VIOFO A139 Dash Cam User Manual

This user manual provides comprehensive instructions for the VIOFO A139 Dash Cam. It covers installation, operation, system settings, and customer support.

The user manual is available at https://support.viofo.com.

1. Product Overview

The VIOFO A139 is a high-performance dash camera designed for automotive use.

Standard Items

• Front Camera
• Rear Camera
• Rear Camera USB Cable (6M)
• Car Charger Adapter
• Type-C Cable
• GPS Module (Basic)
• Card Reader
• Circular Polarizing Lens Filter
• Trim Removal Tool (Windshield)
• Static Stickers
• 3M Sticker

Optional Accessories

• Interior Camera
• Interior Camera Cable (1M)
• Bluetooth Remote Control
• VIOFO Hardwire Kit for Car Dash Camera (HK3-C)

Product Diagram - Front Camera (Main Unit)

The front camera unit features the following components:

1. AV Out Port
2. External Microphone Port
3. Screw Hole
4. Rear Camera Port
5. Interior Camera Port
6. Power In / microSD Card Reader Mode (Computer) Port
7. Screw Hole
8. MicroSD Card Slot
9. Rotatable Lens
10. Power On/Off Button
11. Record Start/Stop Button
12. Protect Video Button
13. Microphone On/Off Button
14. Wi-Fi On/Off Button
15. GPS Module
16. Reset Hole
17. Microphone
18. Recording Status Indicator
19. Microphone Status Indicator
20. GPS Status Indicator
21. Wi-Fi Status Indicator

Product Diagram - Rear Camera

1. Bracket
2. Power In
3. Lens

Product Diagram - Interior Camera (Optional)

1. Bracket
2. Power In
3. Lens
4. Infrared LED

LED Indicators

The dash cam uses LED indicators to show its status:

• REC LED:
  • Blinking Red: Recording
  • Solid Red: Not Recording / Firmware Update
  • Red Off: Audio Recording On
• MIC LED:
  • Solid Blue: Audio Recording Off
  • Red Off: Audio Recording On
• GPS LED:
  • Solid Blue: GPS Signal Received
  • Blue Off: No GPS Signal
• Wi-Fi LED:
  • Blinking Blue: Wi-Fi Connected
  • Blue Off: Wi-Fi On, Waiting for Connection

Buttons and Icons

• Power Button: Long press to turn the camera on or off.
• Record Button: Single press to start or stop recording. Long press to format the microSD card.
• Protect Video Button: Single press to lock the current recording, preventing it from being overwritten.
• Microphone Button: Single press to turn audio recording off or on.
• Wi-Fi Button: Long press to turn Wi-Fi on or off.
• Reset Button: Hold both the Power and Record buttons simultaneously to reset the camera to default settings.
• IR LED (Interior Camera): Single press to turn the IR LED on or off.

2. Installation

2.1 Inserting/Removing the Memory Card

Inserting the Memory Card: Ensure the camera is powered off. Align the metal contacts of the microSD card with the VIOFO logo on the main unit and insert the card into the slot until it clicks.

Removing the Memory Card: Ensure the camera is powered off. Gently press the edge of the memory card with your fingernail; it will spring out enough to be removed.

Note:

• The microSD card must be formatted as FAT32 for first-time use. Other formats are not supported.
• MicroSD cards are sold separately. Recommended cards are High Endurance, UHS-U1/U3 rated, with a capacity up to 256GB.
• VIOFO recommends its own brand of microSD cards for durability and reliability.
• Formatting erases all data. Regular formatting (after backing up files) is recommended for optimal performance.

Warning:

• Always turn off the A139 before inserting or removing the microSD card.
• Inserting or removing the card during recording may corrupt files.

2.1.1 Formatting the Memory Card

You can format the memory card either directly on the camera (via System Settings) or using the VIOFO app. Alternatively, format the card on a computer using the FAT32 file system.

2.2 Installing the Front Camera

1. Mounting: Slide the bracket horizontally into the slot on the back of the camera.
2. Positioning: Choose a location on the windshield behind the rearview mirror.
3. Surface Preparation: Clean the mounting surface with a damp cloth to remove grease.
4. Apply Static Sticker: Clean the windshield with water and apply the static sticker.
5. Remove Protective Films: Peel off the protective films from the adhesive pad and the camera lens.
6. Attach Camera: Secure the front camera onto the static sticker. Static stickers are reusable and allow for repositioning.
7. Adjust Angle: Adjust the lens angle up or down as needed. Caution: Never rotate the lens completely. Cameras damaged by excessive lens rotation are not covered by warranty.
8. Power Connection: Plug the USB power adapter into the car's 12V/24V power outlet. Connect the 4-meter USB power cable to the camera's Type-C port.

