# Vehicle Dashboard Camera User Manual

**Product:** Vehicle Dashboard Camera  
**SKU:** `TG-DASH-DUAL-01`  
**Hardware model:** JC181 (dual-channel 4G dashcam)  
**Catalog slug:** `tg-vehicle-dash-camera`  
**Category:** Vehicle Dashboard Camera (`dashboard-cameras`)  
**Locale:** `en-NG`  
**Manual version:** `1`  
**Based on:** TechGuard app as shipped, plus JC181 Series Quick Start Guide V1.1 hardware facts

Import this file in Admin → Catalog → model workspace. Do not publish claims that are not in this document.

---

## 1. What this product is

The TechGuard Vehicle Dashboard Camera is a **compact dual-channel 4G dashcam** for private cars and light fleets in Nigeria. It mounts behind the rearview mirror and records:

- **Front (road ahead)** at up to **1920 × 1080**
- **Cabin (interior)** at up to **640 × 360**

It also acts as a **vehicle GPS tracker**: location, speed, trip history, geofences, and (where wired) remote engine cut/restore.

You add it in the TechGuard app by **IMEI** (type 15 digits or scan the device barcode).

In the TechGuard app you can:

- Watch **live video** (one channel at a time: front or cabin)
- Take a **photo** or start/stop **device recording** from Live View
- Browse **Media Centre** (local SD history and remote/cloud media)
- See **map location**, **share location**, **track**, **trip playback**, and **geofences**
- Open **Command** for engine immobilise / restore on supported installs
- Edit device name, SIM note, vehicle, and driver fields
- Unpair the camera from your account

This is **not** a home Wi-Fi security camera. It needs **vehicle power**, a **Nano SIM with data**, and a **microSD card** for continuous recording and local history.

---

## 2. Product at a glance

| Item | Detail |
|------|--------|
| Customer name | Vehicle Dashboard Camera |
| SKU | `TG-DASH-DUAL-01` |
| Hardware | JC181 series (4G Dashcam Lite) |
| Provider mapping | `jimi` / `JC181` / `{"jimiDeviceType":"dash_camera"}` |
| Cameras | Front + cabin (no separate external camera required for dual view) |
| Network | 4G LTE Cat.1 (bands depend on regional variant) |
| Positioning | GPS + BDS (GNSS) |
| Motion sensing | 3-axis G-sensor (collision, hard brake / accel, sharp turn, etc.) |
| Local storage | microSD, FAT32, **16 GB–128 GB**, Class 10 / A1 or better |
| SIM | **Nano SIM** with cellular data |
| Power | **DC 9–33 V** hard-wire: B+, ACC, GND (optional relay for immobilise) |
| Wi-Fi on device | 2.4 GHz AP mode for local/setup use (not home Wi-Fi pairing) |
| App pairing | IMEI or barcode in TechGuard → Add → Vehicle Dashboard Camera |

---

## 3. What you need

- TechGuard app on a **native** iOS or Android build (not Expo Go for full camera live)
- An active TechGuard account (phone sign-in)
- The camera’s **15-digit IMEI** (label / barcode on the unit)
- **Nano SIM** with **mobile data** (and correct APN if your carrier requires it)
- **microSD card** (FAT32, 16–128 GB, Class 10 / A1+) if you want continuous recording and Local history
- Vehicle with **12 V / 24 V** electrical system in the **DC 9–33 V** range
- Professional hard-wire install recommended (B+ / ACC / GND; relay kit if you use engine cut)

---

## 4. Package contents (typical)

Confirm against your box; contents can vary by kit:

| Item | Notes |
|------|--------|
| JC181 main unit | Front lens + cabin lens, mic, speaker, SOS key, indicators |
| Mount base | 3M adhesive for windshield |
| Power cable | Hard-wire lead (B+ / ACC / GND; white for relay when equipped) |
| Card-slot protective cover | |
| T6 Torx screwdriver / M2 screws | For mount / fastener |
| Warranty card | Keep with purchase receipt |

**Not always included (buy separately as needed):** cigarette-lighter cable, OBD power cable, peripheral camera, immobiliser relay kit, microSD, Nano SIM.

