ROVE R3 Ultimate 3-Lead Hardwire Kit - USB Type-C User Manual

Key Features

• ⚡ Automatic Input Voltage Detection: Supports DC12V/24V systems.
• ? Universal Kit: Compatible with cars, vans, trucks, and buses.
• ? Voltage Cut-Off: Prevents battery drain by automatically shutting off power when voltage is low.
• ? Constant Power Supply: Ensures continuous operation.
• ? Included Accessories: Comes with 2 sets of 4 types of fuses and piggyback fuse cables.

For more details and support, visit www.rovedashcam.com.

Customer Support & Troubleshooting

If you encounter any issues with your ROVE R3 Ultimate Hardwire Kit, please contact customer service before returning the item. We are here to help resolve any problems quickly.

Customer Service Hours: Monday - Friday, 9 AM - 5 PM PST

Email: ✉️ help@rovedashcam.com (Expect a response within 6 hours)

Text Support: ? 1 (401) 484-ROVE(7683) (For a faster response)

QR codes are also provided in the original document for easy contact.

Installation Resources

For visual guides and detailed installation videos, please visit our website:

www.rovedashcam.com/pages/videos

The ROVE R3 Ultimate 3-Lead Hardwire Kit is designed to provide continuous power to your dash cam, enabling features like the 24-HR Parking Monitor even when the vehicle's engine is turned off.

Manual Overview

This user manual covers the following topics:

• Introduction to Hardwire Kits
• Key Features: Low Voltage Protection, Over Current/Surge Protection
• Universal Compatibility
• Power Input (12V/24V) and Parking Mode Switch
• Detailed Specifications
• Universal Compatibility Chart
• Important Warnings and Handling Precautions
• Package Contents ("In The Box")
• Battery Drain Protection and Voltage Cut-Off Settings
• Step-by-step Installation Guide (Steps 1-10)
• Troubleshooting Common Issues
• Contact Information and Thank You message

What is a Hardwire Kit?

The ROVE R3 Ultimate 3-Lead Hardwire Kit acts as a power management device. It connects your dash cam, equipped with a USB Type-C connector, directly to your car's battery via the fuse box. This setup ensures continuous power delivery, which is essential for features like the 24-HR Parking Monitor, allowing your dash cam to record even when the car engine is off.

Key Features Explained

Low Voltage Protection

This feature actively monitors your vehicle's battery voltage. If the voltage drops below a user-defined threshold, the hardwire kit automatically cuts power to the dashcam. This crucial function prevents the vehicle's battery from being completely drained, ensuring you can always start your car. You can select from four different cut-off voltage settings:

• For 12V Batteries: Options are 11.8V, 12.0V, 12.2V, and 12.4V. The 12.2V setting is generally recommended for most users under normal driving conditions.
• For 24V Batteries: Options are 23.6V, 24.0V, 24.4V, and 24.8V. The 24.4V setting is typically recommended for most users in general driving conditions.

The ROVE R3 kit automatically detects whether your vehicle uses a 12V or 24V lead-acid battery and adjusts its protection accordingly.

Over Current/Surge Protection

The ROVE R3 Hardwire Kit is equipped with a built-in 2A fuse box. This provides an extra layer of protection by detecting and cutting off power in case of abnormal over-voltage conditions or power surges, safeguarding your dashcam from potential damage.

Universal Compatibility

While specifically designed for the ROVE R3 dash cam, this hardwire kit is engineered to be compatible with most other dash cams that utilize a USB Type-C connector.

Multi Input Power DC 12V/24V

The kit intelligently detects and operates seamlessly with both 12-volt and 24-volt vehicle power systems.

Parking Mode Switch

For the ROVE R3 dash camera, the recommended setting for the parking mode switch is the LEFT (Default) position. If you observe the camera recording parking guard video while driving and normal continuous video while parked, you should flip this switch to the RIGHT position to correct the behavior.

