VIOFO A139 Dash Cam User Manual
1. Product Overview
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 (Front Mount)
- 3M Sticker (Rear Mount)
Optional Accessories
- Interior Camera
- Interior Camera Cable (1M)
- Bluetooth Remote Control
- VIOFO Hardwire Kit for Car Dash Camera (HK3-C)
- External Microphone
Product Diagrams
Front Camera (Main Unit) Components: 1. AV Out, 2. External Microphone Port, 3. Screw Hole, 4. Rear Camera Port, 5. Interior Camera Port, 6. Power In / microSD Card Reader Mode (Computer), 7. Screw Hole, 8. MicroSD Card Slot, 9. Rotating Lens, 10. Power On/Off [power-button], 11. Record Start/Stop [record-button], 12. Protect Video [lock-button], 13. Microphone On/Off [mic-toggle-button], 14. Wi-Fi On/Off [wifi-toggle-button], 15. GPS Module, 16. Reset Hole [reset-button], 17. Microphone, 18. Recording Status Indicator [red-led], 19. Microphone Status Indicator [mic-led], 20. GPS Status Indicator [gps-led], 21. Wi-Fi Status Indicator [wifi-led].
Rear Camera Components: 1. Bracket, 2. Power In, 3. Lens.
Interior Camera (Optional) Components: 1. Bracket, 2. Power In, 3. Lens, 4. Infrared LED.
2. Installation
Installing/Removing Memory Card
Inserting: Ensure the camera is off. Align the metal contacts of the microSD card with the VIOFO logo on the main unit and push the card into the slot until it clicks. Removing: Ensure the camera is off. Press the edge of the microSD card with your fingernail; it will spring out for removal.
Formatting: Format the card in the camera or via the VIOFO app. Computer formatting requires FAT32. Recommended cards: High Endurance, UHS-U1/U3, up to 256GB. VIOFO recommends its own brand cards. Formatting erases all data. Regular formatting is advised.
Warning: Power off the A139 before inserting or removing the microSD card. Removing during recording can corrupt files.
Installing the Front Camera
- Slide the mount horizontally into the slot on the back of the camera.
- Choose a location on the windshield behind the rearview mirror.
- Clean the mounting surface with a damp cloth to remove grease.
- Apply static stickers to the clean windshield.
- Peel off protective films from the adhesive mat and camera lens.
- Attach the front camera to the static stickers. (Static stickers are reusable.)
- Adjust the lens angle up/down as needed. Do not rotate the lens fully, as damage from over-rotation voids the warranty.
- Connect the USB power adapter to the car's 12V/24V power outlet and plug the USB power cable into the camera's Type-C port.
The front camera can also be mounted to the left of the rearview mirror.
Installing the Rear Camera
- Choose an installation location on the rear windshield, ensuring it captures the full rear view and avoids defrosting grid wires.
- Clean the mounting surface.
- Peel off protective films from the adhesive mat and camera lens.
- Attach the rear camera to the selected location.
- Power off the product. Connect the rear camera cable to the front camera (main unit), following the provided cable routing diagrams.
Installing the Interior Camera (Optional)
- Choose an installation location on the windshield, ensuring it captures the full interior view and avoids defrosting grid wires.
- Clean the mounting surface.
- Peel off protective films from the adhesive mat and camera lens.
- Attach the interior camera to the selected location.
- Power off the product. Connect the interior camera cable to the front camera (main unit).
Use the provided cable clips to secure cables neatly.
Removing Cameras
Disconnect cables before removing cameras from their mounts. Always power off the camera before connecting or disconnecting rear or interior cameras.
Installation Tips
- Do not install the camera where it obstructs the driver's view or safety.
- Mount near the rearview mirror for balanced scene coverage.
- Place the lens within the wiper's sweep range for clear visibility on rainy days.
- Do not install 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
Power On/Off
The camera automatically turns on and starts recording when the engine starts. It stops recording and turns off when the engine is switched off or the charging cable is disconnected.
Loop Recording
Automatic loop recording begins when the camera detects power, provided a microSD card is inserted. Video file time segments can be set to 1, 2, 3, 5, or 10 minutes. When the microSD card is full, the oldest files are automatically overwritten.
