DashCam App — User Manual

Quick Start

1. Install and Launch: Grant camera, microphone, and location permissions when prompted.
2. Mount Your Phone: Securely mount on your windshield in landscape orientation, rear camera facing forward.
3. Power It Up: Connect to a power source that turns on with your car's ignition (ACC). The app automatically starts recording when power is detected and stops when power is lost.
4. Storage: Videos are saved internally by default. You can change to SD card or external storage in settings.
5. Uploads (Optional): Configure uploads to your home computer, NAS, or cloud storage (Google Drive, OneDrive) via Wi-Fi.

Introduction

DashCam transforms an old Android phone into a reliable, full-featured vehicle dash camera. Designed for stability, automation, and simplicity, it automatically records when your car starts and saves or uploads your footage when it stops.

Main Features

• Automatic recording linked to ignition or impact
• Impact detection with circular video buffer
• GPS, speed, and motion sensor data logging
• Secure uploads to network shares (SMB/CIFS) or cloud (Google Drive, OneDrive)
• Multiple output formats: MP4, SRT, CSV, GPX
• Encrypted credential storage via Android Keystore
• Hostname resolution via NetBIOS for Windows networks
• Optimized for minimal user interaction — install once, drive daily

Getting Started

Permissions

Grant these permissions at first launch:

• Camera – Required for video recording.
• Microphone – For audio capture.
• Location – For GPS and speed logging.
• Storage – (Android 9 and below) For saving recordings.

Mounting Your Phone

• Use a windshield or dashboard mount with a stable forward view.
• Keep cables neat and out of your line of sight.
• Connect power from a charger wired to ignition (ACC) for automatic operation.

Power Behavior

• Ignition On (Power Connected): Recording starts automatically.
• Ignition Off (Power Lost): Recording stops safely and uploads begin (if configured). The phone remains awake to finish uploads, then sleeps to conserve power.

Main Screen

• Top-Left: Date and time
• Bottom-Left: GPS coordinates and heading
• Bottom-Right: Speed (mph or km/h)
• Center: Camera preview and recording indicator
• Floating Button: Tap red to start, white to stop manual recording

Recording Modes

1. AUTO (Impact Detection)

Records continuously in short loops, saving only the last two minutes. When an impact (1.5G–3.0G) is detected, DashCam preserves:

• Two minutes before impact
• Ten seconds after
• All telemetry (GPS + sensor logs)

2. PER_TRIP

Starts when ignition turns on, stops when it turns off. Saves each trip as a single file with synchronized logs.

3. Timed Loop (5/10/30 minutes)

Splits recordings into smaller rotating files for easier upload and management.

4. Manual

Tap the red button to start or stop recording anytime.

Settings Overview

Display

• Speed Units: mph or km/h
• Video Quality: 720p, 1080p (default), 4K
• Date/Time Format: Regional customization
• Keep Screen On: Prevent timeout while recording

Recording

• Mode: AUTO, PER_TRIP, 5/10/30 min
• Impact Sensitivity: Low (3.0G), Medium (2.0G default), High (1.5G)

Storage Management

Default Location

External or SD Card Storage

1. Go to Settings → Storage Settings.
2. Choose EXTERNAL.
3. Tap Select Custom Folder and pick your SD card or USB path.

File Sizes (Approximate)

Upload Configuration

DashCam supports automatic uploads over Wi-Fi to SMB/CIFS shares, Google Drive, or OneDrive.

SMB Configuration

1. Enable Uploads in Settings.
2. Set Upload Timing: Manual, During Recording, or After Recording.
3. Network Policy: Wi-Fi only (default) or Allow Metered.
4. Enter Server Details:
   • Host: Windows hostname (NetBIOS) or IP address.
   • Share: Folder share name, e.g., dashcam.
   • Username / Password: Local Windows account credentials.

Hostname Resolution (Windows Networks)

DashCam supports NetBIOS name resolution, allowing you to use Windows hostnames instead of IP addresses (e.g., MYPC). Ensure both devices are on the same Wi-Fi network and that Network Discovery is enabled in Windows.

macOS or Linux users may still need to connect using the IP address.

Why You Need a Local Windows Account

Windows 10+ no longer supports guest shares. Create a dedicated local user with password access:

1. Win + I → Accounts → Family & other users.
2. Select Add account → Add a user without a Microsoft account.
3. Create username (e.g., dashcam_user) and password.
4. Grant folder Read/Write permissions under both Sharing and Security tabs.

Cloud Uploads

DashCam can also upload directly to cloud storage.

• Google Drive: Fully supported. Authorize your Google account once in settings.
• OneDrive: Fully supported. Sign in to your Microsoft account and select target folder.
• Dropbox: Planned for future versions if requested by users.

Uploads retry automatically if interrupted, and you may choose to delete local files after successful transfer.

Troubleshooting

Performance Tips

• Disable Android battery optimization for DashCam.
• Use a quality charger (2A+).
• Avoid overheating — direct sunlight may trigger shutdown.

Technical Notes

• Video: H.264/AVC MP4 @ 30 fps
• Telemetry: SRT (GPS/speed), CSV (10 Hz sensor data), GPX (map track)
• Impact Buffer: Two-minute rolling loop, saves +10s post-impact
• Permissions: CAMERA, RECORD_AUDIO, ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION, INTERNET, WAKE_LOCK, FOREGROUND_SERVICE
• Credential Storage: Encrypted via Android Keystore

Known Limitations (Beta)

• Dropbox integration pending user demand.
• Extremely long continuous trips may require large storage capacity.

Safety & Responsibility

DashCam assists drivers — it is not a substitute for safe driving. Always follow local laws regarding in-car recording.

Support & Feedback

This is a beta release — stable for daily use, with active development continuing.

• Report issues or suggestions via the project's GitHub page.
• Include your phone model, Android version, and a short problem description.

Thank you for using DashCam. Drive safe — and record responsibly.