LINGDU D500 Dash Cam User Manual

1. Customer Service

Encountered a faulty or damaged product? Inaccurate description? Missing parts or accessories? Inadequate performance or quality? Received the wrong item?

Please contact LINGDU at service@lingdu.us before returning the product. LINGDU will help resolve any issue as quickly as possible.

2. Important Safety Information

Thank you for purchasing this LINGDU dash cam. This instruction contains information on how to use the dash cam. Before using the dash cam, LINGDU recommends you read this manual to ensure correct usage. To improve product performance, the content of this manual may be changed without prior notice.

• Do not disassemble, repair, or modify the product yourself. This may lead to fire, electric shock, or malfunction. For internal inspection and repair, contact a service center.
• If foreign objects enter the product, immediately disconnect the power cord. Contact a service center for repair.
• Do not adjust the product while driving. This may lead to an accident. Before installation and setup, stop or park the car in a safe place.
• Do not install the product in places where it may obstruct the driver. This may lead to an accident.
• Do not use damaged or modified power cords. Use only cords provided by the manufacturer. Damaged or modified power cords may cause explosion, fire, or malfunction.
• Do not handle the product with wet hands. This may lead to electric shock.
• Do not install the product in environments with high humidity, flammable gases, or liquids. This may lead to explosion and/or fire.
• Do not leave the product near infants, children, or pets. There is a risk they may swallow small components and/or their saliva may enter the product, which could cause an explosion due to short circuit.
• Do not spray water or wax directly onto the product when cleaning the car interior. This may lead to fire, electric shock, or malfunction.
• If smoke or an unusual smell comes from the power cable, immediately disconnect the power cable. Contact a service center.
• Keep power cord terminals clean. Failure to do so may lead to excessive heating and fire.
• Use the correct input voltage. Failure to do so may lead to explosion, fire, or malfunction.
• Firmly insert the power cord into the socket so it cannot be easily disconnected. Failure to do so may lead to fire.
• Do not cover the product with any material. This may lead to external deformation of the product or fire. Use the product and peripherals in a well-ventilated area.

3. Package Contents

Before installing the dash cam, check for each of the following items:

• Dash Cam ×1 (A compact device with a display screen showing 00:00:00 and a 'LOCK' indicator, and a lens on one side.)
• Electrostatic Films ×2 (Transparent rectangular films)
• Type-C Car Charger with 3.5m/12ft cable ×1 (A car charger with a Type-C connector and a long cable)
• Cable Clips ×5; Pry Tool ×1 (Small plastic clips and a flat pry tool)
• User Manual ×1 (A booklet titled 'User Manual D500')

4. Specifications

5. Product Diagram

Diagram of the LINGDU D500 Dash Cam with numbered components and a table describing each part.

Video Recording Indicator

Diagram showing the dash cam display with various icons and their descriptions.

• Memory card icon (representing storage status)
• WiFi icon (representing Wi-Fi connection status)
• Audio recording icon (representing audio recording status)
• GPS icon (representing GPS signal status)
• Time (displaying current time or recording duration)

6. Getting Started

The camera automatically turns on and starts recording when it receives power. It then saves the video recording and automatically turns off when the car is turned off.

1. Automatic Power On/Off:

Connect the car charger to the cigarette lighter socket. When the car engine is turned on, the dash cam will turn on and start recording automatically. When the key is turned to the LOCK position, the dash cam automatically saves the recording and turns off.

2. Manual Power On/Off:

• To turn on manually: press the power button once.
• To turn off manually: press and hold the power button for at least 2 seconds.

7. Installation

Install the front camera behind the rearview mirror. Before installation, remove foreign objects, clean and dry the windshield.

Diagram showing the dash cam mounted behind a rearview mirror, with an arrow indicating the lens can be rotated.

