Azdome M300 1296P Dash Cam User Manual in English

Car DVR Azdome M300 User Manual

Thank you for purchasing this AZDOME dash cam.

This user manual provides information on how to operate the dash cam. Before using the device, we recommend that you read this manual to ensure proper operation.

To improve product performance, the contents of this manual are subject to change without prior notice.

Important Safety Information

To ensure user safety and prevent property damage, read this manual and follow the safety instructions to use the product correctly.

• Do not disassemble, repair, or modify the product yourself. Doing so may cause fire, electric shock, or malfunction. For internal inspection and repair, contact a service center.

• If foreign objects enter the device, immediately disconnect the power cord. Contact a service center for repair.

• Do not adjust the device while driving. This may lead to an accident. Stop or park your vehicle in a safe location before installing and configuring the device.

• Do not install the device where it may obstruct the driver’s view. This may cause an accident.

• Do not use a damaged or modified power cord. Use only cords supplied by the manufacturer. Damaged or modified power cords may cause explosion, fire, or malfunction.

• Do not operate the device with wet hands. This may result in electric shock.

• Do not install the device in conditions of high humidity, flammable gases, or liquids. This may result in explosion and/or fire.

• Keep the product away from infants, toddlers, and pets. There is a risk they may swallow small components and/or saliva may enter the product, causing an explosion due to short circuit.

• Do not spray water or wax directly onto the product during interior car cleaning. This may cause fire, electric shock, or malfunction.

• If smoke or an unusual odor is emitted from the power source, immediately disconnect the power cord. Contact a service center or your distributor.

• Keep the power cord contacts clean. Failure to do so may cause overheating and fire.

• Use the correct input voltage. Failure to do so may cause explosion, fire, or malfunction.

• Ensure the power cord is securely connected so it cannot be easily disconnected. Failure to do so may cause fire.

• Do not cover the product with any materials. This may cause external deformation of the product or fire. Use the product and peripherals in a well-ventilated environment.

Introduction

Notes:

1. This device requires a U3-type microSD card (not included). For best results, we recommend using AZDOME-branded SD cards with the dash cam.

2. Be sure to format the microSD card using the dash cam before first use.

3. Always connect the device to a power source during use. It contains a supercapacitor (a 1 mAh lithium metal cell is used only to retain time).

4. The dash cam supports automatic start/stop. It powers on and begins recording as soon as power is supplied.

• In most vehicles it turns on after the ignition is switched on
• When power is removed, the dash cam will automatically power off.

Package Contents

Before installation, ensure that each of the following components is present.

1. M300 dash cam
2. Power cable (3.5 m/12 ft) x1
3. Double-sided adhesive for the mounting bracket x1
4. Electrostatic stickers x2
5. User manual x1
6. Cable clips x5
7. Dual-USB car charger x1
8. Cable insertion/removal tool x1

(!) Note
To improve product performance, the contents of this manual are subject to change without prior notice.

Specification

Model: M300
Aperture: F=2.0
Color: Black
Language: English / Japanese / German / French / Spanish / Italian / Russian, etc.
Memory: Maximum supported 128 GB (Class 10, U3 speed. Not included)
Video codec: H.264
Photo format: JPG
Video format: MOV
Video resolution: 1296P (2340x1080 at 30 fps); 1080P (1920x1080 at 30 fps); 720P (1280x1080 at 30 fps)
G-sensor: Built-in 3-axis accelerometer
Loop recording: Supported
Parking mode: Supported (operates only when the dash cam is connected to the 3-wire hardwire kit)
Wi-Fi: Supported, AZDOME app
Microphone: Built-in
Speaker: Built-in
Battery: Built-in supercapacitor (only a 1 mAh lithium metal cell is used to keep time)
Power interface: 5 V/1.0 A
Operating temperature: ?20°C to 70°C (?4°F to 158°F)

Product Diagram

1. Adhesive pad location
2. Front camera
3. microSD memory card slot
4. Micro-USB charging port
5. Wi-Fi key
   — Press once to turn Wi-Fi on/off
   — Press and hold for 3 seconds to restore default settings
   — Press and hold for 8 seconds to reset; the Wi-Fi password will be restored to default.
6. AV INPUT
7. Recording LED indicator
8. Microphone
9. Reset button
10. Speaker

Indicator Status

Installation

Install the front camera behind the rear-view mirror. Before installation, remove any foreign objects and clean and dry the windshield.

