VIOFO A119 MINI Dash Cam User Manual

Product Overview

This section provides an overview of the VIOFO A119 MINI Dash Cam, including standard items, optional accessories, product diagrams, and basic controls.

Standard Items

• Dashcam
• Type-C Data Cable
• Car Charger
• GPS Module
• Trim Removal Tool
• Spare Holder Adhesive Pad
• Clear Adhesive for Windshield (x2)

Optional Accessories

• Bluetooth Remote Control
• CPL (Circular Polarizing Lens)
• HK4 Hardwire Kit Cable

Product Diagram

The VIOFO A119 MINI Dash Cam features a compact design with various buttons and ports. On the front, below the screen, are several buttons and indicators. On the top, there's a USB power connection and a bracket for mounting. On the side, there's a MicroSD card slot.

Front Panel Controls and Indicators:

1. Menu / Power On / Off button
2. Menu Up / Start / Stop Recording button
3. Menu Confirm / Video Protection / Playback button
4. Menu Down / Microphone On / Off button
5. Wi-Fi On / Off button

Top/Side Features:

1. USB Power Connection
2. Bracket
3. Lens
4. Power On / MicroSD Card Reader Mode
5. Memory Card Slot

Status Indicators:

1. Reset Button
2. Power Status Indicator
3. Recording Status Indicator
4. Microphone Status Indicator
5. Wi-Fi Status Indicator

Inserting/Removing the Memory Card

Inserting the Memory Card

Slide 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 the camera is turned off / not recording and then press the edge of the memory card with your fingernail. The card will spring out far enough to be removed.

LED Indicators

Buttons and Symbols

Display Overview

The LCD screen displays various information during operation:

• Recording Mode icon (camera with play symbol)
• Recording Status indicator (red dot)
• Emergency Lock indicator (exclamation mark in triangle)
• Microphone status (microphone icon)
• Wi-Fi status (Wi-Fi symbol)
• Current recording time (e.g., 00:00:00)
• Video Resolution (e.g., 1440P30)
• GPS status (GPS symbol)
• SD card status (SD card symbol)
• Date and Time (e.g., 2022/02/01 08:32:10)

Installation

Follow these steps to properly install your VIOFO A119 MINI Dash Cam:

1. Insert the clips and then slide the bracket horizontally into the slot at the back of the camera.
2. Choose a location on the windshield behind the rearview mirror. This is typically the best mounting location.
3. Wipe the mounting surface of the windshield clean with a dry cloth; it must be grease-free for the adhesive pad to adhere well.
4. Remove the protective film from the adhesive pad and the camera lens.
5. Attach the dashcam to the selected location.
6. Adjust the lens angle. View the live feed on the LCD. Adjust the lens angle up/down as needed.
7. Plug the USB adapter into your vehicle's 12V / 24V power outlet. Plug the USB cable into the camera's USB port.

Operation

Power On / Off

1. When you start the engine, the camera will turn on and automatically begin recording.
2. When you turn off the engine or disconnect the charging cable from the power unit, the camera will stop recording and turn off.
3. Press and hold the ≡ button to turn the camera on or off.

Continuous Recording

1. Insert a microSD card into the camera's card slot, and automatic loop recording will start as soon as the camera detects power.
2. The duration for each video file is 1 / 2 / 3 / 5 / 10 minutes.
3. If there is not enough space on the microSD card, loop recording will automatically overwrite the oldest files (one by one).
4. Loop recording files are saved on the SD card in: \DCIMMovie.

Emergency Recording

1. Automatic Emergency Recording: When the G-sensor is activated by a shock, the current video is automatically locked to prevent it from being overwritten by loop recording.
2. Manual Emergency Recording: If you press the ⚠ button during a recording, the currently recorded file will be locked. Once locked, the file will not be overwritten by loop recording.

Video Playback

1. In standby mode (not recording), press the ⚠ button to access the playlist.
2. Use the ▶REC and ? arrow keys to select the desired video and press the ⚠ button to play.
3. Press the ≡ button to exit the menu.

PC Mode

1. Connect the camera to a computer with the supplied short USB cable.
2. The camera will automatically turn on, and "microSD Card Reader Mode" will appear on the LCD screen.
3. The computer will recognize "Removable Disk".
4. There are two folders under the DCIM folder:
   • Movie (Loop recording video files). Contains subfolders: Parking (parking video files), RO (protected / locked video files).
   • Photo (video snapshot files).
5. Copy the required files to your computer's hard drive.

Firmware Update

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

System Settings

In video mode, press the menu button to open the settings. (Recording must be stopped)

• Resolution: Set the video resolution of the recorded footage. Options include 2560 x 1600 30fps, 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: You can set the bitrate for video. A high bitrate can improve video quality, especially when recording fast movements or high-contrast scenes. Using a high bitrate may reduce available recording time on your memory card. Using a low bitrate saves space and allows for longer recording.
• Loop Recording: 1/2/3/5/10 min.
• Exposure: Adjust the EV (exposure value) to achieve better image quality under different light sources. The range is from -2.0 to +2.0. The default value is 0.0.
• WDR (Wide Dynamic Range): Automatic balancing of lighting across bright and dark areas.
• Parking Mode: There are 3 options under Parking Mode:
  1. Automatic Event Detection: The camera will automatically record for 45 seconds when a moving object is detected while parked. It stops recording when no new movement is detected.
  2. Time-lapse Recording: Record a time-lapse video at low frames per second (1 / 2 / 3 / 5 / 10 fps). This records continuously without sound.
  3. Low Bitrate Recording: In this mode, videos are continuously recorded at a low bitrate of 4 MB/s in small files with recorded audio.

