VIOFO A119 Mini User Manual

Product Overview

The VIOFO A119 Mini is a user-friendly dash cam designed for reliable recording and monitoring of your drives.

Standard Items

• Dashcam
• Type-C Data Cable
• Car Charger Adapter
• GPS Module
• Trim Removal Tool
• Spare Mount Sticky Pads
• Windshield Static Sticker x2

Note: The USB data cable is only for connecting the camera to a computer to transfer video files or upgrade firmware, not for charging the camera.

Optional Accessory

• Bluetooth Control
• CPL (Circular Polarizing Filter)
• Hardwire Kit HK4

Product Diagram

The diagram shows the front of the VIOFO A119 Mini dash cam with numbered buttons: 1. Menu/Power [Power button], 2. Menu Up/Record Start/Stop [Record button], 3. Menu Confirm/Video Protect/Playback [Playback button], 4. Menu Down/Microphone Enable/Disable [Mic button], 5. Wi-Fi On/Off [Wi-Fi button]. A side view shows: 6. Power in/MicroSD Card Reader Mode, 7. Memory Card Slot. Another view shows the top with USB Power Port, Mount, and Lens.

Inserting / Removing the Memory Card

Inserting the memory card: Push the memory card into the card slot until you hear a click, with the card label facing forward (away from the screen).

Removing the memory card: Ensure that the camera is turned off / not recording, and then push the edge of the memory card with your fingernail. The card will spring out far enough to be removed.

Note: The microSD card is sold separately. It must have a Class-10 or UHS-I rating and a capacity up to 256GB. 64GB, 128GB, and 256GB microSD cards must be formatted with the FAT32 file system, either on a computer or in the camera. VIOFO brand memory cards are recommended for durability and reliability.

Formatting the Card

The memory card must be formatted before first use. Periodic formatting is suggested to ensure the best performance. Formatting the card will erase all data permanently; back up important data beforehand.

LED Indicators

Buttons and Icons

Recording Mode

Standby Mode (Not Recording)

Playlist Mode

Setting Menu Mode

Display Overview

The dash cam screen displays icons for: Recording Mode (video camera icon), Recording Status (red dot), Emergency Lock (warning triangle), Microphone (microphone icon), Wi-Fi Status (Wi-Fi symbol). It also shows the Recording Time (00:00:00), Video Resolution (1440P30), GPS Status (GPS symbol), and SD Card status (SD card symbol). The date and time are shown as 2022/02/01 08:32:10.

Installation

Follow these steps to install the VIOFO A119 Mini dash cam:

1. Insert the clips, then slide the mount horizontally into the slot on the back of the camera.
2. Select a location on the windshield behind the rear-view mirror. The diagram shows the best mounting location and indicates connecting to the car's cigarette lighter socket.
3. Wipe clean the installation surface of the windscreen with a dry cloth, ensuring it is grease-free for the sticky pad to adhere firmly.
4. Peel the protection film off the sticky pad and the camera lens.
5. Fix the dashcam on the selected location.
6. Adjust the lens angle: Look at the live view on the LCD and adjust the angle of the lens up or down as necessary.

Connecting to Power

Plug the USB power adapter into your vehicle's 12V / 24V female power socket. Insert the USB cable male port into the camera's mount USB port.

Installation Tips

• Do not install/mount the camera in a location that interferes with the driver's visibility and safety.
• Install/mount the camera close to the rearview mirror so that both sides of the scene being recorded are equally covered by the camera's field of view (FOV).
• To ensure a clear view on rainy days, the lens should be positioned within the windshield wiper's sweeping range.
• Do not install/mount the camera on or near airbag panels.
• The installation/mounting location should not be affected by sun control film (window tint). There should not be any other electronic equipment close to the camera for optimal performance.

Note: Do not install/mount the camera or cables near an airbag panel or within the airbag's working range. The manufacturer is not liable for any injury or death caused by deployment of the airbag.

Operation

Power On / Off

1. When you start the engine, the camera will turn on and begin recording automatically.
2. When you turn off the engine or unplug the charging cable from the power adapter, the camera will stop recording and turn off.
3. Long press the [Power button] to power on or off the camera.

