AMPULLA SENTRY User manual

Table of Contents
1. Introduction ................................................... 1
1.1 SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ................................. 2
2. Sentry HD Dash Cam Features ......................... 4
3. What’s in The Standard Box ............................ 6
4. Product Overview ........................................... 7
5. Controls and Connection ................................. 8
6. Installation ..................................................... 9
6.1 Front Camera Quick Setup ............................ 9
6.2 Rear Camera Setup (Optional) .................... 11
7. Screen Configuration .................................... 13
7.1 Sentry Only (Novatek chip) ....................... 13
7.2 Sentry with Rear Camera (JL chip) .............. 15
8. Basic Operation ............................................ 17
8.1 Powering ON/OFF the Device ..................... 17
8.2 The Micro SD Memory Card ........................ 17
8.3 Charging the Device .................................... 17
8.4 Navigating Menus ....................................... 18
8.5 Record Setup .............................................. 18
8.6 System Setup .............................................. 21
8.7 Playback, Delete Files ................................. 23
9. Specifications ............................................... 25
10. FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) ................ 26
11. Warranty & Support ...................................... 31

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1. Introduction
Thank you for choosing Ampulla. You’ve made a smart
choice by purchasing a Sentry HD Dash Cam. It provides
peace of mind by continuously recording the road ahead
of you in beautiful 1080P Full HD video. With cutting edge
features, phenomenal video quality, and an
industry-leading focus on user experience, Sentry HD
Dash Cams are the best solution to Record Your Ride.
This user manual contains information on how to
operate your Ampulla Sentry dash properly. Before
using the product, please read through this manual
carefully. Please also keep the manual properly for
future reference.
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1.1 SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
To maintain user safety and avoid damage to property,
please read through this manual so as to use the product
in the correct way. Please follow the directions bellow:
- Do not disassemble, repair, or modify the product
yourself.
- If any foreign matter gets inside the product, detach the
power cord straightaway. Contact the seller’s customer
support for repair replacement.
- Do not operate the product while driving. Stop or park
your car in a safe place to operate it.
- Do not install the product where it can interfere with the
driver’s vision.
- Do not use a damaged or modified car charger. Use the
car charger provided by the manufacturer.
- Do not use a damaged or modified car power cord. Use
the cords provided by the manufacturer.
- Do not operate the product with wet hands.
- Do not install it in an environment with high humidity, or
combustible gases or liquids.
- Do not expose it in the hot sun for a long time. The
product has overheat protection, when it is too hot, it will
stop working. Restart it when it cools down.

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- Use a genuine micro SD card of class 10 and above 8
GB. It supports a micro SD card of capacity up to 32 GB.
- Format the card before using. Do not remove the micro
SD card while it is saving or reading data.
- Do not leave the product where infants, children, or
pets can reach it.
- While cleaning the inside of the car, do not spray water
or wax directly onto the product.
- If smoke or an unusual smell is emitted from the power
cord, detach it immediately. Contact the seller’s customer
support for repair or replacement.
- Keep the terminal of the power cord clean.
- Use the correct input voltage.
- Connect the power cord firmly so that it cannot easily
be disconnected.
- Do not cover the product with any material.
- Clean the lens regularly.
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2. Sentry HD Dash Cam Features
1080P Full HD - All Sentry HD Dash Cams record the
road ahead in 1080P Full HD featuring excellent image
quality, night vision performance, and advanced dynamic
range
3.0” LCD Screen - Large LCD Display with video
playback directly on the device.
170° Viewing Angle - Ultra wide-angle view gives you a
full view of the road while at the same time minimizing
edge distortion.
Continuous Loop Recording - Footage is stored in 2, 3,
or 5 minute clips. When the memory card gets filled up,
the camera automatically deletes the oldest video
segments to make room for new ones.
Emergency Lock - Automatic or Manual - If you don’t
want a clip to be overwritten, simply click the Emergency
Lock button and the current clip will be protected. Clips
are automatically protected if an impact is detected.
G-Sensor - 3-axis accelerometer senses sudden
accelerations, stops, and collisions and automatically
protects footage surrounding the incident.

