THINKWARE TW-ARC

THINKWARE ARC Dash Cam User Manual

Model: TW-ARC

Introduction

This manual provides detailed instructions for the installation, operation, and maintenance of your THINKWARE ARC Dash Cam. Please read this manual thoroughly before using the device to ensure proper functionality and to maximize its features. The THINKWARE ARC Dash Cam offers 1440P front and rear recording, Wi-Fi connectivity, Super Night Vision, and comprehensive 24/7 Parking Mode options.

Package Contents

Verify that all items are present in your product package:

  • THINKWARE ARC Dash Cam (Front Unit)
  • Rear View Camera
  • Windshield Mount
  • Spare Mounting Tape
  • 12V Power Cable
  • Rear Cam Cable
  • 32GB MicroSD Card
  • Adhesive Cable Clips
  • External GPS Antenna
  • Trim Tool
  • Hardwiring Cable
  • Warranty and Quick Start Guide (accessible via QR Code)
Image showing all included components of the THINKWARE ARC Dash Cam package.

Figure 1: Included components of the THINKWARE ARC Dash Cam.

Setup and Installation

1. Initial Preparation

  1. Insert the provided 32GB MicroSD card into the dash cam's MicroSD card slot. Ensure it is inserted correctly until it clicks into place.
  2. Clean the windshield area where the dash cam will be mounted to ensure proper adhesion.

2. Mounting the Dash Cam

  1. Attach the windshield mount to the front dash cam unit.
  2. Remove the protective film from the adhesive on the windshield mount.
  3. Mount the dash cam on the center of your vehicle's windshield, ensuring it does not obstruct your view. Press firmly for at least 30 seconds to secure.
  4. Connect the 12V Power Cable to the dash cam and route it along the windshield edge, down the A-pillar, and to your vehicle's 12V power outlet. Use the adhesive cable clips and trim tool to neatly tuck away the cable.
  5. For 24/7 Parking Mode functionality, connect the Hardwiring Cable to your vehicle's fuse box. Professional installation is recommended for hardwiring.
THINKWARE ARC Dash Cam mounted on a windshield with a smartphone displaying the companion app.

Figure 2: Front dash cam unit and rear camera.

3. Installing the Rear Camera

  1. Mount the rear camera on the rear windshield, ensuring a clear view.
  2. Connect the Rear Cam Cable to both the front and rear dash cam units. Route the cable along the vehicle's headliner and side panels, using the trim tool to conceal it.

4. Connecting to the THINKWARE DASH CAM LINK App (Wi-Fi Pairing)

The THINKWARE DASH CAM LINK app allows you to adjust settings, view live footage, and download recordings.

  1. Download the "THINKWARE DASH CAM LINK" app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
  2. Open the app and select "Dash Cam Registration". Choose your dash cam model (ARC).
  3. Ensure your vehicle's ignition is on to activate the dash cam's Wi-Fi.
  4. Press the Wi-Fi icon on the dash cam's 2.7" LCD touchscreen. A QR code will appear.
  5. Scan the on-screen QR code using the app.
  6. A pop-up message will ask to connect to the THINKWARE Wi-Fi network. Click "Join".
  7. Wait for the app to load and display "Dash cam Connected".
Steps for connecting the THINKWARE ARC Dash Cam to the mobile app via Wi-Fi.

Figure 3: Wi-Fi connection steps for the THINKWARE ARC Dash Cam.

Operating Instructions

Recording Modes

The THINKWARE ARC Dash Cam supports various recording modes to suit different driving and parking scenarios:

  • Continuous Recording: Automatically records when the vehicle is in operation.
  • Incident Recording: Automatically saves footage when an impact or sudden braking is detected by the G-sensor.
  • Manual Recording: Allows you to manually initiate a recording of a specific event.
  • Motion Detection Recording: Records when motion is detected in parking mode.
  • Energy Saving Recording: Optimizes power consumption in parking mode by recording only when impacts are detected.

Video Quality and Features

  • 2K QHD 1440P Front and Rear: Records high-resolution video from both front and rear cameras, ensuring clear detail and accurate color balance.
  • Super Night Vision 2.0: Enhances video brightness and reduces noise in low-light conditions for improved night-time recording clarity.
  • Wide Dynamic Range (WDR): Corrects images for optimal color balance in environments with strong sunlight or shadows.
  • Smart Auto-Exposure (AE): Adjusts exposure to maintain clear footage during strong sunlight or headlight glare.
  • Dewarping Video Technology: Captures traffic incidents and vandalism without distortion, regardless of their position relative to the camera.
Comparison of 2K QHD and Full HD recording quality.

Figure 4: 2K QHD Front and Rear Recording capability.

Comparison of Super Night Vision ON vs OFF in low light conditions.

Figure 5: Super Night Vision 2.0 in action.

Illustrations of Wide Dynamic Range, Smart Auto-Exposure, and Dewarping Video Technology.

Figure 6: Advanced image processing features.

Driver Assistance System (ADAS)

The integrated GPS antenna enables various driver assistance features:

  • Safety Camera Alerts: Provides real-time alerts for speed cameras and red-light cameras. GPS data (speed, time, and location) is embedded into video footage.
  • Traffic Signal Alert (TSA): Notifies the driver when a traffic light changes from red to green.
  • Front Vehicle Departure Warning (FVDW): Alerts the driver when the vehicle in front starts to move after being stopped.
  • Forward Collision Warning System (FCWS): Calculates the distance to the vehicle ahead and warns the driver of potential collisions.
  • Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS): Alerts the driver if the vehicle drifts out of its lane (requires GPS module).
Illustrations of Traffic Signal Alert and Front Vehicle Departure Warning.