Loop Recording

1. Insert a microSD card into the camera's card slot, and automatic loop recording will begin once the camera detects power.
2. The time frame for each video file can be set to 1, 2, 3, 5, or 10 minutes.
3. When there is insufficient space on the microSD card, loop recording will automatically overwrite the oldest files (one by one).
4. Loop recording files are saved to the SD card in the path: \DCIM\Movie.

Emergency Recording

1. Automatic emergency recording: When the G-sensor is activated by a collision, the current footage will be locked automatically to avoid being overwritten by loop recording.
2. Manual emergency recording: Pressing the [Lock button] during a recording will lock the current file being recorded. Once locked, the file will not be overwritten by the loop recording feature.

Note: Collision detection sensitivity can be adjusted in settings under the "G-sensor" option. Locked files are saved to the SD card in the path: DCIM \ Movie \ RO.

Playback Videos

1. Under standby mode (not recording), click the [Playlist button] once to enter the playlist.
2. Use the arrow buttons ([Record/Up button], [Mic/Down button]) to select the desired video and press the [Play button] to play.
3. Press the [Exit button] to exit.

Note: The default video resolution of the dashcam is 2560 x 1440P 30fps.

PC Mode

1. Connect the camera to a computer using the included short USB cable.
2. The camera will automatically turn on, and "microSD Card Reader Mode" will be displayed on its LCD screen.
3. The computer will detect it as a "removable disk".
4. There will be two folders under the DCIM folder:
   • Movie (loop recording video files) - Contains subfolders: Parking (Parking mode video files), RO (Protected / Locked video files)
   • Photo (Video snapshot files)
5. Copy the files needed to your computer drive.

Firmware Upgrade

Follow the instructions on this website to upgrade the firmware: https://viofo.com/en/content/42-help-and-support/

Notes:

• Before using a microSD card to upgrade the firmware, formatting the card in the camera is necessary to ensure stable read and write operation.
• Do not unplug or power off the camera during a firmware upgrade, as it may cause the camera to subsequently fail to boot.

System Settings

Press the Menu button during video mode to access the settings (recording needs to be stopped).

• Resolution: Set the video resolution of footage recorded. Options include 2560 x 1600 30fps, 2560 x 1440 60fps, 2560 x 1440 30fps, 2560 x 1080 60fps, 2560 x 1080 30fps, 2304 x 1296 30fps, 1920 x 1080 60fps, 1920 x 1080 30fps.
• Bitrate: Set the bitrate for video. High bitrate may improve quality and smoothness, especially for fast motion or high contrast scenes, but may decrease recording time. Low bitrate saves space and allows for longer recording.
• Loop Recording: Options: Off, 1, 2, 3, 5, 10 minutes.
• Exposure: Adjust the EV (Exposure Value) from -2.0 to +2.0 for better recording results under different light sources. The default is 0.0.
• WDR (Wide Dynamic Range): Automatically balances lighting in bright and dark areas.
• Parking Mode: Three options are available:
  • Auto event detection: Records for 45 seconds when a moving object is detected during parking. Stops recording if no new movements are detected.
  • Time lapse recording: Records video at low frames (1/2/3/5/10 fps), continuously without audio.
  • Low bitrate recording: Records video continuously at a low bitrate (4MB/s) in mini file size with audio.

Note: VIOFO HK4 ACC hardwire kit cable is recommended for parking mode recording.

