AZDOME M550 Car Dashcam User Manual

Welcome

Thank you for purchasing the AZDOME dashcam. For official warranty and support in Japan, please purchase from Amazon. To ensure safe and correct use, please read this manual thoroughly and keep it for future reference. AZDOME is committed to customer satisfaction and will strive to resolve any issues.

For questions or concerns, including Amazon order number, seller, and problem details, please contact AZDOME customer service at service@azdome.hk. Responses are typically provided in Japanese within 24 hours on weekdays.

Important Precautions

• Before installation, connect all components (rear camera, interior camera, SD card) and power on for a functional test. Install only after confirming proper operation.
• Remove the protective film from the camera lens before use.
• Do not insert or remove components (rear camera, interior camera, SD card) while the dashcam is operating, as this may cause damage.
• Ensure power cords, rear camera, and interior camera cables are securely inserted into the main unit.
• For first-time SD card use, format it on the device. AZDOME recommends using AZDOME brand SD cards or U3/U3+ speed cards from major manufacturers to prevent recording issues with 4K high-quality video. Regularly check SD card data and format it approximately twice a month. SD cards are consumables and should be replaced periodically.
• Using power cords other than the supplied one may cause insufficient power.
• Always turn off the vehicle's key switch before inserting or removing the SD card. Removing the SD card while data is being written or read can lead to data corruption or loss.
• G-sensor detection varies with impact type; adjust sensitivity based on actual driving conditions to ensure event recording.
• The main unit may become warm during operation; this is normal.
• LED traffic lights may appear to flicker in recordings due to high-speed flashing. Color identification may be difficult in backlight or low brightness. Use surrounding footage and vehicle conditions for judgment. AZDOME is not responsible for traffic light identification or recording content.
• This product uses a supercapacitor for stable charging/discharging. Always connect to power for use.
• Avoid prolonged exposure to high or low temperatures.
• Keep vehicle glass and dashcam lenses clean for optimal image quality.
• Do not disassemble, repair, or modify the product.
• Do not adjust the product while driving; stop the vehicle in a safe location first.
• Do not install the product in a location that obstructs the driver's view.
• Do not operate the product with wet hands.
• Avoid installing in high humidity or near flammable gases/liquids.
• Viewer software map display issues may occur due to Windows updates or Google Maps specification changes.
• The product comes with a one-year limited warranty from the date of purchase (consumables like SD cards and double-sided tape are not covered).
• Product specifications, app, viewer software, and appearance are subject to change without prior notice.

Specifications

Camera Appearance

The AZDOME M550 dashcam features a main unit with a screen and various ports, and separate interior and rear cameras. Key components include:

• ① Screen: Main display for viewing footage and settings.
• ② Interior Camera: Records inside the vehicle.
• ③ Power Button: For turning the device on/off.
• ④ Up Button: Navigates menus upwards.
• ⑤ OK/Confirm Button: Selects options or starts/stops recording.
• ⑥ Down Button: Navigates menus downwards.
• ⑦ Mode Button: Switches between recording, playback, and settings modes.
• ⑧ Microphone: Records audio.
• ⑨ Reset Hole: For factory reset.
• ⑩ Speaker: For audio output.
• ⑪ USB Charging Port: For power input.
• ⑫ Rear Camera Port: Connects the rear camera.
• ⑬ Micro SD Card Slot: For inserting the memory card.
• ⑭ Rear Camera: Records behind the vehicle.

Getting Started

Upon initial startup, the dashcam will display a guide screen. Follow the on-screen prompts to set the language to Japanese (日本語), then UTC/GMT+9:00 for the timezone, and finally format the SD card.

Recording Screen (Recording Mode) Indicators

The recording screen displays various indicators:

• ① Micro SD Card Indicator
• ② GPS Indicator
• ③ G-sensor Indicator
• ④ WDR Indicator
• ⑤ Microphone Indicator
• ⑥ Date/Time
• ⑦ WiFi Indicator
• ⑧ Power Indicator
• ⑨ Recording Indicator (flashing when recording)
• ⑩ Loop Recording Timer
• ⑪ Aperture
• ⑫ Video Resolution
• ⑬ Live Speed

Indicators & Button Functions

LED Indicators

• Green Flashing: Recording
• Green Solid: Not recording
• Red Solid: Powering on
• Red and Green Flashing: Firmware update in progress

Button Operations

Displaying the Settings Screen: From the recording screen, press the 'M' button to enter the settings screen.

Navigating System Items and Confirming: Use the ▲/▼ buttons to move, and the 'OK' button to confirm. Press the 'M' button to go back one level. From the recording screen, long-press the ▼ button for 3 seconds to turn on WiFi mode.