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Parking Mode - While in Parking Mode, Sentry HD
cameras will only record video when motion is detected.
This feature is helpful for vehicles that have an always-on
accessory port or units that are hardwired to power.
Wide Dynamic Range - Optimized to automatically
maximize video clarity in daylight or nighttime conditions
Simple Installation - Mount the unit on the windshield,
apply power, and leave it there. Sentry HD cameras will
automatically start recording without the need for complex
configuration.
Built-in Microphone & Speaker - Records and plays
audio along with video. The microphone can easily be
toggled off if you prefer not to record audio.
Auto-Record and Auto-Power Off - As soon as power is
applied, the dash cam turns on and starts recording.
When power is removed the dash cam will continue
recording for 5 seconds and then automatically shut
down.
Built-in Lithium Ion Battery - Continues recording for up
to 1-2 clips if power connection is cut off.
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3. What’s in the Standard Box
Sentry Dash Cam Suction Windshield Mount
USB cable Dash Cam Adaptor for Car
User Manual
Rear Camera with Cable &
Adhesive Sticker (optional)

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4. Product Overview
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5. Controls and Connection
No.
Name
Description
1 OK
Con
firms the setup; Start/Stop
recording or playing video.
2 Mode switch
Switch between video mode,
photo mode & playback mode.
3 Emergency
Lock
Man
ually lock the current video
when emergency or
encountering beautiful shot
4 Power Power ON/OFF
5 SD Card Port
Location for the memory card
6 Up
Upward selection, view mode
switch (with rear camera only)
7 MENU
Enter/exit setup menu/delete
the video clip (Playback Mode)
8 Down
Downward selection; MIC
ON/OFF while recording
9 Mini USB Port
USB port for
charging or data
transferring
10
HDMI/AV
Port
Location for rear camera
connection or HDMI cable.
11 Reset Press to reset the device
12 Microphone Records audio along with video

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6. Installation
6.1 Front Camera Quick Setup
Insert Memory Card
Insert the class 10 Micro SD card in the correct direction
as shown following. Make sure you are facing the camera
screen and the side of memory card with metal, and push
the card until you hear a click sound.
Power
Plug one end of the supplied 12V Vehicle Power Adapter
into your vehicle’s cigarette lighter, and the other end into
the Mini USB port. The unit will automatically turn on and
start recording. To manually turn on the device, PRESS
AND HOLD the POWER button until the display activates.
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Mount
To install the Suction Cup
Windshield Mount, peel the
plastic film off of the suction
cup if there is one. Unlock the
buckle on the side of the
locking lever before apply it on
glass. Press the suction cup
FIRMLY onto the windshield.
Flip the locking lever to secure
the suction cup in place. The suction cup can be moved
freely by disengaging and re-engaging the locking lever.
Tighten the thumbwheel nut against the Suction Cup
Mount once it is correctly positioned.
Drive!
Sentry HD Dash Cams are designed to be set and
merged with environment. After initial setup, the unit will
turn on and start recording as soon as power is applied.

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6.2 Rear Camera Setup (Optional)
Mount & Wires Routing
The installation location is actually quite flexible. However,
there are some highly recommended locations with
different angles of visions.
A1: Traditional rear camera location, limited vision (upper)
and professional assistance required
A2: Flat mount Location, limited vision (lower) and very
easy to install,
A3: The best location of vision from height, very easy to
install (Highly Recommend)
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Organize and tuck cables to make sure that the driver’s
view is not obstructed. In most vehicles the power cable
can be tucked into the headliner and cleanly hide the AV
cable along the top wall all the way to the rear of the
vehicle (A2&A3). The cable may be hidden under the
vehicle, but professional installation is recommended for
this route (A1). Once the location is selected, you can use
the sticker (included) or screws (not included) to fix the
rear camera.
Power
Plug the Cable into the AV
Port on the Front Cam, the
power will be connected. The
Sentry dash cam utilizes an
AV port and Rear Cam
Extender AV Cable to offer
maximum flexibility and clean
installation. You can always
press UP button to switch the view mode of front and rear
camera.