1. Turn off the engine, gently insert the card into the slot until it clicks into place. (Please use a high-speed micro-SD U3 class 10 or higher card)
2. Find a suitable location on the windshield that will not obstruct the driver, and remove foreign objects, then clean and dry the windshield before installation. Remove the protective layer of the electrostatic sticker and attach the electrostatic sticker to the windshield to prevent stains/glue on the windshield after removal.
3. Remove the protective film from the double-sided tape and attach the front camera to the electrostatic sticker. Adjust the lens angle by rotating the front camera body.
4. Connect the cigarette lighter power cable to the cigarette lighter socket and the front camera. Use the pry tool to lift the edges of the windshield trim and tuck in the power cord.

Diagram illustrating the routing of the charging cable from the cigarette lighter socket, along the windshield trim, to the dash cam mounted near the rearview mirror.

8. Playing Video Files via Smartphone

8.1 View real-time video via smartphone

Image showing a smartphone screen with the LINGDU app icon and a QR code for app download.

Scan the QR code to download the LINGDU app.

Find the LINGDU app in the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and install it on your smartphone.

Sequence of smartphone screenshots demonstrating the connection process to the dash cam via Wi-Fi and accessing real-time video.

1. Go to "Phone Settings" > "Wi-Fi" > "Select Wi-Fi" of the dash cam. After connecting to Wi-Fi, a "No Internet Connection" message will appear, which is normal. Since the dash cam's Wi-Fi is ONLY for video/photo transfer, NOT for cloud or internet video streaming, please ignore the prompt. WiFi Name SSID: D500******** Default Password: 12345678
2. After successful connection, the LINGDU D500 model will appear. Click "Check Real-time Video" to view real-time video.
3. Now you can view the video currently being recorded in real-time mode by connecting your smartphone to the dash cam via Wi-Fi Direct.
4. Please first STOP recording, then click "Device Album" to get photos, videos, and emergency files.

8.2 Download video files to your smartphone

Sequence of smartphone screenshots demonstrating how to select and download video files from the dash cam to the smartphone.

1. Go to the dash cam preview interface. Please first STOP recording, then click "Device Album" to get photos, videos, and emergency files.
2. Select video files to download to your smartphone.
3. Click the download icon (down arrow) to download video files. However, downloading a single video file will take some time.
4. Then you can find these downloaded video files in the original app interface menu under "Local Video".

App does not show real-time video on your phone. Does it only show a beach photo?

Cellular data does not allow real-time video viewing. If the app does not show real-time video, please turn off "LINGDU" cellular data on your phone. Make sure "LINGDU" local network is enabled.

1. For the latest iOS system version: Settings → LINGDU → Click "Wireless Data" → Select "WLAN".
2. For older iOS versions: Settings → LINGDU → Turn off "Cellular Data".

What is WiFi function?

The WiFi function was designed so you can wirelessly connect the dash cam to your smartphone and instantly access dash cam recordings. Here you can easily view, download, and share videos with friends and family. Similar to how you connect a Bluetooth speaker to your smartphone for wireless music playback, the dash cam uses a WiFi signal (not Bluetooth) to connect your smartphone to the LINGDU D500.

Can I remotely view video from my car?

NO. The LINGDU D500 dash cam is NOT designed for cloud or internet video streaming. It is NOT a cloud or IP camera, and it is NOT intended for that. You can get real-time video and frames in the LINGDU dash cam app if you are within 3 meters (10 feet) of the dash cam.

What is WiFi range?

The WiFi signal range is about 3 meters (10 feet) without obstacles in between. Please note that just like your home WiFi network, you don't have a WiFi signal outside your house, similarly, the WiFi range is 3 meters (10 feet) from this small device.

For Android Phones:

Smartphone screenshots showing Android Wi-Fi settings and pop-up messages related to internet connectivity.

When installing the LINGDU app, two pop-up windows will appear: select "While using the app" to allow LINGDU to access the device's location, and select "Allow" to allow LINGDU to access photos and media files on your device. There is one additional step you will need to do for the first time. After connecting to the D500 dash cam's Wi-Fi, a "No Internet" message will appear. This is normal. Wait approximately 10-15 seconds until you see the pop-up window or notification shown below. You just need to click on the pop-up notification that appears after a few seconds to choose that you still want to stay connected, even if there is no Internet. After you select "OK", you will be ready to go.

For iPhone:

Smartphone screenshot showing an iPhone Wi-Fi pop-up message about no internet connection.