---

## 5. Hardware overview

### 5.1 Parts on the unit

| Part | Function |
|------|----------|
| Front camera (main) | Road ahead |
| Sub camera | Cabin / driver |
| Memory card / SIM slot | microSD + Nano SIM tray |
| Power supply port | Vehicle power cable |
| Mount base | Windshield mount |
| Microphone / speaker | Audio in recording and talk (where supported) |
| SOS key | Hardware SOS (platform-dependent; not the same as in-app phone SOS) |
| Upgrade / reset button | Device reset / upgrade |
| Status LEDs | Power (red), GNSS (green), cellular (blue) |
| Heat sink | Keep clear for cooling |

### 5.2 Status lights

| LED | Off | Solid | Flashing |
|-----|-----|-------|----------|
| **Red (power / record)** | Off or sleep | ACC ON, recording normally | ACC ON but recording fault |
| **Green (GNSS)** | Off or sleep | ACC ON, first fix acquired | ACC ON, still searching for fix |
| **Blue (cellular)** | Off or sleep | ACC ON, network OK | ACC ON, network fail |

### 5.3 Core behaviour (hardware)

- **Start:** With power connected, the unit starts when the vehicle ignition goes **ACC ON**.
- **Record:** On ACC ON it records front + cabin (with audio) to the microSD using **loop recording**.
- **Track:** On ACC ON it starts GNSS and uploads location to the cloud.
- **Sleep:** On ACC OFF it stops recording/GNSS and sleeps to save power.
- **Events:** G-sensor / speed events can create alerts and short evidence clips when configured on the platform.

---

## 6. Specifications

### 6.1 Media and sensors

| Spec | Value |
|------|--------|
| Front camera | 1920 × 1080 |
| Cabin camera | 640 × 360 |
| Microphone / speaker | Supported |
| GNSS | GPS & BDS |
| G-sensor | 3-axis |
| CPU | ARM Cortex-A7 |
| Cellular | 4G Cat.1 |
| Device Wi-Fi | 2.4 GHz 802.11 b/g/n AP |
| microSD | FAT32, 16–128 GB |

### 6.2 Electrical and environment

| Spec | Value |
|------|--------|
| Operating voltage | DC **9–33 V** |
| Undervoltage / overvoltage / reverse protection | Supported (per OEM) |
| Operating temperature | −20 °C to 70 °C |
| Storage temperature | −30 °C to 85 °C |
| Flame retardant | UL94 V-0 (housing) |

### 6.3 Frequency bands (vary by regional SKU)

| Variant (OEM naming) | Typical bands |
|----------------------|---------------|
| JC181-LA style | 4G FDD: B1/B2/B3/B4/B5/B7/B8/B28 · 2G: B2/B3/B5/B8 |
| JC181-EU style | 4G FDD: B1/B3/B5/B7/B8/B20/B28 · TDD: B38/B40/B41 · 2G: B2/B3/B5/B8 |

Use a SIM and band plan that match the unit sold for Nigeria / your market. Confirm the sticker on your unit if unsure.

---

## 7. SIM and memory card

Do this **before** mounting when possible. Prefer **ACC OFF** when inserting or removing the SIM tray.

### 7.1 Nano SIM

1. Use a **Nano SIM** with an active **data** plan.
2. Use the supplied tray and ejector pin.
3. Do not put the SIM in the microSD slot.
4. For long daily use in heat, ceramic SIMs are preferred (OEM guidance).
5. If the blue LED keeps flashing, check activation, data balance, and **APN** (IoT SIMs often need a manual APN).

### 7.2 microSD

1. One microSD only; **FAT32**; **16–128 GB**; **Class 10** or **A1+**.
2. Insert in the direction marked; press in to eject.
3. Format on a computer to FAT32 if the card is not already FAT32.
4. Cards wear out: test quarterly; replace periodically for fleet use.
5. For all-day fleet use in hot climates, prefer industrial-grade cards.

Without a healthy card you may still get live view and GPS when online, but **local loop recording and Local history** will fail.

---

## 8. Installation

> OEM notice: this hardware is described for **gasoline-powered** vehicles with **DC 9–33 V**. Do not use outside that range. Incorrect polarity can damage the vehicle or the unit. Prefer a qualified installer.

