AM-M81
USER MANUAL
Please Register Your AM-M81
www.amacam.net/product-registration
AMACAM AM-M81 USER MANUAL
Page 1
CONTENTS
1. PACKAGE CONTENTS ................................................................................. 2
2. OVERVIEW .................................................................................................... 2
3. DIAGRAM OF CAMERA ................................................................................ 3
4. SCREEN ICONS ............................................................................................ 4
5. INDICATOR LIGHT ........................................................................................ 4
6. BASIC OPERATION ...................................................................................... 5
6.1. First set up ............................................................................................. 5
6.2. Mounting in the car ............................................................................... 6
6.3. Recording .............................................................................................. 6
6.4. Play back ................................................................................................ 7
7. MENU OPTIONS ............................................................................................ 9
7.1. Main menu ............................................................................................. 9
7.2. Playback mode Menu ............................................................................ 9
7.3. MAIN MENU ......................................................................................... 10
7.4. PLAYBACK MENU ............................................................................... 14
8. FURTHER OPERATIONS ............................................................................ 15
8.1. Indicator light ...................................................................................... 15
8.2. External power supply/Charging the battery .................................... 15
8.3. Protecting Files ................................................................................... 15
8.4. Connecting to the computer .............................................................. 16
8.5. Connecting to the TV .......................................................................... 16
8.6. System reset ........................................................................................ 17
9. SPECIFICATION .......................................................................................... 17
10. GPS .............................................................................................................. 17
11. TROUBLE SHOOTING ................................................................................ 18
12. TECHNICAL SUPPORT .............................................................................. 19
AMACAM AM-M81 USER MANUAL
Page 2
1. PACKAGE CONTENTS
Camera – Note that the camera
requires a micro SD memory
card, which is not supplied with
the camera. (See Section 4.1
Below)
Mounting Bracket for car
windscreen. This houses the
GPS Tracker, (if fitted), and has
the 3M sticker affixed
Charging lead with adapter for use in car (Cigarette lighter to Mini-USB cable)
Connection lead for computer (Mini USB to USB Cable)
User Manual
2. OVERVIEW
The Amacam AM-M81 camera is designed primarily as a small video camera for
mounting on the front or rear windscreen of a car. This is for the purpose of
recording the car movements and externals activities, and would be of use in
providing evidence for Insurance purposes. It is designed in this mode to start
recording as soon as the car ignition is switched on.
In addition it can be used for short periods hand held outside the car, but the
battery life in this instance is limited to approximately 40 minutes of recording
before being reconnected to the car or a charger for recharging.
The camera may also be used to take still photos as a manual operation.
The video or still pictures recorded can be reviewed on the inbuilt small screen, or
the camera can be connected to a PC computer for review of all photos and
videos taken.
AMACAM AM-M81 USER MANUAL
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3. DIAGRAM OF CAMERA
Key
1. Bracket for mounting, housing GPS
Tracker (if fitted)
2. USB Port on camera, for charging or
connection to computer
3. AV out (3.5mm jack)
4. Menu/ UP Button
5. OK Key
6. Playback/DOWN Button
7. Indicator light
8. Lens
9. USB Port for charging only
10. POWER Button
11. HDMI Port
12. Slot for Micro SD-TF memory
card
AMACAM AM-M81 USER MANUAL
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4. SCREEN ICONS
The following icons are used on screen to indicate the camera status, activity or
set up.
Video Mode
Recording Mode
Camera Mode
Take a picture
Supply light(off)
Battery state
SD-TF Card Inserted
Motion Detection
V:-------KM/H
Car speed monitor based
on GPS positioning.
White Balance
(Auto)
USB connecting
Protected file
FULL HD /
1080P/720P
Resolution
2008/01/01
01：07AM
Date and Time
Display
loop recording time (1 min)
GPS (if installed)
5. INDICATOR LIGHT
The indicator light (7) will indicate the status of the camera as follows
Solid Red and Blue ---- stand-by / not recording / charging
Solid Blue ----- stand by / battery not charging
Solid Red ----- Power Off / battery charging
Flashing Red and Blue ----- Recording / Battery Charging
Flashing Blue ----- Recording / Battery charged
If the indicator light will not illuminate, even when the power button is pressed, the
internal battery is completely discharged and the camera needs to be connected
to a power supply.
