Cobra SC 110 / SC 120 Dash Cam Owner's Manual
Introduction
Congratulations on purchasing an SC Series smart dash cam from Cobra. These dash cams provide peace of mind by continuously recording the road with crystal-clear video. With advanced safety features, industry-leading video quality, and exclusive shared alerts from our network of drivers, SC dash cams are an excellent solution for recording your drives.
SC 110 / SC 120 Dash Cam Features
- Quad HD Video Resolution: Captures crucial details like license plate numbers with Quad HD resolution.
- 360 Alerts: Receive radar, laser, red light, and speed camera locations from our database and other users.
- Parking Live View: Enables security recording and live viewing of your dash cam footage (requires hardwire kit and WiFi hotspot). ?️
- Trip Clips: Create time-lapse videos of your drives to easily share with friends and family. ?
- Cloud Video Management: Manage and share footage from your phone. ☁️
- Over-The-Air Updates: Update your dash cam with the latest firmware and features. ⬆️
- SD Card Included with SC 120 only: The SC 120 model includes a 16GB SD card. ?
Product Service and Support
For questions about operating or installing this Cobra product, contact Cobra first. Do not return the product to the retail store. Contact information varies by country. For the latest information, visit www.cobra.com/support.
What's in the Box
- SC 110 / SC 120 Dash Cam
- USB-C Data Cable ?
- 16GB SD Card (SC 120 model only) ?
- Vehicle Charger ?
- Removable Mount ?
- Cable Management Kit: 6 Wire Clips & Cable Routing Tool ?
- Temporary Install Film: 3 Electrostatic Films ?️
Optional Accessories
Optional accessories are available at www.cobra.com.
- Easy Install Hardwire Kit (0010070-1): Wires the dash cam directly into the ODB II diagnostic port for a quick, clean installation, providing constant power and unlocking Parking Mode features.
- Fuse Box Hardwire Kit (0010073-1): Wires the dash cam directly into the vehicle's fuse box for a clean installation, providing constant power and unlocking Parking Mode features.
Hardware Interface
The dash cam features a Windshield Mount, Camera Lens, USB-C Power Input, and an SD Card Slot.
Buttons:
- Mic Button: Press to toggle audio recording on/off. ?
- Action Button: Press once to lock a recording, double press to start a Trip Clips recording, hold for 5 seconds to format the SD card. ▶️
- LED Status Light: Indicates the device's operational state. ?
Installation
Mounting
Find a centrally located area on your vehicle's windshield, close to the top. Ensure the mounting area is clean. Mount the dash cam so the display is easily visible to the driver.
Optionally, apply the included electrostatic film to the desired location for a semi-permanent install.
Plug the power cable into the dash cam. Route the power cable along the headliner, using the included tool and cable routing clips as needed.
Power Connection
Connect the 12V vehicle power adapter to your vehicle's 12V power port and the other end to the USB-C port. The unit will automatically turn on and start recording. To manually power on, press and hold the Action Button.
LED Status Light Indicators:
- Blue LED: Dash cam is powered up.
- Flashing Red LED: Dash cam is recording.
- Flashing Purple LED: Dash cam is recording a locked video or trip clips.
Note: Hardwire Kits are available at www.cobra.com for a more permanent installation that allows for discrete routing of the power cable and recording while your vehicle is off.
Operation
Driving
Your dash cam is designed for easy operation. Once powered on, it will immediately start loop recording. As the SD card fills, the oldest footage is erased. To save important footage, press the Action Button to lock the clip.
Powering On the Device
The device powers on automatically when plugged in. It can also be powered by pressing the Action Button until the display activates (when connected to power).
Continuous Loop Recording
Once 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
An Emergency Recording is 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. If an incident occurs within 30 seconds of a clip's start or end, the adjacent clip is also locked.
SD Memory Card
To remove the SD card, press firmly until it clicks, then extract it. Replace it by inserting a new card until it locks.
This dash cam supports SD cards up to 256GB. Format the card in the dash cam before first use. Class 10 high-endurance cards from reputable brands are recommended for continuous video recording. For the latest compatible SD cards, check www.cobra.com.
Volume Adjust
Adjust the volume of notifications and voice announcements in the settings menu or via 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 dash cam is up-to-date. Refer to the CONNECTION INSTRUCTIONS for app pairing.
Drive Smarter® App Integration
Download the Drive Smarter® app to connect your dash cam.
Connection Instructions
- Start the Drive Smarter® app and log in/create an account.
- Follow the app instructions to create a vehicle and connect the dash cam.
- A chime will sound on the dash cam, and it will appear as Connected in the app.
