Overview

Zonar Coach enables fleet drivers and managers to increase safety and efficiency through tracking and monitoring of driver performance on the road. The in-cab solution monitors, tracks, and alerts drivers in real time. This tool allows the fleet manager to view driver behavior.

This manual contains instructions for installing and testing the RideCam video camera.  

Camera Specifications

Built-in camera	One channel 1080p AHD CMOS camera
Camera viewing angle	Front facing 110° field of vision
Video compression	H.264
Video resolution	1080p / 720p
Video frame rate	NTSC: 1 to 30 FPS configurable PAL: 1 to 25 FPS configurable
G-sensor	Built-in 3D acceleration sensor (X, Y, and Z-axis)
Wi-Fi	Built-in Wi-Fi module and antenna
Interface	1 × USB 2.0 for power input
Operating voltage range	8V DC to 36V DC
Operating temperature range	-20℃ to +70℃ (-4°F to +158°F)
Size	Camera only: 10.54 x 4.4 x 4.3 cm (4.15 x 1.73 x 1.69 in.) Camera with mount: 270.51 x 4.4 x 5.03 cm (106.5 x 1.73 x 1.98 in.)
Weight	Camera only: 0.1kg (0.22 lbs.) With mount: 0.12kg (0.26 lbs.)
Standard compliance	FCC, CE, RoHs

Parts List

Provided:

• RideCam camera
• Mounting bracket with adhesive tape (attached to camera)
• Inline power cable
• Tamper sticker

Not Provided:

• Ring terminals (for the ends of the power cable)
• Blade fuse adapter (to tap into the Accessories fuse)

Tools List

• Alcohol cleaner for window preparation
• Lint-free cloth
• Crimping tools

Install the Camera

1. Determine proper placement of camera on the front windshield:
   • Center of the windshield behind the rearview mirror area.
   • Highest possible placement within the wiper blade path.
   • Avoid any tenting or other materials on glass including rock chips or cracks.
2. Clean the mounting area on the windshield with alcohol. Remove all dirt, oil, and grime.
3. Remove protective plastic on the camera lens.
4. Clean the lens with a soft, lint-free cloth. The lens should be free of scratches, dirt, and dust.
5. Orient the camera to the windshield:
   • Camera should be level to the horizon line.
   • Point the lens forward with a slight downward angle so the camera picks up the front hood at the bottom of the frame. Rotate the camera on the mount to adjust the position.
6. Remove the paper from the camera mount adhesive tape.
7. Press the mount firmly to the windshield glass.

Note: It is not recommended to move the mounted camera to another position on the windshield once installed. Do not place the camera on a rear window.

Tips for Proper Camera Mounting

• Ideal Location: Center (or as close to center as possible) of the windshield
• Ideal Height: Highest point behind a rearview mirror – in the area swept by the wipers.
• Field of View: Should be clear of any occlusions (EZPass, rear view mirror, etc.)
• Angle: Camera should have a negative pitch angle (it should look “down” a few degrees).
  The field of view should not have too much “sky”.

Note: Driver must comply with local regulations regarding mounting the camera on the windshield.

Install the Power Cable

1. Connect the mini USB cable to the camera.
2. Route the cable inside the headliner to the power box. Cables and wiring should not be visible after installation is complete.

3. Connect the ground (black) wire to ground.
   • It may be necessary to crimp a ring terminal to the ground wire.
   • Always connect the ground wire to an already established ground stud when possible.
   • The frame of the vehicle is an acceptable ground point if ground studs are not available.
   • If connecting ground to the vehicle frame, make sure the surface area is prepped for ground.
   • The surface area must be clean and free of paint, rust, or anything that will cause the connection to fail.
4. Connect the power (red) wire to ignition (or any other power source that is powered on when the ignition is on).

It may be necessary to connect the power wire to a blade fuse adapter: Crimp the power wire in the open end of the adapter, remove the ACC fuse and insert it into the adapter, then plug the adapter into the open ACC fuse slot.

 

Test Camera Functionality

1. Turn on vehicle ignition.
2. Make sure that the camera has power (indicated by the blue LED next to the camera lens).
3. Undock the tablet.

Note: This is necessary to tell the app that the vehicle is not in trip mode and to access the video image on the tablet.

4. Open the Zonar Coach application on the Connect tablet.
5. Tap the menu icon  to open the menu.

6. Tap Live Video to confirm the camera is functioning.

• If the view field is not clear, adjust the camera by rotating it on the mount.
• If the image is upside down, tap FLIP FRAME to correct.
• Tap DONE when position and functionality are confirmed.

 

Note: The Live Video function is only available when the driver is not currently in trip use.

7. Re-dock the tablet.

Note: It may be necessary to restart the tablet.

8. If the camera is not connecting with the tablet, troubleshoot the camera:
   1. Tap the menu icon and tap Run Diagnostics.
   2. Follow the troubleshooting steps on the display:
   1. Is the BLUE LED ON in the camera?
      • If no, check the power supply to the camera
   2. Connect to wifi with SSID RIDECAM (password will be 78932100)
      • Tap OK.
   3. When the WiFi settings are displayed, select “SSID RIDECAM” and enter the password.
   3. Open the Zonar Coach application.
   4. Tap the menu icon and tap Run Diagnostics.
      Coach should automatically check following boxes:
      • AP mode (Access Point mode)
      • Video Streaming
      • WiFi Direct mode
   5. Tap DONE when all boxes are checked.
9. Drive the vehicle to perform a test run of the Zonar Coach system. The trip should be a minimum of five minutes at a speed over 20 miles an hour to make sure the system is working and that the system can configure itself.

GOOD Mounting Examples
GOOD mounting in a truck. The hood should barely be visible at the bottom of the screen.
GOOD mounting in a car. The hood should barely be visible at the bottom of the screen.
GOOD mounting. No lighted accessories inside the vehicle should interfere with the camera. The hood should barely be visible at the bottom of the screen.

 

BAD Mounting Examples
NOT OK Too much of the hood is visible. Mount camera higher.		NOT OK The field of view is occluded. The divider on the windshield is in field of view.
NOT OK The field of view is occluded. Height is OK, but the EZPass device is in field of view.		NOT OK The camera is mounted away from the windshield. Objects in field of view.
NOT OK The camera should be higher/closer to the windshield.		NOT OK The camera suction mount is visible.

Secure the Camera

1. Place the tamper tape across the camera and the mount (where the camera rotates) to secure the camera position.
2. Tape the inline cable to the camera mount to prevent removal of the cable.

Upgrade Camera Firmware

1. Tap the menu icon to open the menu.
2. Tap Upgrade Camera Firmware. The application begins downloading the latest firmware and indicates the progress on the screen.

Note: Use of WiFi capabilities is preferred to download the firmware. If the download is interrupted because of poor internet connection, open the tablet settings menu and disable WiFi and mobile data. The download attempt will stop and can be restarted.

3. When the download completes, the UPGRADE CAMERA button is enabled. Tap that button.
4. Select the RideCam camera that is to be upgraded. The firmware is applied to the camera in the background and takes 120 seconds. After about 80 seconds, the camera reboots.

Note: If you cannot find the RideCam camera of choice, reboot the camera (it may be in STA [workstation] mode). The AP (access point) appears again.

In case it is required, the camera password is: “78932100”.

1. Tap the menu icon, then tap Live Video to confirm the camera is functioning.

Note: If the upgrade fails multiple times, long-press the tablet Home button and swipe the Coach app.  Restart the upgrade process.