If you receive this pop-up window for your iPhone when using the WiFi function, make sure you click "Keep Trying Wi-Fi". Otherwise, the camera will disconnect from WiFi, and you will have to forget LINGDU WiFi and then start pairing again for the camera to work again.

9. General Settings

Smartphone screenshots showing the LINGDU app's settings interface with various options for video and system adjustments.

9.1 Video Settings

• Video Resolution: Allows you to select the desired video resolution and fps (frames per second).
• Loop Recording: 1 min (default)/2 min/3 min. Select the duration of each video clip (1/2/3 minutes). This function allows continuous recording on the dash cam. Note that when the memory card is full, the recorder automatically deletes the oldest files to free up space for new recordings. This ensures it can continue recording without interruption.
• WDR - On (default)/Off: WDR stands for "Wide Dynamic Range", meaning the camera or display can adapt to scenes with large brightness differences, allowing details to be clearly displayed in both dark and bright areas.
• Exposure: -3.0/ -2.0/ -1.0/ +0.0 (default)/ +1.0/ +2.0/+3.0. To adjust video exposure for brighter or darker video according to your preference.
• Audio Recording: On (default)/Off. The recorder has a built-in microphone for recording audio with video. You can record video without sound by selecting OFF.
• G-sensor: Off/Low (default)/Medium/High. G-sensor is a 3-axis impact gravity accelerometer designed to detect physical and gravitational forces on the dash cam. After the G-sensor is triggered by physical or gravitational impact on the camera, the current video file will be locked as an emergency file, so it will not be deleted by the loop recording function. The higher the G-Sensor sensitivity, the less force will be required to trigger automatic file protection.

Parking Mode

This function will ONLY work when the 3-wire hardwire kit is properly installed. This parking mode has three options to choose from.

*Time-lapse parking mode:

1. When you turn off the car engine and turn the key to the lock position, the camera will STOP continuous video recording and automatically switch to time-lapse recording at 1 fps.
2. Now, when this time-lapse is being recorded, if someone hits your car and the impact reaches the set G-sensor level, the camera will turn on > start recording a 1-minute continuous video, save and lock this video in the event folder > then return to time-lapse recording at 1 fps.
3. Now, when you start the car next time, the camera will automatically STOP time-lapse parking mode. Then it will automatically switch to normal video mode to start continuous video recording.

*Collision detection parking mode:

1. When you turn off the car engine and turn the key to the lock position, the camera will stop continuous video recording, enter impact detection mode, and turn off.
2. Now, while the camera remains in impact detection mode, if someone hits your car and the impact reaches the set G-sensor level, the camera will turn on > start recording a 1-minute continuous video, save and lock this video in the "Events" folder > then the camera will turn off.
3. Now, when you start the car next time, the camera will automatically return to normal video mode to start continuous video recording.

*Normal parking recording mode:

1. When you turn off the car engine and turn the key to the lock position, the camera will continue recording in normal mode.
2. Now the camera remains in impact detection mode, if someone hits your car and the collision reaches the set G-sensor level, the camera will lock the current loop video clip, save and lock this video in the event folder > then the camera will continue recording in normal mode.

Driver Fatigue Reminder:

Off (default) / 2 hours. When you activate this function, the recorder will sound an audible alarm every 2 hours to remind you if you feel tired while driving.

Screen Saver:

Screen saver off (default) / screen off after 1 min. Screen saver off: this screen will always be on. Screen turns off after 1 minute: screen turns off after 1 minute of inactivity.

Volume:

Off/Low (default)/MEDIUM/High. This function allows you to set the volume level of the sound during startup, the volume of prompts via the camera's internal built-in speaker.

Startup Melody:

On (default)/Off. This function allows you to turn on or off the camera's startup melody.

Voice Control:

On (default)/Off. ONLY supports English: turn on Wi-Fi, take picture, turn off recording, turn off WiFi, open recording, lock the video.