Switching 3-Camera Display: From the recording screen, short-press the ▼ button to cycle through '3-screen display' → 'Front Camera' → 'Interior Camera' → 'Rear Camera' → 'Front Camera'. If you power off by unplugging and restart, it will return to '3-screen display'. All three cameras record simultaneously regardless of the display mode. Long-press the power button (⏻) to power off and restart to return to '3-screen display'.

Installation Method

General Installation

The main unit should be attached near the rearview mirror on the front windshield (left or right side is fine) where it does not obstruct the driver's view and is within the wiper's range. Cable routing is for reference; adjust based on your vehicle.

Vehicle Installation Steps

1. Turn off the vehicle engine. Insert the SD card into the slot until it clicks. (Requires Class 10+/U3 high-speed Micro SD card. Format for first use).
2. Turn off the vehicle engine. Choose a suitable location on the front windshield that does not obstruct the driver's view. Clean the surface of any dirt or grease and dry it. Peel off the release paper from the transparent static sticker and apply it to the chosen spot on the front windshield.
3. Attach the magnetic mount to the main unit in the correct orientation. Peel off the release paper from the double-sided tape on the bracket and attach it within the dotted line of the static sticker.
4. Connect the cigarette lighter power cable to the main unit and the vehicle's cigarette lighter socket. Route the cable to avoid obstructing driving or passenger entry/exit. Push the cable into gaps between the front windshield and interior trim. Use cable clips where there are no gaps.
5. Attach the interior camera and verify that the dashcam footage operates correctly when the engine is ON.
6. The dashcam will automatically start/stop recording in conjunction with the engine ON/OFF. Video files from all three cameras are saved to the SD card.
7. Install the rear camera.

Rear Camera Installation

There are three common methods for routing the rear camera cable, which may vary by vehicle type:

1. Connect the rear camera to the main unit's rear camera port.
2. Identify a suitable location near the license plate for the rear camera.
3. Route the cable through the door frame/headliner and attach the rear camera to the top of the license plate. Apply the included double-sided tape to the rear camera bracket, peel off the release paper, and attach it to the chosen location above the license plate. Determine the angle, then use fixing screws to secure it. After confirming the angle, tighten the adjustment screws on both sides of the rear camera to fix the angle.
4. Connect the rear camera cable to the main unit's rear camera port and confirm dashcam operation.
5. Route the cables to avoid obstructing driving. Route the rear camera cable along the boundary between the headliner and front windshield, then down the side of the door.
6. Ensure cables are not pinched when opening/closing doors or the tailgate.
7. Bundle any excess cable and hide it in the interior trim or secure it in a location that does not obstruct entry/exit.

SD Card Formatting

When to Format the SD Card?

1. When using a new SD card for the first time, format it on the device.
2. Recorded videos from impacts are saved as important evidence and are not overwritten. If the SD card becomes full with locked files and cannot record, format the SD card. Formatting will delete all recorded data, so back up any important files beforehand.

How to Format the SD Card on the Device

From the settings screen, navigate to 'SD Card Settings' and select 'SD Card Format'. Confirm the action to proceed.

Settings Screen

From the recording screen, press the 'M' button to enter the settings screen.

Recording Settings

• Resolution: Select video resolution. Higher resolution results in better quality but larger file sizes. This setting applies to the front camera.
• Loop Recording: Options: Off / 1 minute / 3 minutes (default) / 5 minutes. When the SD card is full, older files are automatically overwritten. Locked emergency files are protected from overwriting and deletion by formatting.
• Rear Camera Mirror: On (default) / Off. When On, the rear view is mirrored. When Off, it is a normal view. You can freely switch between mirrored and normal rear views.
• Time-lapse: Off (default) / On. When On, recorded videos play back in fast-forward. This reduces file size, allowing for longer recording periods on the SD card.
• Recording Audio: On (default) / Off. When On, audio is recorded with the video. When Off, audio is not recorded.
• WDR (Wide Dynamic Range): On / Off. WDR uses advanced chip imaging technology to provide excellent performance in night environments, recording detailed images even in dark places.
• Frequency: 50HZ / 60HZ (default). Set to 60HZ for Western Japan and 50HZ for Eastern Japan.
• G-sensor: Off / High / Medium (default) / Low. The G-sensor automatically detects impacts during sudden braking or collisions, recording the moments before and after the event. When an impact is detected during loop recording, the file is automatically locked and protected as an important reference file to determine accident responsibility. Locked files cannot be deleted or overwritten manually.
• Note: If G-sensor sensitivity is set too high, it may detect normal driving vibrations as impacts and lock files, potentially filling the SD card and preventing further recording. In such cases, the SD card must be formatted.
• Exposure: +2.0, +5/3, +4/3, +1.0, +2/3, +1/3, +0.0 (default), -1/3, -2/3, -1.0, -4/3, -5/3, -2.0. Adjusts exposure value for brighter or darker videos.