### 8.1 Safety and prep

1. Check the pack list and tools (tape, trim tools, multimeter).
2. Confirm vehicle electrics are healthy before you cut into harnesses.
3. Clean and protect interior trim.
4. Insert SIM + microSD before final mount.
5. Remove the lens protective film after install.

### 8.2 Wiring (standard hard-wire)

Typical lead colours (confirm against your cable label):

| Wire | Connect to |
|------|------------|
| **Red (B+)** | Constant battery positive (fused) |
| **Yellow (ACC)** | Ignition ACC |
| **Black (GND)** | Chassis / battery ground |
| **White (RELAY)** | Immobiliser relay kit (optional, for engine cut) |

Steps:

1. Fuse-box / harness: connect B+, ACC, GND correctly.
2. Route the cable up the **A-pillar** to the top centre of the windscreen (behind headliner / trim).
3. Tighten the power-port fastener screw so the plug cannot vibrate loose.
4. If using immobilise, install the **compatible relay kit** on the fuel/power circuit per the relay instructions. Only use this where lawful and on vehicles you own or manage.

### 8.3 Mount position

1. Recommended: **left side behind the rearview mirror** (driver side in LHD markets), so the driver’s view stays clear.
2. Clean glass thoroughly (dust/grease kill 3M adhesion).
3. Stick the mount base; press firmly to remove air bubbles.
4. Click the camera onto the base; aim the **front** lens forward and level.
5. Aim the **cabin** lens at the driver / cabin as needed.
6. Tighten the base adjustment / tamper screw after aiming.

### 8.4 Post-install test (hardware)

With ignition **ACC ON**:

1. **Red LED** solid → power / recording path OK. Flashing red → check microSD / format.
2. **Green LED** flashes then goes solid outdoors in ~1 minute → GNSS OK.
3. **Blue LED** flashes then solid in good coverage → cellular OK.
4. In TechGuard, open **Live View** and flip **front / cabin**.

---

## 9. Add the camera in the TechGuard app

### 9.1 Pair by IMEI

1. Power the camera (ACC ON) and wait until it is online (blue LED solid when possible).
2. Open TechGuard → **Add** → **Vehicle Dashboard Camera** (method: IMEI).
3. Enter the **15-digit IMEI**, or tap scan and point at the **IMEI barcode** on the label.
4. Confirm and wait for pairing to finish.
5. The camera appears on Home as a dash camera.

### 9.2 If pairing fails

| What you see | What to do |
|--------------|------------|
| IMEI not 15 digits | Re-type digits only; scan the device label, not a random QR. |
| Device not found / offline | ACC ON; check SIM data and blue LED; wait for network. |
| Already bound | Device may belong to another account. Contact support to release, then pair again. |
| Scan finds no IMEI | Aim at the 15-digit barcode; or type IMEI manually. |

---

## 10. Device home (Dash Camera detail)

Open the camera from Home. Header shows **DASH CAMERA** and the display name.

### 10.1 Status summary

| Field | Meaning |
|-------|---------|
| Online / Offline | Cloud connection |
| Moving / Stopped | Based on reported speed when online |
| ACC | Ignition ACC on/off when reported |
| Speed | Last reported speed |
| Address | Resolved from coordinates when available |
| Location time / Latest update | How fresh the fix is |
| IMEI | Device identity |

Map preview opens full tracking when tapped.

### 10.2 Action grid (as shipped)

| Action | Opens |
|--------|--------|
| **LIVE VIEW** | Live FLV video + map panel |
| **MEDIA CENTER** | Local SD + remote/cloud media |
| **SHARE** | Share current location |
| **TRACKING** | Live map with route |
| **COMMAND** | Engine immobilise / restore (and related instructions) |
| **PLAYBACK** | Trip / track playback |
| **DETAIL** | Device, location, driver, vehicle fields |
| **GEO FENCE** | Circular geofences + enter/exit alerts |

**Temporarily hidden in current app builds (code present, not shown):** dedicated History tile, Hotspot tile, Buy Data tile. Local history is still reached from **Media Centre → Local**. Hotspot help may return in a later build.

### 10.3 Edit and remove

- **Edit:** display name, alarm message, SIM number note, vehicle info, driver info.
- **Remove:** unpairs / archives the device from your TechGuard account (confirm in the dialog).

---

## 11. Live View

Open **LIVE VIEW**. The app requests a short-lived stream URL and plays it in-app.

### 11.1 Channels

| Channel in app | Hardware |
|----------------|----------|
| Front | Road camera (`1`) |
| Rear / cabin | Interior camera (`2`) |

Rules:

- Only **one channel** streams at a time.
- Flip closes the previous stream, then opens the other.
- Leaving the screen closes the stream. If recording was started from Live View, stop it before you leave when prompted by behaviour.

### 11.2 Controls

| Control | What it does |
|---------|----------------|
| Front / cabin tabs | Switch channel |
| Mute / speaker | Silence or hear live audio |
| Photo | Sends a remote capture command |
| Record | Starts/stops **device-side** continuous record on the active channel. HUD shows **REC** + timer |
| Expand / layout | Prefer video vs split with map |
| Map panel | Live GPS when a fix exists |

### 11.3 Connecting and errors

- Expect **Connecting…** / **Starting video…** for several seconds on 4G.
- If it stays on Connecting: quit any other live session, wait ~15 seconds, open Live View again.
- Front may use H.265; cabin is often H.264. Use a current TechGuard build for the bundled player.
- User-facing errors should refer to the **device** or **cloud**, not a supplier name.

### 11.4 Important limits (current platform)

- Remote **photo / short clip** commands may succeed on the device while the resulting file is **not yet listed** in TechGuard Media Centre (Open API retrieval pending). The app may tell you the capture was sent; browse Local SD history after continuous **Record** for footage written to card.
- Do not expect simultaneous dual live streams in one frame.

---

## 12. Media Centre

Open **MEDIA CENTER**.

| Storage | Contents |
|---------|----------|
| **LOCAL (DEVICE)** | Clips from the microSD (history listing). Continuous `Record` from Live View lands here after the device indexes the file. |
| **REMOTE (CLOUD)** | Cloud photos/videos and event-related media when the platform has uploaded them. |

Tabs: **PHOTO** / **VIDEO**. Pick a date, refresh, open preview, share or download when a URL is available.

Notes:

- Cloud delete is **not supported** by the device cloud API; the app should show unsupported rather than pretend delete worked.
- Empty lists usually mean: wrong date, no card, no events, or the device has not finished uploading.

---

## 13. Tracking, playback, and geofences

These work like the TechGuard GPS tracker vertical, because the dashcam includes GNSS.

### 13.1 Tracking

- Live map with latest position, speed, ACC, and freshness.
- Share sends a location summary from the phone share sheet.

### 13.2 Playback

- Replay historical track for a selected period (trip path on the map).

### 13.3 Geofences

- Create circular zones (radius about **50 m–50 km**).
- Choose alert on **enter** and/or **exit**.
- Enter/exit can push notifications when the device reports GPS and evaluation runs.
- Edit geometry resets presence state so you do not get a false enter/exit immediately after moving a fence.

---

## 14. Command (engine immobilise / restore)

**COMMAND** sends high-risk vehicle instructions (immobilise / restore) when the optional **relay** is installed and the model supports it.

OEM guidance: cut is intended for low-speed recovery scenarios (commonly described around under ~20 km/h). Always:

1. Confirm you own or are authorised to control the vehicle.
2. Confirm the vehicle is in a safe place.
3. Read the in-app confirmation carefully before sending.
4. Prefer restore only after the situation is under control.

Without a correctly wired relay, immobilise will not stop the vehicle.

---

## 15. Device Detail screen

**DETAIL** shows read-only and editable metadata, for example:

- Device name, type (dash camera), IMEI, expiration (platform service window if present)
- SIM note, status, ACC, location time, speed, lat/long, address
- Driver name / number / contact
- Plate, VIN, vehicle brand / model

Use Edit on the detail header to change the fields the app allows.

---

## 16. Alerts and driving events (hardware + app)

When enabled on the platform, the unit can report events such as:

- Collision / shock
- Hard braking or hard acceleration
- Sharp cornering
- Speeding
- Other exception alerts with location and, when available, clip evidence

In TechGuard these appear through device events / Media Centre remote items when the cloud has ingested them. Keep push notifications enabled on the phone if you want timely alerts.