360 Alerts
Connecting to the Drive Smarter® app enables real-time driver alerts, including radar, laser, red light, and speed camera locations from our database and other users. Alerts include: Red Light Dash cam ?, Speed Dash cam ?, Speed Traps ?, Live Police ?, Caution Areas ?.
Heads-Up Navigation
Connecting to the Drive Smarter® app enables navigation instructions. Connect your SC 110/SC 120 to the app, find a route, and drive using your smartphone or in-car display for guidance.
Parking Live View
Enables security recording and live viewing of your dash cam footage (requires hardwire kit and WiFi hotspot). ?️
Trip Clips
Create time-lapse videos of your drives to easily share with friends and family. ?
Video Settings
Video Resolution
Allows selection of video resolution. Lower resolutions result in smaller file sizes, making transfer and sharing easier.
- 1440P QHD: 2560 x 1440 @ 30 FPS
- 1080P Full HD: 1920x1080 @ 30 FPS
Safety Features
G-Sensor Impact Detection
The dash cam has a built-in G-Sensor to detect collisions. Upon impact, it automatically secures the recording. If an event occurs within 30 seconds of a clip's start or end, the adjacent recording is also locked, ensuring at least 30 seconds before and after the event are saved.
G-Sensor sensitivity can be adjusted from 1 (easiest to activate) to 3 (most severe impacts only), or turned off. Level 1 is recommended for most users. Locked videos are stored in the Events folder.
Parking Mode & Motion Detection
Parking Mode uses the Motion Sensor and G-Sensor to monitor your vehicle when parked. The dash cam enters a 'sleeping' state, monitoring for motion or G-Sensor impacts. If detected, it wakes and records.
After 5 minutes of inactivity, the dash cam enters parking mode. If no motion is detected, recording stops, but the dash cam remains alert for impacts or motion. When motion or a G-sensor impact above Level 1 occurs, it wakes and records 1-minute clips as long as activity is detected.
Notes:
- Parking Mode requires the dash cam to be powered (12V port on with ignition off, or hardwired). Check www.cobra.com for accessories.
- The 'Auto Surveillance Shutoff' setting can prevent unnecessary recordings if frequent motion triggers the sensor. Use this setting if your vehicle is inactive for over 48 hours to prevent battery drainage.
- You can choose to monitor for impacts and/or motion by adjusting 'Parking Mode' and 'Motion Detection' settings separately.
General Settings
Loop Clip Time
Select clip duration for loop and emergency recordings (1 min, 2 min, or 3 min). Smaller clips are easier to transfer.
WiFi
Enable/disable WiFi connection and view the dash cam's WiFi name and password. ?
GPS
Disable GPS if needed. Enabling GPS stamps exact location data on footage and helps track your vehicle's location when wired via a hardwire kit and connected to a WiFi hotspot. ?
Date / Time
- Automatic mode: Uses the dash cam's GPS signal for date/time. Ensure correct Time Zone and Daylight Savings settings are selected.
- Manual mode: Allows you to enter date and time information directly.
Microphone
Enable or disable the microphone for silent recordings. ?
Motion Detection
Enables monitoring for movement around the dash cam when parked, recording suspicious activity. Requires a hardwire kit (0010070-1) or an 'always on' cigarette lighter socket connection (12V Power Adapter # PN: 0010072-1 or Fuse Tap Power Adapter #0010073-1). Check your vehicle manual for 'always on' CLA adapter availability.
Surveillance Auto Shutoff
Set a time limit for Motion Detection and Parking Mode to prevent battery drain when the vehicle is inactive for extended periods (e.g., over 48 hours).
Watermark (Date/Time, Speed, GPS, Driver ID Video Stamp)
Toggle watermarks for date/time, speed, GPS coordinates, Cobra logo, and custom Driver ID on recorded video.
Driver ID Watermark
Associate a Driver ID (e.g., John, Employee 12) to be stamped on footage.
Drive Smarter® Services
Select videos for auto-upload to the Drive Smarter® app. Option to send Incident Reports to insurance providers and Mayday alerts to emergency contacts for severe G-Sensor events.
Speed Units
Choose between miles/hour or kilometers/hour for speed watermarks.
Volume
Turn volume on or off. ?
Restore Defaults
Resets the device to factory settings (does not erase memory card data). ⚙️
Format SD Card
Formats the inserted SD card, permanently deleting all data. Recommended for new cards and periodic maintenance. ?
About
View the dash cam's electronic serial number, FCC ID, Industry Canada number, manufacturer part number, and firmware version.
Firmware Updates
Ensure the dash cam is connected to a constant power source during updates to prevent unit malfunction.
Using the Drive Smarter® App
- Check current firmware version via App Support > Device Firmware version in the app.
- Power up the dash cam. The app will check for updates.
- Press 'Download' on the notification to get the latest firmware.
- Follow app instructions. LEDs will blink during installation.