Playback

• Normal Videos: Files recorded during continuous loop recording; can be overwritten.
• Locked Videos: Files locked when the vehicle experiences an impact; cannot be overwritten.
• Photos: Photos taken by long-pressing the 'M' button for 2 seconds during recording.

Parking Monitoring

To use parking monitoring, connect the AZDOME JYX02 hardwire kit (sold separately) to the vehicle's battery. After correctly connecting the hardwire kit, select 'Parking Monitoring' in the settings. Confirm 'Hardwire kit connected' and select 'Connected'. Then choose one of the following three parking monitoring modes:

• Impact Detection Parking Monitoring: The product's G-sensor detects impacts even when the power is off during parking. It automatically activates and records for about 1 minute, locking the file. This mode consumes less power and allows for very long parking monitoring. Recommended for power saving.
• 24-Hour Time-lapse Parking Monitoring (Low Capacity): Records one frame per second and stitches them together for a fast-forward video. After parking, it automatically switches to time-lapse recording, allowing for long-term monitoring with less storage. If an impact is detected during time-lapse parking monitoring, the recorded video file is locked.
• Motion Detection Parking Monitoring: The M550 dashcam's front camera has motion detection. It remains in standby during parking monitoring. When the front camera detects motion, all three cameras simultaneously start recording for several tens of seconds, then return to standby.

Time Zone/Date

Set the time zone to UTC/GMT+9 for Japan. Then, press OK to confirm and set the date/time. Use ▲/▼ to change values, OK to confirm, and M to go back.

WiFi

Turn on WiFi mode in settings (or long-press ▼ on the recording screen). With WiFi mode on, connect your smartphone to the dashcam's WiFi within 3 meters. Remote viewing of videos is not possible beyond 3 meters. The dashcam's WiFi is not a router; it does not provide internet access. You will not receive WiFi signals outside your home like a regular home WiFi network.

Stamp

When Date Stamp, Speed Stamp, GPS Stamp, or AZDOME Log is selected, stamp information will be displayed on recorded videos/photos.

SD Card Settings

• SD Card Format Warning: If this function is enabled, the dashcam will prompt you to format the SD card if too many locked files prevent loop recording.
• SD Card Format: Format the SD card.
• SD Card Information: Check SD card usage. Ensure sufficient free space and format regularly.

Language

Select the desired language.

System Settings

• Fatigue Driving Reminder: Off (default) / 1 hour / 2 hours / 4 hours. The dashcam will sound an alarm after operating for the set duration to alert the driver.
• Speed Unit: KM/H (default) / MPH.
• Key Sound: On (default) / Off. Toggles button press sounds.
• Volume: Adjusts speaker volume.
• Operation Sound: The sound made when operating dashcam buttons.
• Screen Saver:
  • Always On: Screen remains on when dashcam is active.
  • 1 Minute Off: Screen turns off after 1 minute of inactivity.
  • 3 Minutes Off: Screen turns off after 3 minutes of inactivity.
  • Always Off: Screen remains dark, but dashcam continues recording.
• IR Light: Auto (default) / Night Mode / Day Mode. In Auto mode, the interior camera automatically switches to 6 infrared lights in dark conditions. Hidden IR LEDs are invisible to the eye, preventing driving distraction. Even in complete darkness, the interior of the car can be clearly recorded in black and white.
• Default Settings: Resets all settings to factory defaults.
• GPS Information: Displays satellite number, longitude, latitude, and speed information.
• Version Number: Checks firmware information.

Date/Time Setting Method

From the recording screen, press the 'M' button → 'Settings Screen' → 'Time Zone/Date' → select 'UTC/GMT+9:00' for 'Time Zone' → set 'Date/Time'.

Checking Recorded Videos with AZDOME App

Dashcam WiFi Information

The dashcam's WiFi does not have router functionality. When connected to the dashcam's WiFi, it is normal for your phone's WiFi settings to show 'No Internet Connection'. As long as you can open the AZDOME app and view the 'Real-time screen', the dashcam WiFi is connected. When using the AZDOME app, allow AZDOME access to location information. You will need to manually connect each time you use the app.