Specifications

• Total Cable Length: 4 meters (1 meter for input, 3 meters for output)
• Input Wires: POWER, GROUND, ACC
• Input Voltage: Typically DC 12/24V, with a maximum of DC 36V; auto-detecting.
• Output: USB Type-C plug, DC 5V, 2A.
• Battery Drain Protection Options: 11.8V/12.0V/12.2V/12.4V for 12V Batteries; 23.6V/24.0V/24.4V/24.8V for 24V Batteries.
• Working Temperature: -20°C to 60°C (-4°F to 140°F).
• Control Box Dimension: 40mm x 25mm x 15mm.
• Net Weight: 0.6 lbs (0.27kg).
• Additional Protections: Reverse connect protection, short circuit protection, overtemperature protection, and overload protection.

Universal Compatibility Chart

This chart details how different wiring configurations affect dash cam recording modes (While Driving and While Parked) when the camera is equipped with a parking guard function.

Note: "Record in Parking Guard Video" refers to the camera recording based on its specific parking guard settings, such as Motion Detection or Time-Lapse. "X" indicates no connection or a connection to ground.

Warnings and Precautions

⚠️ WARNING

Failure to adhere to safety warnings and precautions can lead to serious injury or death. The installation of this HARD WIRE KIT should be performed exclusively by a qualified individual or professional business. Working with your vehicle's power system carries inherent risks to both you and your vehicle's safety.

Handling & Precautions

• Handle the device with care. If damaged, discontinue use immediately as it may cause injury.
• Always use the correct input voltage.
• Do not spray cleaning products directly onto the device.
• If the product or its power supply is interrupted due to an accident or other circumstances, video recording may cease.
• Please read and fully understand all instructions before using this product. Any damage resulting from failure to follow instructions will void the warranty.
• Always refer to and follow the recommendations provided in your car's owner's manual before commencing installation.
• Under no circumstances should this product be exposed to rain, moisture, or water, as this will result in external or internal damage.
• Do NOT drop, puncture, or disassemble this product.
• Keep the product out of reach of children.
• Do NOT attempt to open or repair the device yourself. If the accessories or the device experience any problems, contact the seller for assistance.
• Secure the device properly using the included cable ties to ensure it is not loose or prone to falling. This can prevent obstructions in your vehicle's operating space.
• The company is not responsible for the loss of any data or content during operation or under any circumstances.

IMPORTANT: Please study and follow your car's user manual to determine the fuse box location, how to access it, and which fuses provide ACC power and Constant Power before proceeding with installation.

In The Box

Your ROVE R3 Ultimate 3-Lead Hardwire Kit package includes:

• ROVE R3 - Ultimate 3-Lead Hard Wire Kit - USB Type-C
• 30V Voltage Meter (for checking ACC Power & Constant Power Fuses)
• 4 x 2 Piggy Back Fuse Taps/Cable (You will use two out of the eight included)
• Fuse Puller/Removal Tool
• 4x Wire Ties
• Trim Tool & 4x Cable Clips
• User Manual

Battery Drain Protection

The Hardwire Kit is designed to protect your dash cam from draining your vehicle's battery. If the battery voltage drops too low, the ROVE Hardwire Kit will stop powering your camera, conserving enough power to ensure your car can be started. Once you begin driving and the battery starts to charge, and the voltage rises above the set cut-off protection level, the hardwire kit will automatically resume its normal function until the voltage drops to the cut-off level again.

Setting The Cut Off Voltage

It is important to test and identify the minimum battery voltage required to reliably start your car before setting the cut-off to the lowest possible setting. The hardwire kit features 4 protecting bands (voltage settings) that you can adjust according to your needs. It is recommended to start with the highest setting and then test, moving down each step to find the optimal balance between having sufficient battery power remaining and achieving adequate recording time between drives.

• a) For 12V Batteries: The protecting voltages are 11.8V, 12.0V, 12.2V, and 12.4V. The 12.2V setting is recommended for most users in general driving conditions.
• b) For 24V Batteries: The protecting voltages are 23.6V, 24.0V, 24.4V, and 24.8V. The 24.4V setting is recommended for most users in general driving conditions.