Voice Commands:

Say the command, but only English is supported:

• To turn on WiFi, say Turn on WiFi
• To turn off WiFi, say Turn off WiFi
• To take a picture, say Take picture
• To stop recording, say Turn off recording
• To start recording, say Open Recording
• To lock current video files, say Lock the video
• To open the screen, say Open screen
• To turn off the screen, say Turn off display

Frequency:

50 Hz/ 60 Hz (default). Here you should select the frequency according to the power source specification used in your country, depending on your geographical location.

Date/Time Format:

This function allows you to select the date and time format.

Speed Measurement Units:

km/h or mph (default). Select between km/h and mph.

GPS Information:

Check satellite number / longitude / latitude / speed.

9.2 Video Stamps

Speed:

Turn on/off the speed stamp that appears on recorded files.

GPS Information:

Turn on/off the GPS information stamp that appears on recorded files.

Date / Time:

Turn on/off the date/time stamp that appears on recorded files.

LOGO:

Turn on/off the LINGDU logo stamp on recorded files.

Model:

Turn on/off the model stamp on recorded files.

9.3 System Settings

Time Zone:

-UTC/GMT -7:00 (default) -UTC/GMT -12:00 to UTC/GMT +12:00. Here you can select the desired or local time zone based on the UTC/GMT value. Please make sure you have set the time zone. Go to https://www.timeanddate.com/time/map/ to find out the correct GMT (Greenwich Mean Time) value.

Time Synchronization:

Turn on/off the GPS information stamp that appears on recorded files.

SD Card Information:

Display free space on the memory card.

Format SD Card:

The formatting process will ensure that the card's file system format is optimized for the camera.

10. Playing Video Files via Computer

WiFi Name:

Here you can change the WiFi name in the app, default name: D500_******

WiFi Password:

Here you can change the WiFi password in the app, default password: 12345678

Default Settings:

Reset the dash cam settings to default settings. This will not affect your recordings.

Firmware Version:

Here you can check the current firmware version installed on your camera. This information will be useful in the future to check if a newer firmware version is available.

Diagram illustrating the process of removing the microSD card from the dash cam and inserting it into an SD card adapter for computer connection.

1. Remove the microSD card from the dash cam.
2. Insert the card into a microSD card reader and connect it to your computer.
3. Depending on the pre-installed hard drives, you will find the added flash drive as drive "D", "E" or another name. Once you find the drive, double-click it to access the file folders, which include Normal, Event, and Photo. Normal: normal recording mode saves video files in a loop, allowing them to be overwritten when storage space is needed. Event: in event recording mode, the video file will be locked and protected from deletion by the loop recording function. Photo: this is a folder for storing taken photos. To play videos, simply double-click them. LINGDU recommends using VLC Media Player, which can be downloaded for free at: www.videolan.org.
4. You can also download LINGDU GPS Player from www.lingdu.us > Support > Download and install it on your computer.
5. Install LINGDU GPS Player on your computer. (Note: Please close or ignore the antivirus software prompt, LINGDU confirms that it does not affect your computer's security.)
6. You can click the "Open Files" button to view and select the "Film" or "EMR" folder on the microSD card in the LINGDU GPS player. It will show all files in the Normal or Event or Parking folder. Or you can also drag video files directly onto the launch screen.
7. There are two ways to play videos.

• A. Click the "File-Open" icon to select the folder you want to play, click to start playing. (Note that you can ONLY select one folder to play and not see video files)
• B. Select from "My Computer" and find the memory card drive, select the video file you want to play, you can drag the file directly to the player. You can get GPS data on the player.

Screenshots of the LINGDU GPS Player interface, showing map view, video playback controls, file list, and GPS data display.

11. Firmware Update

Diagram illustrating the process of removing the microSD card from the dash cam and inserting it into an SD card adapter for computer connection.

1. Remove the microSD card from the dash cam.
2. Insert the card into a microSD card reader and connect it to your computer.
3. Download the latest D500 firmware version from www.lingdu.us > Support > Download to your computer.
4. Unzip the downloaded firmware (Zip-file) and copy the firmware file named "FW96565A.bin" to the root directory of the microSD card.
5. Connect the camera to the car charger to start the firmware update process. You should see a progress indicator, which means the D500 dash cam is updating to new software. Please note: Firmware update may take about 1 minute. So, please be patient. Make sure POWER is NOT disconnected during firmware update. After the firmware update, the camera will automatically turn off.
6. You can turn on and check the latest firmware version by going to APP settings > Firmware version.