WiFi Connection Range

The dashcam is not a cloud dashcam; its WiFi connection range is approximately 3 meters. You cannot view videos remotely from more than 3 meters away. To use WiFi functions, you must be within 3 meters of the dashcam. It does not receive WiFi signals outside your home like a home WiFi network.

If Dashcam WiFi Cannot Connect

Your smartphone's mobile data communication may affect the AZDOME app's 'Real-time screen'. If you cannot access the 'Real-time screen' in the AZDOME app, turn off your smartphone's mobile data communication. Also, ensure you allow AZDOME access to location information.

AZDOME App WiFi Connection Method

(App screenshots are for reference and may change without notice for improvements.)

1. Search for 'AZDOME' in your smartphone's App Store/Google Play and download the app. When installing, allow AZDOME access to location information.
2. Turn on WiFi mode: Turn on WiFi in the dashcam settings (or long-press ▼ for 2 seconds on the recording screen).
3. Bring the dashcam within 3 meters of your phone. Go to your phone's 'Settings' → 'Wi-Fi' and connect to the M550's WiFi. The WiFi name is 'M550-************' and the password is '12345678'. The asterisks are random characters and numbers. It is normal for 'No Internet Connection' to appear under the WiFi name after connection; do not worry.
4. Open the AZDOME app. The dashcam's WiFi does not have router functionality; it cannot access the internet.
5. When installing/launching the AZDOME app, if location information access is not allowed, a screen like 'Allow AZDOME to access location information?' may appear. Select 'Allow only while using the app'. (This may vary by smartphone or not appear at all).
6. Once the M550 WiFi name is displayed, it means WiFi is connected. Tap 'Real-time screen' to view the dashcam's recording screen. If you cannot tap 'Real-time screen', refer to 'Frequently Asked Questions' on page 46.
7. Stop recording (if active) and tap ⚙️ to enter the M550 'Settings screen'. 'Album' is where files recorded on the SD card are stored.
8. Tap 'Album' on the screen. There are three categories: 'Photos', 'Videos', and 'Emergency Files'. These are files recorded on the SD card. Tap a file to play/download/delete it.
9. To download, select the desired file(s) and tap 'Download'. Downloaded files are also saved to your phone's gallery in 'Local Album'. If you want to share with others, go back to your phone's gallery and share the downloaded files.

Checking Recorded Videos on Dashcam

From the recording screen, press the 'M' button to enter the dashcam's 'Settings screen'. Tap 'Playback' to enter playback mode.

• Normal Videos: Files recorded during continuous loop recording; can be overwritten.
• Locked Videos: Files locked when the vehicle experiences an impact; cannot be overwritten.
• Photos: Photos taken by long-pressing the 'M' button for 2 seconds during recording.

Press the 'OK' button to play a file. Press the 'M' button to go back one level.

Checking Recorded Videos on PC & GPS Tracking with AZDOME GPS Player

Viewing Recorded Videos on PC with a Card Reader

1. Remove the Micro SD card from the main unit. Insert it into a card reader (not included) and connect it to your PC to view recorded files.
2. Open the SD card driver on your PC. Double-click to open the 'M550' folder, which contains three subfolders: 'Movie', 'EMR', and 'Photo'.
   • Movie: Loop recorded video files.
   • EMR: Impact-protected (locked) video files; cannot be overwritten without SD card formatting.
   • Photo: Still image files (will not be displayed if no photos were taken).

Double-click a video file to play it.

File Naming Convention: *********A = Front camera recorded file, *********B = Interior camera recorded file, *********C = Rear camera recorded file.

Downloading AZDOME GPS Player for PC

1. Visit www.azdome.hk/downloads.html.
2. Navigate to 'AZDOME Player & APP'.
3. Select 'AZDOME GPS Player' (available for Windows 64 Bit, Windows 32 Bit, and Mac).

Installing AZDOME GPS Player on PC

Playing Videos with AZDOME GPS Player

Use your card reader to read the SD card on your PC. Open AZDOME GPS Player, click the folder icon, select the 'Movie/EMR' folder, and click 'Choose' to add all files in the folder to the playback list. This method does not allow selecting individual video files within the Movie/EMR folder. To play a single file, drag and drop it directly from your SD card drive (Movie/EMR folder) onto the AZDOME GPS Player screen.

Firmware Update Method

For detailed instructions, scan the QR code or visit the AZDOME website.