AMACAM AM-M81 USER MANUAL
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6. BASIC OPERATION
6.1. First set up
Before the camera is used the following actions must be taken. This should be
read in conjunction with the Menu Options description in Section of this User
Manual.
(Number references below refer to the Diagram and Key in Section 3 of this user
manual).
Insert a Micro SD-TF card into slot (12). Good quality, Speed rating Class 4,
4GB, 8GB, 16GB or 32GB are recommended.
Switch camera on by pressing Power button (10) once. (See below)
Set up Time Zone, date and time in settings (See Main Menu Section 7.1 below)
Set up Loop recording (See Main Menu Section 7.1 below)
Camera will now operate in default settings mode.
Power Button (10)
The Power button (10) is used to
switch the camera on (in manual operation)
o Short press until indicator light illuminates. Release and wait for a few
seconds for the screen to turn on.
switch the camera off
o Press and hold for at least two seconds, until screen switches off.
Reset after the camera has crashed or seized up
o Press and hold the power button for at least 8-10 seconds to reset the
camera
AMACAM AM-M81 USER MANUAL
Page 6
6.2. Mounting in the car
The mounting bracket (1) is fixed to the car
windscreen using the 3M adhesive sticker.
Peel off the film covering the sticker pad,
and then press onto the windscreen in the
desired position.
The camera slides into the connecting
position on the mounting bracket.
The camera can be rotated to any position
between 0 and 90° on the mounting ring, to
accommodate the slope angle of the car
windscreen.
The charging cable can be permanently
connected from the cigarette lighter to the
mounting bracket connection (9), allowing
the camera to be easily removed from the car when desired. The supplied
adapter should be used as this transforms the 12v car supply to 5 volts required
by the camera, Use of higher voltages will damage the camera.
Alternatively the power cable can be hard wired to the mounting bracket, but this
requires an auto-electrician to carry out the wiring work. Cables for this are not
provided, and a 12v/5v transformer will be required.
6.3. Recording
6.3.1. In car operation
If set up as above with Motion detection set to “ON”, (See Main menu below) the
camera will start recording automatically when the ignition is switched on and the
car starts to travel. Recording will stop when the car ignition is switched off.
(See also ‘Auto Power Off’ in Main Menu)
AMACAM AM-M81 USER MANUAL
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6.3.2. Hand held Manual operation
Video recording (Video camera depicted in top left)
Switch power on by pressing Power button (10) once.
Camera will turn on in Video mode
If Motion detect is set to ON, the recording will start immediately.
If motion detect is set to OFF, Press OK (5) and release to start recording.
Red indicator light on screen will start to flash
Press OK (5) again to stop recording.
Take still photos.
To take still pictures whilst in Standby mode press and hold the OK button
(5) until the photo has been taken. The camera icon will appear in top left
corner of screen whilst still photo is being taken.
Still photos can be taken during video recording by pressing and holding
the OK button (5) during the recording. Recording will continue after
photo has been taken.
6.4. Play back
Play back or review of the video files and photos may be carried out either on the
camera or by connecting the camera to a computer.
6.4.1. To review on the computer
See Section 12.4 (Connecting to the computer) below.
6.4.2. To review files on the camera
Turn the camera on by pressing the Power button (11)
Press and hold the DOWN (6) button until the screen changes a selection
of MOVIE files appears.
Press and hold DOWN button again to access the selection of PHOTO
files of still pictures taken.
Press and Hold Down button to return to Video or Standby mode
AMACAM AM-M81 USER MANUAL
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Whilst in either MOVIE selection or PHOTO selection screen, use the UP
and DOWN buttons to scroll between files. The file number appears at
bottom of screen
to view selected file, Press OK (5). Use OK button to play and pause
during the playback.