- Verify success in the 'About' screen.
Using a Mac or PC
Check www.drivesmarter.com for updates.
- Connect dash cam to computer via USB-C cable.
- Power on dash cam and select 'Connect to Computer'.
- Download the '.bin' update file from www.drivesmarter.com.
- Copy/paste or drag the '.bin' file to the root directory of the dash cam's SD card.
- Safely disconnect the dash cam. Plug the USB-C cord into a power source. The dash cam will boot into the Firmware Update Menu.
- Follow on-screen instructions or update automatically if no display.
Dash Cam Specifications
Features / Models | SC 110/SC 120 | SC 220C | SC 250R* |
---|---|---|---|
Video Resolution | QHD | QHD+ (1600P) Front Only | UHD (4K) Front Only, Full HD (1080P) Rear |
Camera Views | 140° Front | 120° Interior | Front & Rear |
Field of View | 140° | - | 140° Front/ 120° Rear |
Display | 3" Touchscreen | 3" Touchscreen | - |
SD Card Included | 16 GB (SC 120 only) | - | 32 GB |
Embeds Time and Location on Video | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
360 Alerts with the Drive Smarter® App | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
App being used and app | Drive Smarter v3.7.1 | - | - |
Phone | iPhone 12, iPhone iOS, iOS 17.5.1 | - | - |
Emergency Mayday Alert | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Incident Reports | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Parking Mode & Motion Detection | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Parking Live View | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Trip Clips | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Privacy Mode | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Extreme Temperature Protection | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Cloud Video Management | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Bluetooth® Connectivity | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Dual Band Wi-Fi | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Built-In GPS | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Heads-Up Navigation | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
Accessory Camera Compatible | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
3-Camera Capable | ✔ | - | - |
Configurable Accessory Cams include | External-View & Interior Cameras | - | - |
* Configurable Accessory Cams include External-View & Interior Cameras.
Troubleshooting
If your unit is not operating properly, check the following:
- Ensure the power cord is properly connected.
- Verify the vehicle's cigarette lighter socket is clean and free of corrosion.
- Confirm the power cord's cigarette lighter adapter is firmly seated.
- Make sure you have downloaded the latest firmware.
FAQ
- Where to mount: Center the dash cam on the windshield, preferably under the rear-view mirror, ensuring the display is visible.
- Max SD Card Size: Recommended: Class 10 or U1 card from a reputable vendor. Max sizes: SC 110/SC 120: 256GB; SC 220C: 512GB; SC 250R: 512GB. Format new cards in the dash cam.
- Not powering up: Check connections. Press and hold the power button to turn on. If using Parking Mode/Motion Detection with a hardwire kit, the unit may not wake automatically; begin driving to activate.
- Parking Mode/Motion Detection: Enable in dash cam settings. Requires connection to car battery via hardwire kit for automatic monitoring when parked. Unit enters low-power standby and wakes upon detecting motion or impact.
- No GPS Lock (GPS icon red): GPS locks best when on the road. It may not acquire a lock in garages, parking structures, or indoors. ?
Limited 1-Year Warranty and Trademark Information
Warranty Terms
Cobra warrants the product against defects in materials and workmanship for one year from the date of original purchase. Cobra will repair or replace the product free of charge at its discretion. Warranty exclusions apply for serial number tampering, misuse, damage, unauthorized modifications, or purchases from unauthorized resellers.
Cobra disclaims warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Cobra is not liable for consequential, special, or incidental damages.
Standard accessories have a one-year factory warranty. Shipping to the service center is not covered, but return shipping within the US is included.
Trademark Information
Cobra and the snake design are proprietary trademarks of Cobra Electronics Corporation, USA. Other trademarks belong to their respective owners. Drive Smarter® is a registered trademark of Cedar Electronics Corporation. Apple, App Store, Android, Android Auto, and Bluetooth® are trademarks of their respective companies.
FCC Regulatory Information and Warnings
FCC ID: BBOSC120 IC: 906A-SC120
This device complies with Part 15 of FCC Rules and Industry Canada RSS-310. Operation is subject to conditions that no harmful interference is caused.
CAUTION: Modifications not approved by Cobra Electronics Corporation may violate FCC Rules and void operating authority.
Disposal of Electronics Equipment
This product should not be disposed of with household waste. Recycle it at an applicable collection point for electrical equipment to prevent negative environmental impact.
FCC Caution
This equipment has been tested and complies with Class B digital device limits (Part 15 of FCC Rules) for reasonable protection against harmful interference in residential installations. If interference occurs, users are encouraged to reorient the antenna, increase separation, connect to a different circuit, or consult a dealer/technician.
This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits for uncontrolled environments. Maintain at least 20cm separation between the radiator and your body.
ISED Warning
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.