DriveCam DC3 User manual

DRC232-A 2007-08-07 Page 1 DC3 with Pushbutton Installation Instructions
DC3 Video Event Recorder
with Pushbutton Installation Instructions
Installation of the event recorder is not complicated, but care must be taken to ensure successful
operation. Follow these instructions carefully to ensure proper orientation and operation.
1. Check the contents of the installation kit

DRC232-A 2007-08-07 Page 2 DC3 with Pushbutton Installation Instructions
2. Thoroughly clean and dry the glass
CAUTION: This step is critical to prevent the bracket from falling off at a later date.
Step 1 Select a mounting location on the windshield behind the rear view mirror
on the passenger side of the vehicle.
Step 2 Using the alcohol prep pad provided, thoroughly clean the mounting area.
Step 3 Using a clean, dry cloth, thoroughly dry the mounting area.

DRC232-A 2007-08-07 Page 3 DC3 with Pushbutton Installation Instructions
3. Carefully select the mounting location
The event recorder needs to be mounted in a location that provides an unobstructed view of the interior
and exterior (front) of the vehicle.
CAUTION: Do not peel the backing from the adhesive strip until instructed to do so.
Step 1 Loosen the Torx screws so the event recorder can rotate in the bracket.
Step 2 Pull the mirror down to its lowest position.
Most rear view mirrors can be adjusted up or down. Before selecting the mounting location,
adjust the mirror all the way down so that it can never cover the lens after mounting.
Step 3 Position the assembly behind the mirror, about one inch to the right of the post to allow
easy access to the Torx screw and power connection.

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4. Mark the selected mounting location on the glass
Step 1 When you have selected the best mounting location, hold the assembly in place and trace
the outline of the bracket on the windshield with a felt tip marker.
Step 2 Make sure the traced guide marks are level before proceeding.
Step 3 Remove the event recorder from the mounting bracket.
Step 4 Check the fit of the bracket against the windshield.
If the windshield is curved, gently bend the bracket so that it will lie flush against the glass.

DRC232-A 2007-08-07 Page 5 DC3 with Pushbutton Installation Instructions
5. Attach the mounting bracket to the windshield
CAUTION: The adhesive is very sticky.
Once applied to the windshield, it will not easily come off.
Step 1 Make sure the glass is clean and dry and the air temperature is at least 50°F (10°C).
Step 2 Remove the backing from the adhesive side of the bracket.
Step 3 Start by placing only the top edge of the bracket against the windshield,
aligned with the guide marks, and make sure it is level.
Step 4 Press the bracket firmly against the windshield starting at the top
and pressing the sides downward.
Do not apply excessive pressure as it may cause the windshield to break.
Step 5 Make sure there are no large air bubbles under the bracket.
You may need to (carefully) apply additional pressure to the bracket and remove any large air
bubbles. Use a small pin to create an escape path for the air if the problem is persistent.

DRC232-A 2007-08-07 Page 6 DC3 with Pushbutton Installation Instructions
6. Route the RJ45 Interconnect Cable
CAUTION: When installing the interconnect cable in a vehicle with side or curtain airbags, be
certain that neither the cable, nor your installation activities, interferes with any
airbag related mechanisms or otherwise affects airbag deployment.
Step 1 Starting just above the rear view mirror, route the cable under the window trim or
headliner across to the door pillar.
Step 2 Route the cable down the door pillar underneath the vertical door / window trim.
Step 3 Route the cable out from underneath the trim and under the dashboard.
You may need to remove the trim to route the cable. When reinstalling, be careful not to damage
the trim clips or the cable. Keep the cable clear from sharp edges and moving parts.

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7. Wiring Diagram (DC3 with Pushbutton Installation)
The RJ45 Interconnect Cable is 14 feet long with connectors (similar to telephone connectors) at each
end. One end of the cable plugs into the event recorder. It is then routed to a secure location under the
dashboard and plugged into the middle port of the Cable Access Terminal (CAT).
The Power I/O Cable is 2½ feet long. One end of the cable plugs into the right port of the CAT. At
the other end of the cable are five wires which connect to ground, vehicle power (continuous), and vehicle
power (ignition-switched) – this cable’s blue and white wires are not used when installing the Pushbutton.
The Pushbutton Cable is 4½ feet long. One end of the cable plugs into the left port of the CAT. At
the other end of the cable are two wires (blue & white) which connect to the Pushbutton.

