DRC 242-A 2007-08-03 Page 25 DC3 with SEM 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 10 seconds before the trigger and continues to record and save the 10
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.
Why do the status lights not flash while recording events through the primary and secondary trigger inputs?
This is a security feature referred to as “stealth mode”. It enables the driver to silently trigger an event recording in a way that does not provide any
visual or audible clues that a recording is being made.
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 (866) 910-0403. For
international assistance please call (858) 380-3007.
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