The front camera can also be mounted on the left side of the rearview mirror.

2.3 Installing the Rear Camera

1. Choose Location: Select a mounting spot on the rear windshield, ensuring it has a clear view of the entire rear scene and avoids defrosting grid wires.
2. Surface Preparation: Clean the mounting surface with a dry cloth.
3. Attach Camera: Secure the rear camera to the selected location.
4. Connect Cable: Power off the product. Connect the rear camera cable to the front camera (main unit). Ensure proper cable routing as shown in the diagrams.

2.4 Installing the Interior Camera (Optional)

1. Choose Location: Select a mounting spot on the windshield for an interior view.
2. Surface Preparation: Clean the mounting surface with a dry cloth.
3. Attach Camera: Secure the interior camera to the selected location.
4. Connect Cable: Power off the product. Use the Interior Camera Cable to connect the interior camera to the front camera (main unit). Ensure proper cable routing.

Use the included cable clips to neatly secure the cables.

2.5 Removing Cameras

To remove cameras from their mounts, disconnect the cables first. Ensure the camera is powered off before disconnecting any rear or interior cameras.

Installation Tips

• Do not install the camera in a location that obstructs the driver's view or compromises safety.
• Mount the camera near the rearview mirror for optimal scene coverage.
• For clear visibility on rainy days, position the lens within the wiper's sweep range.
• Avoid installing the camera on or near airbag panels.
• Ensure the mounting location is not affected by window tinting. Keep other electronic devices away from the camera for optimal performance.

3. Dash Cam Recording Operation

3.1 Power On/Off

• When the engine starts, the camera automatically turns on and begins recording.
• When the engine is turned off or the charging cable is disconnected, the camera stops recording and powers off.

3.2 Loop Recording

Automatic loop recording starts when the camera detects power, provided a microSD card is inserted. Videos are saved in 1, 2, 3, 5, or 10-minute segments. When the microSD card is full, the oldest files are automatically overwritten.

Loop recording files are stored in the DCIM/MOVIE folder.

3.3 Emergency Recording

• Automatic Emergency Recording: If the G-sensor detects a collision, the current recording is automatically locked to prevent overwriting.
• Manual Emergency Recording: During recording, press the [Lock Button] to lock the current recording.

Note: Collision sensing sensitivity can be adjusted in the settings via the VIOFO App under the "G-sensor" option. Locked files are saved in the DCIM/RO folder.

3.4 Audio Recording On/Off

Press the [Microphone Button] once to toggle audio recording on or off. The MIC LED will be Red Off (On) or Solid Blue (Off).

3.5 Parking Mode

The dash cam offers three parking mode options:

• Auto Event Detection: With buffered parking mode, the camera records a video sequence (15 seconds before to 30 seconds after detection) when motion or impact is detected while parked. Recording stops if no new movement is detected.
• Time Lapse Recording: Records video at low frame rates (1, 2, 3, 5, 10, or 15 fps) continuously without audio.
• Low Bitrate Recording: Records video at a low bitrate for all cameras (front, interior, rear) continuously, with audio, using minimal file space.

Note: Parking mode provides surveillance for your parked vehicle. A Hardwire Kit is required to supply continuous power and protect your car battery. The VIOFO HK3-C ACC hardwire kit is recommended.

3.6 Display on a TV

The camera features an AV Out port for connecting to an external display like a monitor or TV. A 3.5mm male to 3 RCA AUX cable is required but not included.

4. Playing and Managing Videos

4.1 Playing Videos on VIOFO App

Long press the [Wi-Fi Button] to enable Wi-Fi. Open the VIOFO app and select "Connect your camera" to control the dash cam using your smartphone. You can play and manage files via the app.

4.2 Playing Videos on PC

1. Ensure the dash cam is powered off before removing the microSD card.
2. Insert the microSD card into a card reader connected to your PC.
3. Open the DCIM folder and use a video player like VLC to play the videos.