1. Switch off the ignition/engine. Carefully insert the memory card into the slot until it clicks into place. (Please use a high-speed Class 10 U3 microSD card or higher)

2. Find a suitable location on the windshield that does not obstruct the driver’s field of view; remove foreign objects and clean and dry the glass before installation. Peel off the protective layer from the electrostatic sticker and apply it to the windshield so that no adhesive residue remains after removal.

3. Remove the protective film from the double-sided tape and attach the front camera to the electrostatic sticker. Adjust the lens tilt by rotating the camera body.

A — Removable cover

4. Connect the cigarette-lighter power cable to the lighter socket and the front camera. Using the trim removal tool, slightly lift the edges of the windshield trim/molding and route the power cord.

5. Switch on the ignition/engine. The dash cam will power on and start recording. Video files will be saved to the microSD card. Turn off the ignition/engine. The dash cam will automatically stop recording and power off.

Playback of Video Files Using a Smartphone

View Real-Time Video via Smartphone

1. Find the AZDOME app in the Google Play Store or Apple App Store and install it on your smartphone.

2. Go to Phone Settings → Wi-Fi → Select the dash cam’s Wi-Fi network.

After connecting to Wi-Fi, a “No Internet” message will appear. This is normal because the dash cam’s Wi-Fi function is intended only for transferring videos/photos, not for streaming footage over the cloud or the Internet; please ignore the prompt.

Wi-Fi SSID: M300_**
Default PASSWORD: 12345678

3. After a successful connection, the M300 dash cam will appear on the screen.

Tap “Check Real-Time Video” to view live video.

4. You can now view the current recording in real time by connecting your smartphone to the dash cam via Wi-Fi Direct.

5. Please stop recording first, and then tap “Device Album” to access photos, videos, and emergency files.

Download Video Files to Your Smartphone

1. Go to the dash cam preview interface. Please stop recording first, then tap “Device Album” to access photos, videos, and emergency files.

2. Select the video files to download to your smartphone.

3. Tap the icon to download the video files. Downloading a single video file will take some time.

4. You can find the downloaded video files in the original app interface menu under “Local Video”.

Frequently Asked Questions

The app does not display real-time video

Does the app show a beach splash screen?

Due to cellular data conflicts, real-time video may not display. If the app does not show live video, please disable cellular data for the AZDOME app on iOS and in the system menu on Android. Ensure the local network “AZDOME” is enabled.

For the latest iOS: Settings → AZDOME → Tap “Wireless Data” → Select “WLAN”.
For older iOS: AZDOME settings → Turn off ‘Cellular Data’.

A: New iOS
B: Old iOS
C: Android

(!) Note:
• Wi-Fi Direct allows you to connect a smartphone directly to the dash cam via Wi-Fi within 10 ft (3 m).
• After connecting to the AZDOME app, the date and time on the dash cam will be updated automatically.
• AZDOME is available for devices running Android 5.0 and above or iOS 9.0 and above.

What is the Wi-Fi function?

The Wi-Fi function is designed so that you can wirelessly connect your dash cam to a smartphone and instantly access recordings. Here you can easily view, download, and share your videos with friends and family. Similar to pairing a Bluetooth speaker to a smartphone for wireless audio, dash cams use a Wi-Fi signal (instead of Bluetooth) to pair your smartphone with the AZDOME M300.

Can I view video from my car remotely?

NO. The AZDOME M300 dash cam is not designed to stream footage over the cloud or the Internet. It is not a cloud or IP camera and is not intended for that purpose. You can view real-time video and recordings in the AZDOME dash cam app when you are within 10 ft of the device.

What is the Wi-Fi range?

The Wi-Fi signal range is approximately 10 ft (3 meters) with no obstacles. PLEASE NOTE that, just as your home Wi-Fi network has no signal outside your house, this compact device has a range of 10 ft.

When installing the AZDOME app, two pop-ups will appear: select “While Using the App” to allow AZDOME to access this device’s location, and select “Allow” to grant AZDOME access to photos and media on your device.

The first time, one additional step is required. Once you connect to the M300 Wi-Fi, a “No Internet” message will appear. This is normal. Wait about 10–15 seconds until you see the pop-up or notification shown below. Simply tap the pop-up that appears after a few seconds to indicate that you still want to stay connected even though there is no Internet. Once you tap “OK”, the device is ready to use.

