Minolta MNCD245T Dash Cam User Manual

Introduction

Congratulations on purchasing your Minolta Camcorder! This manual provides essential information for using your MNCD245T Dash Cam. Please note that the contents of this manual are subject to change without notice, and example screens or illustrations may differ slightly from the actual product.

This document contains proprietary information protected by copyright. All rights are reserved. No part of this manual may be reproduced by any mechanical, electronic, or other means without prior written permission from Elite Brands Inc. © 2022.

The Minolta MNCD245T Car Camcorder offers 1080p HD video capture, high-resolution photo capture, and a compact design. It utilizes advanced video decoding technology for excellent video quality. This camcorder is designed for in-vehicle use, providing evidence collection for driving incidents, daily life, travel, and outdoor activities. It allows you to record video from a wide angle when mounted to your car's windshield.

This guide explains how to use your camcorder, including precautions and technical specifications. Please read it carefully and keep it for future reference.

Safety and Handling Precautions

• Do not attempt to service the camcorder yourself.
• Avoid exposing the camcorder to moisture or extreme temperatures.
• Allow the camera to warm up when moving from cold to warm environments.
• Do not touch or apply pressure on the camera lens.
• Do not expose the lens to direct sunlight for extended periods.
• Clean the product with a slightly damp soft cloth; avoid abrasive chemicals, cleaning solvents, or strong detergents.
• It is normal for the camera body to feel warm during extended use.
• Do not subject the LCD monitor to impact.
• To prevent fire or electric shock, do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture.

1. Getting Started

1.1 Overview

The Minolta MNCD245T Dash Cam consists of several components. Below is a breakdown of the main parts and their functions:

• Front Unit Components:
• 1. USB Port: For power and data transfer.
• 2. Rear Camera Port: Connection for the rear camera.
• 3. Display: 2.45-inch LCD screen.
• 4. Mount Port: For attaching the windshield suction cup mount.
• 5. Lens: Front-facing camera lens.
• 6. IR LEDs: Infrared LEDs for night vision assist.
• Rear Unit Components (Main Body):
• 7. Lens: Front-facing camera lens (on some models/views).
• 8. Speaker: For audio playback.
• 9. Reset: Button to reset and power cycle the camcorder.
• 10. Memory Card Slot: For inserting a MicroSD card.
• 11. Microphone: For audio capture.
• 12. Power: Power button.
• 13. OK: Button for menu selection and recording start/stop.
• 14. Left: Navigation button.
• 15. Menu: Button to access menus and modes.
• 16. Right: Navigation button.

Diagram Description: The diagram shows the front unit of the dashcam with a screen displaying a car interior and road scene. Numbered labels point to the USB port, rear camera port, display, mount port, lens, and IR LEDs on the front. A second diagram shows the main body of the dashcam from the side and top, with labels pointing to the lens, speaker, reset button, memory card slot, microphone, power button, OK button, left navigation button, menu button, and right navigation button.

1.2 Button and Functions Explanation

1.3 Memory Card Insertion and Removal

1. Ensure the camcorder is powered off.
2. Insert a MicroSD memory card into the MicroSD card slot with the gold pins facing the display screen. Do not force it; it can only be inserted in one direction. It will click when successfully inserted.
3. To remove the MicroSD card, push it in, and it will bounce back out of the slot.

Warning: Do not remove or insert the memory card while recording. Doing so may damage the card or cause data loss.

1.4 Windshield Suction Cup Mount

The included windshield mount is used for mounting your camcorder to your windshield. The mount can only be inserted in one way. Attach the smaller plastic end of the mount to the top of your camcorder, and the suction cup side to the top of your windshield. Ensure your windshield is clean and free of dirt or debris before applying.

Note: If the suction cup loses its grip, clean the clear suction area with soap and water. Allow it to dry for 2 hours before reapplying.

1.5 Mounting the Camcorder

Mount the camcorder on the windshield where it does not obstruct your view. The optimal location is to the right of or directly below the rearview mirror. Route the power cable so it does not interfere with your view. The USB cable can be tucked into your car's headliner and molding.

Note: Consult local state laws regarding windshield obstructions before installation.

