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KartaDashcam Installation Guide
1. Introduction
KartaDashcam empowers the in-car ecosystem with the best-in-class hardware and software platforms. With powerful edge AI capability, KartaDashcam offers multiple features like always-on loop recording (that could be used as proof of any claim, incidents, and accidents), for both driver and passenger, SOS emergency service, and low-cost map data extraction based on audio/video stream. Fleet administrators can also benefit from 24-hour footage recording to significantly improve fleet management efficiency and save operation costs.
| Item # | Description | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | KartaDashcam with external camera | 1 |
| 2 | Car cabin camera | 1 |
| 3 | Car cabin camera mount | 1 |
| 4 | External GPS antenna | 1 |
| 5 | Car charger cable | 1 |
| 6 | Car power cord | 1 |
| 7 | OBD port cable | 1 |
| 8 | Patch cord | 1 |
| 9 | SD card | 1 |
| 10 | Pry bar | 1 |
| 11 | Microfiber cleaning cloth | 1 |
| 12 | SIM card | 1 |
| 13 | SIM card slot pin | 1 |
2. Preparation
2.1 Install the KartaDashcam app
If you haven’t done so, install the KartaDashcam app from the Google Store:
2.2 Insert SIM card
Step 1 Use your fingernails to open a gap in the cover, then use a pry bar to open the outer cover.
Step 2 Use the pin to open the SIM card tray.
Step 3 Insert the SIM card.
Important:
Activate the SIM card before installation and make sure the data plan fulfills the minimal data usage of 5GB/month.
Tips:
- Make sure it’s the SIM card tray instead of the SD card tray
- When inserting the card, make sure the card is facing the right direction (pay attention to the sign on the slot)
- Make sure the SIM card is inserted back in the slot before starting installation in the car
Step 4 After the card is inserted, put the cover back on.
2.3 Precheck / Verification
Step 1 Connect the KartaDashcam to a power supply (car charger/car battery / OBD) with the correct cable. Start the car and ensure the dashcam's LED turns green.
[Option 1] Get power from OBD
This method is the simplest and most time-saving method. The time needed depends on the installation process. If the technician knows the position of the OBD socket, the process will be short. Otherwise, the process might take longer because they must dismantle the car dashboard first.
[Option 2] Get power from the car battery
In terms of installation, using a car battery is the most difficult and time-consuming. You have to connect 3 types of cables to the battery source: acc, ground, and standby and the installation takes 15 minutes. The camera will still be on when the car is off because there is electrical energy from the standby cable.
[Option 3] Get power from the car charger port
Connect the dashcam to the car charger port. Availability of the charger port in cars is rare, especially for new vehicles.
When plugged in, a red light will appear at first, which means the device is starting. After a few seconds, it will turn green, which means it starts normally.
Step 2 Open the KartaDashcam app, and search for available cameras nearby for pairing. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connection are required for the pairing process. You can download the KartaDashcam app from the Google Play Store:
2.1 Choose KartaDashcam (do not select other devices).
2.2 Click "Next" after the camera connects with the power supply and the green LED is on. Ensure that Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on the phone are turned on.
2.3 Click "Connect" to pair the app with the camera.
2.4 After the device is found click the "Preview DashCam".
2.5 Select "Cam Hotspot" on the phone’s Wi-Fi list.
2.6 Click the Wi-Fi icon on the right above.
2.7 After the Wi-Fi is connected click the play button to preview the camera.
2.8 Scroll down to preview the recorded video(s).
Step 3 Check the app preview screen to ensure the device works. At this point, you should be able to see the external camera preview.
3. Install external cam
Step 1 Choose the mounting location for the dashcam:
- For the best picture, place the camera where the dark tint on the window doesn't cover the lens.
- Leave enough room on top of the dashcam for wiring.
- Place the external camera close to the top of the windshield for easier wiring access.
- Position the lens within the wiper's cleaning range.
- For safe driving, make sure camera placement doesn't block the driver's view.
- Mount the camera near the rearview mirror for comprehensive scene coverage.
- Ensure the rearview mirror does not block the front side of the built-in camera for full detection.
- Adjust camera angles using the live preview feature in the app.
Note:
- Do not install or mount the camera on or near airbag panels.
- There should be no other electronic equipment near the camera for optimal performance.
Step 2 Use a cleaning cloth to wipe the glass in the selected area.
Step 3 Peel off the 3M adhesive sticker cover on the device.
Tips:
Don’t peel it off completely as you may need to adjust the camera position. It would be difficult to adjust the camera if it’s fully attached to the glass.
Step 4 Place the dashcam on the selected area and press firmly for 5 seconds. Ensure that the roof's edge is at least 6 cm away from the device.
Step 5 Use a pry bar to hide the wires in the gap on the edge of the car glass.
Step 6 Install the SOS button. The SOS button should be placed under the steering wheel.
Step 7 Use the app to preview the external camera and correct the angles.
Important:
Avoid touching the camera when it's switched on. The device may become hot after prolonged use, so please handle it with care to prevent burns.
4. Install car cabin camera
Step 1 Connect the car cabin camera to the CAM1 port using the patch cord. Connect through the upside port, the side port is not currently supported.
Step 2 Connect the car cabin camera to the main device.
Step 3 Wipe the chosen mounting area.
Step 4 Mount the car cabin camera below and behind the rearview mirror to prevent the rearview mirror from blocking the lens.
Step 5 Adjust the angle of the car cabin camera.
Use the app to preview the car cabin camera screen. Make sure that the camera captures the entire back seat, as well as the area between the driver's thighs and the roof of the car.
Tips:
We recommend that the cabin camera capture the rear seat passengers, but whether to show their faces should be determined according to local laws and policies.
The car cabin camera installation is complete.
The overview of external and car cabin cameras.
5. Install external antenna (optional)
Step 1 Prepare the external antenna and its cables.
Step 2 Plug in the external antenna cable to the dashcam.
Step 3 Hide the wires in the gaps.
Step 4 Check the outside and inside views on the app preview page to make sure the device works.
6. Data collection
Step 1 Start the car.
Step 2 Confirm that the dashcam on, the LED will change from red to green after 40 seconds.
Step 3 Check the device status using the KartaDashcam app.
Step 4 Check whether the angle of the camera is correct and manually adjust the internal and external cameras.
Step 5 Start collecting images!
7. Images upload
Images will be automatically uploaded to the cloud using network data from the SIM card. SD Card installed on the cam will be used if there are any issues with the SIM card while uploading.
FAQ
Q. What if the dashcam turns off suddenly?
A. Most likely it is related to the power connectors. Make sure the power connectors are installed correctly (both the connector to the car and the connector to the dashcam).
Q. What does the blinking red LED indicator mean?
A. The indicator LED will blink red if the SOS button has been pressed and will return to green after a few minutes.
Q. Why am I having difficulty installing applications on my smartphone?
A. This is usually related to the availability of phone storage space. Make sure your phone has enough free space when installing.
Q. Why is the device LED always red after power supply?
A. If no SIM card is inserted, KDC will light the red LED to alert the user to check the SIM card. This could indicate either a missing SIM card or an issue with the SIM card inserted.