The ROVE R3 - Ultimate 3-Lead Hard Wire Kit - USB Type-C automatically identifies the lead-acid battery type (12V or 24V) and protects your battery from draining accordingly.

Installation Guide

There are two primary stages in the hardwire kit installation:

1. Connecting the input cables to your vehicle's fuse box and establishing a ground connection.
2. Connecting the output cable to your dashcam.

What You'll Need for Installation:

• Hardwiring Kit and Accessories
• Pliers
• Socket Wrench
• Electrical Tape
• Your Car's Manual

Step 1: Locate Your Fuse Box

Use your vehicle's Fuse Box Diagram, typically found in the Owner's User Manual or on the manufacturer's website, to locate your fuse box. The fuse box is often located behind a panel inside the vehicle (an example shown is a Honda Civic).

Note: To determine the precise location and access method for your vehicle's fuse box, consult your owner's manual. You may need to remove trim panels or open specific compartments.

Step 2: Find the Correct Fuse Slot

You need to identify two specific fuse slots:

1. A fuse slot that provides constant power (this is where the RED wire will connect).
2. A fuse slot that only provides power when your car's key is turned to the ACC position (this is where the YELLOW wire will connect).

IMPORTANT: We recommend selecting fuse slots rated between 10A and 30A to ensure sufficient power for the dash cam. Avoid using 5A or 7.5A fuses, as they may not provide adequate power.

WARNING: Always refer to your vehicle's owner's manual to avoid selecting fuse slots that control critical safety features, such as airbags or stability control programs. Fuses for components like the radio, garage door opener, or sunroof are generally safe to use.

Step 3: Identify the Correct Fuse Type for Your Car

Once you've identified the necessary fuse slots, determine the type of Add-A-Fuse or Piggy-Back Fuse Tap required for your car model. Common fuse types include ATO (Standard/Regular), Mini, Micro2, and Micro. You can identify the correct type by removing a fuse from your car's fuse box and matching it with the provided diagrams, or by consulting your car's owner's manual.

Step 4: Identifying Input & Output Side of a Fuse Slot

Using the included voltmeter, test each side (left or right) of the identified fuse slot to determine which is the voltage INPUT and which is the voltage OUTPUT. Ensure the car key is in the correct position (ACC for ACC fuses, OFF for constant power fuses) before testing.

• If the voltage reading is approximately +/-12.0V or +/-24.0V, mark that side as the INPUT side.
• If the voltage reading is 0.0V (no voltage displayed), mark that side as the OUTPUT side.

Step 5: Inserting the Red and Yellow Fuse Taps

Ensure the fuse tap is oriented correctly: the INPUT side of the tap should align with the INPUT side of the fuse slot, and the OUTPUT side of the tap should align with the OUTPUT side. If the original fuse slot contains a fuse, insert that fuse into the lower empty slot of the Add-A-Fuse tap. If the slot is empty, you can install the Add-A-Fuse tap directly.

Step 6: Test the Installation for Yellow & Red Add-A-Fuse

Before crimping, use the included voltmeter to test the installation of the RED and YELLOW Add-A-Fuse cables.

Note: During testing, ensure the voltmeter's alligator clip is connected to a proper ground point.

Testing the YELLOW Add-A-Fuse:

1. Turn OFF the car keys and remove them. Touch the voltmeter to the aluminum end of the YELLOW Add-A-Fuse. There should be NO voltage reading. If there is, re-check previous steps.
2. Turn the car keys to the ACC position. Touch the voltmeter to the YELLOW Add-A-Fuse. It should read the incoming voltage of either +/-12.0V or +/-24.0V, confirming correct installation and power from the ACC fuse slot.

Testing the RED Add-A-Fuse:

1. Turn OFF the car keys and remove them. Touch the voltmeter to the aluminum end of the RED Add-A-Fuse. It should read the incoming voltage of either +/-12.0V or +/-24.0V, confirming correct installation and power from the always-hot fuse slot.

