1. Surfsight
  2. Cameras
  3. Getting started with the AI-12 dashcam

Getting started with the Surfsight® AI-12 dash cam

What’s in the AI-12 dashcam box?

Before you get started with the AI-12 dashcam, check for the following items in your box:

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Caution

Take note of the camera's IMEI number. The IMEI number is on a sticker on the camera itself and on the backside of the camera box. You will need this number when setting up the camera. Ensure that both IMEI’s match.

Important

The dashcam supports a micro-SIM card, which is needed to activate the dashcam. This is already installed.

Additional Items

Also included are:

  • Alcohol wipes to clean the windshield.

  • Notification sticker about the presence of the dashcam. Displaying the sticker is optional, it would normally be placed on the passenger side of the vehicle.

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Install the AI-12 dashcam

Refer to this checklist to ensure that all the necessary steps for installation are completed.

Installation checklist

  1. Connect the AI-12 dashcam to a power source.

  2. Set the road-facing and in-cabin-facing viewing angles.

  3. Mount the dashcam to your windshield.

  4. Check the live video of the road-facing and in-cabin-facing cameras.

  5. Calibrate the accelerometer.

Basic Installation procedure guidance

  • Ensure that the vehicle has no electrical faults or damage (Any faults or damage report to the owner)

  • Validate hardwired or OBDII connection point.

  • Look at location for dashcam mounting, ensuring you operate/ adjust all vehicle equipment near to the dashcam.

  • Power up dashcam and access live views

  • Offer up the dashcam and validate the viewing areas and any potential lens obstructions. (Space to remove the AI-12 from its mount)

  • Mark location of mount on windscreen

  • Re-clean area with alcohol wipe

  • Place mount on windscreen (allow curing time)

  • Power off AI-12

  • Safety route the power cable to the mount

  • Connect the power cable.

  • Mount the AI-12 dashcam to the bracket.

    • Re-validate the live views then tighten all AI-12 screws.

    • Install optional tamper proof cover correctly ensuring the power cable is installed correctly.

    • Ensure the AI-12 is correctly located to the windshield mount.

  • Route the power cable via the top slot in the mount and behind the trim panel

  • Complete installation and testing.

  • Validate the vehicle operates correctly and that nothing has changed.

Connect the AI-12 dashcam to a power source

To utilize the full features of the AI-12 dashcam, including your dashcam must be connected to a constant 12V or 24V minimum 2A power source. The dashcam should only be connected to a power source using the supplied cables.

If an installation is aborted and the dashcam has power, follow the power off procedure to avoid draining the battery. (Power off procedure on page 25)

The input power connector is located on the side of the dashcam cylinder.

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Note

A USB-C cannot be used to power the dashcam within a vehicle.

Connect the dashcam to a power source as follows:

  • Hardwire the dashcam to the fuse box of the vehicle

  • Connect it to the vehicle's OBDII port with the optional OBDII power cable

Note

The dashcam turns on and records once the power jack is connected to the AI-12 power Jack port. The AI-12 will wake on vehicle motion in normal use.

Hardwire the AI-12 dashcam to the vehicle fuse box

To utilize the full features of the dashcam, it must be connected to a constant 12V or 24V minimum 2A power source using the supplied cables. You can do this by hardwiring the dashcam to a vehicle fuse that has a constant power source.

If an installation is aborted and the dashcam has power, follow the power off procedure to avoid draining the battery.

Warning

Some countries/ regions/ jurisdictions have adopted, or may in the future adopt, laws that prohibit aftermarket equipment being powered when the master battery kill/ isolation switch is turned off. It is not recommended to connect the AI-12 Constant power to a circuit controlled by the master battery kill/ isolation switch. Disconnecting the constant power due to connection via a master battery kill/ isolation switch could damage the internal BBU and cause a loss of recordings/ corrupt the SD card.

Warning

Only a properly qualified technician should install and maintain the Surfsight powered by Lytx dashcam. Any electrical work should be performed only by a suitably trained and qualified automotive technician with qualification applicable to your country/ region/ state; and with an expertise in installing and troubleshooting advanced onboard components, including multiplexed circuits. Lytx, Inc. disclaims all responsibility for any damages arising from improper installation and maintenance of the Surfsight device.

Note

While in standby, you can retrieve recordings from the dashcam. In Standby mode, the dashcam draws a current of 32 mA at 12Volts.

When you're ready, follow these steps:

Get organized

To hardwire the camera to the fuse box, use the following equipment:

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Hardwire the dashcam

Note

The hardwire kit includes two wires and a dashcam connector:

  • A black ground wire with terminal for a metal ground bolt

  • A red wire to connect the dashcam to power.

  • A cable with a barrel connector to connect to the dashcam.

  • The wires require a 12V or 24V power source.

Ensure that you have the correct add a fuse for the vehicles fuse box.

Note

Lytx only supply the ATS Mini Add-A-Fuse and a 2Amp mini blade Fuse with the AI-12 Hardwire kit.

Locate your fuse box

Always refer to the vehicle manufacturer’s service manual/ up-fitter (body builder) sites for proper installation and wiring of any aftermarket devices, including the Surfsight A1-12. Check the owner's manual of the vehicle to find the fuse box, which may be in different places depending on the vehicle model. Remove the plastic panel to access the fuse box. Open the fuse box by lifting a tab and pulling it toward you or with a trimming tool.

Warning

All wires that carry electrical current to the Lytx device(s) must be fused. Failure to fuse the constant power wire can lead to serious personal injury and/or property damage. If any wires or cables containing fuses/fuse boxes need to be cut or otherwise shortened or extended, always be certain to replace such fuses/fuse boxes or install new ones.

Warning

Never wire the Surfsight device(s) in a manner that shares a connection with another aftermarket product in the vehicle. Independent connections should always be used.

Warning

Only approved wire connection methods are recommended. Refer to the vehicle manufacturer’s service manual to determine if sealing crimp connections, Add-A-Fuse (Add-A-Circuit), sealing butt connections, or OEM connections to open connection ports are approved. Never use plier tap products such as insulation displacement connectors (i.e. ScotchLoc connectors) when installing the Surfsight device(s) (unless mandated by the vehicle manufacture i.e., BMW).

Which Add-A-Fuse slot should I use?

Use a MultiMeter to test which fuse is constant. A fuse that is constant stays on when the car is off. Ensure you validate constant power with the vehicle door’s open and closed, and locked. Ensure that you have the correct add-a-fuse for the vehicles fuse board.

Add-a-fuse kit

Use the ATS add-a-fuse kit included in our hardwire installation kit for a more secure, long-lasting installation. (Lytx only supply an ATS add-a-fuse kit)

Note

Partner/ installer will need to supply alternative Add-A-fuse kit if the vehicle uses any of the alternatives (ATC/ Micr02/Mini) to complete the installation.

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Note

Ensure you have correct type of add-a-fuse for the vehicle, make and model you are installing on, as they do vary between vehicle manufacturers. You may need to supply additional types of add-a fuse for the vehicle model being installed.

The add-a-fuse kit provides a fuse slot for the existing circuit (#2 in picture below) and another fuse slot for the new circuit for the dashcam device (#1 in picture below).

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The ground wire

The ground wire is usually in the shape of a ring or a C terminal and needs to be connected to a vehicle ground point. Ensure that the metal surfaces are clean.

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Note

Make sure you do not over tighten the pre-installed C terminal as it could cause intermittent ground connection in operation

To hardwire the dashcam

Warning

If you insert the Add-A Fuse in the wrong way, or the vehicles fuse in the incorrect slot, the power will not feed through, and may damage the vehicles circuit/ electrical/ electronic systems.

  1. Trim off some of the insulation tubing to expose the wiring on your hard-wired cable.

  2. Using Automotive crimp pliers, crimp the red wire (constant power) cable with the terminal crimp connector that was included in the add-a-fuse kit.

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  1. Insert the dashcam 2amp fuse that was provided into slot 1 of the add-a-fuse.

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  1. Remove the vehicle fuse from the tested slot.

  2. insert the add-a-fuse to the vehicle fuse slot you tested, ensure it is correctly orientated.

  3. Connect the ground wire (black) by slipping the terminal under a metal bolt or screwing into the vehicle metal structure, (ensure the metal is clean bear metal, protect the bear metal with paint or another vehicle approved product). If needed use a socket wrench to loosen the bolt.

  4. Insert the fuse from the vehicle fuse box into add a fuse slot 2.

The add-a-fuse kit provides a fuse slot for the existing circuit (#2 in picture below) and another fuse slot for the new circuit for the dashcam device (#1 in picture below).

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Note

A loose ground wire can result in power issues for your dashcam. We recommend grounding your wire to an unpainted bare metal vehicle ground bolt. Not to a dash cover support fixing as the dash cover can cause intermittent ground connection.

