DriveCam Event Recorder User manual

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DRC201 2006-09-27 Page 1 Installing and Testing the DriveCam Event Recorder
DriveCam Event Recorder
Installation and Testing Instructions
Installation of the event recorder is not complicated, but care must be taken to avoid specific problems.
Some vehicles require additional consideration to determine the optimum position for your particular
needs. In all cases, selecting and testing the mounting location on a single installation is imperative to
prevent replicating an error across 10’s or 100’s of vehicles. Follow the instructions carefully and review
the test events to ensure proper orientation and operation of the components.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN
NOTE: HindSight software must be installed before you can perform the test procedure.
CAUTION: Do not cut the DriveCam power cord. It has an inline fuse near the end.
VEHICLE CONSIDERATIONS
Before you get started, consider the following points regarding your vehicle type. These will help you
identify the best mounting location for the Event Recorder and may save you the trouble of having to
remove and remount the unit.
The event recorder needs to be mounted in a location that provides an unobstructed view of the interior
and exterior (front) of the vehicle. The rear-facing camera should capture an internal view from the
outside shoulder of the driver to the outside shoulder of a front seat passenger. The forward-facing
camera should capture a broad view of everything in front of the vehicle, beginning as close to the front of
the vehicle without cutting off the horizon.
Sedans, Pickups, and Light-Duty Trucks
Smaller vehicles such as these typically have a traditional rear view mirror. The event recorder should be
mounted so that it is visible just below the rear view mirror when the mirror is adjusted to its lowest
position (see figure on the following page). Keep in mind that the mirror typically pivots on two points,
one on the glass and one on the back of the mirror.

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DRC201 2006-09-27 Page 2 Installing and Testing the DriveCam Event Recorder
Buses and Large Trucks
Larger vehicles often have non-standard windshields and mirrors. In these cases, the event recorder is
usually mounted as low on the windshield as possible but just above a horizontal line drawn from the top
of the head of the tallest drivers when seated behind the wheel. A common mistake is to mount units too
high on the windshield, which keeps the driver out of view, causes a loss of vision in the front of the
vehicle, and pushes the DriveCam’s accelerometers farther away from the vehicle’s center of mass.
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful
interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception,
which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try and correct
the interference by one or more of the following measures:
•Reorient or locate the receiving antenna.
•Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
•Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
•Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
INSTALLATION PROCEDURES
We recommend that you carefully plan and test the installation before making final connections in the
vehicle. Read the instructions carefully to ensure proper function of the event recorder.
NOTE: The following installation procedures apply directly to most sedans, pickups, and
light-duty trucks. However, they are similar enough to be used for all vehicle
installations. Be sure to follow the guidelines outlined on the previous page.

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DRC201 2006-09-27 Page 3 Installing and Testing the DriveCam Event Recorder
INSTALLING THE BRACKET
The air temperature must be greater than 50°F for the bracket adhesive to bond securely to the
windshield. A large towel soaked with very warm water and placed on the exterior of the windshield over
the mounting position can be used for cold weather installations. Using the vehicle’s defroster can also
be effective. Otherwise, perform the installation in a heated garage.
Step 1 Park the vehicle on a flat, level surface.
Step 2 Temporarily place the Event Recorder inside the mounting bracket.
Step 3 Using the alcohol wipe (provided), THOROUGHLY CLEAN AND DRY the area
where you plan to mount the unit.
CAUTION: This step is critical to prevent the unit from falling off at a later date.
Step 4 Temporarily position the assembly (bracket and unit) behind the rearview mirror.
CAUTION: Do not peel the backing from the adhesive strip until instructed to do so.
Important Things to Consider
•Make sure the unit does not interfere with the driver’s primary field of vision.
•Make sure the lens has a clear view of the interior and exterior of the vehicle. Be aware of
potential obstructions such as windshield wipers, window tint, sun visors, circulation fans, and the
rear-view mirror when it is adjusted to its lowest position.
•Make sure the driver has a clear view of the status lights on the unit.
•Position the unit so the lens is as close to the centerline of the vehicle while still leaving room
(about 1¼ inch on the left side of the bracket) to insert the Torx wrench in the mounting screw
around the rearview mirror mounting post (failure to do so will require removing the entire bracket
in order to adjust or service the camera).
•If you are performing multiple installations, test the first one before installing the others. This
involves triggering the unit to record an event and then reviewing the event in HindSight software.
Look for potential obstructions to the forward and rear-facing cameras. Once you are certain that
the correct mounting location has been selected, you can continue installing the remainder of
your event recorders.