DRC232-A 2007-08-07 Page 8 DC3 with Pushbutton Installation Instructions
8. Electrical connections (red, brown, & black wires)
These are the 3 required connections for the event recorder to function. The red wire provides primary
power and must be connected to a continuous power source. The brown wire is an ignition sense. It is
used by the event recorder to perform functions such as activating the IR Illuminator (see page 13) when
the vehicle ignition is switched on. The black wire is ground.
The RED WIRE must be connected to a 12V or 24V fused power source that is ALWAYS ON.
The BROWN WIRE must be connected to a 12V or 24V fused power source that is IGNITION–SWITCHED.
The BLACK WIRE must be connected to negative or to a clean GROUND.
The Power I/O cable’s BLUE & WHITE WIRES are not used when installing the Pushbutton. Cap these
two wires then coil and wrap them securely to the cable.
CAUTION: Check the vehicle manufacturer’s recommendations and guidelines
for proper installation and wiring of aftermarket devices.
Extending Wires: The power and ignition sense connections provide current limiting protection through
the Cable Access Terminal (CAT). However, any wire with power before reaching the CAT is not
protected. If wires need to be extended for any reason, extend the ground wire first. If you must extend
the red or brown wires, keep them as short as possible. If the extended length exceeds 16 inches, place
an inline fuse (1-3 Amp) between the extended wire and the power connection. The gauge of wire used
for any extension must be the same gauge (18 gauge) as the DriveCam power cable wires or larger. If
the extended wire length must exceed 20 feet, contact DriveCam for the recommended wire gauge.

DRC232-A 2007-08-07 Page 9 DC3 with Pushbutton Installation Instructions
9. Mount the event recorder in the bracket
Step 1 Plug the RJ45 Interconnect Cable into the event recorder.
Step 2 Place the event recorder in the bracket.
Step 3 Adjust the event recorder so that it hangs vertically (plumb).
Step 4 Secure the event recorder in the bracket using the 2 Torx screws and Torx wrench.
The Large Plastic Washer on the left side of the bracket is designed to partially cover the RJ45
Interconnect cable so that it cannot be unplugged by the driver. The plastic washers can be easily
removed from the metal bracket after removing the screws. Make sure the larger of the two washers is
on the left (power connection) side of the bracket.
Step 5 Plug the RJ45 Interconnect Cable and the Power I/O
Cable into the Connector Access Terminal (CAT).
The Pushbutton cable will also be plugged into the CAT
in Step 12. To avoid having to extend wires, locate the
CAT within 4½ feet of the Pushbutton mounting location.
Following installation, secure the CAT in a safe location
using a screw or zip-tie through its mounting hole.

DRC232-A 2007-08-07 Page 10 DC3 with Pushbutton Installation Instructions
10. Test the red connection (continuous power)
Once power and ground connections are made, the LED status light to the right of the interior-facing lens
should be on (either a green or red light) when the vehicle’s engine is off and the key is removed from the
ignition.
Step 1 If the right LED is on, the event recorder is connected properly.
Step 2 If the right LED is not on, recheck the wiring connections and/or fuses.
* * * The right LED should remain on when the key is in any position * * *
The LED on the left of the lens will light (solid green) for about 30 seconds after power is first applied. If
the left LED does not turn off or if it begins flashing (either red or green), please call DriveCam Technical
Support for instructions.
NOTE: See pages 14 & 15 for detailed descriptions of the LED behavior (light patterns).

DRC232-A 2007-08-07 Page 11 DC3 with Pushbutton Installation Instructions
11. Test the brown connection (switched power)
Underneath the translucent cover surrounding the interior-facing lens are six small, infrared lights. These
lights can only be seen when they are lit, and they are only lit when power is being provided through the
brown wire (i.e. when the key is in the ignition (A) position).
NOTE: This is the event recorder’s IR Illuminator feature (see page 13 for information).
Step 1 Turn the key to the Ignition / Switched-On position.
Step 2 Look closely for the six red LEDs underneath the translucent cover.
Step 3 Turn the key to the OFF position. The six red LEDs should go out.
* * * The six red lights must go out when the key is in the OFF position * * *
* * * The single (red or green) LED to the right of the lens will always remain lit * * *
If the test worked as described, the brown wire has been connected properly. Continue to the next
section to install the Pushbutton.
If the test did not work as described, repeat the test in a darker area. The lights are difficult to see in
bright light. If still not lit, check with the key in a different position and then recheck the wiring.