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7. Screen Configuration
7.1 Sentry Only (Novatek chip)
No.
Name
Description
1 Mode
Indicator
Video Mode,
Photo Mode,
Playback Mode
2
Recording
Indicator
T
his icon indicates the camera
is currently recording.
3 G-Sensor
This icon indicates the
G
-
sensor
has been turned on.
4
Video
Lock
Indicator
This icon indicates
the current
video is locked.
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5
Night
Vision
Indicator
This icon indicates the camera
has entered night mode.
6 Video Time Current video time
7 Resolution Current video resolution
8
Parking
Monitoring
This icon indicates the Motion
Detection has been turned on.
9
SD card
inserted
This
icon indicates the Micro SD
card has been inserted.
10
Battery
Indicator
It shows the
status
of the
battery. Flashing icon is normal.
11 Date & Time
The date watermark will be on
the video.
12
Charging
Indicator
Red light
while
charging
. No
light while the battery is full.
13
Record
Indicator
Light on while
working
.
Flash
while recording
14
Loop Record
Indicator
The number is the length of
each video chip (in minutes)
15 Exposure
The number is the
e
xposure
Level.
16 WDR WDR is on while icon shows up.
17 Microphone
It
indicates the
Microphone
has
been turned on.

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7.2 Sentry with Rear Camera (JL chip)
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No.
Name
Description
1 Mode
Indicator
Video Mode,
Photo Mode,
Playback Mode
2
Motion
Detection
This icon indicates the Motion
Detection has been turned on.
3
Parking
Monitoring
This icon indicates the Motion
Detection has been turned on.
4
Emergency
Lock
This icon indicates if the
current video is locked or not.
5
SD card
inserted
This icon indicates the Micro SD
card has been inserted.
6 Microphone
This icon indicates the
Microphone has been turned
on.
7
Battery
Indicator
It shows the
status
of the
battery.
8 Current Time
Time in HH/MM format.
9 Date & Time
The date watermark will be on
the video.
10
Charging
Indicator
Red light
while
charging
. No
light while the battery is full.
11
Record
Indicator
Light on while working. Flash
while recording.

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8. Basic Operation
8.1 Powering ON/OFF the Device
The device will power ON/OFF automatically with the car
when engine starts/stops, and it can also be turned on by
PRESSING AND HOLDING the On/Off button until the
splash screen is displayed.
8.2 The Micro SD Memory Card
The device needs to operate with a Class10 micro SD
memory card. Make sure the card is placed into the slot in
the right position and press it further into the slot until it
completely locked in the place. To remove the SD card,
press firmly on the SD card further into the slot. There will
be a click and the SD card will pop out on release.
8.3 Charging the Device
You can charge the device with the included car charger
or with the most of USB ports.
The built-in battery is only intended to maintain device’s
operation after power been accidently cut off due to an
accident or crash. Note that, this battery is not for
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long-term recording.
8.4 Navigating Menus
Press MENU to enter settings, press ‘UP’ or ‘DOWN’
buttons to find the setting you want to select or change
and then press OK button to select or confirm your
changes. Pressing MENU at any time will exit the menu
without saving changes.
8.5 Record Setup
8.5.1 Setting Video Resolution
The default setting is 1920x1080P/30fps (fps: Frames per
second). Choose the resolution of video recording:
1920x1080P/30fps (FHD), 1920x1080P/30fps (HD).
8.5.2 Setting Loop Recording
You can choose the setting to 1mins, 2 mins, 3 mins or 5
mins. The default setting is usually 3 mins, which means
every video clip will be last for 3 minutes.
Once the memory card is full, the camera will
continuously overwrite the oldest video clip recorded. To
protect a clip so that it will not be overwritten, press the
Emergency Lock button. And the emergency record

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icon “Lock” will be shown on the screen.
8.5.3 G-Sensor
The default setting is Medium sensitivity. You can also
adjust it into High, Medium, Low or OFF in the menu
settings. It can detect any significant shaking forces on
the whole car body, no matter they are from front side or
back side. If any shaking or collision occurs while
recording, the camera will automatically lock up the
current video clip. And an icon will appear on the top of
the screen (Position 4 in Page 13 &15)
8.5.4 Motion Detection (Move Detect)
The default setting is OFF. The Parking Mode can be
triggered by motion detector, which is used to detect the
movement in front of the camera. While it detects no
movement in front, the camera will stop recording.
Note: The motion detection only works when the camera
is powered on (Auto OFF still considered as ON).
8.5.5 Parking Monitor
The "Parking Monitor" can be turned in settings to record
any significant motion or vehicle movement when your car
is turned off. The packing monitor has to work with
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G-sensor and/or motion detection. Any significant shaking
force on car body or movement in the sight of the front
camera will trigger parking monitor and start recording.
The built-in battery can support and capture 4-6 video
clips for emergency. If you want to support long time work,
you’d better use an external continuous power supply.
8.5.6 WDR (White Balance)
The default setting is ON. Wide Dynamic Range provides
clear images and greater scene details from shadows to
highlights than normal, even under backlighting, where
the intensity of illumination varies a lot.
8.5.7 Exposure Level
The default setting is 0. The brightness and contrast can
be adjusted by changing the exposure from +3 to -3.
8.5.8 Emergency Recording
An Emergency Recording is triggered when the
Emergency Record Button (facing the screen, the third
top on the right side) is pressed or when the G-Sensor
registers an impact. Emergency Recordings create locked
files that are not overwritten by Continuous Loop
Recording. Files can also be locked from the playback