Emergency Recording
Automatic: If the G-sensor detects a collision, the current recording is automatically locked to prevent overwriting. Manual: Press the [lock-button] during recording to lock the current footage.
Collision sensing sensitivity can be adjusted in settings via the VIOFO App under the "G-sensor" option. Locked files are saved in the DCIM/RO folder.
Audio Recording
Press the [mic-toggle-button] once to turn audio recording off or on. The MIC LED will be off or solid red accordingly.
Parking Mode
Offers three options:
- Auto Event Detection: Records a video sequence (15 seconds before to 30 seconds after detection) when motion is detected while parked. Recording stops 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 front, interior, and rear cameras continuously, saving file size with audio recorded.
Parking mode requires a hardwire kit (like VIOFO HK3-C ACC) for continuous power to monitor the parked vehicle and protect the car battery.
Display on a TV
The camera has an AV out port for connecting to external displays like monitors or TVs. A 3.5mm male to 3 RCA AUX cable is not included.
4. Playing and Managing Videos
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 dashcam via your smartphone. Files can be played and managed through the app.
Playing Videos on PC
- Power off the dashcam and remove the microSD card.
- Insert the microSD card into a card reader connected to your PC.
- Open the DCIM folder and play videos using a media player like VLC.
Video File Storage Location
Files are stored separately for front, interior, and rear cameras. File naming conventions indicate recording type and camera source:
- Loop Recording (including motion detection): DCIM/Movie
- Emergency Recording (Locked Video): DCIM/RO
- Parking Recording (Auto Event Detection/Time-lapse/Low Bitrate): DCIM/Movie/Parking
- Snapshot: DCIM/Photo
File names include Year_Date_Time_SequenceNumber, with prefixes like F (Front), I (Interior), R (Rear), and P (Parking mode).
5. Control and Operation on Smartphone
Connecting to Smartphone
Use the VIOFO app for remote camera control, live preview, and video playback. Download the app from Google Play or the App Store. For Android, an APK is also available from the official VIOFO website.
VIOFO APP Connection Steps
- Long-press the [wifi-toggle-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 enabled.
- Use your phone to connect to the VIOFO_A139 Wi-Fi. The camera's Wi-Fi status LED will turn solid blue upon successful connection.
- Open the VIOFO app and select "Connect your camera" to control the dashcam.
- You can now view live feeds from all cameras, change settings, and manage files via the app.
APP Layout Overview
The app interface includes:
- Main Menu: Access Menu [menu-icon], Downloaded Video [download-icon], VIOFO Official Facebook Page [facebook-icon], Official Support [support-icon], Firmware Update [update-icon].
- Live View Screen: Displays Interior Camera Live Video [interior-cam-live], Rear Camera Live Video [rear-cam-live], Front Camera Live Video [front-cam-live]. Shows Audio Recording Status [mic-status] and Motion Detection Status [motion-status]. Controls include Switch Video Source [source-switch], Take Snapshot [snapshot-button], Go to Video File List [file-list-button], Start/Stop Recording [record-control], Go to System Settings [settings-button]. Also includes Video File List [file-list-view], Download Video Files [download-files], and Delete Video Files [delete-files].
6. Installing Accessories
Installing CPL
The Circular Polarizing Lens (CPL) reduces reflections and glare from glass and road surfaces, improving image quality. Align the white symbols on the camera for installation.
Installing Bluetooth Remote Control (Optional)
Mount the remote control in a convenient location. Turn on the camera and press the video lock button on the remote for 3 seconds to pair. The remote's LED indicator turns blue upon successful pairing.
Installing External Microphone (Optional)
The VIOFO A139 supports an external microphone with a 3.5mm jack. Connect it directly to the dashcam for improved audio recording quality compared to the built-in microphone.
7. System Settings
Video Settings
- Resolution: Set 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 Camera (2560*1440P 30fps / 60fps + 1920*1080P 30fps + 1920*1080P 30fps).
- Time-lapse Recording: Captures frames at intervals to save memory and 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. Replaces oldest footage when the card is full.
- Audio Recording: Toggles the microphone on/off. Can also be changed during recording via the [mic-toggle-button].
- Exposure: Adjusts EV (Exposure Value) from -2.0 to +2.0 for better shots in varying light conditions. EV can be adjusted separately for front, interior, and rear cameras. Default is 0.0.