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DRC201 2006-09-27 Page 4 Installing and Testing the DriveCam Event Recorder
Step 5 Mark the position of the assembly on the glass with a felt-tip marker.
Step 6 Remove the unit from the mounting bracket.
Step 7 Make sure the guide marks on the glass are level before proceeding.
Step 8 Check the fit of the mounting bracket against the windshield.
If the windshield is curved, you may have to gently shape (bend) the bracket so it will lie flush
against the windshield.
CAUTION: The adhesive is very sticky. Once it is on, it will not easily come off.
Step 9 Remove the backing from the adhesive side of the mounting bracket.
CAUTION: Verify the orientation of the mounting bracket. The bracket has a plastic disk
on each side. The larger disk must be on the left as seen from inside the
vehicle looking out.

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DRC201 2006-09-27 Page 5 Installing and Testing the DriveCam Event Recorder
Step 10 Place only the top edge of the mounting bracket against the windshield and make sure it
is level before proceeding.
Step 11 When you are sure that the mounting bracket is positioned correctly, press it firmly
against the windshield starting at the top and pressing the sides downward.
CAUTION: Do not apply excessive pressure as the windshield may break.
Step 12 Check from outside the vehicle to make sure there are no large air bubbles under the
mounting bracket.
If necessary, use a screwdriver handle to (carefully) apply additional pressure to the mounting
bracket and remove any large air bubbles. Use a small pin to create an escape path for the air if
the problem is persistent.

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DRC201 2006-09-27 Page 6 Installing and Testing the DriveCam Event Recorder
ELECTRICAL CONNECTIONS
The event recorder provides uninterrupted service when connected to a continuous 12-volt power source
from the vehicle. This allows the unit to capture events when the vehicle is parked (hit and run accidents,
vandalism, etc.) and when the vehicle loses ignition-switched power for any reason. You will need to
determine the best power source for your installation. A few suggestions are listed below.
The event recorder MUST be connected to
a power source that is ALWAYS on.
Do not cut the power cord. It has an inline fuse near the end.
Step 1 Leaving enough length to connect to the camera, route the DriveCam power cable across
and down the window trim to a suitable location under the dashboard.
Step 2 Connect the DriveCam power cord to a continuous 12 volt or 24 volt power source.
Wire Splice Option
The wire splice clips (provided) allow you to easily tap into existing wiring. Use a voltmeter or
wiring diagram to locate suitable power and ground wires. Route the wiring through the clips,
press the metal connector into the wires, snap the clip closed, and wrap in electrical tape.
Fuse Tap Option
Connect the unit’s red lead to the positive (continuous) power source and the black lead to
negative (or to a clean ground) using the appropriate fuse taps (available at most auto parts
stores). This option is similar to how after market accessories are powered in most vehicles but it
does not provide evidence of tampering – a driver could disconnect and re-connect the DriveCam
and then claim that the device was faulty.
Custom Wiring Options
Connect power and ground via methods that best fit your requirements. Customers occasionally
solder connections, use crimp connectors, etc. Power connections in motor coaches are usually
made using crimped ring terminals to the power posts in the vehicle’s maintenance panel.
If your vehicle has interior lights near the rearview mirror or visors, you can connect to that power
source as long as it is continuous (confirm that power is continuous with doors closed, key out of
the ignition and after 5 minutes have elapsed).
Step 3 Coil any excess cord and secure it with plastic ties or tape in a safe location under the
dashboard, headliner, maintenance panel, etc.