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menu in Video Playback Mode.
8.6 System Setup
8.6.1 Language
The default setting is English. If the system is not in your
language, please find the icon or in settings to
change the language. There are also other language
available, including French, Italian, German, Spanish,
Korean, Chinese (Traditional), Simplified Chinese
(Simplified), Russian, Japanese and etc.
8.6.2 Time & Date
If you want to change the system time and date, please
go and find the option named “Date” or “Date/Time” in
settings.
For Sentry Only (Novatek chip)
1. Press MENU button twice to enter the second page
of settings;
2. Select “Date/Time” and press OK button to enter;
3. Press UP or DOWN to change the date and time, and
press OK to move to next time unit;
4. Press MENU button to save and exit.
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For Sentry with Rear Camera (JL chip)
1. Press MENU button to enter the settings page;
2. Select “Date” and press OK button to enter;
3. Press UP or DOWN to change the date and time, and
press MODE SWITCH button (under OK) move to
next time unit;
4. Press OK button (Not MENU) to save and exit.
8.6.3 Time Watermark (Date Stamp)
The default setting is NO stamp or watermark. If you want
to stamp on the video, please go to the option named
“Time watermark” or “Date stamp” in settings and turn it.
8.6.4 Screen Saver
The default setting is OFF.
For Sentry Only (Novatek chip)
You can enter “Screen Saver” in the second page of
settings to change it to 3 mins, 5 mins, 10 mins or OFF.
For Sentry with Rear Camera (JL chip)
You can go to settings and enter “Screen Timeout” to
change it to 10s, 20s, 30s or OFF.

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8.6.5 Formatting
Formatting the Micro SD card will delete all data in it,
which is a routine way to empty a full memory card.
However, we still strongly recommend you format the
memory card in your computer for a stable and clean
dash cam system.
8.7 Playback, Delete Files
8.7.1 Video/Image Playback
Choose a video/image and press OK button to
playback and view on the dash cam.
For Sentry Only (Novatek chip)
OK – Play/Pause the video;
UP – Previous clip, Rewind (while video playing);
DOWN – Next clip, fast forward (while video playing);
MODE SWITCH – Switch back to record mode.
For Sentry with Rear Camera (JL chip)
OK – Play/Pause the video;
UP – Previous clip, Rewind (while video playing);
DOWN – Next clip, fast forward (while video playing);
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MODE SWITCH – Go back to clip selection (while
video playing), Switch back to record mode.
8.7.2 Delete a file
Choose an unlocked video/image and press MENU
button to delete it.
8.7.3 Reset to Default Setting
“Default setting” or “Factory Reset” option can reset the
Sentry to factory default settings. However, we still
strongly recommend you reset the dash cam by pressing
the RESET button at bottom for a stable and clean dash
cam system.
8.7.4 Firmware Information
Displays the device firmware version.

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9. Specifications
Sentry Front Camera
Display
3 inch TFT LCD
Lens
170 degree wide viewing angle and
full 4 layer glass lens with wide
aperture of F2.0
Languages
English,
Chinese
(
Traditional
)
,
Simplified Chinese(Simplified),
Russian, Japanese, French, Italian,
German, Spanish, Korean
Video
H.264 compressed
AVI
format;
1920x1080P/30fps, 1280x720/30fps,
Image
JPEG
Audio
Microphone and speaker equipped
USB Port
USB 2.0, mini
Memorizer
Support 32GB max, Class 10 Micro SD
Shutter
Electronic shutter
PC System
Support Windows XP/Vista/7/
10 ,
Mac
Rear Camera (optional)
Lens
160 degree wide viewing angle and
multi-layer glass lens
Video H.264 compressed AVI format;
720x480P/30fps,
Sealing
property
IP67 level waterproof, dustproof &
snow proof.
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10. FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
10.1 For ALL Sentry Dash Cam
Q: What is the purpose of the tiny blue tag on the
screen?
A: The blue tag is actually the puller of removing the
screen protector from manufacturer.
Q: Does "loop recording" overwrite the last loop, or
does it just break it into segments?
A: The loop recording feature will overwrite the earliest
unlocked footage, but not break it into segments.
Q: How do I set up loop recording or normal
recording till card is not full? What are the benefits
or disadvantage of keeping motion detection on?
A: You can go to the settings page to activate the loop
recording function anytime. However, the default
setting is "ON" for loop recording function. Motion
detection will automatically pause recording while the
view is at rest (e.g. stopping at red light), so it can save
some memory card space by this function. However,
the disadvantage will be that the video may be cut into
many short ones, which may not be so convenient to
find the specific footage you want.

