Vantrue Element 3 (E3) - Dash Cam Manual

What's in the Box?

Camera Overview

Screen Overview

Installation

Installing a Memory Card

(Recommended: Vantrue U3 high-speed microSD card).

Please insert a memory card (memory card capacity: 32GB-512GB, card speed: U3/Class10/A2). The dashcam has certain requirements on the card speed of the memory card. For reliable operation, we recommend using a VANTRUE SD card(sold separately).

Memory Card Installation: There is an icon indicating the insertion direction of the memory card. Please push the memory card into the card slot according to the direction indicated by this icon, until a "click" sound is heard in the card slot, indicating that the memory card is inserted properly.

Before using this card, please follow the steps below to format it properly:

• If the camera is recording, please press the button to pause the recording, then press the button to enter the menu, then enter "System Setup," select the format, and confirm to format the memory card until it prompts "Formatted successfully''.
• After inserting the memory card, if the screen prompts "Card error, please format" (please note that the recorder does not record at this time), please directly press the button to enter the menu and start the formatting process.

REMINDER:

1. The microSD card should be formatted once a month to maximize the lifetime of the memory card.
2. Please do not take the card out when the camera is recording in case the important video files missing.

3. Please do not use bad cards or low-speed cards on the dash cam, as it is easy to stop or lose the recording due to the failure of a memory card.
4. Before formatting the memory card, please check the event video folder in the SD card to see if there are any videos that need to be saved separately, so as not to delete important videos by mistake.

Installing the camera onto your windshield

1. Align the mount with the dash cam mount interface then push in until the mount is installed.
   

2. Before installation, please power on the dash cam and check whether the shooting angle of the front and interior lens are appropriate through the recording view.
   

3. Thoroughly clean the windshield with water or alcohol, then wipe it with a dry cloth. Stick the electrostatic sticker behind the rear-view mirror, which is the recommended position to prevent blocking your view while driving.
   

Note: The electrostatic stickers with two-sided protective film. Please remove the protective film from No. 1, paste the electrostatic sticker on the windshield, and then remove the protective film from No.2.

4. Remove the 3M tape from the mount, then fix the mount and camera on the electrostatics stickers.
   

5. Take out the rear camera cable, connect the main camera and the rear camera, and take out the car charger to connect it. After the camera is powered on, choose a suitable location and install it.
   

6. Rear Camera Installation: Please select the installation position on the rear windshield. We recommend that you select a position close to the center of the rear windshield, and avoid the defogging line on the rear windshield, so as not to affect the video effect. Remove the protection film of the sticky pad and rear camera lens. Fix the rear camera in the selected position and adjust the angle, then use the rear camera cable to connect the rear camera with the main front camera.
   

7. Carefully store the car charger cable in the direction shown in the picture.
   

8. The angle of the window glass of each model is different, please adjust the recording angle of the main camera and rear camera up and down according to actual needs.
   Note: Only the front camera can be rotated and adjusted, the cabin camera is fixed.
   

APP Download

Please scan the QR code for the relevant version below to download the app and install it. Search for the "Vantrue" app in App Store or Google Play Store to find the app and then download and install it on your phone.

Note: After this camera is successfully connected to your mobile phone through WiFi, it can perform real-time video preview, change camera settings, download files without internet connection, and play back videos on the mobile phone. However, the GPS track playback and video sharing functions will depend on the internet or telecom value-added services (requires you to turn off/disconnect the camera WiFi).

There are 3 ways to turn on the Wi-Fi of the camera.

1. Long press the menu button for 2 seconds.
   

2. Go to dash cam System Settings then turn on the Wi-Fi.
   

3. Use the "Turn on Wi-Fi" voice command to turn it on.
   

After Turning on the WiFi function of the camera, enter the WiFi settings of the mobile phone, then find the WiFi name, such as E3_VANTRUE_XXXX, and enter the WiFi default password: 12345678 to connect to WiFi.