A: Tap here when you see this notification
B: After you enter the default ADOBE Wi-Fi password and tap “Connect”, you will see this pop-up within a few seconds.
C: Tap here to set this option
D: Confirm “YES” to stay connected to this Wi-Fi and save the settings

For iPhone devices:

If this pop-up appears on your iPhone when using the Wi-Fi function, be sure to tap “Continue Using Wi-Fi”. Otherwise, the camera will disconnect from Wi-Fi and you will need to disconnect and re-pair the AZDOME Wi-Fi for it to work again.

Changing Dash Cam Settings Using Your Smartphone

Go to the dash cam preview interface. Please stop recording first, then tap the icon to open Settings.

Video resolution — 1296P30 (default) / 1080P30 / 720P30
Select the desired video resolution.

Loop recording — 1 minute / 3 minutes (default) / 5 minutes / Off
Select the duration (1/3/5 min) of each clip for loop recording. This function allows the dash cam to record continuously.
Please note: when the memory card is full, the dash cam will automatically delete the oldest files so recording can continue repeatedly.

Microphone On (default) / Off
AZDOME has a built-in microphone for audio with video. You can disable sound recording by selecting “Off”.

G-sensor — Off / High / Medium (default) / Low
The G-sensor is a 3-axis impact/gravitation accelerometer designed to detect physical and gravitational shocks to the dash cam. When the G-sensor is triggered, the current video file is locked as an emergency file so it will not be deleted by loop recording. The higher the G-sensor sensitivity, the less force is required to trigger automatic protection.

Date/Time
Enable/disable the date/time stamp displayed on recorded files.

Power-on tone (default)
This function enables or disables the startup tone.

AZDOME logo
Enable/disable display of the AZDOME logo on recorded files.

Exposure — 0 (default)
Adjust the brightness of the captured image.

Voice prompt volume — Low / Medium (default) / High / Off
Adjust the level of voice prompt volume.

Date/Time format — MM/DD/YY (default)
Choose according to your preference.

Frequency — 50 Hz (default) / 60 Hz
Select the frequency according to the power specifications used in your country, depending on your location.
60 Hz (USA — North America)
50 Hz (Europe — most Asian countries)

Voice control — On / Off (default)
Use voice commands to control the M300 while driving for safer, hands-free operation.

(!) Note: English language only is supported:
turn on WiFi — turn on WiFi; take picture — take picture; turn off recording — turn off recording; turn off WiFi — turn off WiFi; open recording — open recording; lock the video — lock the video

Parking monitor — Off (default) / Collision-detection parking mode / Time-lapse parking mode
This function operates only when the AZDOME 3-wire Micro hardwire kit is properly installed. Two parking modes are available.

(!) Note: This new function requires the specially designed AZDOME 3-wire Micro hardwire kit. Not included.

* Collision-detection parking mode:
When you turn off the engine and switch the key to the lock position, the camera stops continuous video recording and enters impact-detection mode; after 10 seconds, the camera powers off.
Now, while in impact-detection mode, if your vehicle is struck and the force reaches the level set by the G-sensor, the camera will power on → then start continuous video recording for 1 minute, save and lock this video in the EMR folder → then power off again.
The next time you start the vehicle, the camera will automatically switch to normal video mode to start continuous recording.

* Time-lapse parking mode:
When you turn off the engine and switch the key to the lock position, the camera will stop continuous video recording and automatically switch to time-lapse recording at 1 frame/s.
During time-lapse recording, if your vehicle is struck and the force reaches the level set by the G-sensor, the camera will start continuous video recording for 1 minute, save and lock this video in the EMR folder, and then return to 1 fps time-lapse recording.
The next time you start the vehicle, the camera will automatically exit time-lapse parking mode and switch to normal video mode to start continuous recording.

Wi-Fi name: M300_******

Wi-Fi password: You can change the Wi-Fi password in the app; default password: 12345678

Format SD card
This function allows you to format the inserted memory card; all data will be deleted.

Default settings
Restore all factory defaults.

App version
View the current version of the app installed on your phone.

Firmware version
View the current version of the firmware installed on your camera. This information will be useful to check in the future whether a newer firmware version is available.

Playback of Video Files Using a Computer

1. Remove the microSD memory card from the dash cam.

2. Insert the memory card into a microSD card reader and connect it to a computer.

3. You should see drive “D” or “E” or another name depending on preinstalled hard drives. Once you find the added flash drive, double-click it to open; you will see folders — Video / Lock / Photo.

Video: Loop-recorded video files that can be overwritten.

Lock: The video file will be locked so it cannot be deleted by loop recording.

Photo: Photographs

Then simply double-click the videos to play them.

(!) We recommend VLC Media Player. You can obtain it for free at www.videolan.org.

Firmware Update

1. Remove the microSD memory card from the dash cam.

2. Insert the memory card into a microSD card reader and connect it to a computer.

3. Download the latest M300 firmware from www.azdomes.com → Support → Downloads on your computer.

4. Copy the firmware file named “SD_CarDV.bin” to the card’s root and insert the card into the dash cam.

5. Connect to a power source; the red indicator will turn on, and the dash cam will announce “Updating, please do not turn off the device” as the update begins. The update takes 30–40 seconds. After a successful update, the dash cam will power off automatically.

6. Press and hold the Wi-Fi key for 2 seconds to power on the dash cam.

Voice Prompts

"Current Video is locked": the vehicle was hit; the dash cam locks the video files to prevent overwrite
"Format successful": the microSD card has been formatted successfully
"Start Recording": the dash cam has started recording video
"WiFi On": Wi-Fi status — on
"WiFi Off": Wi-Fi status — off
"WiFi disconnected": the dash cam is not connected to the app
"WiFi connected": the dash cam is connected to the app
"Start Recording": recording starts when the voice command “open recording” is received
"Recording Stopped": recording stops when the voice command “turn off recording” is received
"Updating, please DO NOT turn off the device": the dash cam announces this during a firmware update

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Which SD card should I use? Why should I buy an AZDOME-branded SD card? Can’t I use any card?

The primary requirements for AZDOME dash cam memory cards are Class 10 U3, and the SD card must be formatted as FAT32 [Windows] or MS-DOS (FAT) [Mac OS].
For best results, we recommend using AZDOME-branded SD cards with the dash cam, available online at www.azdomes.com or Amazon.
Our cameras have different requirements than other recording devices because they must continue recording when the SD card is full while simultaneously overwriting the oldest unprotected files.
It is recommended to format the microSD card once a month.
Format the microSD card if the quality of recorded video appears low.
For Windows users: To format the microSD memory card directly from “My Computer”, right-click the microSD card drive and select “Format”. Choose the FAT32 file system and 64 KB allocation unit size, then click “Start”. If FAT32 is unavailable or cannot be selected, please download the free FAT32 formatting tool — EaseUS Partition Master.

Question 2: Does the camera get hot?

It is normal for the camera to become slightly warm. Due to high-bit-rate video recording, the dash cam may heat up during use (not exceeding 158°F/70°C).

Question 3: Is the video image blurry?

Remove the protective film from the lens, clean it, and ensure the windshield is clean and free of grease, dirt, and debris.

Question 4: Videos do not play on my computer?

Dash cam video files are in MOV format and may be incompatible with your PC if appropriate playback software is not installed. We recommend VLC Media Player. You can get it for free at www.videolan.org.

Question 5: I cannot insert the microSD card?

MicroSD cards are very small and require careful handling. Align the card according to the diagram on the dash cam and insert it until slight spring resistance is felt. Then press the card with a fingernail until you hear and feel a light click. Release pressure and the card will remain inside the dash cam. If you have difficulty, use the edge of a small coin.

Notice

This product complies with the Radio Interface requirements of the European Community.

This symbol indicates that the product must not be disposed of as household waste and should be taken to an appropriate facility where recycling helps protect natural resources, human health, and the environment. For more information about disposal, contact your local municipality, waste disposal service, or the store where you purchased the product.

Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

FCC

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 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.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. This equipment complies with FCC radiation exposure limits set forth for an uncontrolled environment. This equipment should be installed and operated with a minimum distance of 20 cm between the radiator and your body. This transmitter must not be co-located or operated in conjunction with any other antenna or transmitter.

Apple and App Store are trademarks of Apple Inc.; Google and Google Play are trademarks of Google Inc.

Product: Car dash camera
Manufacturer: Lingdu Co., Ltd.
Address: 1801–1808, Haiyun Building, No. 468 Minzhi Avenue, Longhua New District, Shenzhen, China. 518000
Product warranty: Limited one-year warranty
Customer support: [email protected]