DRC232-A 2007-08-07 Page 12 DC3 with Pushbutton Installation Instructions
12. Installing the Pushbutton
The Pushbutton is an optional device that enables the driver to trigger the event recorder by pressing a
button. It is used as an alternative to the standard DriveCam Button (located on the bottom of the event
recorder) when the event recorder is not located within the driver’s reach or to provide the option of
triggering the event recorder discretely.
Step 1 Find a suitable mounting location for the Pushbutton.
The button is designed to be mounted within a fixed panel. It should be a location where the
driver will not have to reach to activate the button. Nor should it be placed were the driver may
accidentally activate the button.
Step 2 Using the proper bit size (about 1 inch), drill a hole into the panel.
The button mounting hole diameter must be between 15/16 – 17/16” (24 – 27 mm) and the panel
thickness between 1/32 – 1/8” (1 – 3 mm), which is about the thickness of a nickel. It can be
installed in a thicker panel but it will not snap into place.
Step 3 Push the two connectors of the Pushbutton cable securely onto the tabs of the Pushbutton.
It does not matter which connector is connected to which tab.
Step 4 Route the other end of the Pushbutton cable down through the mounting hole and across
to the Cable Access Terminal (CAT).
The Pushbutton cable is 4½ feet long. If you need to extend this length, extend the blue and
white wires using 18 gauge wire and tab connectors. Refer to page 8 for recommendations.
Step 5 Plug the Pushbutton cable into the left port of the CAT (see page 7).
Step 6 Verify correct operation by pressing and releasing the Pushbutton to trigger a recording.
The right status light on the event recorder should begin to flash red and green for several
seconds following activation of the Pushbutton. If not, recheck the wiring. Contact DriveCam
Technical Support for additional assistance.
Step 7 Following verification, press the Pushbutton firmly into its mounting hole.
Installation is complete.

DRC232-A 2007-08-07 Page 13 DC3 with Pushbutton Installation Instructions
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the event recorder work?
The DriveCam Event Recorder is mounted on the windshield behind the rearview mirror and captures sights and sounds inside and outside the vehicle.
The forward facing lens (outside view) captures the viewing area in the front of the vehicle. The inside lens captures what is happening inside the
vehicle plus whatever is visible through the side and rear windows. All audio that can be heard within the vehicle is also recorded. The device is
constantly recording in a digital loop. When triggered, it immediately saves the seconds before the trigger and continues to record and save the
seconds following the trigger. Event recordings are triggered by unusual motion, such as hard braking, swerving, or collision. They can also be
triggered manually by pressing the button on the event recorder.
Why are there two different power connections?
There are two different mechanisms at work in the event recorder, each is described in detail below. The first is the event recorder itself, capturing
audio and video when triggered. This should always be on to capture events even when the vehicle is parked and switched off. The second is the
event recorder’s IR Illuminator feature, which lights the interior of the vehicle with infrared light to enhance recordings in low light situations. This draws
additional power and should not be connected (brown wire) to a continuous power source.
The red wire connects to a power source that is always on, even when the key is off. The brown wire connects to a power source that is only on when
the key is in the ignition position (and when the vehicle is running), but not when the key is off.
Why must the event recorder be connected to a continuous power source?
The event recorder is designed to remain on 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. This allows the device to record events even when the vehicle is parked
(hit and run accidents, vandalism, theft, etc.) and when the vehicle loses ignition-switched power for any reason. Unlike the event recorder’s built-in IR
Illuminator (which must be connected to an ignition-switched power source), the event recorder itself draws minimal power from the vehicle and is less
likely to drain the battery.
What is the event recorder’s IR Illuminator feature?
The Infrared (IR) Illuminator lights the interior of the vehicle with infrared light (invisible to the eye). This enables the event recorder to record clearly lit
images in low light situations. The Illuminator draws additional power from the vehicle, which is why it is only switched on when the key is turned to the
ignition position and when the vehicle is running. The brown wire on the power cable provides this switch, sensing when to turn the Illuminator on and
off. Infrared light from the Illuminator shines out through the thin translucent cover surrounding the interior-facing lens. By looking closely through this
translucent cover, you can see the six red lights (dimly lit LEDs) underneath that indicate when the Illuminator is switched on.
How do I remove or reinstall the mounting bracket?
The mounting bracket is not easy to remove once it has been stuck to the window so that tampering is minimized. Do not try to pull or pry the bracket
off – it will destroy the bracket and may break the window. Use a thin putty knife and lubricant to cut through the adhesive. First, remove the event
recorder from the bracket. Then apply a small amount of lubricant to the putty knife and slide the blade between the bracket and the window. Gently
rock the blade back and forth while pushing forward until the bracket is completely removed. You will then need a new mounting bracket from
DriveCam.
Who do I contact for more information or technical assistance?
We are here to help. DriveCam Technical Support is available 24 hours / 7 days at [phone]. For
international assistance please call [phone].

