Cobra SC 220C Dash Cam: User Manual

Introduction

Congratulations on purchasing the Cobra SC Series smart dash cam. The SC 220C provides peace of mind by continuously recording the road with crystal-clear video. It features advanced safety features, industry-leading video quality, and exclusive shared alerts from the Drive Smarter network.

SC 220C Dash Cam Features

• ?️ Quad HD Video Resolution: Captures crucial details like license plate numbers.
• 3️⃣6️⃣0️⃣ 360 Alerts: Provides radar, laser, red light, and speed camera locations from the database and user network.
• ?️ Heads-Up Navigation: Plan routes in the Drive Smarter app and view upcoming turns on screen.
• ? Two-Dash Cam Capable: Includes a Quad HD front dash cam and a 1080P interior dash cam.
• ?️ Parking Live View: Enables security recording and live viewing (requires hardwire kit and WiFi hotspot).
• ? Trip Clips: Creates time-lapse videos of drives for easy sharing.
• ? Emergency Mayday Alert: Automatically alerts a designated contact in case of a severe impact.
• ☁️ Cloud Video Management: Manage and share footage from your phone.
• ? Over-The-Air Updates: Update dash cam firmware and features wirelessly.
• ? SD Card Included.
• ? 3" Touchscreen Display.

Display Interface Supports These Languages: English, Spanish, French, German.

Product Service and Support

For questions about operating or installing this Cobra product, contact Cobra directly. Do not return the product to the retail store. For the latest contact information, visit www.cobra.com/support.

What's in the Box

• SC 220C Dash Cam with Interior Camera
• 16GB SD Card ?
• Slide-Out Mount ? (Pre-mounted on camera)
• Cable Management Kit: 6 Wire Clips & Cable Routing Tool ?️
• Vehicle Charger ?
• USB-C Data Cable ?
• Temporary Install Film: 3 Electrostatic Films ?️

Optional Accessories

Available at www.cobra.com:

• Easy Install Hardwire Kit: Wires dash cam directly into the ODB II diagnostic port.
• Fuse Box Hardwire Kit: Wires dash cam directly into the vehicle's fuse box.

Hardware Interface

• USB-C Power Input ?
• Reset Button ↩️
• Action Button ?
• Slide-Out Mount ?
• Adjustable Front Lens ?
• SD Card Slot ?
• Interior Camera ?
• Touch Navigation Buttons ?
• LED Status Light ?:
  • ? Blue: Powered up.
  • ? Red: Recording.
  • ? Purple: Firmware update in process.

Installation

Mounting: Find a central location on the windshield near the top. Ensure the mounting area is clean. The dash cam display should be easily visible to the driver. Optionally, use the included electrostatic film for a semi-permanent install. Plug the power cable into the dash cam and route it along the headliner using the provided tool and clips.

Powering On: Plug the 12V vehicle power adapter into your vehicle's power port and the other end into the USB-C port. The unit will power on and start recording automatically. To manually power on, press and hold the Action Button ? until the display activates.

Note: Hardwire Kits are available at www.cobra.com for a cleaner installation and recording while the vehicle is off.

Drive Smarter®

Download the Drive Smarter® app to enhance your dash cam experience. Connect your dash cam by following the in-app instructions to create an account, add your vehicle, and pair the dash cam. A chime will confirm a successful connection.

Features enabled by Drive Smarter®:

• 360 Alerts: Receive real-time driver alerts for red light cameras, speed traps, live police locations, and caution areas.
• Heads-Up Navigation: Plan routes in the app and receive turn-by-turn guidance directly on the dash cam display.

Video Screen

The video screen is the main interface. The SC 220C allows displaying one, two, or three views simultaneously, depending on settings.

Video Screen Basics: When powered on, the screen shows the dash cam's view. Button functions vary based on recording status. To access the Settings Menu, loop recording must be stopped.

• Lock ?
• Privacy ?
• Video ▶️
• Settings ⚙️
• Recording ?
• Mode ⚙️
• Gallery ?️

Parking Live View

This feature enables security recording and live viewing of your dash cam footage. It requires a hardwire kit and a WiFi hotspot.

Trip Clips

Create time-lapse videos of your drives to easily share with friends and family.

Status Bar Icons

• ? Recording: Indicates loop recording is active. A hazard icon ⚠️ appears if an Emergency Recording is in progress. The video is being locked.
• ? Drive Smarter App Connection: Indicates connection to the Drive Smarter app. Access may be limited.
• ? Microphone Status: Indicates if the microphone is active or muted.
• ?️ Parking Mode: Indicates if Parking Mode is enabled.
• ? WiFi Status: Indicates WiFi is enabled on the dash cam. WiFi connection is possible if paired with a phone.
• ? GPS Status: Red icon ? indicates GPS is on but no satellite lock. Green icon ? indicates a satellite lock.

