- Tools and Parts
- Mount the DashCam
- Connect the DashCam
- DashCam LED Indicators
- Verify the DashCam Angle
- Uninstalling the DashCam
- Best Practices – Connections
This is the installation procedure for the Zonar DashCam FF22 cameras, and includes mounting, cabling, and testing of the DashCam for use with Zonar Coach. Use all recommended parts and tools.
Tools and Parts
The following tools and parts are required for this installation.
- Plastic pry tool kit
- Windshield cleaner and towels
- Masking tape for mounting placement
- Perma-seal butt connectors
- Self-tapping screw
- Fuse holders
- Wire strippers and crimpers (for 16-22 gauge wire)
- Zip ties
- Butane torch for heat wrapping connectors
Mount the DashCam
Do not attempt to install the DashCam to a cold windshield. The windshield should be at room temperature (or warmer) before adhering tape.
Refer to the Best Practices section before beginning.
- Record the DashCam IMEI for account setup.
- Clean the inside of the windshield at the mounting location.
Use an alcohol swap to clean the area and let it dry before adhering the camera to the window.
- Use masking tape and ruler (or measuring tape) to locate and mark the placement of the DashCam to meet camera requirements and FMCSA’s safety guidelines.
The bottom of the DashCam is not to exceed 4 inches below top wiper blade path.
The DashCam is not to be mounted more than 7 inches above the lower edge of the area swept by the windshield wipers.
The DashCam must be mounted in a position where the wipers can clean the area in front of the DashCam. This ensures that the DashCam can properly recognize street signs.
Remove the tape from the adhesive backing and align the DashCam so that the top and bottom planes are parallel to the ground. Once aligned, press on to the windshield with adequate pressure for a minimum of 60 seconds.
If available grab an assistant to aid in alignment from the outside to ensure DashCam is square and a good adhesion bond is occurring between the tape and glass.
Remove the protective film from DashCam lenses. Clean the DashCam lens surfaces with an alcohol wipe.
Connect the DashCam
- Carefully tuck the cable into headliner and route either down driver side or passenger side A pillar. This is dependent on the cab fuse box/power termination location.
Many modern vehicles are equipped with airbags in these pillars.
- Connect the DashCam cable to the vehicle.
- Cut the wires to the same length to remove the in-line fuse(the white casing with yellow wire).
- Strip the black wire and crimp both wires into a perma-seal ring terminal.
Connect to an already established ground stud, if possible. -
Strip the yellow wire(ignition power, Marked B+) and crimp the appropriate gauge perma-seal butt connector with a 3A add-a-tap or in-line fuse holder.
Connect to a reliable ignition source. -
Strip the red wire(Accessory / Switch power, Marked ACC) and crimp the appropriate gauge perma-seal butt connector with a 3A add-a-tap or in-line fuse holder.
Connect to a reliable constant power source.
Do not connect the ignition and accessory power cables together.
- Secure wiring and cable slack. This should be completed in a manner in that the cable is secured to existing factory wiring and is safe. It should not interfere with any vehicle systems, driver, or passenger safety.
DashCam LED Indicators
System State | LED Blink Duration |
LED Color |
Device about to shutdown | Once every 0.5 second | Red |
Idle Mode - not running trip due to -Not Provisioned -Provisioned Information not fetched ever or in the past 10 days -Storage is full |
Once every 0.5 second |
Cyan |
Connected to power, Ignition is ON, connected to internet, and trip is running | Once in 15 seconds | Green |
Connected to power, Ignition is ON, NOT connected to the internet, and trip is running | Once in 15 seconds |
Blue |
Verify the DashCam Angle
Once mounted, the angle of the DashCam can be adjusted for optimal coverage of the road and the driver. The image should be centered on the area in front, with a slight amount of the vehicle hood appearing at the bottom of the frame. DashCam angles can be verified in the Zonar Coach™ Installer application. Once a satisfactory DashCam angle has been achieved use an M6 hex driver to lock the DashCam position in place.
GOOD MOUNTING - Forward |
BAD MOUNTING - Forward |
DashCam sees enough of the road and not too much sky. |
DashCam sees too much sky. Rotate DashCam down. |
|
Rotate DashCam up. |
Uninstalling the DashCam
Before uninstalling a DashCam from a vehicle the camera IMEI must be unassigned. DashCam assignments are managed in the Zonar Coach™ Desktop App.
Once the DashCam IMEI has been unassigned:- Power on the engine of the vehicle
- Wait for the DashCam LED to flash GREEN.
- Power off the engine and wait for the camera to completely shut down.
The DashCam can now be uninstalled from the vehicle.
When a DashCam needs to be removed, heat the windshield with a heat gun from the outside. This should loosen the bond and allow the mounting bracket to be removed by using a plastic panel tool.
It may be necessary to use 3M adhesive remover to clear any leftover residue.
Caution: Do not apply heat from a heat gun if the windshield is frozen. The sharp change in temperature could cause the windshield to crack.
Best Practices – Connections
- Use step-down butt connectors. The DashCam wires are of a different gauge from the fuse wires.
- Power connections are dependent on each vehicle type. Plan accordingly for your specific installation(s). Consult your owner’s manual for your specific fuse type.
- Additional assistance can be provided by contacting Zonar Customer Care.
- Links for installation consumables (fuse holders, butt connectors and ring terminals):
https://www.waytekwire.com/item/46229/ATO-ATC-In-Line-Fuse-Holder-46229-/
https://www.waytekwire.com/item/46405/Littelfuse-0FHA0200Z-ATO-Add-A-Circuit-Fuse-Tap-/https://www.waytekwire.com/item/46044/MINI-Fuse-Circuit-Tap-46044-/https://www.waytekwire.com/item/46408/Littelfuse-FHM20200Z-Micro2-Add-A-Circuit-Fuse-Tap/https://www.waytekwire.com/item/47402/EATON-s-Bussmann-Seres-BK-ATC-3/https://www.waytekwire.com/item/47426/EATON-s-Bussmann-Series-BK-ATM-3/https://www.waytekwire.com/item/46116/Littelfuse-Micro2-Fuse-Tan-5A-32V-0327005-YX2S/https://www.waytekwire.com/item/38250/Crimp-Seal-Step-Down-Heat-Shrink/https://www.waytekwire.com/item/30802/Molex-19164-0003-Perma-Seal-Ring-Terminal-/https://www.waytekwire.com/item/30946/30946-Crimp-Solder-Seal-Heat/
- Connecting directly to battery and ignition studs (if available) is an approved and preferred connection method.
- For heavy-duty vehicles, connecting into Battery, Ignition, and ground splice packs (where applicable) is approved and a preferred connection method
- Vehicles equipped with a kill-switch: Recommended practice is to wire around the switch to maintain constant power.
- Power connections for the Zonar DashCam should be independent from other electronics. No other products should be butt-spliced together sharing an add-a-tap, etc; Sharing a power post with separate ring terminals is acceptable.
- When utilizing add-a-tap circuits, do not tap into factory circuits such as airbag, ECM, or other critical components that could affect critical vehicle functions. A good circuit to tie into is a radio circuit or similar.
- Both the constant and ignition wire must have some sort of fuse protection, be it an in-line fuse or an add-a-tap circuit. It must be no more than 18 inches from that connection source. The primary purpose of this is to protect the physical wire itself; secondary purpose is to protect the product.
- Connect the ground wire to an already-established ground stud when possible.
- The frame of the vehicle is an acceptable ground point if no ground studs are readily available.
- When connecting ground to the frame of a vehicle, make sure the surface area is prepped for ground.
- You should never drill into an area you cannot see behind.