12. Voice Prompts

13. Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Camera turns on/off automatically?

A: Make sure the output current reaches 5V/1.5A, and use the LINGDU car charger.

Q2: Video image blurry?

A: Remove the protective film from the lens, clean the lens, make sure the windshield is clean and free of grease, dirt, and debris.

Q3: Camera gets hot?

A: It is normal for the camera to get slightly warm. Because video is recorded at high speed, the recorder may get hot during use. (Not more than 158°F/70°C).

Q4: Video files not playing on my computer?

A: Dash cam video files are in MP4 format and may be incompatible with your PC if appropriate playback software is not installed.

Q5: Video has no sound?

A: Make sure the "Audio Recording" parameter is enabled.

Q6: Video blurry?

A: The dash cam has a minimum focus distance of about 2 meters. Objects closer will likely be blurry.

Q7: Voice prompt Memory card error?

A: Using incompatible SD cards or third-party cards may affect dash cam performance and in some cases lead to accidental dash cam restarts during recording. If it still doesn't work normally, the TF card may be unqualified and not meet the dash cam recording requirements. Please contact LINGDU to get a new memory card.

14. Notifications

Information on disposal and recycling of waste electronic and electrical equipment.

This symbol (a crossed-out wheeled bin) means that the product must not be disposed of with household waste, it should be handed over to an appropriate facility, and recycling helps protect natural resources, human health, and the environment. For more information on the disposal and recycling of this product, contact your local municipality or disposal service.

Compliance with Technical Regulations of Ukraine:

The Importer (indicated on the packaging) declares that the type of radio equipment (indicated above) complies with the Technical Regulations for Radio Equipment; the full text of the declaration of conformity is available on the website at: https://www.ctrs.com.ua/deklaraciya-sootvetstviy

If this equipment causes harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

15. Warranty

WARRANTY CARD No.

LINGDU sincerely congratulates you on your pleasant purchase and is confident that the purchased equipment will satisfy all your needs. SECTION 1: WARRANTY OBLIGATIONS. This warranty card confirms the quality of the product and grants the right to warranty repair and replacement of defective components. All warranty conditions are valid within the framework of consumer protection legislation and are regulated by the legislation of Ukraine. Equipment maintenance is not included in the list of works performed under warranty obligations. The company reserves the right to refuse warranty repair in case of non-compliance with the warranty conditions listed below. SECTION 2: WARRANTY CONDITIONS. The warranty is valid provided that the warranty card is correctly filled out, indicating the full model name, product serial number, date of sale, warranty period, clear seals of the selling company, as well as full information about the installation company with the name of the specialist responsible for installation work, a completed commissioning protocol, and an act of equipment readiness for commissioning. Before using this equipment, LINGDU recommends that you familiarize yourself with the operating instructions. The warranty does not apply if the factory marking or serial number is damaged, illegible, has traces of re-sticking, or is missing on the equipment. The warranty does not apply in case of violation of transportation and storage rules for the equipment. The warranty does not apply in case of damage to the equipment by the consumer or a third party. The warranty does not apply if the equipment malfunction is caused by force majeure (fire, lightning strike, flooding, natural disasters, etc.). The warranty does not apply if the equipment damage is caused by non-compliance with state standards for power supply, telecommunication, cable networks, abnormal voltage fluctuations, and other power line malfunctions, leading to characteristic damage to power circuits, components, contacts, and compressors. The warranty does not apply if the equipment is operated in violation of the operating conditions specified in the operating instructions. The warranty does not apply if there are traces of unauthorized interference or an attempt at unauthorized repair of the equipment. The warranty does not apply if the equipment damage is caused by foreign objects, chemicals, liquids, dust, insects, etc. entering the product. ATTENTION! The warranty is valid provided that service is performed at CITRUS service centers. Addresses of CITRUS service centers are available at: https://service.ctrs.com.ua/

WARRANTY SERVICE MARKS