• Enter Parking Mode Timer: Sets the parking recording duration.
• Parking Recording Duration: Sets the parking recording duration.
• Parking G-sensor: Detects significant movement (impact/collision) to trigger event recording. Setting to 'High' sensitivity is suggested for parking mode.
• Parking Motion Detection: Adjusts motion detection sensitivity to prevent false triggers from wind or rain.
• Time-lapse Recording: Records video from frames captured at specific time intervals to conserve memory and reduce review time. Default is off.
• Motion Detection: When activated, recording begins if movement is detected. Recording stops if no movement is detected for 60 seconds, switching to detect mode. Recording resumes if new movement is detected.
• GPS: Turns GPS tracking on/off. If disabled, the camera will not measure speed/position or synchronize time/date with atomic clocks. Use "Dashcam Viewer" to playback videos and visualize position/speed on a computer.
• Speed Unit: Set speed unit to kilometers per hour (KPH) or miles per hour (MPH).
• G-sensor: Measures g-shock forces. The setting ('Low' to 'High') determines the force needed to lock a file. Setting to 'Low' is recommended.
• Wi-Fi: Set On/Off. Press the [Wi-Fi button] for 3 or 5 seconds to enable Wi-Fi quickly. 5GHz Wi-Fi mode is recommended if your mobile phone supports it.
• Date Stamp: Imprints the time and date on the recorded video.
• GPS Info Stamp: Imprints GPS information on the recorded video.
• Camera Model Stamp: Imprints the camera model on the recorded video.
• Record Audio: Turns the microphone ON/OFF. Can also be activated by pressing the [Mic button] while recording.
• Screen Saver: Turns the screen OFF after a set time.
• Boot Delay: The camera boots seconds later when powered on. Settings: Off, 5s, 10s.
• LED: Turns the LED light ON/OFF.
• Date / Time: System date/time setting.
• Time Zone: Sets the current time zone for GPS time and date calibration. Note: Time zone must be manually adjusted for daylight savings.
• Language: Display language setting (e.g., English, Traditional Chinese, French).
• Voice Notification: Turns voice notification on/off.
• Beep Sound: Turns all notification sounds ON/OFF.
• Frequency: Frequency adjustment setting to minimize flickering and banding in recorded video.
• Image Rotation: Turns the screen upside down.
• Image Mirror: Reverses the image from left to right.
• Format: Deletes all data on the Micro SD card. All information will be deleted and cannot be restored. Back up important files before proceeding.
• Format Warning: Sets the number of days between format warnings.
• Default Setting: Restores camera to factory defaults.
• Car Number: Imprints a customized set of 11 digits to the recorded video, useful for license plates or identifying features.
• Custom Text Stamp: Imprints customized text on the recorded video.
• Firmware Version: Displays the current firmware version.

Review and Control on Smartphone

The VIOFO app allows remote control of your camera using a smartphone. Features include full camera control, live preview, playback, and video recording. With Wi-Fi enabled, the camera can only be controlled by the VIOFO app. Turn on the Wi-Fi in the menu or long press the [Wi-Fi button]. When Wi-Fi is on, a Wi-Fi status icon and the password appear on the camera LCD screen.

The dash cam screen shows Wi-Fi connection details (SSID: VIOFO-A119M-*****, PWA2: 12345678) and the date/time (2022/02/01 08:32:10).

Connecting the Camera to a Smartphone

• Search for "VIOFO" on the Google Play Store (Android) or Apple App Store (iOS), or scan the provided QR codes to download the APP.
• Download and install the VIOFO APP.
• Run the VIOFO APP.
• Turn on the Wi-Fi in the menu or long press the [Wi-Fi button].
• On the VIOFO app, follow the app instructions to connect with the camera.

Bluetooth Remote Control

The optional Bluetooth remote control can be mounted in a convenient location on your dashboard. It allows you to safely protect important videos from being overwritten without taking your eyes off the road. Pressing the Bluetooth remote locks the current video file and takes a video snapshot.

Pairing with Dash Camera

• Power on the camera.
• Press and hold the video lock button on the remote control for 3 seconds to pair with the camera.
• If pairing is successful, the LED indicator of the remote turns blue.

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 does cause 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.

Caution

Any changes or modifications to this device not explicitly approved by the manufacturer could 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 is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive 1999/5/EC.

Customer Service

Thank you for choosing VIOFO! All products are warranted for 12 months from the date of purchase, and all accessories are warranted for 3 months. VIOFO offers lifetime technical support for all users. We are committed to ensuring you are 100% satisfied with our products and services.

Product Registration Program

VIOFO also offers a Product Registration Program to help customers extend their warranty by 6 months. Visit www.viofo.com and register your new product to extend the warranty from 12 months to 18 months.

Your Opinion Matters

If you have any thoughts on how we can improve, connect with us today at support@viofo.com.

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How to Contact Us

• Submit a ticket at support.viofo.com
• Live chat box at www.viofo.com
• Email: support@viofo.com
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/viofo.world
• Phone (CN): +86 755 8526 8909 (Mon-Fri 9am-6pm)