Cobra SC 110 / SC 120 Dash Cam Owner's Manual

Introduction

Congratulations on purchasing the Cobra SC Series smart dash cam. These cameras provide peace of mind by continuously recording the road with crystal-clear video, featuring advanced safety features, industry-leading video quality, and exclusive shared alerts from a network of drivers.

SC 110 / SC 120 Dash Cam Features

• Quad HD Video Resolution: Captures crucial details like license plate numbers.
• 360 Alerts: Provides radar, laser, red light, and speed camera locations from the database and other users.
• Parking Live View: Enables security recording and live viewing of dash cam footage (requires Hardwire kit and WiFi hotspot).
• Trip Clips: Creates time-lapse videos of drives for easy sharing.
• Cloud Video Management: Allows managing and sharing footage from your phone.
• Over-The-Air Updates: Updates the dash cam with the latest firmware and features.
• SD Card: Included with the SC 120 model only.

Product Service and Support

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

What's in the Box

• SC 110 / SC 120 Dash Cam: A compact black dash camera unit.
• USB-C Data Cable: A cable with USB-C connectors.
• 16GB SD Card (SC 120 model only): A small memory card.
• Vehicle Charger: A car charger adapter that plugs into a 12V power port.
• Removable Mount (pre-mounted): A mount that attaches to the windshield.
• Cable Management Kit: Includes 6 wire clips and a cable routing tool.
• Temporary Install Film: 3 electrostatic films for windshield application.

Optional Accessories

Available at www.cobra.com:

• Easy Install Hardwire Kit (0010070-1): Connects directly to the OBD II diagnostic port for constant power and Parking Mode features.
• Fuse Box Hardwire Kit (0010073-1): Connects directly to the vehicle's fuse box for constant power and Parking Mode features.

Installation

Hardware Interface

The dash cam features:

• Windshield Mount: A suction cup or adhesive mount for the windshield.
• Camera Lens: The primary optical lens on the front of the device.
• USB-C Power Input: A port for connecting the power cable.
• SD Card Slot: A slot for inserting the memory card.
• Mic Button: A button for audio control.
• Action Button: A multi-function button for recording, locking clips, and formatting.
• LED Status Light: An indicator light showing the device's operational status (Blue: powered up, Red: recording, Purple: locked video/trip clips).

Mounting

Mount the dash cam on your vehicle's windshield in a central location near the top, ensuring the mounting area is clean. The display should be easily visible to the driver. An optional electrostatic film can be used for a semi-permanent installation.

Connect the power cable to the dash cam and route it along the headliner using the included cable management tools.

Power

Plug the 12V vehicle power adapter into your vehicle's power port and the other end into the dash cam's USB-C port. The unit will automatically turn on and start recording. To manually power on, press and hold the Action Button.

Hardwire Kits offer a more permanent installation for discrete cable routing and recording while the vehicle is off.

Powering On the Device

The device powers on automatically when plugged in. It can also be powered on by pressing the Action Button until the display activates.

Continuous Loop Recording

When the SD card is full, the dash cam continuously overwrites the oldest footage. To protect a clip from being overwritten, press the Action Button to move it to the locked content partition.

Emergency Recordings

Triggered by pressing the Action Button or by the G-Sensor detecting a significant impact (hard braking or collision). These create locked files that are not overwritten. Adjacent video clips are also locked if the incident occurs within 30 seconds of the clip's start or end.

The SD Memory Card

The SC 120 includes an SD card. To remove, press firmly until it clicks. The dash cam supports SD cards up to 256GB. It is recommended to format the card in the dash cam before first use. Use Class 10 high-endurance cards for continuous recording. Check www.cobra.com for compatible SD cards.

Volume Adjust

Adjust notification and voice announcement volume via the settings menu or the Drive Smarter® app.

Initial Setup

Upon initial power-up, the device displays the video stream and starts loop recording. For optimal functionality, pair the dash cam with the Drive Smarter® app for firmware updates and to ensure the device is up-to-date. Refer to the CONNECTION INSTRUCTIONS for pairing.

Operation

Drive Smarter®

Connect your dash cam to the Drive Smarter® app to receive real-time driver alerts (red light cameras, speed traps, etc.) and navigation instructions.