Boot error (fast blink) or event recorder is in limited mode (slow blink).
Contact DriveCam Technical Support.
Both LEDs blinking
red together
Both LEDs blinking
red together
No event files are stored in memory.
The event recorder is ready to record an event.
Solid greenAny state
The event recorder is powering up (booting).
The warning light should go off within 30 seconds. If not, cycle power.
OffSolid green
Power to the event recorder is off or less than 9V. Supply power to the
event recorder. Check vehicle battery and wiring to restore voltage.
OffOff
Unsuccessful wireless connection.
2 blinks = No WAP found or failed to connect with WAP (WiFi)
Failed to make cell-modem data connection (Cellular)
3 blinks = Connected to WAP but no DHCP address (WiFi only)
4 blinks = Received DHCP but no TCP connection with HindSight (WiFi)
Data connection but no TCP connection with HindSight (Cellular)
5 blinks = HindSight protocol error (WiFi & Cellular)
Any stateBlinking green then off
Event files are stored in memory and ready to download.
The event recorder is ready to record an event.
Solid redAny state
An event was triggered and is being recorded.
Alternating green & redAny state (off is typical)
Data transfer is in progress. Event files are being downloaded. The rate of
flashing indicates the speed of the connection.
Blinking redAny state (off is typical)
Internal error.
Contact DriveCam Technical Support.
Both LEDs blinking
red alternating
Both LEDs blinking
red alternating
Backup battery failure.
Contact DriveCam Technical Support.
Any stateSolid red
Nonvolatile memory failure.
Contact DriveCam Technical Support.
Off
Blinking red
then off repeatedly
Memory failure.
Contact DriveCam Technical Support.
OffBlinking red continuously
Alternating green & redAlternating green & red Firmware upgrade is in progress. The event recorder is operating normally
but is not available to record an event.
Normal OperationWarnings & Errors
DriveCam Technical Support is available 24 hours / 7 days at [phone].
Warning (Left LED) Status (Right LED) Description
Copyright 2007 DriveCam, Inc. All rights reserved.c
DRC 971-A May 2007 Commercial Wi-Fi & Cellular
DC3 Video Event Recorder LED Behavior
for Wi-Fi & Cellular DC3 models

DriveCam Technical Support is available 24 hours / 7 days at [phone].Copyright 2007 DriveCam Inc. All rights reserved.c
DC3 Video Event Recorder Specifications
4.6 in. (11.7 cm)2.1 in. (5.3 cm)
DRC 974-A August 2007
4.3 in. (10.9 cm)
2 11/16 in. (6.8 cm)
5 1/4 in. (13.3 cm)
4 11/16 in. (11.9 cm)
1 7/16 in. (3.7 cm)
1 1/16 in. (2.7 cm)
2 3/8 in. (6.8 cm)
Short Arm
Long Arm
Centerline of Torx Screw
This end up on windshield
Standard Windshield Mounting Bracket
Download Times (operating environment will affect performance)
Download a 20 second event via USB:
Download a 20 second event via Wi-Fi:
Download a 20 second event via Cellular:
5 seconds
10 seconds
2 minutes
Physical Security
Security screws used to seal unit:
Block to prevent power disconnection:
Memory format:
Mounting bracket:
Full coverage
Yes
Disk on chip (non-removable)
Non-removable
Environmental
Dimensions (excludes mounting bracket):
Operating temperature:
Weight:
4.6 x 4.3 x 2.1 in. (W/H/D)
11.7 x 10.9 x 5.3 cm (W/H/D)
-40 to 185 F (-40 to 85 C)
8.3 oz. (236 g)
Event Characteristics
Typical 20 second event file size:
Average:
Minimum:
Maximum:
Standard resolution:
Ability to capture multiple triggers:
Advanced triggering algorithms:
2MB
0.5 - 1MB
3 - 4MB
640 x 368 (235,520 pixels)
Yes (up to 60 seconds record time)
Yes (reduces false positives)
Advanced Functionality (may require additional peripherals)
Speed, heading and location through GPS:
Speed and vehicle idling through OBD:
Driver identification support through RFID card:
Safety Enhancement Module (SEM) support:
Infrared illuminator for low light conditions:
Input/output connectors for additional functionality:
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes (integrated)
Yes
Yes
Connectivity
Wireless (two models available):
USB (both models):
Cellular (CDMA) or Wi-Fi (802.11b)
USB 2.0 (USB Mini A or Mini B plug)
Power
Standard input voltage:
Power input connector to event recorder:
12V or 24V (9V min. to 30V max.)
RJ45 (short body)
General
Memory available for event and data storage:
Horizontal field of view:
Articulating interior lens:
Accelerometers:
Manual trigger:
96MB
92 (internal) / 75 (external)
+/- 13.5 (horizontal or vertical)
3 axis (forward, lateral & vertical)
Yes