1.6 Rear Camera Mounting

A certified professional should install the rear camera. It can be mounted in two locations:

1. At the top of the rear windshield for an outward view of the road.
2. At the rear of your vehicle above the license plate for a reverse camera view.

The rear camera can function as a reverse camera when wired to the car's reverse lights, automatically activating when the transmission is put in Reverse. Refer to the diagram for wiring instructions.

Diagram Description: Two diagrams show the rear of a car. The first shows the rear camera mounted inside the rear window, with red wires connecting to the reversing light and black wires connecting to the rear camera. The second shows the rear camera mounted above the license plate, with similar wiring. A separate diagram shows the rear camera unit itself with connection cables labeled 'A' (Connect to front camera) and 'B' (Connect to rear Camera), and a red wire labeled 'Connect to the reversing light'.

If you do not wire the rear camera to the reverse lights, it will operate normally but require manual cycling through camera views to activate.

When mounting the rear camera, the metal bracket should always be at the top. If the bracket is at the bottom, the image will appear upside down.

Mounting options for the rear camera include:

1. Double-sided tape
2. Screws
3. Both double-sided tape and screws

Diagram Description: A diagram shows the rear camera with a metal bracket. Arrows indicate applying double-sided tape to the bracket. Another diagram shows screws being inserted through the bracket. A third diagram shows the double-sided tape with pre-punched holes for screws.

Note: Do not use screws when mounting the rear camera on glass.

Before mounting, connect the rear camera to the camcorder to check the view from your chosen location. Ensure the mounting surface is clean and dry.

To use double-sided tape, peel off one side of the white paper, press firmly to the bracket, peel off the other side, and press the bracket to the mounting surface.

To use screws, place them through the holes on the bottom of the metal bracket and fasten with a Philips head screwdriver.

To use both, mount with double-sided tape first, then place screws. Before applying tape, use a pointed object to pop out the screw holes in the tape.

1.7 Startup

1.7.1 In-Car Use

Connect the included auxiliary DC power adapter to your car's power port and plug the USB into the camcorder's USB port. Charging will begin immediately. The camcorder's internal battery has limited capacity and is intended for emergency use only.

1.7.2 Interior Camera + Rear Camera Display Views

The dashcam includes a second built-in camera for recording the interior view of your car. This camera records the interior while the front/main camera records the road. A third camera is included for rear-mounting options.

Display Views: Your dashcam offers various display modes. The default view shows the front lens with the interior lens in the top right corner. If the rear camera is plugged in, its view appears in the bottom right corner.

Press the LEFT button to cycle through available views.

Diagram Description: A diagram shows the dashcam screen displaying the front view. Overlaid buttons are labeled 'INTERIOR' (top center, indicated by red arrows pointing up), 'FRONT' (bottom left, indicated by red arrows pointing down), and 'REAR' (bottom right, indicated by red arrows pointing down). Text below reads "SCREEN DISPLAY WHEN ALL 3 CAMERAS ARE ENABLED".

Default Display View (Rear Camera Not Plugged In)

When only the front and interior lenses are enabled, you can cycle through these modes using the LEFT button:

Front+Interior displays both front and interior lenses. Front Only displays only the front lens. Interior Only displays only the interior lens.

Note: Even if only one lens is displayed, the dashcam will still record video from the non-displayed lens.

Rear Camera Plugged-In Display View

When the rear camera is plugged in, you can cycle through these modes using the LEFT button:

Note: The dashcam records video from all connected cameras even if their view is not displayed on the main screen.

1.7.3 Video and Photo Files

Video and photo files from all three camera lenses are saved as separate files on the memory card, each in a folder named according to the camera lens. The diagram below shows a sample folder structure when accessing files via USB.

Diagram Description: A diagram shows three folder icons labeled '1', '2', and '3'. Arrows point from 'Front Camera Files', 'Interior Camera Files', and 'Rear Camera Files' to these folders, respectively. Next to each folder is a timestamp: '7/26/2022 4:23 PM' for folders 1 and 2, and '7/26/2022 4:24 PM' for folder 3.

1.7.4 Using the IR Night Vision Mode

The camcorder's built-in infrared (IR) LEDs enable night vision recording, allowing capture in dark environments. Refer to section 4.4.10 for instructions on changing night vision settings.

Note: The IR LEDs can be enabled or disabled during recording.

1.7.5 USB Cord / Computer Use

Connect the included USB cable to a USB port on your computer and the other end to the camcorder's USB port. The battery can charge while the camcorder is powered on or off.

While charging, the LCD monitor displays the battery status:

• ▶️ Camcorder is connected to auxiliary power and battery is fully charged.
• ? Camcorder is connected to auxiliary power and is charging.
• ⚡ Camcorder is disconnected from auxiliary power and running on battery.

2. Using Your Camcorder

Quick Use Instructions

Simply insert a memory card into the card slot and connect the auxiliary power adapter to the camcorder's USB port and your car's power port. The camcorder will automatically power on and begin recording.

To start or stop recording at any time, press the OK button. You can also remove the auxiliary DC power adapter at any time to automatically save the recording and power off the camcorder. Mount it to your windshield, plug in the power, and drive!

3. Camcorder Operation

Once the MicroSD memory card is inserted and the camcorder is connected to a power source, it will automatically power on. You can also manually power it on or off by pressing the POWER button for 3 seconds.

There are three operation modes: Video, Photo, and Playback. To cycle through modes, press and hold the MENU/MODE button for 3 seconds. The current mode is displayed in the upper left corner of the screen. Modes cannot be changed while a video is being recorded; recording must stop first.

3.1 Video Capture Mode

Upon powering on, the camcorder defaults to Video Mode and begins recording automatically. Press the OK button to start or stop recording. Press the LEFT button to change the view between the rear and in-car cameras.

3.2 Photo Capture Mode

To capture a photo, enter Photo Mode by pressing and holding the MENU/MODE button for 3 seconds until a camera icon appears in the upper left corner. Press the OK button to capture a photo. Press the LEFT button to cycle between the front, interior, and rear lenses.

Note: The dashcam captures photos only from the lens displayed on the screen. If only the interior lens is displayed, only the interior lens will capture the photo.

3.3 Playback Mode

To review video and photo files, enter Playback Mode by pressing and holding the MENU/MODE button for 3 seconds until a thumbnail of a captured file appears. The most recent file is displayed first.

• Press the UP and DOWN buttons to cycle through available files.
• Press the MENU button to delete or protect a file.
• Press and hold the MENU/MODE button for 3 seconds to exit Playback mode.

Playing Back Video Clips:

• Press the OK button to play or pause a video clip.
• Press the MENU/MODE button to delete or protect a file.

3.4 Main Screen and Icons Explanation

VIDEO MODE Icons:

Diagram Description: A screenshot of the dashcam's video recording screen is shown. Numbered icons and indicators are present. A legend lists the meaning of each number.

• 1. VIDEO Mode indicator
• 2. Recording Active indicator (e.g., a red dot or camera icon)
• 3. Gravity Sensor Enabled indicator
• 4. High Dynamic Range (HDR) indicator
• 5. Collision Sensitivity indicator
• 6. Recording Time Elapsed (e.g., 00:00:21)
• 7. Video Size (Resolution) (e.g., 1080FHD)
• 8. Parking Guard indicator
• 9. IR Night Vision Mode indicator
• 10. Memory Card Inserted indicator
• 11. Power Status indicator
• 12. Current Time
• 13. Current Date (e.g., 2021/08/10 06:59:24)
• 14. Microphone Enabled indicator
• 15. Exposure Value
• 16. Loop Recording Enabled indicator

PHOTO MODE Icons:

Diagram Description: A screenshot of the dashcam's photo capture screen is shown. Numbered icons and indicators are present. A legend lists the meaning of each number.

• 1. PHOTO Mode indicator
• 2. Image Stabilization Status indicator
• 3. Picture Size (Resolution) (e.g., 10 MP 3648x2736)
• 4. IR Night Vision Mode indicator
• 5. Memory Card Inserted indicator
• 6. Power Status indicator
• 7. Current Date (e.g., 2021:08:10 07/01/16)
• 8. Current Time

4. Menu & Settings Interface

4.1 Video Mode Settings

Overview

Your camcorder offers user-adjustable settings to customize video capture. Settings are preset for ease of use.