Video Settings

Video Resolution: Set resolution for recordings. Lower resolutions result in smaller file sizes, making transfer and sharing easier. Available resolutions:

• 1440P QHD (2560 x 1440) at 30 Frames per Second ⏱️
• 1080P Full HD (1920x1080) at 30 Frames per Second ⏱️

Video and Photo Playback Mode: Review saved files on the SD card ?. Play back videos with sound ?. Use arrow keys ⬆️⬇️ to navigate and OK ✅ to select. Press Back ⬅️ to return. Photos are stored in the Locked partition and are not overwritten.

Memory Card Storage

Loop Recordings: When the SD card is full, the oldest footage is overwritten. Press the Action Button ? to lock a clip and prevent overwriting.

Emergency Recordings: Triggered by the Action Button ? or G-Sensor ? impact. These are locked files not overwritten by loop recording. Adjacent clips are also locked if an incident occurs within 30 seconds of the clip's start or end.

Photos: Automatically saved in the Locked partition. They are not overwritten.

Formatting SD Card: You may be prompted to format the SD card ??. This deletes all content and helps maintain card operation. Save important footage via the Drive Smarter app or to your PC before formatting.

The dash cam supports SD cards up to 512GB. Use Class 10 high-endurance cards. Format new cards in the dash cam. Check www.cobra.com for the latest compatible SD cards.

Safety Features

The SC Series dash cams offer safety features adjustable via the dash cam and Drive Smarter app.

G-Sensor Impact Detection: Detects collisions ?. Secures recordings during incidents. Adjacent clips are also locked if an incident occurs within 30 seconds of the clip's start or end. G-Sensor sensitivity can be adjusted (1-3) or turned off. Level 1 is most sensitive, Level 3 requires severe impacts. Locked videos are stored in the Events folder ?.

Parking Mode & Motion Detection: Monitors your vehicle when parked ?️. The dash cam enters a "sleeping" state ?, monitoring for motion ? or G-Sensor impacts ?. If detected, it wakes up and records. After 5 minutes of inactivity, it enters parking mode. If no motion is detected, the display turns off, and recording stops, but it remains alert for impacts or motion. When motion or a G-sensor impact (Level 1+) occurs, it saves 1-minute clips 1️⃣ ⏱️ as long as activity is detected.

Notes on Parking Mode:

• Requires the dash cam to be powered, either via a 12V port that remains on with ignition off, or hardwired to a constant power source ⚡. Check www.cobra.com for accessories.
• "Auto Surveillance Shutoff" ? ? prevents unnecessary recordings if frequent motion triggers the sensor.
• If the vehicle remains inactive for over 48 hours (or less for older batteries ?), use "Auto Surveillance Shutoff" to set a time limit for Parking Mode to prevent battery drain ? ⬇️.
• Parking Mode and Motion Detection can be controlled separately.

General Settings

• Video Resolution: Select resolution for loop and emergency videos. Smaller clips are easier to transfer and share.
• Loop Clip Time: Save recordings in 1, 2, or 3-minute clips.
• WiFi: Enable/disable WiFi ? and view network name/password.
• GPS: Enable/disable GPS ?. When enabled, recordings have GPS location stamps ✍️.
• Date / Time:
  • Automatic mode: Uses GPS signal for date/time. Ensure correct Time Zone ? and Daylight Savings ☀️ ? settings.
  • Manual mode: Allows manual entry of date and time.
• Microphone: Enable/disable the microphone ?. Videos will be silent when disabled.
• Motion Detection: Monitors for movement ?. Records suspicious activity ? ❓ when parked. Requires hardwire kit or 'always on' power source. Use "Auto Surveillance Shutoff" ? ? to prevent battery drain ? ⬇️.
• Parking Mode: Monitors for impacts ? via G-Sensor ?. Requires hardwire kit or 'always on' power source. Use "Auto Surveillance Shutoff" ? ? to prevent battery drain ? ⬇️.
• Surveillance Auto Shutoff: Sets a time limit for Motion Detection and Parking Mode to prevent battery drain ? ⬇️.
• G-Sensor: Adjust sensitivity (1-3) or turn off ❌. Level 1 is recommended.
• Watermark: Toggle date/time ? ⏰, speed ?, GPS ?, Cobra logo, and Driver ID ? stamps on videos.
• Driver ID Watermark: Set a Driver ID (e.g., John, Employee 12 ?‍? 1️⃣2️⃣) to be stamped on footage.
• Exposure: Adjust video and image brightness/darkness ?/?.
• Screen Saver: Turns off the display after a set duration while recording continues. Helps avoid distracted driving ? ⚠️. Can display speed and time ? ⏰.
• Interior Night Vision: For the interior camera. Set to always on, off, or Auto ⚙️ to detect low-light conditions ? ⬇️.
• Language: Select the on-screen language ?.
• 360 Alerts: Enable/disable voice announcements ?️ ? for red light/speed cameras ? ? or rely on visual warnings ? ⚠️.
• Drive Smarter® Services: Select videos for auto-upload ⬆️ ☁️ to the app. Option to send Incident Reports ? ? to insurance providers ?.
• Speed Units: Choose between miles/hour mi/h or kilometers/hour km/h for watermark stamps.
• Volume: Adjust volume ? for notifications and button beeps.
• Restore Defaults: Resets device to factory settings ? ⚙️. Does not erase memory card data.
• Format SD Card: Formats the inserted SD card ? ?. Permanently deletes all data. Recommended for new cards and periodic maintenance.
• About: View serial number, FCC ID ?? FCC ?, IC number ?? IC ?, part number, and firmware version v.