APP Connection

After the WiFi connection is successful, click "+" when opening the app for the first time, add the camera model, and then the app will automatically connect to the camera and display the current real-time recording situation of the camera.

Note:

1. If you do not connect to WiFi before opening the app, the app will prompt you by saying "Please connect to WiFi first", and will automatically jump to the WiFi settings. Please complete the steps to connect to WiFi first.
2. If the WiFi is already connected, but the app jumps to the application permissions of the APP after selecting the model, please check whether the wireless network permission of the app is turned on.

3. The initial password for this device is only used for initial login. In order to prevent potential security risks, please be sure to change the initial password after the initial login to prevent others from logging into your device without authorization or other adverse consequences.
4. If you forget the WiFi password, you can restore the default setting of the device, and the Wi-Fi password of the device will also be restored to the default password(12345678).
5. If the connected WiFi name does not match your dash cam model, the app will prompt you: "Please select the correct model" and automatically jump back to the model selection interface.
6. If there is no connection with the mobile phone after the WiFi is turned on, the camera will automatically turn off the WiFi and return to the recording interface after 10 minutes.

App Operation

After the app is successfully connected to the camera, you can perform the following operation:

Video Preview: In the real-time preview interface, you can switch to the full-screen preview mode by clicking the full-screen icon or placing the phone horizontally, clicking the window switch icon to switch video windows only multi-channel recording can use this feature.

Video playback: The video and photo files recorded on the SD card can be viewed in the app, and the video can be played back after clicking the file.

Video download: You can select the video or picture you want to download in the SD card browsing interface or in the video playback area. After downloading the video, if you play it in the local file of the app interface, you can view the GPS track of the video.

Video snapshot: You can capture the current screen in the real-time preview interface of the app.

Mileage Statistics: Users can click to download mileage information as required, and the mileage information will be saved in the APP as a picture or PDF file.

Lens correction line: Correct the lens balance via accurate crosshair so that the video screen will not be skewed.

APP Upgrade

Open the "Vantrue" App, connect to the Wi-Fi, and enter "Settings> About> Detect New Version". The App will automatically detect whether its version is the latest version. If there is a new version of the app, follow the prompts and upgrade the version.

Basic Operation

Menu Settings

The E3 dash cam has 3 function menus, which are: record settings, system settings, and file browsing. You can set your dash cam according to your requirements with these function setting.

Press the button, pause the video first, then press the button to enter the menu settings.

1. Record Setup
   

• Resolution: The E3 camera has 4 resolution modes: Front+ Cabin+ Rear/ Front+ Cabin/ Front+ Rear/Single Front; Front+ Cabin+ Rear Recording: 1944P+1080P+1080P 30FPS; 1440P+1080P+1080P 30FPS; 1080P+1080P+1080P 30FPS; 1440P+1080P+720P 30FPS; 1440P+720P+720P 30FPS; 1080P+1080P+720P 30FPS; 1080P+720P+720P 30FPS; 720P+720P+720P 30FPS; Front+ Cabin Recording: 1944P+1080P 30FPS; 1440P+1080P 30FPS; 1080P+1080P 30FPS; 1080P+720P 30FPS; 720P+1080P 30FPS; 720P+720P 30FPS;
  Front + Rear recording: 1944P+1080P 30FPS; 1440P+1080P 30FPS; 1080P+1080P 30FPS; 1080P+720P 30FPS; 720P+1080P 30FPS; 720P+720P 30FPS;
  Front recording: 2592x1944P 30FPS; 2560x1440P 30FPS; 1920x1080P 30FPS; 1280x720P 30FPS.
• Loop Recording: Default setting is 3 min. You can choose the options among 1/3/5 min and OFF.
• IR LEDs: Default setting is Auto. You can select auto, on, or off.
• G-Sensor: Select the level of G-sensor you need, then you can set 3 directions (Front + Rear/Left + Right/Up + Down). The G-sensor value in each direction can be selected as 1/2/3/4/5/Off. The higher the sensitivity level, the easier it is to trigger event recording. G-sensor is most sensitive when set to 5.

• Audio Recording: The default is ON. Set recording to on or off.
• Exposure: The default value is +0.0. Adjust the exposure of the lens.
• REC Status Light: Default setting is ON. You can choose to turn on/off the recording status light.
• WDR: Default is ON. For a better-balanced video effect, you can choose to turn it off. This function is only for front and interior lenses.
• Rear HDR: The default is ON. Set recording to on or off.
• Rotate Display: Default is off. You can choose to flip the video screen up and down(180 degrees).
• Cabin Mirror: The default is ON. If you turn it on, the internal recording screen is displayed in mirror mode.
• Rear Mirror: The default is ON. If you turn it on, the rear recording screen is displayed in mirror mode
• Number Plate: Select the number or letter to be set. After setting, your license plate number can be displayed in the recorded video.
• Stamp: Enable or disable the watermark stamp on video and photos. The watermark stamp includes time and date label, VANTRUE label, license plate number, GPS location information, and speed label. All enabled by default.
• Time Lapse: The default value is disabled. You can choose to enable 1FPS/5FPS/10FPS/15FPS.
• Parking Mode: You can choose the parking mode you need, including Collision Detection/Motion Detection/Low Bitrate Recording/Low Framerate Mode/OFF.
• Low-light Night Vision in Parking Mode: Default is on. When turned on, it can optimize the recording effect of videos in parking mode.
• Mileage statistics: The default is on, and the GPS mileage information will be stored in the memory card, and customers can view it on the computer or export the file through the mileage statistics function in the APP.
• GPS Settings: GPS is enabled by default. GPS ON/OFF settings, speed unit settings, and GPS information are all set here.

2. System Setup

• Language: Available languages are Engish/Français/Español/Deutsch/Italiano/ /русский/ /Polski.
• WiFi: The default is automatically to turn off wifi after 10 minutes without a connection. Under this function, you can set Wi-Fi to automatically turn on or off and turn off after 10 minutes, and view Wi-Fi information.
• Voice Control: The default sensitivity is Standard. Voice commands can be recognized after the option is turned on. You can choose options such as low sensitivity/high sensitivity/standard/off.
• Voice Content: Voice recognition commands. You can use different commands to remote control the camera to work.
• Format Memory Card: Format all data on the memory card.
• Format Reminder Setup: Select the reminder options: 15 Days, 1 Month, and Off. Default is off. To prevent you from forgetting to format the memory card regularly, we have added a format reminder time setting. You can choose to be reminded after 15 days or 1 month, and calculate 15 days or 1 month from the set date. When the time is up, you can choose "OK" to format, or choose "Next."
  Note: If you changing the format reminder option, the timing will restart as soon as the option is changed.
• Date&Time: There are two ways to set the time and date:

1. GPS automatic update,
2. Manual date/time setting.
   GPS automatic update is enabled by default. GPS automatically updates the date and time based on your time zone, so you need to select the correct time zone first; you can also choose to turn off GPS automatic update, turn on Manual date/time setting, and manually correct date and time. The date format and time zone settings can also be set under this menu.

• Auto LCD Off: Set the time to automatically turn off the LCD display after no operation. If you set the Auto LCD Off to 3 min, the camera's LCD screen will auto light off after 3 min but recording will continue. If the setup is Off, the screen will not turn off. You can choose the options among 30s, 1Min, 3Min and OFF.
• Device Sound: Set the volume of the device. The default volume level is 3, the lowest is 0, and the highest is 5.
• Prompt Tone: According to different situations, the dash cam is set with 5 kinds of prompt tones, which are power-on/off sound, keys sound, file locked sound, format sound, and abnormal stop recording reminder. All prompt tones are turned on by default.
• Frequency: Different countries have different frequencies. In order to avoid affecting the video, you can choose 50Hz or 60Hz frequency according to different regions.
• System Info: Check the current model, firmware version, and the Vantrue official website.
• Certifications: You can view the certification information of E3 camera.
• Default Settings: Reset the device back to factory settings.

3. Files
   Review the video and photo files recorded by the camera.
   

• Event: Critical event videos detected by G-Sensor activity or manually locked by user.
  The file name format is
  20300128_140633_0008_E_A.MP4
  20300128_140633_0008_E_B.MP4
  20300128_140633_0008_E_C.MP4
• Normal: Standard videos recorded. This folder saves loop recording video, parking mode video, and time-lapse video.
  The file name format of Loop Recording video is:
  20300128_140633_0008_N_A.MP4;
  The file name format of Parking Mode video is:
  20300128_140633_0007_P_A.MP4;
  The file name format of Time-Lapse video is:
  20300128_140633_0006_T_A.MP4.
• Photo: Photos files.
• All: All the standard videos and critical event videos recorded.
  Note: The suffix A represents the files recorded by the front camera, the suffix B represents the files recorded by the cabin camera, and the suffix C represents the files recorded by the rear camera.

Specifications

Loop Recording

After inserting the memory card and connecting the power, the E3 dash cam will automatically turn on and enter loop recording. The duration of each recorded video will be saved based on the loop recording time you set, saved in the normal video folder.
When the capacity of the normal video folder reaches 70% of the total capacity, the new loop recording file will automatically overwrite the original loop recording files. After this function is enabled, the video file will automatically overwrite the loop, so as not to stop recording during the driving process.

Note:

<1> The normal operation of the loop recording function is very dependent on the speed of the memory card, so please format the memory card regularly to avoid problems such as excessive memory card files and card aging that affect the normal loop recording.
<2> Please check the loop recording video regularly to avoid the necessary videos being overwritten by loop.
<3> When Loop Recording is turned off, the video lock function will no longer work.
<4> After the loop recording is turned off, the duration of each video will be 20 mins, and the recording will stop when the memory card capacity is full.

Event Recording

Event video is triggered by the G-sensor(Gravity Sensor), which can be automatically triggered or manually locked. During driving, in case of special circumstances, the camera will automatically lock for event recording or you can manually lock it for event recording.

To manually lock the video, just press the button to lock the current video and capture it.
During the lock video period, you can press the button to capture multiple times. After recording, the video will be automatically saved in the event video folder, and the photo will be saved in the photo folder. Automatic locking event video is triggered when the car is hit/shaken. The dash cam detects the vibration and automatically locks the current video, which is saved in the event video folder.
During the locked recording period, you can also press the button to take a picture. After the event video recording ends, the video will be saved in the event video folder, and the photo will be saved in the photo folder.

Note:
<1> The sensitivity of the automatic locking video trigger is determined by the sensitivity of the collision. The higher the sensitivity setting, the greater the probability of being triggered.
<2> The total capacity of the event video file accounts for 30% of the total capacity of the current memory card. When the event video file reaches the upper limit, the new event video file will automatically overwrite the old event video file. It is recommended to periodically check and save your event video files to avoid loss.
<3 > Lock recording will not trigger in either of the following situations: Loop recording is off or Time lapse recording is on.

Switch the front and rear camera window display

You can click press the button to switch display to make the front, inside and rear camera shows bigger on the LCD.

Low-light Night Vision in Parking Mode

In order to enhance the safety of parking at night, we make full use of the lens performance combined with low-light night vision technology to improve the night vision effect in parking mode. This function is in the open mode by default. It will be triggered only after entering the parking mode and will not affect normal recording.

Parking Mode

(When the parking mode is turned on, the time-lapse recording will not work. These two functions cannot run at the same time)

Parking Mode operates as a sentry function under different situations. You can switch to different parking monitoring modes according to different parking situations.