Step 7: Connecting the Red and Yellow Piggyback Fuse Taps to the Hardwire Kit

Connect the RED and YELLOW wires securely to their respective piggyback fuse taps using a crimp tool or pliers to ensure a solid connection.

Step 8: Locating a Ground Point

Connect the BLACK wire to a suitable grounding screw or bolt. It is critical to choose a GOOD GROUNDING CHOICE, such as a screw on the metal chassis. Avoid grounding on plastic components, as this can lead to improper function, restarts, or reboots of your dash cam.

Step 9: Test the Dash Cam

After installing all three wires (RED, YELLOW, and BLACK) into their correct slots and positions, plug the USB Type-C cable into the R3 dash cam. Start your vehicle to test the device and its 24-HR Auto Trigger Parking Mode feature.

Final Testing:

Ensure the 24-HR Parking Mode feature is turned ON in the dash cam's video settings menu.

• Test 1: Start the car. The camera may reboot but should then begin continuous recording while the engine is running.
• Test 2: With the engine turned OFF and the key in the ACC position, the dash cam should also continuously record video.
• Test 3: Turn off the engine, lock the car, and remove the key. After a few seconds, the dash cam should automatically enter 24-HR parking mode. The LCD may turn off, but the camera will remain in parking mode, indicated by a blinking blue recording LED status.
• Test 4: Turn the car keys to ACC or start the engine. The dash cam should automatically switch to continuous recording mode.

Congratulations! If you pass all four tests, your ROVE R3 and its Hardwire Kit have been installed correctly.

Step 10: Tucking Up and Routing All the Cables Neatly

Once testing is complete and the dash cam is functioning properly, neatly tuck all wires within your car. It is recommended to tape or zip-tie excess wires securely out of the way to prevent them from obstructing access to the fuse box or becoming a tripping hazard. Ensure wires are not loose or hanging, as this could cause damage to the hardwire kit, vehicle, or lead to unsafe driving conditions. Pay special attention to routing cables away from side curtain airbags to ensure they can deploy correctly in an emergency.

Troubleshooting

Hardwire Kit Not Powering the Dash Camera

• Verify that the original fuse is correctly plugged into the piggyback fuse cable and that all fuse cables are properly connected to the fuse box in the correct spots.
• Ensure the RED WIRE is tapped into a fuse slot that supplies constant power.
• Ensure the YELLOW WIRE is tapped into an ACC fuse slot.
• Confirm the BLACK WIRE is securely bolted to a metal ground connection.
• Check that the fuse slots used by the taps are rated at least 10A to 30A.
• Try flipping the fuse taps 180 degrees and re-connecting them to the fuse slots.
• Test alternative fuse slots on the fuse box that are designated for continuous power and ACC.
• Check that the parking mode switch is set to the LEFT position and that the voltage cut-off switch is set to the lowest setting (11.8V) for initial testing.
• If the unit still does not power on, ensure your car's battery is fully charged. The car's battery voltage must read higher than the selected voltage cut-off setting; otherwise, the HWK will not provide power. You may also need to re-test the Yellow and Red Add-a-fuse connections as detailed in Step 6 to confirm voltage is being supplied.

Camera Constantly Rebooting

Make sure the black cable is securely bolted to a good metal ground connection.

Hardwire Kit Not Detected When Turning ON the 24-HR Auto Trigger Parking Mode

Refer to Step 6 on page 19 and TEST the connection as directed.

A Big Thank You!!

Thank you for purchasing the ROVE R3 - Ultimate 3-Lead Hard Wire Kit - USB Type-C. We hope you find your Hardwire Kit useful and enjoyable to use. If you encounter any difficulties setting up this hardwire kit, please email us at help@rovedashcam.com. We aim to resolve 99% of setup problems quickly, getting you up and running in no time. In the unlikely event we cannot help, we are happy to provide a full, hassle-free refund. Our goal is for our customers to be happy and proud to use ROVE Products. While no product is perfect, we are dedicated to providing excellent customer service. We have taken great care in creating this user manual, but minor typos may exist. Please visit our website for the latest and updated user manuals and other useful content.