Firmware Updates

Ensure the dash cam is connected to a constant power source ⚡ during updates. Failure to do so may render the unit non-functional.

Using the Drive Smarter® App:

1. Check current firmware version in the dash cam's 'About' menu ℹ️.
2. Power up the dash cam.
3. The app will check for updates. Press 'Download' ⬇️ for the latest firmware.
4. Follow app instructions. LEDs ? will blink during installation.
5. Verify success in the 'About' screen.

Using a Mac or PC:

1. Check current firmware version in the dash cam's 'About' menu ℹ️.
2. Connect the dash cam to your computer using the USB-C cable ?.
3. Power on the dash cam and select 'Connect to Computer' ✅ ?.
4. Download the update file (ending in ".bin") from www.drivesmarter.com.
5. Copy/paste or drag the ".bin" file to the root directory of the dash cam's SD card ?.
6. Safely disconnect the dash cam ✅ ?.
7. Connect the dash cam to a reliable power source ⚡. It will boot into the Firmware Update Menu ⚙️ ? ⬆️.
8. Follow on-screen directions. Units without displays update automatically.
9. Verify firmware version in the 'About' menu or via the app.

Specifications

Troubleshooting

• Unit Not Operating Properly: Ensure power cord is connected securely. Check vehicle's cigarette lighter socket for cleanliness. Make sure the power adapter is firmly seated. Download the latest firmware.
• Unit Not Powering Up: Ensure proper connection. If unit is off, press and hold the power button. If using Parking Mode/Motion Detection, the unit may not wake immediately upon entering the vehicle; start driving to wake it.
• No GPS Lock (Red GPS Icon ? ?): GPS locks best when on the road. It may not acquire a lock in garages, parking structures, or indoors.

FAQ

• Q: Where should I mount my dash cam?
  A: Power on the dash cam to see its view while mounting. Center it and mount under the rear-view mirror for best results.
• Q: What is the largest SD card size I can use?
  A: Up to 512GB. Use a minimum Class 10 or U1 card from a reputable vendor. Format the card in the dash cam before first use.

Limited 1-Year Warranty and Trademark Information

Cobra warrants the product against defects in materials and workmanship for one (1) year from the original purchase date. Cobra will repair or replace the product free of charge at its discretion. Shipping charges for warranty claims are not covered. Warranty exclusions include serial number modification, misuse, damage (including water damage), improper installation, or unauthorized modifications. Cobra disclaims all other warranties, express or implied. Cobra is not liable for consequential, special, or incidental damages. Standard accessories have a one-year factory warranty. This warranty is non-transferable.

©️ 2024 Cobra Electronics Corporation. Cobra and the snake design are proprietary trademarks of Cobra Electronics Corporation, USA. Drive Smarter® is a registered trademark of Cedar Electronics Corporation. Other trademarks belong to their respective owners. Features, specifications, and prices are subject to change without notice.

FCC Regulatory Information and Warnings

FCC ID: BBOSC220 IC: 906A-SC220

This device complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules. Operation is subject to two conditions: (1) it may not cause harmful interference, and (2) it must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Caution: Modifications not approved by Cobra Electronics Corporation may violate FCC Rules and void operating authority. This device complies with RSS-310 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the condition that this device does not cause harmful interference.

Disposal of Electronics Equipment: The crossed-out wheeled bin symbol ?️ ❌ indicates this product should not be disposed of with household waste. It must be handed over to an applicable collection point for electrical equipment recycling to prevent negative environmental impact. Contact your local civic office or the original purchase shop for more information on collection and recycling systems.

This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits for an uncontrolled environment. Install and operate with a minimum distance of 20cm between the radiator and your body.

ISED Warning: This device complies with Industry Canada licence-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to two conditions: (1) this device may not cause interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation.