Pioneer VREC-H520DC Dash Camera

Introduction

This guide is intended to explain the basic functions of this unit. For details, please refer to region-wise websites.

For further information, visit:

• Pioneer Gulf: https://pioneer-mea.com/en/pioneer-operation-manual/
• Pioneer Electronics AsiaCentre Pte. Ltd.: https://pioneercarentertainment.com/pioneer-operation-manual/

After-Sales Service

Please contact the authorized Pioneer dealer or an authorized Pioneer service company for after-sales service or questions. You may contact Pioneer directly:

Pioneer Gulf

Pioneer Gulf Free Zone, P.O. Box 61226, Jebel Ali, Dubai, U. A. E.

Tel: +971 4 8815756 | Fax: +971 4 8816414

E-mail: support@pioneer-mea.com

Pioneer Electronics AsiaCentre Pte. Ltd.

2 Jalan Kilang Barat, #04-02, Singapore 159346

Tel: (65) 6378 7777 / (65) 6378 7888

E-mail: enquiry@pioneer.com.sg

Precautions

Information for users on collection and disposal of old equipment and used batteries

The symbols on products, packaging, or documents indicate that used electrical and electronic products should not be mixed with general household waste. Take them to applicable collection points for proper treatment, recovery, and recycling according to national legislation. This helps conserve resources and prevent negative environmental and health effects. For more information, contact your local municipality, waste disposal service, or point of sale.

When disposing of products, comply with governmental regulations or environmental public institution's rules applicable in your country/area.

Symbol for equipment: ♻️

Safety Precautions

Country, state, and provincial laws may prohibit or restrict the placement and use of this product in your vehicle. Comply with all applicable laws and regulations regarding its use, installation, and operation. The user is responsible for compliance with all applicable laws, rules, regulations, and ordinances.

⚠️ Warning

• Do not install this product if its location or use obstructs the driver's clear view of the road or the operation of any vehicle airbag. It is the owner's/driver's responsibility to know and comply with local driving laws, rules, and regulations, including passenger privacy rights. Do not use the device where installation or use is prohibited.
• Do not use this device to make audio or video recordings where prohibited. Always provide required notice that video and audio recordings are being made and obtain appropriate consent and authorization from persons being recorded. Some jurisdictions require visible written notice that occupants and conversations are being recorded.

❗ Caution

The graphical symbol ⚡ placed on the product means direct current.

General Warnings and Cautions

⚠️ Warning

• Do not allow this product to contact liquids, as this can cause electrical shock, smoke, overheating, and damage.

Before using this product, read and understand the following safety information:

• Do not use this product if it distracts you from safely operating your vehicle. Always observe safe driving rules and traffic regulations. If you have difficulty operating the product or reading the display, park your vehicle safely and apply the parking brake before making adjustments.
• Certain functions (e.g., screen viewing, button operations) may be dangerous (potentially causing serious injury or death) or unlawful if used while driving.

Precautions before connecting the system:

• ⚠️ Warning: Securely install this product on the front windshield to prevent it from falling off. An insecure installation may cause an accident. Inspect the product periodically.
• Pioneer recommends installation by authorized service company personnel with special training and experience in mobile electronics.
• Secure all wiring with cable clamps or electrical tape. Do not leave bare wiring exposed.

Precautions before installation:

• ⚠️ Warning: Do not install this product where it may:
  1. Obstruct the driver's vision.
  2. Impair the performance of vehicle operating systems or safety features (including airbags, hazard lamp buttons).
  3. Impair the driver's ability to safely operate the vehicle.
• Do not install this product near the dashboard, door, or pillar where an airbag may deploy. Refer to your vehicle owner's manual for airbag deployment zones.

❗ Caution

• To ensure proper installation, use supplied parts as specified. If parts are missing, use compatible parts after checking compatibility with your dealer. Using non-supplied or incompatible parts may damage internal components, cause loosening, or product detachment. It may also lead to improper product function.
• Do not install this product in places subject to high temperatures or humidity, such as near heaters, vents, air conditioners, or areas exposed to rain (e.g., near doors).

Packaging Contents

• 1N Dash Camera [VREC-H520DC]
• 1N Power Adapter
• 1N Power Cable
• 1N Electrostatic Film
• 1N Mount with adhesive
• 1N Rear Camera
• 1N Rear Camera Connecting Cable
• 1N Quick Start Guide

Product Appearance

Dash Camera

Diagram showing the dash camera with numbered parts:

• 1. Rear camera connection terminal
• 2. Adhesive Mount Cradle connection point
• 3. ON/OFF Power Button
• 4. Toggle Button (switch between Rear and Front Camera view)
• 5. Speaker
• 6. Camera Lens
• 7. LCD Display
• 8. System/LED Indicator
• 9. Power port
• 10. microSD™ Card Slot
• 11. Reset
• 12. Mic
• 13. Function Buttons

Specifications

• Resolution: 2K (Front); 1080p; Full HD (Rear)
• Display Screen: LCD; 3 inches; 7.62 cm
• Wi-Fi: In-build (2.4 GHz)
• G-sensor: Supported
• Storage: microSD Card (Class 10 or above; up to 512 GB)
• Power Supply: 5 V, 2.0 A (via cigarette charger slot or Hardwire Kit)
• Power Connector: USB Type-C®
• Power Back-up: Super Capacitor

Status Display

The status display shows the operating status of the product.

Indicators:

• 1 Recording, 2 Wi-Fi, 3 Rear Camera, 4 GPS, 5 ADAS, 6 Timelapse, 7 Speed
• 8 Date, 9 Time, 10 Mic, 11 Event Recording, 12 Gallery, 13 Settings

System Indicator Display

The operating status is displayed with the system indicator:

Function Buttons

There are 4 function buttons on the bottom and 2 on the side. Functions depend on the displayed screen.

Recording

Diagram showing recording buttons:

• 1. Turn ON/OFF Audio recording
• 2. Capture emergency video (60 s)
• 3. Access Gallery
• 4. Settings

During playback

Diagram showing playback buttons:

• 5. Back
• 6. Video Speed
• 7. Play/Pause
• 8. Delete

Menu Navigation

During MENU screen display

Diagram showing menu navigation buttons:

• 9. Back
• 10. Go Previous / Up
• 11. Go Next / Down
• 12. Confirm

During MENU screen display

Diagram showing cancel/confirm buttons:

• 13. Cancel
• 14. Confirm

Inserting and Ejecting the microSD Card

Turn OFF the power before inserting or removing the microSD card.

Inserting the microSD Card

Hold the top edge of the microSD card. Position the card so the label faces the opposite side of the lens. Slowly insert it into the microSD card slot until it clicks.

Ejecting the microSD Card

Slowly push in the top edge of the microSD card until it clicks (1). The lock will be released. Pull out the microSD card (2).

Diagram showing insertion and ejection:

• Diagram illustrating correct and incorrect insertion angles.
• Diagram showing the microSD card being pushed in and then pulled out.

❗ Caution

• Do not insert the microSD card at an angle, as this may cause damage.
• Handle the microSD card with care, as it may be hot. Do not remove the microSD card while the device is in operation.

Note:

• Use a Class 10 or above microSD card for proper functionality.
• You cannot record videos without a microSD card.
• You will be prompted to format the microSD card after inserting it for the first time.

Installation

Specified Installation Position on Front Windshield

When installing in your vehicle, be mindful of the position on the front windshield. Install according to applicable laws and these conditions:

• Install where it does not obstruct airbag deployment zones. The ideal location is behind the rear-view mirror, out of the driver's view.
• Position the product within 20% of the top edge height of the windshield (excluding parts overlapping weatherstrips, moldings, etc.) or in the shadow of the rear-view mirror. The 20% is an estimate; comply with local laws.
• Position where the lens is within the wiper's wiping range.
• Position where the lens does not hang over the sunshade or black ceramic lines/pattern.
• Position facing horizontally forward and side-to-side.
• Position for routing the USB power cable without unnecessary force.

Diagram illustrating installation positions and angles.

Always install in the specified position for safe driving and full performance. Pioneer is not liable for damages due to faulty or improper installation or use.

Recommended Installation Position on Rear Windshield

For rear camera installation inside the rear window, satisfy these conditions:

• Position where the lens is within the wiper's wiping range.
• Position where the camera faces horizontally to the rear and side.
• Position where the lens and double-sided tape do not overlap heating wires.
• Position for routing the connection cable without unnecessary force.

Diagram showing rear windshield installation.

Installing the rear camera

Image orientation (top/bottom) can be adjusted by camera mounting direction.

1. Clean the installation area with a clean cloth.
2. Install the rear camera:
   • Peel off the protective film from the double-sided tape on the mount.
   • Orient the camera so the lens faces outward and install at the specified position on the rear windshield.

Diagram showing camera orientation and pressing.

❗ Caution

• Ensure the rear windshield surface is clean and dry before attaching the camera.
• Use extreme care, as the double-sided tape is very strong and should not be reapplied.
• For optimal adhesion, leave the product undisturbed for 24 hours after application.

Note:

A protective film is applied to the lens; peel it off.

Installing the Dash Camera

1. Clean the installation area with a clean cloth.
2. Install the product:
   • Peel off the double-sided tape release paper from the dash camera mount.
   • Install at the specified position on the front windshield. Push firmly.

Diagram showing mount installation.

❗ Caution

• Ensure the front windshield surface is clean and dry before attaching the mount.
• Use extreme care, as the double-sided tape is very strong and should not be reapplied.
• For optimal adhesion, leave the product undisturbed for 24 hours and avoid shocks during driving.

3. Connecting the cables:
   • Connect the power cable to the power adapter and main unit.
   • Route the rear camera cable via the ceiling only.
   • Connect the USB power adapter to the vehicle's cigarette lighter socket. Insert fully for a good connection (socket location varies).

❗ Caution

• The accessory socket may be very hot after connecting the adapter. The power cable tip may melt or short circuit if plugged into a hot socket. Ensure the socket is cool before plugging in the power cable.
• Use only with 12V vehicle accessory cigarette lighter sockets or USB ports to avoid damage/malfunction.

4. Adjust the angles of the product for proper video display.
5. Switch on the ignition to check if the product is working as expected.

Wiring and Parking Mode

Direct connection with Vehicle Battery (Parking mode)

Disconnect the vehicle's battery terminal before connecting the power cable.

Parking mode requires a Hardwire Kit, installed by a trained technician. This allows the product to detect and record vehicle movement from vibration even when the engine is OFF. A power cable with a fuse is recommended.

If switching back to a USB power adapter, perform a factory reset using the App or Dash Camera GUI to ensure proper function.

Wiring Diagram:

• Black (GND): Connect securely to the metal part of the vehicle body. For noise prevention, connect close to the navigation unit.
• Yellow (BAT+): Connect to the power circuit supplied by the battery, regardless of the vehicle engine switch position.
• Red (ACC): Connect to the power circuit supplied when the engine switch is in the ACC position. Do not install if the vehicle lacks an ACC position, as this may drain the battery.

Diagram showing wiring connections.

❗ Caution

• Connect the red and yellow lead wires to terminals after wiring through the vehicle's fuse unit.
• To prevent fuming and damage, securely connect the black lead wire (Ground) to the vehicle's metal body first. Use separate ground wires for high-current devices. Connecting all at once risks fuming or damage if screws loosen.

Note: *1 Not supplied with the product.

Connecting to Dash Camera App

Parking Mode provides enhanced security by monitoring your vehicle when parked and the engine is OFF. It's useful for capturing incidents like theft, vandalism, or collisions.

When activated, the dash camera enters low power mode and records if vibration (G-sensor) or motion is detected.

Connecting to Dash Camera App

1. Scan the QR code to find the Companion App on Google Play or App Store.
2. Download the App.
3. Sign up and follow pairing instructions.
4. Default Wi-Fi Name (SSID): Pioneer_H520DC_XXXX
5. Default password: 12345678

Note:

• XXXX is a unique alphanumeric entity.
• Supports Android™ OS version 11 & above, iOS version 13 & above.

Trademarks and Copyrights

• USB Type-C® and USB-C® are registered trademarks of USB Implementers Forum.
• iOS is a trademark or registered trademark of Cisco in the U.S. and other countries, used under license.
• App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries and regions.
• Android and Google Play are trademarks of Google LLC.
• microSD, microSDHC, and microSDXC Logos are trademarks of SD-3C LLC.