1. Download the firmware file from the AZDOME website: www.azdome.hk/downloads.html → Firmware → M550 Firmware (for Japan).
2. Use your card reader to read the SD card on your PC and format it.
3. Unzip the downloaded firmware (Zip file) and copy the 8 '********.bin' files to the SD card.
4. With the dashcam powered off, insert the SD card into the card slot. Press the power button once to start the firmware update. (The dashcam's LEDs will flash red and green during the update. The screen will be black for several tens of seconds. Do not power off).
5. After the update, the dashcam will automatically power on.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

If a function is not working correctly, please refer to the troubleshooting steps below. If the issue persists, contact AZDOME customer service with your Amazon order number and any relevant videos of the problem. AZDOME welcomes all questions and concerns and will respond promptly.

Customer Support: service@azdome.hk

LINE ID: daidai123jp

Troubleshooting

Power On/Off Repeatedly / Freezing

Follow these steps:

1. Ensure you are using the supplied cigarette lighter power cord. Check if the LED indicator on the cigarette lighter socket is red. If not, reinsert it.
2. Confirm the cigarette lighter socket output is 5V/2.5A and compatible with 12V/24V vehicles. Check your vehicle's battery voltage. (If using a household AC adapter, ensure it provides 5V/2.5A).
3. Troubleshoot by isolating issues with the main unit, rear camera, interior camera, and SD card. First, remove the rear camera and check if the problem resolves. Then, remove the SD card. Finally, remove the interior camera to identify the cause.
4. Recheck interior camera connection: To prevent issues from poor contact, ensure the interior camera's metal connector is fully inserted into the main unit until it is no longer visible. Also, check that the resin part at the base of the interior camera connector is securely inserted into the main unit. Poor contact can cause unexpected restarts, malfunctions, and WiFi disconnections during app use, requiring app restarts.
5. When changing the interior camera's lens direction, avoid applying excessive force to the connector. When inserting or removing the interior camera, ensure proper insertion to prevent poor contact.
6. Ensure the rear camera's connection terminal is fully inserted.
7. Use a thin pin-like object to press the reset button in the reset hole on the main unit and restart.

Dashcam WiFi Cannot Connect

Review the WiFi connection steps. First, do not open the AZDOME app. Connect your smartphone to the dashcam's WiFi via your phone's Wi-Fi settings. Then, open the AZDOME app and check if you can access the 'Real-time screen'.

Important Notes:

• The dashcam's WiFi does not have router functionality. When connected to the dashcam's WiFi, it is normal for your phone's WiFi settings to show 'No Internet Connection'. Do not worry.
• Your smartphone's mobile data communication may affect the AZDOME app's 'Real-time screen'. If you cannot access the 'Real-time screen' in the AZDOME app, turn off your smartphone's mobile data communication. Also, ensure you allow AZDOME access to location information.
• The dashcam is not a cloud dashcam; its WiFi connection range is approximately 3 meters. You cannot view videos remotely from more than 3 meters away. To use WiFi functions, you must be within 3 meters of the dashcam.
• If the app restarts during use, or if components are inserted/removed, the WiFi connection may be cut, and the app may need to be restarted.

SD Card Full / Cannot Record

If the dashcam's 'G-sensor' is set too low, or if the G-sensor sensitivity is set too high, it may detect normal driving vibrations as impacts and lock files, preventing deletion or overwriting. This can lead to the SD card filling up and preventing further recording. In such cases, the SD card must be formatted. First, format the SD card. If formatting does not resolve the issue, replace the SD card. SD cards are consumables and should be formatted/replaced regularly. AZDOME recommends using AZDOME brand SD cards. If using other SD cards, use genuine U3 or higher speed cards from major manufacturers.

SD Card Not Recording / Recording Interruption

This may be due to insufficient SD card speed or an old/worn-out SD card. Use the supplied AZDOME SD card. If using other SD cards, use genuine U3 or higher speed cards from major manufacturers.

Screen is Black

This occurs if 'Always Off' is selected for the screen saver. The dashcam continues recording even with the screen off. To always display the screen, go to 'Settings Screen' → 'System Settings' → 'Screen Saver' → select 'Always On'.

Screen is Unclear / Has Debris

Keep your vehicle's glass and the dashcam's lens clean. If the glass/lens is dirty, image quality will degrade. Clean regularly.

Freezing / Not Working

Remove the SD card, interior camera, and rear camera. Restart the dashcam. Use a thin pin-like object to press the reset button in the reset hole on the main unit and restart.

Dashcam Powers Off Immediately Without Connection / Is the Battery Faulty?

The dashcam uses a supercapacitor, which is safer than a battery. It will shut down immediately when power is disconnected. Always keep it connected to power during use. If you wish to use the parking monitoring function, purchase the separate AZDOME 3-wire hardwire kit (Model: JYX02).