  1. Connect the power cable to the dashcam power jack port.

Important

Once you have hardwired the power source, the dashcam starts up automatically every time the vehicle or Dashcam moves.

Note

When a dashcam is in storage, the battery gets completely drained. Before using the dashcam, you may need to charge it for an extended period, using at least a 2A power source before turning it on. This could take 2 minutes or more.

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  1. Once you have tested/ validated the views and mounted to the windshield power off the dashcam using the power off procedure to avoid draining the dashcam battery. See (Power off procedure on page 25)

  2. Ensure that the Hardwire loom power convertor/ supply box is situated away from any liquid ingress but with ventilation slots away from any solid surface. Mount label side up above the fuse board as the loom is not IP rated.

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  1. Secure the power convertor/ supply box with double side tape and Zip/cable ties.

  2. Route the power cable from the vehicle fuse board, up the ‘A’ pillar and along the headliner of the vehicle to the dashcam mount

Warning

Make certain that neither the wiring cables nor your installation activities interfere with any airbag-related mechanisms or otherwise risks affecting airbag deployment. Consult the vehicle manufacturer for the location of any airbag sensors, systems, and restrictions that may apply.

Connect the AI-12 dashcam to an OBDII port for power

To utilize the full features of the AI-12 dashcam, including, the dashcam must be connected to a constant 12V or 24V minimum 2A power source using the supplied cables. You can do this by connecting the dashcam to an OBDII port. Purchase an OBDII cable from your authorized reseller.

If an installation is aborted and the dashcam has power, follow the power off procedure to avoid draining the battery.

Warning

Only a properly qualified technician should install and maintain the Surfsight powered by Lytx dashcam. Any electrical work should be performed only by a suitably trained and qualified automotive technician with qualification applicable to your country/ region/ state; and with an expertise in installing and troubleshooting advanced onboard components, including multiplexed circuits. Lytx, Inc. disclaims all responsibility for any damages arising from improper installation and maintenance of the Surfsight device.

Note

While in standby, you can retrieve recordings from the dashcam. In Standby mode, the dashcam draws a current of 32 mA.

To connect your dashcam to an OBDII port:

  1. Locate the engine diagnostic port.

The port is usually found in the driver area, it could be behind an easily removable panel or below dash around knee level.

Note

Connectors can vary by vehicle. If a different one is needed, contact your authorized reseller.

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  1. Align the connector end of the OBDII cable with the engine diagnostic port.

Note

Ensure that the OBDII cable is secure and well-connected to the OBDII port. Ensure it cannot be displaced by vehicle normal operation.

  1. Push the connector into the port.

  1. Connect the OBDII cable to the dashcam.

Important

When routing the power cable near Safety restraint systems (SRS) Airbags, ensure that the cable is secured away from the deployment area. Also ensure that it does not route across the airbag.

Note

Some manufacturers now mandate that their vehicles have an open OBD port which can be achieved by using and OBD Y interface cable (not supplied).

  1. Route the power cable from the vehicle OBDII port, up the ‘A’ pillar and along the headliner of the vehicle to the dashcam mount.

Mount the AI-12 dashcam onto your windshield

Important

Before you start, make sure that the vehicle is parked on a level surface and that the windshield is clean and dry. When cleaning the windshield, you may wish to use the alcohol wipes provided.

Important

The dashcam must be installed at least 1.6 meters (63 inches) above the ground for road facing ADAS.

Adjust viewing angles and placement

When identifying the appropriate location to mount the AI-12 dashcam, sit in the driver seat and operate the sun visors and rear-view mirrors and any other movable items mounted to the vehicle.

Ensure that you are not blocking the drivers view of the road and locate a position where the dashcam has a clear and unobstructed view of both the road ahead and the driver as per our guidance.

Example of typical vehicle with sun visors in both positions and rear-view mirror

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Warning

Some countries/regions/jurisdictions have adopted, or may in the future adopt, laws that prohibit objects from being mounted on a vehicle’s windshield or other locations in a vehicle. Always refer to any applicable laws that concern mounting devices on vehicle windshields before choosing a mounting location. You are responsible for complying with such laws, as Lytx, Inc. does not accept responsibility for your failure to do so.

Generalisation of drivers view of the road guidance for Light duty vehicles

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Using Live view to position the dashcam

  1. With power connected, press the touch screen of the dashcam to view the PIN screen.

  2. Enter the default PIN 3333 to unlock the dashcam for the first time, or your own PIN subsequently.

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  3. Use this video to see this process: admin live view.mp4

  1. Use the dashcam views to position the dashcam.

    Important

    Ensure sufficient space to mount the AI-12 with the optional anti tamper cover installed.

  2. When positioning the dashcam, place it as high as possible on the driver's side of the vehicle. Dependent on the vehicles construction and drivers view of the road you may need to move the dashcam to an alternative location.

Caution

Dependent on the vehicle construction and drivers view of the road with sun visor and rear-view mirrors adjusted.

The dashcam can be placed to the passenger side and or central below the rear-view mirror. Make sure that you comply with any Local Law/ regulations that prohibit or restrict where object can be placed on the windshield.

Warning

The dashcam must be installed at least 1.6 meters (63 inches) above the ground for road facing ADAS.

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Warning

Some countries/regions/jurisdictions have adopted, or may in the future adopt, laws that prohibit objects from being mounted on a vehicle’s windshield or other locations in a vehicle. Always refer to any applicable laws that concern mounting devices on vehicle windshields before choosing a mounting location. You are responsible for complying with such laws, as Lytx, Inc. does not accept responsibility for your failure to do so.

Ensure that:

  • There is a clear view of the driver's upper body.

Note

When using MV+AI, the driver's upper body must be in view of the in-cab lens.

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  • There is a clear view of the road.

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  • The dashcam doesn't obstruct the driver's field of vision.

  • The dashcam doesn’t interfere with the driver’s operation of the vehicle.

  • The dashcam is in the vehicle's wiper path so the road-facing lens is not obstructed by rain or snow.

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  • Nothing in the cab blocks the in-cab lens, such as sun visors, blinds, or mirrors.

Note

If the dashcam does not capture the driver’s upper body, place the dashcam below the rearview mirror, as high as possible without obstructing the dashcam's view of the driver.

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Warning

Positioning must comply with applicable law for relevant jurisdictions.

Set the AI-12 dashcam viewing angles

You can set the viewing angles of both the road-facing and in-cab lenses. They can be adjusted independently and around the mounting bracket.

You can set the viewing angles of both the road-facing and in-cab lenses.

To set the view angles:

  1. Use the special screwdriver that was included in the box to loosen the three security screws on the round side of the dashcam. Do not remove the screws fully.

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  1. Adjust the viewing angle of the road-facing lens by rotating the body of the dashcam; then adjust the viewing angle of the in-cab lens by rotating the ring. Make sure all the viewing angles are set correctly.

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  1. AI-12 can be adjusted in multiple planes by rotating the camera lenses and mount.

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  1. When you are in the parked vehicle with the parking brake on, and the door closed, press the touchscreen of the dashcam to view the PIN screen.

  2. Enter the default PIN 3333 to unlock the dashcam for the first time, or your own PIN subsequently.

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Note

See /document/preview/555#UUID-3e9afdb3-69f5-34e7-8ea9-f02722f48ec6 the knowledge base if you need help with your PIN.

  1. Press Live View.

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  1. Use the arrow keys to toggle between the road-facing and in-cab views.Use this video to see this process: admin live view.mp4

  2. Adjust the viewing angle of the road-facing lens by rotating the body of the dashcam; then adjust the viewing angle of the in-cab lens by rotating the ring. Make sure all the viewing angles are set correctly.

  3. Use Live View to position both the road-facing and in-cab lenses in the proper directions. Use the arrow keys to toggle between the views.

  4. Mark the AI-12 windshield bracket location on the windshield with non-permanent marker

Important

The dashcam must be installed at least 1.6 meters (63 inches) above the ground for road facing ADAS.

  • Ensure that:

    • There is a clear view of the driver's upper body.

    • There is a clear view of the road.

    • The dashcam doesn't obstruct the driver's field of vision.

    • There is sufficient space to mount with the optional anti-tamper cover.

    • The dashcam is in the vehicle's wiper path so the road-facing lens is not obstructed by rain or snow.

    • Nothing in the cab blocks the in-cab lens, such as sun visors, blinds, or mirrors.

  1. Use the special screwdriver that was included in the box to tighten the three security screws on the round side of the dashcam. Once the screws are tightened, the two lenses can be tilted forwards or backwards together but not separately.

To mount the AI-12 dashcam on a vehicle's windshield

  1. Ensure that no moisture is present (this can happen at certain time of day)

  2. That the air temperature is above 10°C (50F)

  3. Clean the windshield!

  4. Ensure the mounting area has minimal windshield curvature!

  5. Mark the location on windshield with non-permanent marker

  6. Ensure sufficient space has been left for the mounted optional Anti-Tamper cover mounted and AI-12 to slide into the mounting bracket.

  7. Remove the mounting bracket from the AI-12.

  8. Clean the area with alcohol wipe allow to dry.

  9. Remove the adhesive tape cover.

Caution

The adhesive is very sticky. Once applied to the windshield, it will not come off easily.

  1. Roll the mount from the top cable slot down onto the windshield using equal pressure.

  2. Externally check for any air bubbles trapped in the adhesive.

    • You may need to (carefully) apply additional pressure to the bracket and remove any large air bubbles. Use a small pin to create an escape path for the air if the problem is persistent.

  3. Route power cable from fuse board (OBD port) to mounting location securing with Zip/Cable ties.

  4. Wait 10 minutes before placing weight/ sliding the AI-12 onto the bracket.

  5. Attach the dashcam onto the mounting bracket.

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  1. Ensure that the dashcam is correctly locked in the mounting bracket.

Validate Views

  1. When you are in the parked vehicle with the parking brake on, the ignition on, and the door closed, press the touchscreen of the dashcam to view the PIN screen.

Note

Note

When a dashcam is in storage, the battery gets completely drained. Before using the dashcam, you need to charge it for an extended period, using at least a 2A power source before turning it on.

  1. Enter the default PIN 3333 to unlock the dashcam for the first time, or your own PIN subsequently.

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  1. Press Live View.

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  1. Use the arrow keys to toggle between the road-facing and in-cab views.

  2. Use the dashcam views to validate mounted position.

  3. Check that the location is not nothing in the cab blocks the in-cab lens, such as sun visors, blinds, or mirrors.

  4. Check the dashcam is in the vehicle's wiper path so the road-facing lens is not obstructed by rain or snow.

  5. Remove the dashcam from the mounting bracket.

  6. Use the special screwdriver that was included in the box to tighten (hand tight + ¼ turn) the three security screws on the round side of the dashcam.

  7. Install optional anti tamper cover.

  8. Ensure that the dashcam is correctly locked in the mounting bracket.

Calibrate the AI-12 dashcam accelerometer

The dashcam contains internal sensors that detect risky driving events. You need to calibrate the sensors before using the AI-12 dashcam.

Note

You can only calibrate dashcams that are online.

Caution

Before you start, make sure the vehicle is parked on a level surface, the ignition is off, and the dashcam is online. If you are in a hilly area, move the vehicle to as flat an area as you can.

To calibrate the accelerometer:

  1. Turn off the vehicle ignition.

  2. Check that the dashcam is on.

  3. Press the touchscreen of the dashcam to view the PIN screen.

  4. Enter the default PIN 3333 to unlock the dashcam for the first time, or your own PIN subsequently.

  5. Press Settings.

  6. Press Calibration.

  1. The calibration process takes about a second and once completed, the status changes from Not Done to Done.

Note

If you move the dashcam to another vehicle/ windshield location, you should recalibrate it.

Installing the optional tamper proof case

  1. Take the tamper proof case and specialty screwdriver in hand.

  2. Loosen the security screws. image38.jpeg

  3. Separate the two sections. image39.jpeg

  4. Place the section with the open slot over the in cab lens on the dash cam. image40.jpg

  5. Ensure that the Power cable is routed out of the top cable hole, and the second cable blanking hole cover is still in place.

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  1. Ensure that the cable is correctly routed within the anti-tamper cover otherwise it could be tampered with causing power disconnection.

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  1. Slide the second part of the cover on from the round end ensuring that the tamper proof case is securely clipped together.

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  1. Re-tighten the two security screws with the specialty screwdriver.

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Complete the installation

  1. Ensure that all the AI-12 and its component parts are securely installed.

  2. Rebuild the vehicle.

  3. Ensure that the vehicle has no electrical faults or damage (Any faults or damage report to the owner)

  4. Validate the unit has a cellular connection and GPS using the settings menu more info screen.

  5. Report back to the re-selling partner the following information.

    1. AI-12 IMEI number in full

    2. Vehicle name: Registration/ Fleet number or last 6 of VIN if unregistered

    3. Record ADAS Calibration measurements.

    4. Send captured images of the following.

      1. AI-12 mounted location internal and external.

      2. Images of both Road and in-cab live views

      3. Power connection point

      4. Ground point.

      5. More info screen within setting men

  6. Hand back to customer

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