Ensure you are in VIDEO mode ▶️. From the main screen, press and hold the MENU/MODE button for 3 seconds. The current mode appears in the upper left corner. Press and hold MENU/MODE again to cycle through modes. The rear camera view can be seen and recorded in video mode. Press the UP button to change the rear camera view.

Note: The settings menu cannot be accessed while recording. Stop recording by pressing the OK button before accessing settings.

4.1.1 Video Resolution

Your camcorder provides preset resolutions and frame rates. Higher resolution results in higher quality and larger video files.

1. In VIDEO mode, press the MENU button. Select 'Video Resolution' using the LEFT or RIGHT buttons. Press OK to enter the submenu.
2. Use the LEFT or RIGHT buttons to select a setting. Options include 1080P+720P+480P and 720P+480P+480P.
3. Press OK to confirm.

Note: The default setting is 1080P (front) + 720P (interior) + 480P (rear). Other options yield lower resolution and smaller file sizes.

To exit the settings menu, press the MENU button twice.

4.1.2 Loop Recording

This setting defines the maximum duration for each recorded video clip. Once the set time is reached, the camcorder seamlessly ends the current recording and begins a new one. When the memory card is full, the oldest recordings are deleted to make space for new ones.

1. In VIDEO mode, press the MENU button. Select 'Loop Recording' using the LEFT or RIGHT buttons. Press OK to enter the submenu.
2. Use the LEFT or RIGHT buttons to select a setting: Off, 1 Minute, or 3 Minutes.
3. Press OK to confirm.

Note: Locked files are not deleted or overwritten. Refer to section 4.3 for manual deletion of locked files.

4.1.3 High Dynamic Range

This setting enables or disables High Dynamic Range (HDR), which improves color and contrast in images and videos.

1. In VIDEO mode, press the MENU button. Select 'High Dynamic Range' using the LEFT or RIGHT buttons. Press OK to enter the submenu.
2. Use the LEFT or RIGHT buttons to select a setting: Off or On.
3. Press OK to confirm.

4.1.4 Exposure

This function adjusts the frame brightness in your video.

1. In VIDEO mode, press the MENU button. Select 'Exposure' using the LEFT or RIGHT buttons. Press OK to enter the submenu.
2. Use the LEFT or RIGHT buttons to select a setting: +3, +2, +1, 0, -1, -2, or -3.
3. Press OK to confirm.

4.1.5 Audio Recording

This setting enables or disables the built-in microphone during video recording. The camcorder will either record audio with the video or record video without audio.

1. In VIDEO mode, press the MENU button. Select 'Audio Recording' using the LEFT or RIGHT buttons. Press OK to enter the submenu.
2. Use the LEFT or RIGHT buttons to select a setting: Off or On.
3. Press OK to confirm.

4.1.6 Date & Time Stamp

This setting imprints the date and time onto recorded video files. This imprint cannot be removed after recording.

1. In VIDEO mode, press the MENU button. Select 'Date & Time Stamp' using the LEFT or RIGHT buttons. Press OK to enter the submenu.
2. Use the LEFT or RIGHT buttons to select a setting: Off or On.
3. Press OK to confirm.

4.1.7 Collision Sensitivity

This setting adjusts the sensitivity for automatic recording upon collision. When triggered, the camcorder automatically begins recording, and the file is stored with a ? icon, locked and protected from deletion.

1. In VIDEO mode, press the MENU button. Select 'Collision Sensitivity' using the LEFT or RIGHT buttons. Press OK to enter the submenu.
2. Use the LEFT or RIGHT buttons to select a setting: Off, Low, Medium, or High.
3. Press OK to confirm.

4.1.8 Park Mode

This setting allows the camcorder to automatically power on and record a video clip if it detects a collision while parked and powered off. This feature activates only if sufficient battery power remains. When triggered, it begins recording, and the file is stored with a ? icon, locked and protected from deletion.

1. In VIDEO mode, press the MENU button. Select 'Park Mode' using the LEFT or RIGHT buttons. Press OK to enter the submenu.
2. Use the LEFT or RIGHT buttons to select a setting: Off or On.
3. Press OK to confirm.

Note: When set to 'Off', the camcorder will still automatically record upon startup if you power it off.

4.2 Photo Mode Settings

Overview

Your camcorder offers user-adjustable settings for photo capture. Settings are preset for ease of use.

Ensure you are in PHOTO mode ?. From the main screen, press and hold the MENU/MODE button for 3 seconds. The current mode appears in the upper right corner. Press and hold MENU/MODE again to cycle through modes. Press the UP button to switch the rear camera view.

Note: The settings menu cannot be accessed while recording a video file. Stop recording by pressing the OK button before accessing settings.

4.2.1 Photo Resolution

Your camcorder provides preset photo resolution sizes. Higher resolution results in higher quality and larger photo files.

Note: This setting applies only to the front lens. Interior and rear lenses have non-adjustable resolution settings.

1. In PHOTO mode, press the MENU button. Select 'Photo Resolution' using the LEFT or RIGHT buttons. Press OK to enter the submenu.
2. Use the LEFT or RIGHT buttons to select a setting. Options range from VGA 640x480 (Lowest Quality) to 10 MP 3648x2736 (highest quality).
3. Press OK to confirm.

4.2.2 Image Stabilization

This setting electronically eliminates motion blur and shake, enabling image capture in shaky or low-light conditions.

1. In PHOTO mode, press the MENU button. Select 'Image Stabilization' using the LEFT or RIGHT buttons. Press OK to enter the submenu.
2. Use the LEFT or RIGHT buttons to select a setting: Off or On.
3. Press OK to confirm.

4.2.3 Date & Time Stamp

This setting imprints the date and time onto captured photos. This imprint cannot be removed after capture.

1. In PHOTO mode, press the MENU button. Select 'Date & Time Stamp' using the LEFT or RIGHT buttons. Press OK to enter the submenu.
2. Use the LEFT or RIGHT buttons to select a setting: Off or On.
3. Press OK to confirm.

4.3 Playback Mode Settings

Overview

Ensure you are in PLAYBACK mode ▶️. From the main screen, press and hold the MENU/MODE button for 3 seconds twice. The current mode appears in the upper right corner. Press and hold MENU/MODE again to cycle through modes.

4.3.1 Delete

Your camcorder allows you to delete recorded video and photo files directly.

1. In PLAYBACK mode, press the MENU button. Select 'Delete' using the LEFT or RIGHT buttons. Press OK to enter the submenu.
2. Use the LEFT or RIGHT buttons to select a setting: Delete Current? or Delete All?
3. Press OK to confirm.
4. Press the MENU button to exit without deleting.

Note: Deleted media cannot be recovered. Only locked files are protected from deletion.

4.3.2 Protect

This feature allows you to protect recorded video and photo files from deletion. Protected files are locked.

1. In PLAYBACK mode, press the MENU button. Select 'Protect' using the LEFT or RIGHT buttons. Press OK to enter the submenu.
2. Use the LEFT or RIGHT buttons to select a setting: Lock Current, Unlock Current, Lock All, or Unlock All.
3. Press OK to confirm.
4. Press the MENU button to exit without making a selection.

4.4 Setup Settings Menu

Overview

The Setup Settings Menu can be accessed in any mode. From the main screen, press the MENU button twice. The menu will move to the ⚙️ Setup Settings tab.

Note: The settings menu cannot be accessed while recording a video file. Stop recording by pressing the OK button before accessing settings.

4.4.1 Screen Saver

This setting determines how long the LCD screen stays on before turning off automatically.

1. In any mode, press the MENU button twice. Select 'Screen Saver' using the LEFT or RIGHT buttons. Press OK to enter the submenu.
2. Use the LEFT or RIGHT buttons to select a setting: Off, 30 Seconds, 1 Minute, or 2 Minutes.
3. Press OK to confirm.

To wake the screen, press any button. To exit the settings menu, press the MENU button once.

4.4.2 Auto Power Off Delay

This setting determines how long the camcorder operates before powering off automatically.

1. In any mode, press the MENU button twice. Select 'Auto Power Off Delay' using the LEFT or RIGHT buttons. Press OK to enter the submenu.
2. Use the LEFT or RIGHT buttons to select a setting: Off, 1 Minute, 3 Minutes, or 5 Minutes.
3. Press OK to confirm.

To wake the screen, press any button. To exit the settings menu, press the MENU button once.

4.4.3 Frequency

This setting adjusts the power frequency based on your region.

