When you receive a new AI-12 dashcam, a SIM card may already be inserted (if purchased from Surfsight®), or you may need to insert it, if purchased separately. You may also need to replace SIM cards at times.
This article contains the following sections:
SIM card guidelines
For reliable operation in a vehicle, Lytx recommends the following SIM specifications.
Recommended for reliable operation
- An industrial-grade SIM rated for an operating temperature of -40°C to +105°C. Consumer-grade SIM cards are not recommended.
- A one-piece micro-SIM (3FF). Avoid combi-SIM cards with perforated micro/nano breakaway frames, as loose frame material can jam the slot or damage the contacts.
Preferred where available
- A SIM designed for automotive or in-vehicle use.
Before you buy
- Ask your SIM provider for the datasheet.
- Confirm that the temperature range and SIM size meet the recommendations above.
- Choose a carrier and data plan that provides 4G/LTE coverage.
Note
North America (NA) AI-12 devices support 4G networks only. Rest of World (RoW) AI-12 devices can also connect to 3G networks.
Reference: industrial-grade SIM specifications
In addition to temperature range and SIM size, an industrial-grade SIM typically shows the following specifications on its datasheet
- SIM type: UICC, industrial grade.
- Data retention: 15 years.
- Endurance: more than 20 million cycles with OS wear leveling (ETSI TS 102 221).
- Voltage range: 5V (class A), 3V (class B), and 1.8V (class C). External clock: 1 to 10 MHz.
- Humidity: 85°C / 85% relative humidity, 1000 hours with bias.
- Corrosion: salt atmosphere at 35°C, 96 hours.
- Low power support: yes (UICC suspend).
Inserting or replacing a SIM card
You can also watch a (short) video of this process at the bottom of this section.
- Remove the protective cover with the screwdriver provided to you.
- If replacing a SIM card, remove the old SIM by pushing down and then sliding it out.
- Check that your new SIM is a one-piece micro (3FF) SIM.
- Insert the new card by pushing it down into place. It should not stick out.
The Surfsight® Knowledge base article on this topic includes an excellent and informative video. Click on the link to see the article, including the video at the bottom.
Testing the new SIM card
- Connect your dashcam to a power source.
- Enter your PIN on the screen.
Note
Contact your reseller if you do not know your PIN.
- Check the touchscreen to see network connection bars. The connection is active when there is no X across the bars.
- If there is an X across the bars, the SIM may be fine, but you might be in a location with a poor network. When there is no X, the signal should be sufficient for all functions to run.
- If the network connection is active, replace the protective cover using the specialty screwdriver.
Support for new Twilio SIM cards
You can scan the QR code provided in your pamphlet to see a video of this process.
- Touch the screen for the PIN entry page. Enter your PIN.
Note
Contact your reseller if you do not know your PIN.
- Touch Settings, then touch Wi-Fi to check connectivity.
- The Wi-Fi should be off (toggled to the left).
Note
Wi-Fi can interfere with the camera acknowledging the new SIM card.
- In your Settings menu, press More Info. A screen with connectivity and device information will appear.
Note
You should see several key pieces of important information on this page, including a SIM card number. Keep this information handy should you need to contact your partner for maintenance help (see below.)
Here are some things you should see on the screen, and what they mean:
- SIM card number. If no such number appears, it means that the dashcam has not recognized the new SIM card. Contact your partner for maintenance help (see below).
- Operator. which network the SIM is connected to.
- Network type. This should be 4G, as Surfsight® does not support anything else at this point.
- Signal strength. If it is poor, the SIM may be fine, but you might be in a location with a poor network. The dashcam displays a Wi-Fi icon with three bars.
- APN in use. This is the access point between the device and the network. This information is sometimes useful for troubleshooting.
More Questions?
For more questions, unresolved issues, or troubleshooting woes, please reach out to your partner.
Have the following information handy:
- Your IMEI number
- The last 4 digits of your SIM number