Connection Instructions:

1. Start the Drive Smarter® app and log in/create an account.
2. Follow app instructions to create a vehicle and connect the dash cam.
3. A chime will sound when the dash cam is connected.

360 Alerts:

Receive alerts for red light cameras [red light icon], speed cameras [speed camera icon], speed traps [speed trap icon], live police [police icon], and caution areas [caution icon].

Heads-Up Navigation:

Get navigation instructions via the Drive Smarter app on your smartphone or in-car display.

Parking Live View:

Enables security recording and live viewing (requires Hardwire kit and WiFi hotspot).

Trip Clips:

Create time-lapse videos of your drives.

Video Settings

• Video Resolution: Select desired resolution (e.g., 1440P QHD, 1080P Full HD) for smaller file sizes and easier transfer.
• Video and Photo Playback Mode: Review saved files on the SD card. Use navigation keys to select videos/photos. Photos do not need to be locked as they are not overwritten.

Safety Features

Adjustable safety features protect you and your vehicle.

G-Sensor Impact Detection

Detects collisions and automatically secures recordings. Locks adjacent footage if an event occurs within 30 seconds of a clip. Sensitivity can be adjusted from 1 (easiest to activate) to 3 (most severe impacts). Locked videos are stored in the Events folder.

Parking Mode & Motion Detection

Monitors your vehicle when parked using the Motion Sensor and G-Sensor. Enters a "sleeping" state and wakes up to record motion or G-Sensor impacts. After 5 minutes of inactivity, it enters parking mode. If no motion is detected, recording stops, but it remains alert. Motion or G-Sensor impacts above Level 1 trigger recording of 1-minute clips.

Notes:

• Parking Mode requires constant power (via 12V port with ignition on, or hardwired kit).
• "Auto Surveillance Shutoff" can prevent unnecessary recordings or battery drain by setting a time limit on Parking Mode/Motion Detection.
• You can configure Parking Mode and Motion Detection settings separately.

General Settings

• Video Resolution: Select desired resolution.
• Loop Clip Time: Choose clip length (1, 2, or 3 minutes).
• WiFi: Enable/disable WiFi and view network details.
• GPS: Enable/disable GPS stamping for location data.
• Date / Time: Set automatically via GPS or manually. Ensure correct Time Zone and Daylight Savings are selected for automatic mode.
• Microphone: Enable/disable audio recording.
• Motion Detection: Monitor for movement around the vehicle when parked.
• Parking Mode: Configure parking monitoring settings.
• Surveillance Auto Shutoff: Set time limits to prevent battery drain.
• G-Sensor: Adjust sensitivity (1-3) or turn off.
• Watermark: Stamp Date/Time, Speed, GPS, or Driver ID onto recordings.
• Driver ID Watermark: Assign a driver name to the watermark.
• 360 Alerts: Receive real-time alerts via the Drive Smarter® network.
• Drive Smarter® Services: Configure video uploads, incident reports, and Mayday alerts.
• Speed Units: Select mph or km/h.
• Volume: Turn volume on/off.
• Restore Defaults: Reset device to factory settings.
• Format SD Card: Format the memory card (deletes all data). Recommended for new cards and periodic maintenance.
• About: View device serial number, FCC ID, and firmware version.

Cloud Features

Cloud Video Management

Upload important videos to your Drive Smarter Portal for safekeeping and to free up SD card space. Access via the camera's gallery using the Drive Smarter app.

Parking Live View

To use Parking Mode and Remote Live View, ensure settings are enabled. Remote Live View allows monitoring your vehicle remotely via a hotspot. Parking Mode puts the camera in a low-power state, monitoring for impacts.

Requirements:

• Up-to-date firmware.
• Constant power source (hardwired or "always on" CLA port).
• Hotspot with active internet connection.
• Drive Smarter app notifications enabled.

When the vehicle is powered on, the camera can initiate Remote Live View and appear as "Available" on the Drive Smarter account if connected to a hotspot. View live feeds via the app or web portal.

When the vehicle is powered off, the camera enters Low Power Parking Mode. It monitors for impacts and records them, uploading clips if Automatic Video Upload is enabled. If the camera displays "Unavailable," it has returned to low-power mode.

Automatic Video Upload

Locked recordings (while driving or parked) automatically upload to the Drive Smarter account for review on Drivesmarter.com.