1. In any mode, press the MENU button twice. Select 'Frequency' using the LEFT or RIGHT buttons. Press OK to enter the submenu.
2. Use the LEFT or RIGHT buttons to select a setting: 50Hz or 60Hz. (60Hz is for North America).
3. Press OK to confirm.

4.4.4 Beep Sound

This setting enables or disables the beep sound when pressing buttons.

1. In any mode, press the MENU button twice. Select 'Beep Sound' using the LEFT or RIGHT buttons. Press OK to enter the submenu.
2. Use the LEFT or RIGHT buttons to select a setting: Off or On.
3. Press OK to confirm.

4.4.5 Language

This setting allows you to select the language for your camcorder's menus.

1. In any mode, press the MENU button twice. Select 'Language' using the LEFT or RIGHT buttons. Press OK to enter the submenu.
2. Use the LEFT or RIGHT buttons to select from the available languages.
3. Press OK to confirm.

4.4.6 Date & Time Setup

This setting allows you to set the date and time displayed on videos and photos.

1. In any mode, press the MENU button twice. Select 'Date & Time Setup' using the LEFT or RIGHT buttons. Press OK to enter the submenu.
2. The menu presents fields for Date (MM/DD/YYYY) and Time (HH:MM:SS, 24-hour format).
3. Use the LEFT or RIGHT buttons to change values. Press OK to confirm each value and proceed.

Press the MENU button once to save and exit.

4.4.7 Format Memory Card

This setting erases all video and photo files stored on your memory card.

1. In any mode, press the MENU button twice. Select 'Format Memory Card' using the LEFT or RIGHT buttons. Press OK to enter the submenu.
2. Use the LEFT or RIGHT buttons to select a setting: Cancel or OK.
3. Press OK to confirm.

Note: Use extreme caution. Formatted media cannot be recovered.

4.4.8 Reset to Default

This setting resets all menu settings to their factory defaults. It does not delete media stored on the memory card.

1. In any mode, press the MENU button twice. Select 'Reset to Default' using the LEFT or RIGHT buttons. Press OK to enter the submenu.
2. Use the LEFT or RIGHT buttons to select a setting: Cancel or OK.
3. Press OK to confirm.

4.4.9 Firmware Version

This setting displays the current firmware version of your camcorder.

1. In any mode, press the MENU button twice. Select 'Firmware Version' using the LEFT or RIGHT buttons. Press OK to enter the submenu.
2. The current firmware version will be displayed.

4.4.10 IR Night Vision

This setting controls the IR LED light for your camcorder.

1. In any mode, press the MENU button twice. Select 'IR Night Vision' using the LEFT or RIGHT buttons. Press OK to enter the submenu.
2. Use the LEFT or RIGHT buttons to select a setting: Off, On, or Auto.
3. Press OK to confirm.

Note: Infrared night vision assists visibility in the dark but requires some ambient lighting. It is not a substitute for adequate lighting.

5. Media Transfer & Reset

Connecting to a Computer

Your camcorder can connect to a computer for file transfer, viewing, editing, or use as a webcam. Connect the small end of the USB plug to the camcorder's port and the larger end to your computer's USB port. Once connected and powered on, the camcorder screen will show "Mass Storage" and "PC Camera". Use the LEFT or RIGHT buttons to select your desired mode and press OK.

The camcorder acts as a memory card reader, allowing easy access to stored videos and photos.

To access files on your PC, go to Start (or File Explorer) ➡️ This PC ➡️ and find 'Removable Disk'. Your media will be stored in a folder on this drive.

Diagram Description: A diagram shows three folder icons labeled '1', '2', and '3'. Arrows point from 'Front Camera Files', 'Interior Camera Files', and 'Rear Camera Files' to these folders, respectively. Next to each folder is a timestamp: '7/26/2022 4:23 PM' for folders 1 and 2, and '7/26/2022 4:24 PM' for folder 3. This illustrates the file structure when accessing from a PC via USB cable.

Reset

If your camcorder freezes or becomes unresponsive, press the RESET button to reset and power cycle it. Insert a pointy object into the reset hole on the front body of the camcorder to perform a full reset. Refer to Section 1 of the user manual's illustration for its location.

6. Technical Specifications