After the parking mode is turned on, there are three ways to record:

1. You can wait for 5 minutes to start automatically.
2. long press the button to begin manually.
3. Install the ACC hardwire kit and the dash cam will directly enter after the car is stopped the engine (the ACC hardwire kit needs to buy separately).

Note:

1. To ensure the camera works properly in park mode, please use the hardwire kits or other stable and continuous power supply to power the dash cam.
2. The best working environment temperature of E3 is -4-158°F(-20°C to 70°C). We recommend using collision detection within this temperature range, so once the temperature exceeds the normal working temperature range, it will automatically shut down. If the temperature is high, please turn off the camera when parking.
3. Time-lapse video recording and parking mode (including collision detection, motion detection, low bitrate recording, and low framerate mode) can only be enabled one at a time. When one is enabled, the other will be automatically disabled.
4. All videos recorded in parking mode(Collision Detection, Motion Detection, Low Bitrate Recording, Low Framerate mode) will be saved in the normal video folder. In order to prevent the video in parking mode from being overwritten in a loop, please check and save the required files in time to prevent loss.

Collision

When collision detection is enabled, the icon will be displayed on the recording interface, indicating that the recorder is currently using collision detection mode. Collision detection sensitivity can be adjusted from 1 to 5 levels. You can adjust according to your habits, as well as the surroundings of the car.

When the Collision Detection is turned on, and no movement is detected after 5 minutes of recording (5-minute entry mechanism for short), then Collision Detection is activated with a Collision Detection icon at the top right corner of the screen, and the camera automatically turns off. When the dash cam is turned off, it will start to record for 1 minute after being shaken, then turn off the dash cam again.

Note: If the dash cam continues to be hit during the collision detection recording, it will exit the collision detection mode and enter normal recording, restarting the 5-minute entry mechanism.

Motion Detection

When the motion detection is turned on, the icon will be displayed on the recording interface, indicating that the dash cam is currently in motion detection mode.

Motion detection has three levels: low/medium/high that can be adjusted, and the corresponding detection ranges for motion detection is 6.6ft/13ft/19.7ft.

When the motion Detection is turned on, and no movement is detected after 5 minutes of recording, then an orange icon will appear in the center of the screen, and the screen will turn off after 3 minutes. When the camera detects object movement, it will automatically trigger video recording for 30 seconds. after the motion detection recording ends, the camera will load a 15s pre-recorded video into the 30 motion detection video and save the 45s video to the normal folder.

Note: Motion detection mode can only be engaged when the camera is turned on. Once the camera is turned off, the motion detection mode will not work.

Low Bitrate Recording

When Low Bitrate recording is enabled, the icons or will be displayed in the lower right corner of the screen, depending on whether you choose 1080P 15FPS or 720P 15FPS.

If no movement is detected after 5 minutes of recording, there will be a icon that appears in the center of the screen. The resolution of all current video will be automatically switched to 1080P 15FPS or 720P 15FPS for recording, and the recording duration will be determined according to the currently set loop recording duration. When the camera is vibrates or is moved, it will automatically exit, wait 5 minutes, and enter again.

Note: Low Bitrate recording can only be engaged when the camera is turned on. Once the camera is turned off, the Low Bitrate recording will not work.

Low Framerate mode

When the low framerate mode is selected, the camera will record according to your selection among 1FPS/5FPS/10FPS/15FPS. For example, if you select 1FPS and the current video resolution frame rate is 30FPS, the camera will generate a 30FPS video per second. Low framerate mode can greatly preserve the integrity of the video and save space on the memory card.

[Normal Recording Time = Time Lapse Recording Time (Sec) x Recording Frame Rate FPS/Time Lapse Option]
(Time should be converted into seconds)

GPS Function

The GPS function is one of the important functions of the dash cam. GPS is enabled by default, and the camera receives GPS signals through the GPS mount. It can automatically calibrate the time and date in your area, recording the location where the video was taken and the speed of the car at the time.