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DRC201 2006-09-27 Page 7 Installing and Testing the DriveCam Event Recorder
CONNECTING THE EVENT RECORDER
Step 1 Plug the power cable into the event recorder.
Step 2 Place the unit in the mounting bracket so that it hangs vertically.
Step 3 Fasten the unit using the two Torx screws and the Torx wrench (provided).
Step 4 Check that the unit has continuous power by making sure the top LED status light on the
unit is lit (red or green) when the vehicle’s engine is off, the key is removed from the
ignition, and the vehicle’s doors are closed (dome light is off).
If not, recheck the wiring connections, polarity, and fuses to make sure continuous power is being
supplied to the unit.

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DRC201 2006-09-27 Page 8 Installing and Testing the DriveCam Event Recorder
RECORD AND REVIEW A TEST EVENT
We highly recommend that you download the newly installed event recorder and review a test event
before sending the vehicle out on the road. This requires access to HindSight software. Refer to the
HindSight 20/20 User’s Guide for detailed information.
Step 1 Press one of the buttons on the bottom of the unit to record a test event.
The upper status light on the event recorder will begin to flash (green) slowly as the event is
being recorded. The light will then alternate between green and red as the event is being stored
to memory. When complete, the light will return to solid red.
Step 2 Connect the unit to a USB Download Station – download will begin immediately.
The status light on the event recorder will begin to flash (red) rapidly as the event is being
downloaded to the database. When complete, the light will return to solid green.
Step 3 Review the test event in HindSight software, looking for the following:
Verify that the forward-facing camera captures an unobstructed view out the front windshield.
oCan you see far into the distance (including enough height to see traffic signals)?
oCan you see the area immediately in front of the vehicle?
oAre the side views even?
Verify that the rear-facing camera captures an unobstructed view of the interior of the vehicle.
oCan you see from the outside shoulder of the driver to the outside shoulder of a person in
the passenger’s seat?
oCan you see into the rear of the vehicle (if applicable)?
oAre there any objects that might block the view of the camera (e.g. the rearview mirror
when it is pulled to its lowest position, sun visors, fans, lights, etc.)?
Verify that you can hear audio in the recording.
Installation and testing is complete for this vehicle. If you are performing multiple installations,
we recommend that you test each installation using these steps before sending those vehicles out
on the road.

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DRC201 2006-09-27 Page 9 Installing and Testing the DriveCam Event Recorder
REMOVING A EVENT RECORDER
Use the following procedures to uninstall an event recorder from your vehicle. You’ll need the Torx
wrench that was shipped with your first event recorder to remove the unit from the bracket and a 3M Tape
Removal Tool (or a thin putty knife) to remove the bracket from the windshield. These items can be
ordered directly through DriveCam.
CAUTION: Do not try to pull or pry the bracket off the windshield. It will destroy the
bracket and may break the windshield.
To remove the event recorder:
Step 1 Remove the left Torx screw completely.
Step 2 Gently pull down on the left side of the unit (try not to trigger the unit) to access the power
cable.
Step 3 Unplug the power cable only when a solid red or solid green light is showing
(i.e. wait for the status lights to stop flashing before disconnecting the power cable).
NOTE: A warning file or log entry will be created when the unit is unplugged.
This is a standard security feature.
Step 4 Remove the right Torx screw and the unit.
To remove the mounting bracket from the windshield:
Step 5 Use the 3M Tape Removal Tool or a broad, very thin putty knife.
Step 6 Apply a small amount of lubricant (e.g. WD-40) to both sides of the blade.
Step 7 Slide the blade between the bracket and the window and gently rock the blade back and
forth while pushing forward until the bracket is completely removed.

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DRC201 2006-09-27 Page 10 Installing and Testing the DriveCam Event Recorder
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC) NOTICE (U.S. ONLY)
WARNING: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection
against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate
radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not
occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to
correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
•Reorient or relocate receiving antenna.
•Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
•Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is
connected.
•Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
•This device may not cause harmful interference.
•This device must accept any interference received including interference that may cause
undesired operation.
CAUTION: Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance
could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.
The FCC with its action in ET Docket 96-8 has adopted a safety standard for human exposure to radio
frequency (RF) electromagnetic energy emitted by FCC certified equipment. This device meets the
Human Exposure limits found in OET Bulletin 65, 2001, and ANSI/IEEE C95.1, 1992. Proper operation of
this radio according to the instructions found in this manual will result in exposure substantially below the
FCC’s recommended limits.