state. Please note that overwritten recorded data or data from SD cards that have reached their lifespan and can no longer be written to cannot be recovered. For detailed information, please refer to the Comtec homepage.
7.4 Noise Countermeasures
The HDR361GS is designed with noise countermeasures to minimize interference with terrestrial digital broadcasting reception and GPS navigation systems (according to Comtec standards).
For further assistance or inquiries, please visit the official Comtec website or contact their customer support.