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Q: The dash cam shows "card is full" and no more
recording.
A: I believe you have turned on the "G-sensor" function.
The G-sensor will detect concussion and lock the
corresponding video clip. A heavy door shut or driving
on a bumpy road may active the G-sensor, so the loop
recording function will not overwrite this locked footage.
Time by time, the memory card will get full even with
loop recording turned on. If you want to avoid this
situation, you can change the sensitivity level of
G-sensor in the settings or just turn off the "G-sensor"
Q: How do you make the camera record when the car
turns on and not stop until the car turns off? It
seems to go into standby if it doesn't sense
motion.
A: You just need to turn off the motion detection feature to
keep the dash camera recording when the car turns
on.
Q: What is max capacity of micro SD card that the
camera will accept?
A: The Sentry dash camera actually supports SD card up
to 32GB, but not 64GB. In order to ensure a stable
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high speed transmission of 1080P, a class 10 high
speed SD card is required and maximum card capacity
is up to 32GB. The larger card size will significantly
reduce the transmission speed and stability for the
dash cam, which is similar to computer hard disk.
Q: How can I save/lock a video manually?
A: You the press the Emergency Lock button (facing
the screen, the third top on your right) to manually lock
the current video any time you want.
Q: It makes a rattling noise when operating, is this
item is defected?
A: Firstly we strongly recommend you stop using this SD
card in a computer until it is re-formatted. This issue is
usually caused by a failure of formatting the SD card.
To format the SD card will resolve this issue.
Q: The SD card was deleted in Mac OS X system, but
the dash cam still shows card full. Why is that?
A: When you use a MAC, you have to "empty the trash"
after you format the SD card. If you are using Disk
Utility to format the SD card in Mac as FAT32, please
use Master Boot Record instead of GUID Partition
Map.

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10.2 For Sentry with Rear Camera
Q: Does this product require a professional
installation or can I install it myself?
A: A professional installation is recommended but not
necessary, and it is actually not a very complicated
work. You can refer to Session 7.2 for more details.
Q: How is the rear camera connected to the main, and
does the main record both front and back
simultaneously?
A: There is a built-in AV cable with the rear camera, which
is the connection cable to the main dash camera. And
yes, both of front and rear cameras can record
simultaneously, and their corresponding footages will
be stored separately in two individual folders in the SD
card.
Q: Is the cord long enough for the Sentry with the rear
camera? How would you connect rear camera on
the inside?
A: The connection cord to the rear camera is
approximately 18ft long, which will fit the most of the
vehicles. There is a built-in AV cable with the rear cam.
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Just plug in the cable in the front cam, and it will work
together.
Q: How do you switch to the rear camera?
A: In the default setting, the images from both the front
and rear cameras will be displayed on the screen. And
you always can click the UP button to switch the view
mode.

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11. Warranty & Support
Warranty
The Ampulla Sentry Dash Cam comes with 12 months
warranty.
Support
Ampulla official site is www.ampulla-store.com. If you
have any question on your product, please do not hesitate
to contact us Via Amazon or drop us an email at
[email protected]. Any contact will be
answered within 24 hours.
Happy?
If you are satisfied with your product, we encourage you
to spread your words to the world through any social
media, blog, community online, and Amazon product
review.
Any thoughts?
Got any thoughts on the product? We are always working
at our best to deliver better products & customer service.
If you have any thoughts on improving the product or
service, please feel free to share with us (via Amazon
message or [e-mail]). We are very
excited to hear and got inspired from you!
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