Storage Location of Video Files

File naming convention typically includes camera source, recording mode, date, time, and sequence number. For example:

• F_YYYY_MM_DD_HHMMSS_XX.mp4 (Front camera, normal recording)
• R_YYYY_MM_DD_HHMMSS_XXP.mp4 (Rear camera, parking mode recording)

Where 'F' denotes Front, 'I' denotes Interior, 'R' denotes Rear camera. 'P' denotes parking mode video.

5. Review and Control on Smartphone

5.1 Connecting to Smartphone

The VIOFO app allows remote camera control via a smartphone, including full camera control, live preview, and video playback.

• Android Devices: Download from Google Play or the official VIOFO website (https://www.viofo.com/content/13-app).
• iOS Devices: Download from the App Store.

Connecting to VIOFO APP:

1. Long press the [Wi-Fi Button] to enable Wi-Fi. The Wi-Fi name (SSID) is VIOFO_A139_XXXX, and the default password is 12345678. The Wi-Fi status LED will blink blue when Wi-Fi is enabled.
2. Step 1: Connect your phone to the A139 Wi-Fi network. The camera's Wi-Fi status LED will turn solid blue upon successful connection.
3. Step 2: Open the VIOFO app and select "Connect your camera" to control the dash cam.
4. Step 3: You can now view live feeds from all cameras, change settings, and manage files through the app.

5.2 APP Layout Overview

When connected, the app provides access to various functions:

• Top Bar: Menu, Downloaded Video, VIOFO Official Facebook Page, Official Support, Firmware Update.

Live Video Screen Controls:

1. Interior Camera Live Video
2. Rear Camera Live Video
3. Front Camera Live Video
4. Audio Recording Status Indicator
5. Motion Detection Status Indicator
6. Switch Camera Source
7. Take Snapshot
8. Go to Video File Lists
9. Start / Stop Recording
10. Go to System Settings
11. Video File Lists
12. Download Video Files
13. Delete Video Files

6. Installing Accessories

6.1 Installing CPL Filter

The Circular Polarizing Lens (CPL) filter reduces reflections and glare from the windshield and road surface, improving image quality by enhancing color saturation.

Align the white symbols on the CPL filter with the camera for installation.

6.2 Installing Bluetooth Remote Control (Optional)

The remote control can be affixed to a convenient location on your dashboard. Turn the camera on, then press and hold the video lock button on the remote for 3 seconds to pair it with the camera. The LED indicator on the remote will turn blue upon successful pairing.

6.3 Installing External Microphone (Optional)

The VIOFO A139 supports an external microphone with a 3.5mm jack plug. Connect it directly to your dash cam for significantly improved audio recording quality compared to the built-in microphone.

7. System Settings

To access the menu settings, you must first stop recording. This can be done via the VIOFO app or by pressing the [Record/Stop Button].

7.1 Video Settings

• Resolution: Set the video resolution for recorded footage. Options include:
  • Front + Rear Camera: 2560 * 1440P 30fps / 60fps + 1920 * 1080P 30fps
  • Front + Interior Camera: 2560 * 1440P 30fps / 60fps + 1920 * 1080P 30fps
  • Front + Interior + Rear Cameras: 2560 * 1440P 30fps / 60fps + 1920 * 1080P 30fps + 1920 * 1080P 30fps
• Time-lapse Recording: Records video at specific time intervals to save memory and reduce viewing time. Default is Off.
• Loop Recording: Options: Off / 1 / 2 / 3 / 5 / 10 minutes. Recording starts automatically upon power-up with a microSD card inserted. Oldest files are replaced when the card is full.
• Record Audio: Toggles the microphone on and off. Can also be changed during recording by pressing the [Microphone Button].
• Exposure (EV): Adjust the Exposure Value from -2.0 to +2.0 for the front, interior, and rear cameras to improve image quality in different lighting conditions. Default is 0.0.
• WDR (Wide Dynamic Range): On/Off. WDR balances bright and dark areas for better video exposure in varied lighting.
• G-sensor: Measures shock forces and locks video files. Sensitivity settings (Low to High) determine the force required to lock a file. Low sensitivity is recommended.
• Date Stamp: On/Off. Imprints the time and date on the recorded video.
• Bitrate: Set video bitrate. High bitrate enhances quality and smoothness, especially for fast-moving scenes, but reduces recording time. Low bitrate saves space and allows for longer recording.

