FA10

User Manual

This Dashboard Camera (dash cam) is a specialized onboard device that continuously records video while the vehicle is in use.

Some features may not be available depending on installation, driving conditions, and vehicle type. The video quality might vary
for each device as a result of installed firmware.
The device DOES NOT guarantee video recording of all accidents as built-in impact sensor may not be activated due to combination
of user settings and the level of impact during the collision.

FA10_UM_ENG_Rev.03
Contents

Before Using THINKWARE DASH CAMTM FA10 2

FCC Statement 2
Caution 3

01 Getting Started
1-1. In the Package 4
1-2. Optional Accessories 4
1-3. Product Overview 5
1-4. Inserting a Memory Card 6
1-5. Vehicle Installation 7

02 Basic Operations
2-1. Turning the Device Power On/Off 9
2-2. Road Safety Warning (Optional Accessory) 10
2-3. Recorded Files 11
2-4. Recording Videos While Driving 12
2-5. Recording Videos While Parked 13
2-6. Manual Recording 14
2-7. Voice Recording 14
2-8. Formatting MicroSD Card 15
2-9. Upgrading Firmware 15

03 PC Viewer Software
3-1. Thinkware Dash Cam PC Viewer 16
3-2. PC Viewer Settings > Dashcam Setting 20
3-3. PC Viewer Settings 21

04 Device Information
4-1. Specifications 22
Before Using THINKWARE DASH CAM™ FA10
 Under the copyright laws, this manual may not be copied, in whole or in part, without the written consent
of THINKWARE.
 Every effort has been made to ensure this Guide's accuracy. However, we cannot guarantee the accuracy of
the contents in this document as there may be technical errors, omissions, and/or future changes.
 THINKWARE reserves the right to change or modify the product and the content of this manual at any time
without prior notice for product improvements.
 Images contained in this user guide are illustrations for instructional purposes only and may differ from the
actual product.
 Users do not reserve the right to use the product for purposes other than as specified in this user guide.
According to the Personal Information Protection Act and other related regulations, the user/owner may be
held liable if the video and/or conversation recorded by the device are distributed without their consent.
Thus, special attention should be paid in using this product.

The MicroSD memory card should be tested for errors on a regular basis and as the memory card is a con-
sumable item, it will need to be replaced periodically.
THINKWARE shall NOT be responsible for any problems and/or damages that may occur from the use of
disingenuous, modified, or unauthorized parts and accessories.
The device and the recorded videos are intended for personal use and the recorded videos should be
used for reference only.
The device does NOT guarantee video recording of all accidents as built-in impact sensor may not be
activated due to combination of user settings and the level of impact during the collision.

FCC Statement
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1)
this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to
Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful inter-
ference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy
and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio
communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If
this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of
the following measures:

 Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

 Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
 Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
 Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

FCC CAUTION: Any changes or modifications to the equipment not expressly approved by the party responsi-
ble for compliance could void your authority to operate the equipment.

This Class A digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.

2
Caution
Depending on the make and model of your car, Do not place or store the device where it can be
the power may be constantly supplied to the dash accessible by children and pets.
cam even with the ignition turned off. Installation Do not disassemble the Product as it will void prod-
of the device to a continuously powered 12V out- uct warranty and may also damage the product.
let could result in vehicle battery drainage. Handle with care. Drop, shock, and mishandling
This device is designed to record video while the the Product may result in malfunction and/or
vehicle is in operation. The quality of the video damage to the device.
might be affected by weather conditions and the Do not operate this device while driving.
road environment such as day or night, presence
of street lighting, entering/exiting tunnels, and Install this device in a location where it has unob-
the surrounding temperature. structed view of the road but does not interfere
with the driver’s view. Check with your State and
THINKWARE is NOT responsible for the loss of any Municipal laws before mounting to the wind-
recorded video during operation. shield.
Although designed to withstand high impact of The device and/or installation items have moving
car collision, THINKWARE does NOT guarantee parts and may shift in extreme road conditions
recording of accidents where the impact may such as unpaved road. Check frequently to ensure
cause the device to be damaged. the device is positioned as instructed in this guide.
Keep the windshield and camera lens clean for Do not operate or handle power cable with wet
optimal video quality. Particles and substances hands.
on the camera lens or windshield may reduce the
quality of the recorded videos. Do not use a damaged power cable.
The specified operating temperature of this prod- Keep the power cable away from heaters or other
uct is 14°F to 140°F (-10°C to 60°C) and storage hot objects.
temperature is -4°F to 158°F (-20°C to 70°C). Ensure Check that power cable with correct connector is
that the device is kept within these temperature used and the connections are secure and firmly in
ranges; otherwise, the device may not function as place.
designed and at extreme temperatures, perma- Do not pull, insert, or bend the power cable using
nent physical damage can result which is not cov- excessive force.
ered by warranty. Do not place heavy objects on the device and the
Avoid placing the device under direct sunlight. power cable.
Avoid using the device in extreme conditions Do not modify or cut the power cable.
where the Product is exposed to high temperature THINKWARE does not guarantee that devices or
and/or humidity. peripherals not authorized by THINKWARE will be
Only use genuine accessories and peripherals compatible with its Product.
from THINKWARE or authorized THINKWARE deal- Do not attempt to insert foreign objects into the
er. THINKWARE does not warrant the safety and device or power cable.
compatibility from use of peripherals from other Do not spill or spray liquid into the device as it may
manufacturers. Use genuine parts supplied by cause malfunction, fire, or electric shock.
THINKWARE.
This device is intended to be used inside the vehi-
Do not apply excessive force when pushing the cle only.
buttons on the device.
Do not clean the Product using chemical cleaner
or solvents as it may damage plastic components.
Use soft, clean, dry fabric to gently wipe the Prod-
uct.

3
1. Getting Started
This unit was tested with shielded cables on the peripheral devices.
Shielded cables must be used with the unit to insure compliance.

1-1. In the Package

Mount with 3M tape

Main Dash Cam Unit Car Charger Adhesive Cable Holder
(1ea)

Quick Start Guide/Warranty/

MicroSD memory card with adapter
User Manual (stored in the MicroSD
(consumable)
card)

1-2. Optional Accessories

Hardwiring Cable External GPS Receiver

4
 01
1-3. Product Overview

Getting Started
2 3

0,& 0,&

1 4 5

Front view Rear view

Left view Under view

9 0,&

No. Name Description

1 Camera Lens Front facing camera for video recording

2 Mount Connector Connects to the windshield mount (refer to installation)

3 DC-IN Connects to power cable

4 Speaker Outputs voice guidance and alert/notification sounds

5 Microphone Records audio along with video

6 Memory Card Slot Location for the MicroSD memory card

7 Operation Status LED Indicates the device operating status

8 External GPS Antenna Connect the external GPS antenna (Optional Accessory Required)

Short Press : Starts manual recording

9 REC Button Press and hold for 3 seconds : Audio recording ON/OFF
Press and hold for 5 seconds : Memory card format

5
1-4. Inserting a Memory Card

1-4-1. About Memory Cards

 MicroSD card must be used with a storage capacity of 8GB Class 10 or higher.
UHS MicroSD card must be used with a storage capacity of 16GB, 32GB, or 64GB.
 Device only supports MicroSD card with capacity of 8GB Class 10 or higher.

1-4-2. Installing a MicroSD Card

0,&

MicroSD card

Insert the MicroSD card into the Inserting the Removing the Gently apply force on the
slot with the metal contacts facing memory card memory card MicroSD card until it is ejected
towards the back of the device and from the slot.
push until it locks into place.

Do not apply excessive force on the MicroSD card or attempt to insert it in the wrong direction as it may
cause damage to the MicroSD card and the card slot.

Cautions
The MicroSD card should be tested for errors on a regular basis and as the memory card is a consumable
item, it should be replaced periodically.
THINKWARE shall NOT be responsible for any problems and/or damages that may occur from not using
genuine or authorized parts and accessories. It is strongly recommended that THINKWARE memory cards
are used to minimize memory card error.
Ensure that the device is completely off before removing the MicroSD card to avoid damages to the
memory card.
To prevent loss of important data, frequently copy recorded videos from MicroSD card to another storage
device such as personal computer for back up.

6
 01
1-5. Vehicle Installation

Getting Started
1-5-1. Connecting the Device and the
Mount

Align the mount with the connector (A), and slide it

towards (B) until it clicks into place.

Remove the protective film from the camera lens.

1-5-2. Installing the Device

Clean the area on the windshield where the dash

cam will be installed.
With dash cam main unit still attached to the
mount, remove the protective tape from the back
of the mount.
Attach the adhesive side of the mount on the
windshield where it has an unobstructed view of
the road but does not interfere with the driver’s
view.

TIP
The camera is located on the right side of the main unit
so install the dash cam on the left of center behind the
rearview mirror.

TIP
To ensure that the mount is safely secured, it is recommend-
ed that you separate the device from the mount after instal-
lation and press the mount towards windshield for 5 minutes
to maintain pressure. Allow 24 hours until the adhesive on
the mount has set before connecting the dash cam.

7
1-5-3. Connecting to power

Connect the power cable to DC-IN socket of

the device.
Plug the car charger adapter end of the power
cable into a 12V DC vehicle power socket.
Arrange the wire by using the adhesive cable
holders as shown below.

Adjust the camera so that the dash cam is facing

forward and is level with the road.

TIP
After installation, run the dash cam to record videos and
check the videos using Thinkware Dash Cam Viewer to
verify camera position. Adjust the camera angle if neces-
sary.

0,&

Hide the power cable by placing (tucking) it in the

space between the windshield and headliner.

Recommended locations for the adhesive

wire clips to arrange the power cable.

For more information on the power cable routing instruction, please visit Thinkware homepage.
(www.thinkware.com)

Preventing Vehicle Battery Discharge

Depending on the make and model of your car, the power may be supplied to the dash cam even with the
ignition turned off. This may result in vehicle battery discharge.
Some vehicles with multiple power sockets might be equipped with at least 1 outlet that does not shut off
the power with the ignition. Test each power outlet to ensure you connect to an outlet that shuts off with
vehicle ignition.

8
 02
2. Basic Operations

Basic Operations
2-1. Turning the Device Power On/Off
 Once connected to the vehicle, the device will automatically turn on and off with vehicle ignition.

Operation LED

Red Light ON
Power cable for vehicle

9
2-2. Road Safety Warning (Optional Accessory)
 Road Safety Warning : Using GPS and database, safety camera alert will warn the driver when approaching
traffic enforcement zones such as red light camera, speed camera, average speed
camera, and mobile speed zones.
Enable the Road Safety Warning feature in "PC Viewer > Settings > Dash cam Setting > Road Safety
Warning"

Cautions
This feature may not be available in some countries.
GPS may be affected by weather conditions, satellite signal, and/or surrounding geographical features.
Coated windshields can interfere with GPS signal which may result in poor or blocked GPS reception.
Other electronic devices and/or equipment may interfere with GPS signal if placed too close to the dash
cam.

10
 02
2-3. Recorded Files

Basic Operations
 Recorded video files are saved in the folder by date and hour in the MicroSD card.
Files are created based on the time when the videos are recorded.

Year Month Day Hour Second Front view

Minute recording

As a loop-recording surveillance product, the dash cam will

automatically overwrite oldest file in the memory card once
the memory is full. However, event recording and manual
recording videos are stored in separate locations and will be
protected from file overwriting.

Cautions
Do not use the MicroSD card as an external storage device.
Do not tamper with the system files within the in the MicroSD card.
This may result in unexpected behavior during operation.

11
2-4. Recording Videos While Driving

2-4-1. Continuous Recording Mode

 Videos are recorded in 1 minute segments and saved as files

in the MicroSD card under the folder named “cont_rec”.

Operation LED

Green Light ON 0,&

2-4-2. Incident Recording During Continuous Recording Mode

 When the dash cam detects an impact, it will immediately

store the 10 seconds prior and after the impact.
The 20-second impact recording is saved on the MicroSD card
under the "evt_rec" folder.

 Please note that the dash cam will only detect impact as an
incident if the level of impact is greater than the sensitivity
level of the G-Sensor.
You can change these levels in the user configuration.

Operation LED

Red Light ON 0,&

Cautions
Driving over speed bumps, manholes, or uneven roads at high speeds can also be detected as an impact
and may trigger incident recording.
The device can record up to 1 minute of incident recordings in the case of continuous impacts or multiple
accidents.
The duration of incident footage recorded may vary according to the device settings.

12
 02
2-5. Recording Videos While Parked

Basic Operations
2-5-1. Motion Detection Recording

 When the dash cam detects motion while parked, it will immediately store the previous 10 seconds prior to
the activation of motion detection start recording video for the next 10 seconds.
The 20-second motion detection recording is then saved on the MicroSD card under the folder named
"motion_rec".

Cautions
The device can record up to 1 minute for continuous impacts in the case of multiple collisions.

2-5-2. Incident recording

 When the dash cam detects impact while parked, it will

immediately store the 10 seconds prior and after the impact.
The 20-second impact recording is saved on the MicroSD card
under the "parking_rec" folder.

13
2-6. Manual Recording
In addition to recording accidents, the dash cam allows the user to initiate manual recording mode to capture
scenery and/or places while driving. This feature can also be used to save video as witness where the installed
vehicle is not directly involved in an accident. Video files saved during manual recording mode are stored in a
separate location on the memory card and will be protected from video overwriting in continuous recording
mode.

 Briefly press the REC button to start recording. The device will
record video for 1 minute (10 seconds before and 50 seconds
after) as of the time when the button is pressed. The recorded
video will be saved under the “manual_rec” folder.

Operation LED

Red Light ON
Press briefly

2-7. Voice Recording

 Press and hold the REC button for more than 3 seconds to turn the voice recording ON/OFF

Press and hold for 3seconds

14
 02
2-8. Formatting MicroSD Card

Basic Operations
 Press and hold REC button for 5 seconds to initiate memory card format

Operation LED

Red Light Blinking

Press and hold for 5 seconds

2-9. Upgrading Firmware

 The system will automatically be updated if the MicroSD card contains
the firmware upgrade file.
The device restarts automatically after the upgrade has been
completed.

 Make sure your device is always up to date with latest firmware.

Please check back frequently at THINKWARE website
(www.thinkware.com) for the latest firmware updates.

 Do NOT disconnect your device from power while it is being updated.

This will result in damage to the dash cam.

Operation LED

Red Light Blinking

15
3. PC Viewer Software
3-1. Thinkware Dash Cam PC Viewer
Thinkware Dash Cam Viewer for Windows/MacOS is provided which can be used to watch videos recorded
with the dash cam. The video files recorded by the dash cam are in one minute segments and the PC viewer
allows the user to watch these segments as a single continuous video.

The setup file for the Thinkware Dash Cam PC Viewer is included in the MicroSD card within the package.
Please check THINKWARE homepage(www.thinkware.com) for the latest Dash Cam PC Viewer application.

Insert the MicroSD card into the PC.

3-1-1. Installing Thinkware Dash Cam Viewer

Windows

Double-click the Thinkware Dash Cam Viewer setup

file saved in the MicroSD card to initiate program
installation.

Double-click the application icon once PC Viewer

installation completes and the application main
screen will then appear.

Cautions
System requirements :
Windows XP SP3 (32 bit), Windows 7 (32/64 bit),
Windows 8.x (32/64 bit)

16
 03
MAC

PC Application
① Move the file named “Dashcam Viewer.zip” stored in the MicroSD card to the desktop.
② Right click on the mouse and select “Open With” > “Archive Utility” to launch the Thinkware Dash Cam
viewer application.

Cautions
System requirements : MAC OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion or later (OS X 10.9 Mavericks, OS X 10.10 Yosemite)

3-1-2. Select the Device Drive for FA10

① Click File from menu and select the drive for the
portable storage drive for the connected
MicroSD card.

② Select any file from the list to load entire video

playlist in the memory card.

Cautions
The MicroSD card will not be recognized by the PC
Viewer until it has been used in the dash cam.
It is recommended that the user record at least one
video clip on the MicroSD card with the dash cam
unit before accessing the Thinkware Dash Cam PC
Viewer.

17
 3-1-3. Thinkware Dash Cam Viewer Overview

Full screen

Dash cam setting / Information Switch between front/rear view

File open

Viewing screen

Playback Map
Checks the location
Progress of the recorded
video (Enabled only
Current play time/ if video is captured
Total play time while connected
using GPS antenna
'optional in some
Driving speed models' and must
also be connected
to the Internet)
Playlist
Impact sensor value

No. Name Description

Play Previous Plays the previous file before the current file
Rewinds the current file being played by 10 seconds
Rewind by 10 Sec
(If selected, it continues to rewind by 10 seconds)
Play/Pause Plays the recorded file / temporarily pauses playback
Stops the file being played. The playback status resets to the starting point of
Stop
the video.

Fast-forwards the current file being played by 10 seconds

Fast-forward by 10 Sec
(If selected, it continues to fast-forward by 10 seconds)
Play Next Plays the next file after the current file
Auto Play Automatically loops the video back to beginning once the end has reached
Zoom Sets the video expansion ratio (0.5x / 1.0x / 1.5x / 2.0x)
Screen Setting Sets brightness/speed of the video
Save Saves the video in play
Volume Sets the volume of the playback

18
 03
3-1-4. View Video Playlist

PC Application
 Select appropriate folder (Continuous Recording, Incident Recording, Manual Recording, Parking Motion,
Parking Incident) to see the playlist for each recording mode.

Continuous Recording Playlist Manual Recording Playlist

19
3-2. PC Viewer Settings > Dashcam Setting
 Memory Card Settings
Memory Partition :
Sets how storage space on the memory card will be allotted
for each recording mode (Entire memory card will be format-
ted when the memory partition setting is changed)
Formatting memory card :
Formats the MicroSD card. Formatting will completely erase
all video files stored in the memory card
 It is recommended that you back up data before formatting
the memory card. Once you format the memory card, all data
will be deleted and cannot be restored. The method for
formatting a MicroSD card might vary depending on the
computer operating system.
Video Overwrite :
Sets the overwriting option which will allow new video files
to overwrite oldest video in storage reserved for each mode

 Record Settings
Impact sensitivity at continuous mode :
Sets the impact sensitivity during continuous recording mode.
It is recommended that you set the sensitivity according to
vehicle type. High sensitivity setting is recommended for cars
with softer ride such as luxury sedans; while low sensitivity
setting is recommended for cars such as performance cars,
trucks, or SUVs which tends to have stiffer suspension settings.
Brightness :
Sets the video recording brightness for front/rear camera
Parking Mode :
Monitors vehicle ignition status to automatically convert to
parking mode when the vehicle engine is turned off. The dash
cam must be hardwired to the vehicle for the use of parking
mode.
Impact sensitivity at parking mode :
Sets the impact sensitivity during parking recording mode
Motion detection :
Sets the motion detection sensitivity during parking recording mode
Timer setting for stop recording :
Sets the timer for the dash cam to automatically shut down in parking mode to prevent from draining
the vehicle battery
Battery voltage setting for stop recording :
Sets the voltage level for the dash cam to automatically shut down in order to prevent from draining the
vehicle battery

20
 03
 System Settings

PC Application
Language : Sets dash cam system language
Voice guidance : Sets the volume level
Time zone : Sets the time zone
Date/Time : Sets the date/time
Daylight Saving Time : Sets the daylight saving time
Speed unit : Sets the unit for the vehicle speed
Speed Stamp : Sets vehicle speed information (tracked by
GPS) to be shown or hidden directly on video
Road Safety Warning : Sets the audible notifications for road
safety warnings

3-3. PC Viewer Settings

 Dashcaminfo : Displays dash cam information

 language setting : Sets dash cam system language

 Units speed : Sets the unit for the vehicle speed

21
4. Device Information
4-1. Specifications
The specifications of this product may change without prior notice for product improvements.

Item Standard Note

Model FA10
78 x 34 x 31.5mm / 42g
Size/weight
3.07 x 1.33 x 1.24inches / 0.09lbs
Capacity MicroSD card 8GB(class 10), 16GB, 32GB, 64GB(UHS-I)
Continuous Recording Mode Records in 1 minute segment
10 seconds before/after incident
Incident Recording Mode
(total 20 seconds)
10 seconds before and 50 seconds after
Manual Recording Mode
Recording mode (total 1 minute)
Optional hardwiring cable and installation
Parking Surveillance Mode are required for continuous supply of
power when vehicle ignition is off.
Audio Recording
Camera 2.12M Pixels, 1/5.78" CMOS
Viewing angle Approximately 130° (diagonally)
Video FHD (1920 x 1080) / H.264 / PCM MP4
Frame rate 1 channel (Front view) : up to 30 fps
Audio PCM (Pulse code modulation)
Acceleration sensor 3-axis acceleration sensor (3D, ±3G) Adjustable impact sensitivity (5 levels)
Optional accessory that requires separate
GPS External GPS Receiver
purchase
Input power source DC 12/24V
Current consumption 2.1W (MAX)
Notification LED LED 1ea (2 Color)
Warning sound Embedded speaker Voice (buzzer sound) guidance
Operation/Storage 14°F to 140°F / -10°C to 60°C
Temperature -4°F to 158°F / -20°C to 70°C

22