  Note: VIOFO recommends purchasing a VIOFO HK4 ACC hardwire kit cable for parking mode recording.

• Parking Recording Timer: Duration of parking recording.
  • "Off" means the camera continues recording until the hardwire kit cuts off power.
  • "1 hour" means the camera will turn off after 1 hour in parking mode.
• Parking G-sensor: The G-sensor detects strong or sudden movements (e.g., a collision or vibration) and activates event recording. VIOFO recommends setting Parking Recording to High Sensitivity.
• Parking Motion Detection: Set the sensitivity of motion detection so that small movements caused by wind or rain do not trigger recording in parking mode.
• Time-lapse Recording: Recording videos from frames taken at specific time intervals to save storage space and reduce the time needed to view videos. The default setting is disabled.
• Motion Detection: When this mode is selected, recording automatically starts when a moving object is detected within the monitoring area. If the recorder does not detect moving objects within 60 seconds, it stops recording and switches to motion detection mode until a new moving object is detected and recording starts.
• GPS: Enable or disable GPS tracking. If disabled, your camera will not measure your speed and position, nor synchronize time/date with the atomic clock. (Only available when connected to GPS signal) Use suitable players to view videos and display your position and speed on your computer.
• Speed Unit: Set the speed unit to kilometers per hour (KPH) or miles per hour (MPH).
• G-sensor (Gravity Sensor): When the main unit is in recording mode and the vehicle makes an emergency stop or shakes violently, the file is automatically locked to prevent it from being overwritten by loop recording. The appropriate sensitivity can be adjusted as desired. VIOFO recommends setting this to low.
• Wi-Fi: Enable/disable. Press the ? button for 3 or 5 seconds to quickly activate Wi-Fi. VIOFO recommends selecting the 5GHz Wi-Fi mode if your phone supports 5GHz Wi-Fi.
• Date Stamp: Print the time and date on the recorded video.
• GPS Info Stamp: Display GPS information on the recorded video.
• Camera Model Stamp: Display the camera model on the recorded video.
• Audio Recording: Microphone ON / OFF. This can also be activated by pressing the ? button while the camera is recording.
• Screen Saver: Turn off the screen after a set time.
• Start Delay: The camera starts seconds later when it is turned on. Settings are Off / 5 s / 10 s.
• LED: Turn LED lighting ON / OFF.
• Date / Time: Set the system date / time.
• Time Zone: Set the current time zone for GPS time and date calibration.

  Note: The time zone must be manually adjusted for daylight saving time.

• Language: Set the display language (English, Traditional Chinese, French, etc.).
• Voice Notification: Voice notification on / off.
• Beep Sound: Turn all notification sounds on/off.
• Frequency: Adjust the frequency to minimize flickering and streaks in recorded videos.
• Image Rotation: Rotate the screen upside down.
• Image Mirror: Mirror the image from left to right.
• Format: This operation erases all data on the micro SD card.

  Note: Once you format the Micro SD card, all information will be erased and cannot be recovered. Make sure to back up all important files before proceeding.

• Format Warning: Set the number of days between formatting warnings.
• Default Setting: Reset the camera to factory settings.
• License Plate: Print a custom set of 11 digits on the recorded video. Useful for adding license plates or identification features.
• Custom Text Stamp: Print custom text on the recorded video.
• Firmware Version: Check the current firmware version.

Control and Operation via Smartphone

With the VIOFO app, you can remotely control your camera via a smartphone. Functions include full camera control, live preview, playback, and video recording. When Wi-Fi is enabled, the camera can only be controlled via the VIOFO app.

Turn on Wi-Fi in the menu or long press the ? button. When Wi-Fi is enabled, a Wi-Fi status icon and the password will appear on the camera's LCD screen.

Example display information:

• SSID: VIOFO-A119M-*****
• PWA2: 12345678
• Date: 2022/02/01
• Time: 08:32:10

Connecting the Camera to a Smartphone

• On an Android device, search for "VIOFO" in the Google Play Store or on an iOS device in the Apple App Store, or scan the provided code to download the APP.
• Download and install the VIOFO APP.
• Start the VIOFO APP.
• Turn on Wi-Fi in the menu or long press the ? button.
• Follow the instructions in the VIOFO app to connect to the camera.

Bluetooth Remote Control Operation

With the optional Bluetooth remote control conveniently placed on your dashboard, you can safely protect important videos from being overwritten without taking your eyes off the road. When you press the Bluetooth remote control, the camera locks the current video file and takes a video snapshot.

Pairing with Dashcam

• Turn on the camera.
• Press and hold the video lock button on the remote control for 3 seconds to pair it with the camera.
• If pairing is successful, the LED indicator on the remote control will light up blue.

Precautions and Compliance

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 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.

Warning

Any changes or modifications to this device not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void your authority to operate this device.

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 complies with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive 1999/5/EC.

Customer Service

Thank you for choosing VIOFO!

All products have a 12-month warranty from the date of purchase, and all accessories have a 3-month warranty. VIOFO provides lifetime technical support for all its users. VIOFO is committed to ensuring 100% satisfaction with its products and services.

Extend Warranty

VIOFO also has a product registration program that allows customers to extend their warranty by 6 months. Go to www.viofo.com and register your new product to extend the warranty from 12 to 18 months.

Your Valuable Opinion

If you have ideas, please contact VIOFO via the following email address: support@viofo.com

Share Video

Share videos you have recorded with the VIOFO dashcam with VIOFO. Let's enjoy your new discovery together! Get a chance to win a mystery gift by emailing marketing@viofo.com.

How to contact VIOFO?

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