The physical **SOS key** on the camera is hardware SOS to the telematics platform. It is **separate** from TechGuard’s in-app phone Emergency SOS feature.

---

## 17. Everyday use

1. Keep a topped-up **data SIM** in the unit.
2. Keep a healthy **FAT32 microSD** inserted for loop recording.
3. Drive with a clear windscreen; wipe the lenses periodically.
4. After night parking (ACC OFF), expect sleep; live view needs the unit awake / online (usually ACC ON, or wake behaviour per firmware).
5. For fleets: name devices by plate or vehicle; fill driver/vehicle fields; set geofences around depot and customer zones.
6. After an incident: note time and location, then check **Media Centre → Local** for that date, and **Playback** for the route.

---

## 18. What the app does not do (this model / current build)

- Pair over home 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi like a Tuya lock or smoke alarm (pairing is **IMEI**)
- Show front + cabin live **at the same time**
- Guarantee that every remote Photo appears in Media Centre yet (platform retrieval gap)
- Delete cloud media via API
- Replace professional install or legal compliance for recording audio/cabin video in your jurisdiction
- Act as a consumer “always recording to phone gallery” app; primary archive is **microSD** (+ cloud event media when uploaded)

---

## 19. Troubleshooting

| Symptom | Checks |
|---------|--------|
| All LEDs off | Ignition ACC; B+/ACC/GND; fuse |
| Red LED flashing | microSD seated; FAT32; try another Class 10 card |
| Blue LED flashing | SIM seated; data plan; APN; coverage |
| Green LED keeps flashing | Move outdoors; avoid underground / tunnels for first fix |
| Offline in app | ACC ON; blue solid; wait; pull to refresh Home |
| Live View stuck Connecting | Close other live sessions; wait 15 s; retry; confirm data |
| Front blank, cabin works | Update app; retry front; check cellular bandwidth |
| No Local history | Insert/format card; record with ACC ON; pick correct date |
| Pairing fails | Verify 15-digit IMEI; unit online; not bound elsewhere |
| Mount falls off | Reclean glass; new 3M base; firm pressure |
| Camera angle drifts | Retighten tamper / adjustment screw |

---

## 20. Care and safety

- Keep the heat sink unobstructed.
- Do not block the driver’s view; mount behind the mirror.
- Use only the specified voltage range.
- Memory cards and SIMs are consumables in heat; schedule replacement.
- Cabin audio/video may be regulated; inform drivers/passengers as required by local law.
- Immobilise only with a proper relay and lawful authority.
- Keep the warranty card and purchase receipt.

---

## 21. Catalog publish checklist (internal)

| Field | Value |
|--------|--------|
| Manufacturer | TechGuard (`techguard`) |
| Category | Vehicle Dashboard Camera (`dashboard-cameras`) |
| Model name | Vehicle Dashboard Camera |
| SKU | `TG-DASH-DUAL-01` |
| Slug | `tg-vehicle-dash-camera` |
| Manual title | Vehicle Dashboard Camera User Manual |
| Locale | `en-NG` |
| Version | `1` |
| Provider mapping | `jimi` · `JC181` · `{"jimiDeviceType":"dash_camera"}` |
| Public URL (after publish) | `/docs/manuals/tg-vehicle-dash-camera` |

Publish the manual version, then publish the model. QR downloads only work after the model is published.

---

## 22. Related TechGuard engineering docs (not for customers)

- `Techguard-Mobile-App/docs/CAMERA-LIVE-REQUIREMENTS.md` — live, flip, record, media acceptance
- `Techguard-Mobile-App/FRONTEND-API-GUIDE.md` § Jimi dash camera
- `local/PRODUCT_MANAGEMENT.md` — catalog / mapping sheet
- OEM: JC181 Series Quick Start Guide V1.1

---

## Note on branding

Customer manuals and the public site should say **TechGuard Vehicle Dashboard Camera**. **JC181** is the hardware model / provider product ID. Do not put supplier marketing metrics or “Made with AI” on any surface.