To return to file selection screen, to choose an alternative file, press and
hold DOWN button
6.4.3. To delete files
1. To delete all files
Whilst in Playback mode (either MOVIE or PHOTO selection screens),
press and hold the UP (4) button to access the Playback Menu. (See
section )
Select DELETE file by scrolling with UP (4) and DOWN (6) buttons and
use OK (5) button to select.
Scroll between ‘No – Only this – All’ using UP (4) and DOWN (6) buttons,
and then select with OK (5) button.
To return to file selection screen Press and Hold UP (4) button.
Then to return to the Standby mode, press and Hold the Down(6) button.
2. If file has been selected and is being viewed.
Press and hold the UP (4) button, until the Delete file? screen is shown
Scroll between ‘Yes’ and ‘No’ using UP (4) and DOWN (6) buttons
Press OK (5) button to selct the chosen action.
AMACAM AM-M81 USER MANUAL
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7. Menu Options
There is one Main Menu, with a short menu in Playback mode.
7.1. Main menu
To access the Main Menu Press and Hold UP (4) button until Main Menu appears.
Use UP (4) and DOWN (6) buttons to scroll between menu items.
Select Menu item with OK (5) button.
Then scroll between Menu sub-items with UP and DOWN buttons
Set and confirm setting with OK (5) button
See Menus table in 7.3 below
7.2. Playback mode Menu
Whilst in Playback mode (either MOVIE or PHOTO selection screens), press and
hold the UP (4) button to access the Playback menu.
Use UP (4) and DOWN (6) buttons to scroll between menu items.
Select Menu item with OK (5) button.
Then scroll between Menu sub-items with UP (4) and DOWN (6) buttons
Set and confirm setting with OK (5) button
To exit Menu Press and Hold UP (4) button again.
See Menus table in 7.4 below
AMACAM AM-M81 USER MANUAL
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7.3. MAIN MENU
Item
Sub Menu
Choice
Default
Setting
Function/Comment
Video
Resolution
Full HD,
1920 x 1080
1280 x 1080
1440 x 1080
Full HD
Higher resolution will increase file sizes and
recording time on SD card but will enable
number plates to be more easily read.
Photo Size
0.9M
2M
3M
4M
4M
This gives the resolution as the number of
pixels in the picture
Sharpness
Standard
Soft
Hard
Standard
This sharpens or soften the contours between
tones.
Contrast
Standard
Soft
Hard
Standard
The contrast refer to the degree of
differentiation between darker and lighter
elements of the image.
Flicker
Auto
50 Hz
60Hz
50
This should be set to AC Mains frequency in
your area.
AE ISO
Auto
100
200
400
Auto
ISO setting represents the sensitivity to light.
High ISO settings are more sensitive and useful
when in dark or gloomy light. However the
images are more noisy, i.e. they show more
grain. Low ISO settings are used when there
is plenty of light. The pictures will be less
noisy, i.e. less grainy and sharper.
White
balance
Auto
Sunny
Cloudy
Fluorescent
Incandescent
Auto
This adjusts the colour tones according to the
ambient light conditions.
AMACAM AM-M81 USER MANUAL
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Item
Sub Menu
Choice
Default
Setting
Function/Comment
AE Bias
-2
-1.7
-1.3
-1.0
-0.7
-0.3
0
0.3
0.7
1.0
1.3
1.7
2
0
This adjusts the EV (Exposure Value) of the
photo. For very bright settings like snow or
beach, Set a positive bias for EV correction,
For very dark scenes use a negative bias for
the EV number
AE Meter
Mode
Average
Centre
Spot
Centre
TV Type
PAL
NTSC
PAL
Set this to the TV Transmission System used in
your area.
Auto
Power Off
Off
1 min
3 min
5 min
3 MINS
This will turn the camera power off after the set
time if there have been no operations
Time Set
up
TZ:YY:MM:DD
HH:SS
Manual
setting
TZ is the time zone (UTC = O, EST = -5, Pac.
Time = -8). Scroll through the TZ – Y – M – D
etc with the OK Button, and at each use the UP
(4) and DOWN (6) buttons to set the desired
date or time. Use OK (5) Button to set each
number and move to next number Return to
main menu by scrolling through all settings with
OK (5) Button.
Date Time
Display
Off
Date
Time
Date + Time
Date +
Time
Sets the style of display on the screen
AMACAM AM-M81 USER MANUAL
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Item
Sub Menu
Choice
Default
Setting
Function/Comment
Loop
Setting
Off
1 min
3 min
5 min
1 min
When set to 1, 3 or 5 mins, if the camera is
connected to a power supply or charger, the
recording will commence as soon as the power
is switched on. This also determines the size
of files into which the recording is divided.
When loop recording is on, the files are
progressively recorded over, one file at a time.
When loop recording is OFF, recording will not
start automatically. Recording will be
continuous until file size of 3.6GB is reached
(max size) and then a new file will start.
When the memory card is full, recording will
stop, and there will be a screen display
showing the card is full.
Motion
Detect
Off
On
Off
Will start recording (if not recording already)
when motion is detected.
Time
Stamp
GPS Data
Driver No
Off
Date
Time
Date + Time
GPS Data
Sets the style of the display stamped on to the
recorded image
Driver No.
9 Digit display
0000000
Manual
setting
Sets a driver number or Reg. No of the car.
Each number is set using UP (4) and DOWN
(6) buttons and fixed with the OK (5) Button.
Power Off
Screen
Off
1 min
3 min
5 min
1 min
Turns the screen off after this amount of time, if
no activity, but will not stop recording. Press
any button to turn screen on again.
Video
record
mode
Video
Video + Audio
Video
Determines the style of recording, with or
without an audio track.
NOTE: On either setting the audio can be
turned on or off by pressing the UP button
during recording.
An ‘Audio OFF’ icon will appear on right side of
screen when it is switched off.
AMACAM AM-M81 USER MANUAL
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Item
Sub Menu
Choice
Default
Setting
Function/Comment
G Sensor
precision
Clos
e
2
2.5
3
3.5
4
4.5
5
3G
The G Sensor automatically protects a 20
second file when the G Sensor detects a
sudden movement, such as in a collision. This
setting sets the sensitivity of this detection of
the G Sensor
G Sensor
calibration
Yes
No
No
This switches the G sensor protection off and
on.
GPS
Open
Close
Open
Velocity
Units
MPH
KMH
MPH
Units for Speed of car as determined by GPS
Language
English
Russian
English
Default
Settings
Yes
No
No
Returns all settings to the factory default
settings
Format
Yes
No
No
This is used to Format the SD card if
necessary. Reformatting the card will delete all
data stored.
Firmware
Version
FW VER
20140808
FW VER
2014080
8
Number of the Firmware installed in the camera
AMACAM AM-M81 USER MANUAL
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7.4. PLAYBACK MENU
Accessed only whilst the camera is in Playback mode. (See 7.2 above)
Note. This menu is only available if there is a SD card in the camera. If there
is no SD card, the message CARD ABSENT will appear on screen.
Item
Sub Menu
Choice
Default
Setting
Function/Comment
Delete
File
No
Only This
All
For this item, use UP (4) and DOWN (6) buttons
to choose between ‘No’, ‘Only this’ or ‘All’ files.
Press OK (5) button to delete. No confirmation
is requested, be sure that the correct file has been
selected.
Important Note.
Protected files will NOT be deleted using this
function.
Protect
File
Only This
Protect All
None
No
Files can be protected or unprotected by selecting
the appropriate sub menu item.
To unprotect a file, select No..
Auto
Play
On
Off
AMACAM AM-M81 USER MANUAL
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8. FURTHER OPERATIONS
8.1. Indicator light
Item 15 on the camera is the indicator LED. This will shine BLUE when the camera
is switched on. When the battery is charging this light will shine RED, and will not
shine at all when the camera is fully charged, or disconnected from the power
source. See also Section 5 of this manual.
8.2. External power supply/Charging the battery
The internal battery is charged by connecting the camera through the USB
connection socket (6) to any of the following power sources.
- Car lighter socket using the cable supplied
- USB 2.0 socket on a personal computer using the cable supplied
- 240V or 110V Mains to USB adapter plug. This must have a 5v Output. . (Not
supplied)
IMPORTANT NOTE. The mains frequency setting in the Main Menu must be
set to the correct frequency for the mains supply used.
8.3. Protecting Files
Files may be protected. This will prevent them from being deleted on the camera.
Thus when loop recording is being used, protected files will NOT be overwritten.
Files are protected automatically when the G sensor senses an acceleration higher
than the setting established in the Set Up menu. Thus if the car is involved in a
collision the file will be automatically protected.
Files can be protected manually during recording by making a short press on the
DOWN button (6) during recording. All protected files will display the protected file
icon on the screen to signify that they are protected.
Protected files can be unprotected by going to the playback menu.
scroll down to ‘Protect File’ and press select this option
then scroll down to ‘None’ and select by pressing OK (5) button.
This will unprotect all protected files on the camera – not only the selected one.
AMACAM AM-M81 USER MANUAL
Page 16
However if the card is reformatted using the main menu item, all files, including
protected ones will be deleted.
8.4. Connecting to the computer
The camera can be connected to a computer using the Mini USB/USB cable
supplied to a USB 2.0 socket on your computer. When the connection is made
from the USB connection on the camera (2) to the computer, immediately the words
‘USB Connecting’ appear on screen, and the camera cannot be used for recording.
Following this all access is through the computer to which the camera is connected.
Note that the mini USB connection (9) on the mounting bracket (1) is only used for
charging and will not function for accessing the files through a computer.
File protection does not apply on the computer and files can be viewed or deleted as
required.
8.5. Connecting to the TV
The camera can be connected to a TV to allow the files to be viewed on the TV
screen.
There are two ways to connect this.
a. Using the mini HDMI out socket (1) on the camera.
b. Using the 3.5 mm AV out socket (5) by using a suitable cable adaptor as illustrated.
(This cable is not supplied with the camera)
1 2 3
4
Right
Ground
Video
Left
AMACAM AM-M81 USER MANUAL
Page 17
8.6. System reset
To reset the camera to the factory default settings, go to the “Main menu” by
pressing the UP(4) button, and then scroll down to ‘Default Settings’ item. Press
OK (5) and then scroll to YES, and select with OK (5) button. The screen will then
display “Press OK Button to Reboot system”. After presing OK button\, the camera
will switch off and will need to be turned on again with Power (10) button.
9. Specification
Model
Amacam AM-M81
*Size
70 x 40 x 40 mm
*Weight
55.2 gms
Processor
Ambarella solutions, 1080 P30FPS
Image Sensor
OV2710, 2.0 Megapixel sensor
*Viewing Angle
120 degrees
Lens
4x Fixed focus
LCD Screen
1.5” TFT Display
Video Format
H264 (MOV)
Video resolution
1920x10850 30fps, 1440x1080 30fps, 1280x720 30 fps
Photo format
JPEG (EXIF2.2), DCF
Image Resolution
0.9M, 2M, 3M Software), 4M (Software)
Audio
Built in Microphone/Speaker
Memory
Micro SD/TF Card, Class 4, - 4 GB, 8 GB, 16 GB or 32 GB.
(Not included)
USB Interface
USB2.0
AV Out
3.5 mm Mini jack or HDMI – NTSC or PAL format
Battery capacity
Built in Polymer 3.7V 350 mAH
Charger Time
3 hours
Operating temp.
-10°C to 60°C
Storage temperature
-20°C to 70°C
GPS Module
GPS Logger
ISO
Auto
Exposure
compensation
-2.0 to +2.0 EV
Loop recording
Off, 1, 3, 5, mins
Auto power off
Off, 1, 3, 5, mins
Auto screen off
Off, 1, 3, 5, mins
AMACAM AM-M81 USER MANUAL
Page 18
10. GPS
GPS
When the AM-M81 is turned on, search for the satellite with start automatically.
Once the GPS signal is located, it will show on the display, track your route and
record it. This will be saved in the GPS file on the TF card.
Vehicle Speed
The speed of the vehicle will be displayed on screen MP/H or KM/H. (Depending on
model)
Google Maps
The AM-M81 has Google Maps installed and will allow you to see the vehicles route
being tracked with the speed of the vehicle and the G-Sensor information.
11. Trouble Shooting
Camera will not record a video or take picture.
Check whether the SD/TF card is locked, and make sure the card has enough
memory available.
Stopped automatically while recording
HD Video results in very large files, Ensure that the SD/TF card is high-speed and
is of the type “C4”/ “C6”.
The message “File Error” appears during playback
This is because of incorrect storage of the data, resulting in the file error. Reformat the SD/TF Card using "Format" in Main Menu.
Cannot display immage on TV screen
Confirm that the AV or HDMI cable is connected correctly, and the TV is set and
tuned to the correct AV or HDMI mode.
Image is blurred
Maybe the lens is not clean. Check whether there is dirt or fingerprints on the
lens .Use lens paper or soft cloth to clean the lens before using.
Indicator light will not illuminate
If the power insufficient, the indicator light will not operate.
AMACAM AM-M81 USER MANUAL
Page 19
Image has horizontal stripes interference
This due to the wrong setting of “Flicker” .Please check the local power supply
frequency and reset the Flicker setting in Main menu to 50 Hz or 60 Hz.
Camera does not start recording automatically after the car power is turned on
Please make sure the loop recording in Main menu is set to 1, 3 or 5 mins, and is
not OFF, The camera will not auto start recording when loop recording is OFF;
Auto record will only function when there is a SD/TF card inserted in the camera..
The camera keeps automatic recording and will not stop stop .
Check if the Motion Detect in Main menu is switched on. .You can check whether
the icon is dis[played on the screen. When the Motion Detect is ON, the camera
will start recording when a moving object appears within the range of camera.
When the screen is stationary, the recording will stop automatically until a moving
object appears again.
Auto power off setting does not work
Check that motion detection is turned off. If the motion detection is turned on, the
camera will always be in standby mode and will start recording when movement is
detected, the machine will not automatically shut down until the power is switched
off
What can I do if the camera software crashes and locks up?
If the camera locks up, press the power button (10) for 10 seconds, the machine will
reset and restart.
12. Technical Support
For further technical Support please e-mail to support@amacam.net stating :
Name and e-mail address
Camera model
Nature of your problem.
Or contact us through the website at www.amacam.net
www.amacam.net
Thank you for purchasing your AM-M81 from Amacam. We aim for 100%
customer satisfaction, so please let us know if we can assist you in any way. You
can contact us here support@amacam.net We value your comments and
feedback on your Amacam product and would like to hear from you.
Register - 12 Month Warranty
To take full advantage of our service and updates, we suggest that you register
your product online. This will also activate your 12 month warranty. Please use
this link www.amacam.net/product-registration Once registered, you will be kept
up to date with firmware and new products. You will also receive 10% discount
off your next Amacam product.
User Manual - Download
You can download the AM-M81 user manual in PDF format. Please go to
http://www.amacam.net/support/user-manuals and download your copy.
Videos - YouTube
We really would like to receive AM-M81 videos from our customers. Amacam has
a growing community of Amacam Dash Cam users. If you would like to share any
of your Dash Cam videos with fellow Amacam customers on YouTube, please
upload your clip here http://www.amacam.net/contact-us/#upload
Thank you for being a valued Amacam customer
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