Parking Mode Notifications

Receive notifications via the Drive Smarter app when a Parking Mode incident is detected.

Firmware Updates

Ensure the dash cam is connected to a constant power source during updates to avoid making the unit non-functional.

Using the Drive Smarter® App

The app will prompt for new firmware automatically. Check version in Device Settings > Firmware Updates.

Using a Mac or PC

Periodically check www.drivesmarter.com for updates.

1. View firmware version via App Support.
2. Connect dash cam to computer via USB-C cable.
3. Power on and select "Connect to Computer".
4. Download the ".bin" update file from drivesmarter.com.
5. Copy/paste or drag the file to the dash cam's SD card root directory.
6. Safely disconnect the dash cam.
7. Plug the dash cam into a power source to boot into the Firmware Update Menu.
8. Follow on-screen prompts or app instructions for units without displays.

Specifications

Comparison of Cobra dash cam models:

* Configurable Accessory Cams include External-View & Interior Cameras.

Troubleshooting & FAQ

Troubleshooting

If the unit is not operating properly:

• Ensure the power cord is properly connected.
• Check the vehicle's cigarette lighter socket for cleanliness and corrosion.
• Verify the power cord's adapter is firmly seated.
• Confirm the latest firmware has been downloaded.

FAQ

• Mounting Location: Center the dash cam on the windshield, preferably below the rear-view mirror. Power on the device to see its view while mounting.
• SD Card Size: Recommended: Class 10 or U1 card up to 256GB for SC 110/SC 120, 512GB for SC 220C/SC 250R. Format new cards in the dash cam.
• Powering Up: Ensure proper connection. Press and hold the Action Button to turn on. If using Parking Mode with a hardwire kit, the unit may not wake up until driving begins.
• Parking Mode & Motion Detection: Enable in settings. Monitors vehicle when connected via hardwire kit. Enters low-power state and wakes on motion/impact.
• GPS Lock: GPS signal is best acquired when the vehicle is on the road. A lock may not be obtained in garages or parking structures.

Limited 1-Year Warranty and Trademark Information

Warranty Terms

Cobra warrants products against defects in materials and workmanship for one year from the original purchase date. Cobra will repair or replace the product at its discretion, free of charge. Shipping charges for returns are not covered. Proof of purchase is required for warranty claims, except for factory-direct purchases.

Warranty Exclusions

Warranty does not apply if the serial number is removed/modified, the product is misused or damaged, it has been modified, or the purchase is from an unauthorized dealer.

Limitation of Warranty

Products are acquired "as is" and "where is." Cobra disclaims all warranties concerning merchantability and suitability for a particular purpose. Cobra is not liable for consequential, special, or incidental damages.

General Warranty Information

Most Cobra products have a one to three-year warranty from the original retail purchase date. Standard accessories have a one-year warranty. Return shipping within the US is included. 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. Apple, App Store, Android, Android Auto, and Bluetooth are trademarks of their respective owners.

FCC Regulatory Information and Warnings

FCC ID: BBOSC120 IC: 906A-SC120

This device complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules and Industry Canada's RSS standards. Operation is subject to conditions that no harmful interference is caused.

Caution: Modifications not approved by Cobra Electronics Corporation may violate FCC Rules.

Disposal of Electronics Equipment: This product contains hazardous substances and should not be disposed of with household waste. Hand it over to an applicable collection point for electrical equipment recycling.

FCC Caution: This equipment complies with Class B digital device limits, designed for reasonable protection against harmful interference in residential installations. If interference occurs, try reorienting the antenna, increasing separation, connecting to a different circuit, or consulting a dealer.

This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits for uncontrolled environments and should be installed with at least 20cm distance between the radiator and your body.

ISED Warning (Canada): This device complies with Industry Canada licence-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to two conditions: no interference, and acceptance of any interference received.

French: Le présent appareil est conforme aux CNR d'Industrie Canada applicables aux appareils radio exempts de licence. L'exploitation est autorisée aux deux conditions suivantes: (1) l'appareil ne doit pas produire de brouillage, et (2) l'utilisateur de l'appareil doit accepter tout brouillage radioélectrique subi, même si le brouillage est susceptible d'en compromettre le fonctionnement.