Figure 7: Smart Driving Alerts for enhanced awareness.

Image showing speed and red light cameras on a highway.

Figure 8: Safety Camera Alerts.

Parking Surveillance Mode

When your vehicle is parked, the dash cam can continue to monitor for events. This mode requires the Hardwiring Cable (included) or an OBD cable (sold separately) for continuous power.

  • Motion/Impact Detection: Records when motion or impact is detected around the parked vehicle.
  • Time Lapse: Records continuously at a low frame rate (2 frames per second) to save storage space while providing extended coverage.
  • Smart Parking Mode: Automatically disables power during high temperatures to prevent damage and ensures continuous recording resumes without interruption.
  • Energy Saving Mode: Reduces power consumption by recording only when impacts are detected, allowing for longer parking surveillance.
Cars parked in an underground parking garage, illustrating parking surveillance.

Figure 9: Parking Surveillance Mode in action.

Diagram showing a brain and a thermometer, representing smart parking mode's thermal protection.

Figure 10: Smart Parking Mode with thermal protection.

Diagram of a car outline on a circuit board, illustrating energy saving mode.

Figure 11: Energy Saving Mode for extended parking surveillance.

Long exposure photo of car lights at night, representing time lapse recording.

Figure 12: Time Lapse recording for efficient storage.

Privacy Lock Mode

Secure your recorded footage by setting a password on the dash cam. This prevents unauthorized access to your videos.

Dash cam screen showing a numeric keypad for password entry, with a digital lock icon in the background.

Figure 13: Privacy Lock Mode for securing footage.

LCD Touchscreen

The 2.7-inch LCD touchscreen provides an intuitive interface for:

  • Adjusting dash cam settings.
  • Playing back recorded videos directly on the device.
  • Viewing live footage from the front and rear cameras.
  • Receiving visual notifications for driver assistance alerts.
Dash cam screen displaying live view of a parking garage, with cars in the background.

Figure 14: LCD Touchscreen Viewer interface.

Maintenance

MicroSD Card Management

The dash cam includes a 32GB MicroSD card. For optimal performance and to prevent recording issues, it is recommended to:

  • Format the MicroSD card regularly (e.g., once a month) using the dash cam's settings or the THINKWARE DASH CAM LINK app.
  • Use only genuine THINKWARE MicroSD cards or Class 10 U3 cards (64GB or more) that meet the specified requirements to ensure compatibility and reliability.
  • Replace the MicroSD card periodically (e.g., every 6-12 months) as they have a limited lifespan due to continuous overwriting.
Image of a THINKWARE 32GB MicroSD card with text about genuine memory cards.

Figure 15: Importance of genuine and compatible MicroSD cards.

Thermal Protection

The dash cam features integrated thermal sensors that monitor internal temperature. In extreme heat conditions, the device will automatically shut off to prevent damage and ensure longevity. This is a safety feature and not an indication of malfunction.

Cleaning

Wipe the dash cam lens and screen with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that could scratch the surfaces.

Troubleshooting

If you encounter issues with your THINKWARE ARC Dash Cam, refer to the following common problems and solutions:

ProblemPossible Cause / Solution
Dash cam does not power on.
  • Check if the power cable is securely connected to both the dash cam and the vehicle's power outlet.
  • Ensure the vehicle's ignition is on (if using the 12V power cable).
  • If hardwired, verify the connection to the fuse box.
Wi-Fi connection fails or is unstable.
  • Ensure the dash cam's Wi-Fi is activated via the touchscreen.
  • Confirm you are scanning the QR code within the THINKWARE DASH CAM LINK app, not with your phone's camera app.
  • Try restarting both the dash cam and your smartphone.
  • Ensure your phone's Bluetooth is enabled for initial pairing.
Poor night recording quality (blurry/overexposed).
  • Ensure the windshield is clean and free of obstructions.
  • Adjust exposure settings in the app if available.
  • While Super Night Vision 2.0 enhances low-light conditions, extreme darkness or direct bright lights (like headlights) can still affect license plate readability.
Dash cam feels hot during operation.

It is normal for the dash cam to generate heat during operation. The integrated thermal protection system will automatically shut down the device if temperatures become excessive to prevent damage.

Parking mode not working.
  • Verify that the dash cam is connected via the Hardwiring Cable or an OBD cable for continuous power.
  • Check parking mode settings in the app to ensure it is enabled and configured correctly.
  • Ensure your vehicle's battery voltage is sufficient; some parking modes may disable if battery voltage drops too low.

Specifications

FeatureDetail
Model NameTHINKWARE ARC (TW-ARC)
Product Dimensions1 x 4 x 2 inches
Item Weight1.54 pounds
Video Capture Resolution1440p (Front and Rear)
Connectivity TechnologyWi-Fi
Special FeaturesG-Sensor, Super Night Vision 2.0, Parking Surveillance Mode, ADAS, Privacy Lock Mode
Mounting TypeWindshield Mount
Field Of View130 Degrees
Included Storage32GB MicroSD Card
Power Source12V Power Cable, Hardwiring Cable

Warranty and Support

For detailed warranty information, please refer to the Warranty and Quick Start Guide provided in your package, accessible via the QR code. For technical support, firmware updates, or further assistance, please visit the official THINKWARE website or contact THINKWARE customer service.

You can also find additional resources and FAQs on the THINKWARE Amazon Store.

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