Wireless Remote Control

The camera is equipped with a remote control, which can be used to quickly control the camera to snapshot, take event video, set audio on/off and perform other functions.

Remote control connection:
Remove the insulating strip on the remote control, and the camera will automatically match the remote control. No manual pairing with the dash cam is required.
When the icon appears on the screen, it means that the remote control has been successfully matched.

Installation of the remote control:
After the remote control is matched with the camera, please select a suitable location on your car, then tear off the adhesive sticker from the remote control and stick it to your selected location.
( Note: The remote control needs to be installed in a position that does not affect safe driving)

Functions of the remote control:

1. After the remote control is successfully connected, press the button to enable or disable audio.
   

2. After successful connection, short press the button to lock the current file and take a snapshot; continue to short press during the locked video, and continue to capture the photo
   

Replacing the remote control battery:

1. There is an "OPEN" mark on the bottom of the remote control, please slowly pry open the surrounding gap along the groove position of this mark to open.
   
2. After opening, gently pry the battery open from the groove in the front of the battery compartment, then take out the old battery, put the new battery in, and cover the back cover of the remote control.

Note: When the power is low, the battery needs to be replaced(The battery model of the remote control is a CR2032 battery). It does not support charging.

Voice Assistant

In addition to controlling the camera with the remote control, you can also control the camera with voice command. Currently supported languages are English, Japanese, Russian, and Chinese. For more detailed voice commands, please check System Settings > Voice Content.

The default setting is standard sensitivity. Voice recognition has options such as low sensitivity/standard/high sensitivity/off. You can control the camera with voice commands.

Viewing and Deleting Video/Photos

1. Viewing and Deleting files on the Camera

• Playback Files
  After clicking "Files", enter any folder, and after opening the video folder, you can press the button to select the next file, or press the button to delete the file during playback.
  

• Deleting Files
  Go to "Files", choose a video on the dash cam, press the button in the file browsing interface to pop up the delete Menu.
  

2. Viewing and Deleting files a Computer
   1. Connect the included TYPE-C USB data cable to the camera and the computer.
      
   2. After the connection is successful, the icon will appear on the display of the camera to transfer data, and then you can view the video files in the computer folder.
      

3. Depending on the computer systems of different users, after the camera is connected to the computer, it will be displayed as a removable drive or a removable folder.

4. To view the files on the computer, you can directly access, right-click to open the menu and delete them.
5. You can also use a USB card reader to read the memory card information.
6. To ensure a stable power supply, please check whether the computer interface is a USB3.0 interface. When connecting to a desktop computer, it is recommended to use the USB port on the back of the host computer.

Note:

1. For video playback in the app, or downloads to SD card, there will be no network traffic consumption.

2. You can view GPS track information only after the video file is downloaded and played back locally. At the same time, you need to disconnect the WIFI of the dash cam, otherwise the map information will be blank.

Upgrading the Firmware

The system will automatically update with the Micro SD card the firmware upgrade file. The camera will restart once the upgrade has been completed.
The latest firmware version is always available at the official VANTRUE website (www.vantrue.net). We strongly recommend registering your product (www.vantrue.net/register) to receive a notification email when a new firmware update is available.

Working Temperature

The camera is designed to operate in temperatures from -4 to 140°F (-20 to 60°C). Temperatures outside this range risk degrading the camera's performance work and causing damage.

To avoid damage
In hot weather, do not expose the camera directly to the sun when the car is parked.
In extreme winter conditions, i.e. -4°F (-20°C) or lower, detach the camera from the windshield when not in use, and store in the glove box.

Specifications

The specifications of this product may change without prior notice due to product improvements.

Documents / Resources

References

• App Store - Apple
• Google Play
• Vantrue | Automobile security & dashcam focused
• http://www.vantrue.net/register

Download manual

Here you can download full pdf version of manual, it may contain additional safety instructions, warranty information, FCC rules, etc.

Download Vantrue Element 3 (E3) - Dash Cam Manual