- WDR (Wide Dynamic Range): On/Off. Improves video exposure in diverse lighting situations.
- G-sensor: Measures shock forces to lock video files. Sensitivity settings (Low to High) determine the force required to lock a file. Low sensitivity is recommended.
- Date Stamp: On/Off. Imprints time and date on recorded video.
- Bitrate: Set video bitrate. High bitrate improves quality and smoothness but reduces recording time. Low bitrate saves space and allows longer recording.
System Settings
- Wi-Fi Channel: Off / 2.4GHz / 5GHz. 5GHz is recommended.
- Time Zone: Set the current time zone for GPS time and date calibration. Adjust manually for Daylight Saving Time.
- Time Synchronization: Synchronizes time with a mobile phone.
- Date Format: Synchronizes date with a mobile phone.
- Startup Delay: Camera starts recording after a set delay (Off / 5s / 10s).
- IR LED: Off / On / Auto. 'On' forces IR lights on (black-and-white video). 'Auto' lets the dashcam decide based on light. 'Off' disables IR lights. Can also be toggled with the [ir-led-toggle] button.
- Parking Mode: Three options:
- Auto Event Detection: Records buffered video (15s before to 30s after event) upon detecting motion while parked. Stops recording without new movement.
- Time Lapse Recording: Records low frame rate video (1/2/3/5/10/15 fps) continuously without audio.
- Low Bitrate Recording: Records continuously at low bitrate for all cameras, saving space with audio.
- Parking Mode Entry Timer: Sets a delay before entering parking mode after engine shutdown (Off or 90s). 'Off' means immediate entry. Only for hardwire kits.
- Parking Recording Duration: 'On' means continuous recording until hardwire kit power is cut. '1 hour' means the camera turns off after 1 hour in parking mode.
- Parking G-sensor: Detects significant movement (e.g., collision) to trigger event recording. 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 for rotation: Off, Front Only, Interior Only, Rear Only, Both.
- Voice Notification: Turns voice alerts on/off. Language can be changed via the voice notification language option.
- Notification Sounds: Turns beep alerts and startup sounds on/off.
- Live Video Source: Select display source: Front camera / Interior camera / Rear camera / All cameras.
- GPS: On/Off. Enables GPS logger for location and speed data. If off, speed/position are not measured, and time/date sync is disabled. Use "Dashcam Viewer" for playback with GPS visualization.
- Speed Unit: Kilometers per hour (KMH) or Miles per hour (MPH).
- GPS Info Stamp: Imprints GPS information on recorded video.
- Camera Model Stamp: Imprints the camera model on recorded video.
- Frequency: Minimizes flickering and banding in recorded video.
- Format microSD Card: Erases all data on the microSD card irreversibly. Back up necessary files before formatting.
- Reset Camera Settings: Resets device settings to default.
- Wi-Fi Name (SSID): Change the Wi-Fi network name.
- Wi-Fi Password: Change the Wi-Fi password (default is 12345678).
- Custom Text Stamp: Imprints custom text on recorded video.
- Car License Plate Stamp: Imprints the car's license plate number on recorded video.
- Card Free Space: Displays remaining storage space on the microSD card.
Other
- App Version: Check the current version of the VIOFO app.
- Firmware: Check the current firmware version of the camera.
8. Firmware Upgrade
Follow instructions on support.viofo.com to upgrade firmware. It is necessary to format the microSD card in the camera before upgrading for stable operation. Do not unplug or turn off the camera during the upgrade process.
9. Notice
FCC Statement: This equipment complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. It generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy. If not installed and used per instructions, it may cause harmful interference to radio communications. If interference occurs, users are encouraged to take measures like reorienting the antenna, increasing distance between equipment and receiver, connecting to a different circuit, or consulting a dealer/technician. Changes not expressly approved by the manufacturer may void the user's authority to operate the equipment. This device complies with essential requirements and provisions of Directive 1999/5/EC.
10. Customer Service
VIOFO offers a 12-month limited warranty and lifetime technical support. Contact support@viofo.com, visit www.facebook.com/viofo.world, or call +86 755 8526 8909 (Mon-Fri 9:00-18:00).