7.2 System Settings

• Wi-Fi Channel: Options: Off / 2.4GHz / 5GHz. 5GHz is recommended for better performance.
• Time Zone: Set the current time zone for accurate GPS time and date calibration. Manual adjustment may be needed for daylight saving time.
• Time Synchronization: Synchronizes the camera's time with your mobile phone.
• Date Format: Sets the date format, often synchronized with the mobile phone.
• Startup Delay: Sets a delay (Off / 5s / 10s) before the camera starts recording after being powered on.
• IR LED: Off / On / Auto. 'On' forces IR lights on, resulting in black-and-white video. 'Auto' lets the camera decide based on light conditions. 'Off' disables IR lights. The IR LED can also be toggled using the [IR LED Button].
• Parking Mode:
  • Auto Event Detection: Includes buffered parking mode. Records 15 seconds before to 30 seconds after detecting motion or impact while parked. Stops recording if no new movement occurs.
  • Time Lapse Recording: Records video at low frame rates (1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 15 fps) continuously without audio.
  • Low Bitrate Recording: Records video at a low bitrate for all cameras (front, rear, interior) continuously with audio, using minimal file size.

  Note: VIOFO HK3-C ACC hardwire kit is recommended for parking mode recording. Parking recording file names are Year_Date_Time_PF (Front), Year_Date_Time_PI (Interior), and Year_Date_Time_PR (Rear).

• Timer Enter Parking Mode: Sets a delay (Off / 90s) before entering parking mode after the engine is turned off. 'Off' means immediate entry. (Requires hardwire cable; does not work with external batteries).
• Parking Recording Duration: 'On' means the camera records until the hardwire kit cuts power. '1 hour' means the camera stops recording after 1 hour in parking mode.
• Parking G-sensor: Activates an event recording upon detecting significant or sudden movement (like a collision). High sensitivity is recommended for parking mode.
• Parking Motion Detection: Adjusts motion detection sensitivity to prevent false triggers from wind or rain.
• Image Rotation: Options: Off, Front Only, Interior Only, Rear Only, Both.
• Voice Notification: Turns voice prompts on or off. Language can be changed via the voice notification language option.
• Notification Sounds: Turns beep warnings and startup sounds on or off.
• Live Video Source: Select the camera feed to display: Front camera / Interior camera / Rear camera / All cameras.
• GPS: On/Off. Enables the GPS logger to record location data. If disabled, the camera will not measure speed or position and will not synchronize time/date. Use "Dashcam Viewer" software to visualize position and speed on a map. (Requires GPS signal).
• Speed Unit: Select between Kilometers per hour (KMH) and Miles per hour (MPH).
• GPS Info Stamp: Prints GPS information (speed, location) onto the recorded video.
• Camera Model Stamp: Prints the camera model name onto the recorded video.
• Frequency: Set to minimize flicker and banding in recorded video (e.g., 50Hz or 60Hz).
• Format microSD Card: Erases all data on the microSD card. Note: All information will be permanently lost. Back up necessary files before formatting.
• Reset Camera Settings: Resets all device settings to their factory defaults.
• Wi-Fi Name (SSID): Allows changing the Wi-Fi network name.
• Wi-Fi Password: Allows changing the Wi-Fi password. The default password is 12345678.
• Custom Text Stamp: Stamps custom text onto the recorded video.
• Car License Plate Number: Stamps the vehicle's license plate number onto the recorded video.
• Free Space on Card: Displays the remaining storage space on the microSD card.

7.3 Other

• App Version: Check the current version of the VIOFO app.
• Firmware: Check the current firmware version installed on the camera.

8. Firmware Upgrade

Follow the instructions provided on the VIOFO support website to upgrade the firmware: https://support.viofo.com/support/solutions/19000101567.

Notes:

• Before upgrading firmware using a microSD card, format the card in the camera to ensure stable read/write operations.
• Do not unplug the power or turn off the camera during a firmware upgrade, as this may prevent the camera from booting up afterwards.

9. Notice

FCC Statement

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. 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 the receiver.
• Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/television technician for help.

Caution: Any changes or modifications to this device not expressly approved by the manufacturer may void your authority to operate this equipment. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Shenzhen VIOFO Technology Co, Ltd, declares that this radio frequency peripheral device is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive 1999/5/EC.

10. Customer Service

Warranty: 12 months limited warranty.

Technical Support: Lifetime technical support.

• Email: support@viofo.com
• Website/Social Media: www.facebook.com/viofo.world
• Phone: +86 755 8526 8909 (China)
• Support Hours: Monday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM