CDR 820E - Dash cam COBRA - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Dash cam
Brand	Cobra
Model	CDR 820E
Dimensions	Approx. 90 x 50 x 30 mm
Weight	Approx. 70 g
Power Supply	12V DC via cigarette lighter adapter
Video Resolution	Full HD 1080p at 30fps
Lens	Wide-angle lens (approx. 140°)
Night Vision	Infrared LEDs for low-light recording
G-Sensor	Built-in impact detection for emergency recording
Memory Card	MicroSD card (up to 32GB, Class 10)
Display	2.7 inch LCD screen
GPS	Optional external GPS module
Loop Recording	Automatic overwriting of oldest files
Parking Mode	Motion detection while parked (requires hardwire kit)
Audio	Built-in microphone and speaker
Mount	Suction cup mount for windshield
Operating Temperature	-10°C to 60°C
Storage Temperature	-20°C to 70°C
Maintenance	Clean lens with soft cloth; avoid moisture
Safety	Do not use in high humidity or direct sunlight
Spare Parts	Replacement mount, power cable, and adhesive pads available
Warranty	1 year limited warranty

Frequently Asked Questions - CDR 820E COBRA

How do I format the microSD card?

Insert the card into the dash cam, then go to Menu > Settings > Format. Confirm to erase all data.

Why is the dash cam not powering on?

Check the power adapter connection and ensure the cigarette lighter socket is active. Try using the included USB cable with a computer to test.

How can I enable loop recording?

Loop recording is enabled by default. To adjust settings, go to Menu > Recording Setup > Loop Recording and choose 1, 3, or 5 minute clips.

How do I view recorded videos?

Press the Playback button on the camera, or remove the microSD card and use a computer with a card reader.

What is the G-Sensor and how do I adjust sensitivity?

The G-Sensor detects impacts and locks the current file to prevent overwriting. Adjust sensitivity in Menu > Settings > G-Sensor (High, Medium, Low, or Off).

Can I use the dash cam while driving?

Yes, it automatically starts recording when powered on. Ensure it is securely mounted and does not obstruct the driver's view.

How do I install the GPS module?

Connect the optional GPS module to the mini USB port on the camera. Attach the module to the dashboard for best satellite reception.

What should I do if the screen is flickering?

Flickering may be due to loose connections or a faulty power source. Try reseating the power cable and using a different 12V outlet.

How often should I clean the lens?

Clean the lens with a soft, dry microfiber cloth whenever you notice dust or smudges to maintain video clarity.

Does the dash cam have audio recording?

Yes, it has a built-in microphone. To enable or disable audio, go to Menu > Settings > Audio Recording.

USER MANUAL CDR 820E COBRA

For Customer Service, visit:

www.cobra.com

drive HD

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Cobra

User Manual

drive HD

Record Your Ride

Important Information and Customer Assistance

Important Information

Safe Driving

Motorists, as well as operators of emergency or service vehicles, are expected to exercise all due caution while using this product, and to obey all applicable traffic laws. Security of Your Vehicle

Before leaving your vehicle, always remember to conceal this device in order to reduce the possibility of break-in and theft.

Privacy

This device may not be used to violate the privacy rights of others. In no way will Cobra Electronics or its subsidiaries be responsible for inappropriate use of this product. It is the sole responsibility of the buyer to consult legal counsel for the interpretation of any laws applicable to the area of intended use of this product.

Customer Assistance

www.cobra.com

2014 Cetra Electronics Corporation 650 West Portland Street Chicago, Texas 80707 USA www.cetra.com

Controls Indicators and Connections

Controls, Indicators and Connections

Product Features

Congratulations! You've made a smart choice by purchasing a Drive HD Dash Cam from Cobra. This booklet describes the simple steps for mounting, setting up, and using your dash camera.

Camera Features

Records everything you see and hear in 1080P Full HD with high dynamic range that optimizes video during day or night.

Continuous Loop Recording overwrites old footage unless you want to save it. A time/date stamp is embedded on all recordings so you'll never miss an event while driving.

Ready to use out-of-the-box. Includes a heavy-duty suction cup to mount the camera to your windshield and an 8GB MicroSO card to Record your Ride.

Wide angle view gives you a full view of the road without any edge distortion.

3-axes G-Sensor senses sudden accelerations and collisions and automatically protects footage surrounding the incident.

Additional Features

Emergency Record Button

Motion Sensor

Built-In Microphone & Speaker

Auto-Record and Auto-Power Diff

Adjustable Movie Clip Time

Limited 1-Year Warranty

Limited 1-Year Warranty

Cabra Electronics Corporation warrants that this product and the component parts thereof, will be free of defects in workmanship and materials for a period of one year from the date of first consumer purchase. This warranty may be enforced by the first consumer purchaser. If the product is under warranty, it will be repaired or exchanged depending on the model as determined at Cobra's sole discretion. Such remedy shall be your sole and exclusive remedy for any breach of warranty. The procedure for obtaining service and support, and the applicability of this warranty, will vary depending on the country or jurisdiction in which you purchased and utilize the product. For the details on obtaining product service, support and warranty please visit www.cabra.com/support

Provided that the product is utilized within the U.S.A.- Cobra will, without charge, repair or replace, at its option, defective products, products or component parts upon delivery to the Cobra Factory Service department, accompanied by proof of the date of first consumer purchase, such as a duplicated copy of a sales receipt. You must pay any initial shipping charges required to ship the product for warranty service, but the return charges, to an address in the U.S.A., will be at Cobra's expense, if the product is repaired or replaced under warranty.

This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which may vary from state to state and country to country.

Exclusions: This limited warranty does not apply: 1) To any product damaged by accident; 2) In the event of misuse, ordinary wear, failure to follow directions, or improper maintenance of the product or as a result of unauthorized alterations or repairs; 3) If the serial number has been altered, defaced, or removed; 4) If the product was purchased or is utilized in a jurisdiction not covered by the limited warranty.

All implied warranties, including warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose are limited in duration to the length of this warranty. Cobra shall not be liable for any incidental, consequential or other damages; including, without limitation, damages resulting from loss of use or cost of installation.

Some states and countries do not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts and/or do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitations may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state and country to country.

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Introduction

Important Information....A1

Customer Assistance.... A1

Controls, Indicators and Connections.... A2

Product Features A3

Your Device

What's in the Box.... 2

Installation.... 3

Device Operation 5-12

Powering the Device On and Off.... 4

Charging the device 4

Video Record, Still Photo and Playback Modes.... 5

Video Mode 6

Still Photo Mode 8

Video and Photo Playback Modes.... 9

Video Playback Screen 10

Video Protection Screen 12

Adjusting Camera Settings 13

Language Selection 13

Video Settings.... 14

Adjusting Video Settings....15

To Adjust General Settings 16

General Settings....17

Still Photo Mode Settings 18

Connecting to a Computer.... 19

Troubleshooting....20

Trademark Acknowledgements....20

Customer Information

Specifications 21

Product Service & Support 21

Limited 1-Year Warranty ....22

What's in the Box

Installation

What's in the box

Dash Cam (Model # CDR 820)

Heavy Duty Suction Cup Mount

8GB Micro SD Card (installed)

Cigarette Lighter Adapter

Mini USB to USB Cable

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Installation

Where to Mount Your Unit

You will get optimum performance from your camera if you mount it on the front windshield, behind the rear-view mirror. This will minimize the impact on the driver's line of sight. You'll also want to keep the camera centered and angle the bracket to optimize the camera's view of the road ahead.

Windshield Mounting

Peel the plastic film off of the suction cup.
Position the mounting bracket above the camera as shown. Rotate the vertical support knob clockwise for 2-3 full rotations until it captures the camera firmly.To adjust the angle to the road, if necessary, loosen the angle locking knob above. Turn the camera so that it has a clear view of the road, ahead. Tighten the knob when done.
Press the Suction Cup firmly onto the windshield.Push down on the lever to lock the suction cup in place.
Plug the USB power cord into the camera.
Plug the cigarette lighter adapter on the power cord into your vehicle's cigarette lighter.

Device Operation

Your Dash Cam You

Powering the Device On and Off

To turn the device on, press the POWER button.

To turn the device off, press and hold the POWER button for three seconds.

Charging the device

You can charge the device with the included car charger, or with a USB cable. The device will also run off of its own internal battery for a short time.

NOTE: When the Car charger is connected, the device will automatically power on and start recording video.

Battery: The battery in this unit is intended to operate the unit after power loss due to an accident or crash. Note that while recording may continue, the device was not intended for long-term recording on battery power.

Close-up of a black USB cable connector (no text or symbols visible)

Device Operation

Video Record, Still Photo, and Playback Modes

The camera has four separate modes:

Video Mode

still Photo Mode

ideo Playback Mode

still Photo Playback Mode

To toggle between the modes: Press the MODE Button:

NOTE: You cannot switch modes or enter menus while the camera is recording video.

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Your Dash Cam Device Operation

Video Mode

Video Mode is the primary function of this device and allows you to easily record HD video of the road ahead of you.

Continuous Cyclical Recording: Once the memory card is full, this camera will continuously overwrite the oldest footage recorded. To protect a clip so that it will not be overwritten, press the FILE LOCK Button. The 🔒 icon will show on the screen. Files can also be locked from the playback menu in Video Playback Mode.

G-Sensor: The G-Sensor is an accelerometer that can detect an impact caused by an accident. If the G-Sensor is triggered, the current video segment will automatically be locked so that it is not overwritten by cyclical recording. If the G-Sensor is triggered and video is not being recorded, it will start video recording automatically.

The sensitivity of the G-Sensor can be adjusted in settings.

Device Operation

To Start and Stop recording video, press the RECORD button

The Red Record Dot starts flashing or stops flashing, and the record duration changes to display total time recorded.

To Lock a video while it is being recorded, press the FILE LOCK button

The Lock Current File message and the Lock icon will appear on the screen:

To Toggle the Microphone On / Off, press the UP button

The Microphone Mute icon will toggle on the screen:

To Toggle the Screen On / Off, press the DOWN button

The screen will toggle on and off.

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Device Operation

Still Photo Mode

This device can be used to capture high-resolution still photos using its built-in camera. The images are stored on the removable SD Card memory.

To take a picture

Press the RECORD button.

The screen flashes black and the image briefly freezes to show that a picture was taken.

To digitally zoom in or out

Press and hold the UP or DOWN buttons.

The image zooms in or out, and indicates the zoom factor on the screen.(1x - 4x)

Device Operation

Video and Photo Playback Modes

This device stores video and pictures on its removable SD Card Memory. Playback mode will allow you to review the saved video and photos, and play back the video with sound.

File Selection Screen

To move forward or backward in the list of saved files

Press the UP or DOWN buttons while on the video selection screen.

The red box moves to select the next or previous file. If you are at the beginning or end of a page, this may cause you to flip to the previous or next page.

To play a selected file:

Press the RECORD button while on the file selection screen.

The video will begin playing.

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Device Operation

Video Playback Screen

To play or pause video playback
Press the RECORD button.	The video will begin playing or pause playback, and the Play / Pause Icon will toggle.

To Fast forward or rewind the video
Press the UP or DOWN buttons.	The video will begin playing faster or rewind, and the playback speed will show on the screen as 2X, 4X, etc.

Your Dash Ca

Device Operation

To return to the list of saved files while in the middle of video playback

Press the MODE button. You will be returned to the video selection screen.

To adjust the playback audio volume

Press MENU to bring up the Playback menu.Make sure VOLUME is highlighted, and press MODE.
Press the arrow keys to select a volume level, 0-10. The selected volume level will have a red box around it. Press MODE again to confirm and close. Finally, press MENU to exit.

To delete a file

Press the MENU button to bring up the Playback menu. Press the down arrow to highlight DELETE, and press MODE to confirm.

To delete just one file, highlight the icon with just one item in the trash, and press MODE to confirm. You will then see the "select a file" dialog. Use the arrow keys to highlight the file you want to delete with the red box, then press RECORD to confirm. The "Delete Selected File" Dialog will appear. Make sure YES is selected, and then press RECORD to confirm. The file will be deleted and you will return to the video selection screen.

Device Operation

Video Protection Screen

To Lock a video or image while in playback mode

Press the MENU button to bring up the Playback menu. Press the down arrow until PROTECT is highlighted, and press MODE to confirm.

To protect just one file, highlight the icon with the open book and the key, then press MODE to confirm.

You will then see the "select a file" dialog. Use the arrow keys to highlight the file you want to protect with the red box, then press RECORD to confirm.

You'll see the "Protect Selected File" dialog. Press the UP arrow to ensure that YES is selected, then press RECORD to confirm.

Close-up of a car's rear camera showing a white road ahead and a black sensor grille (no text or symbols visible)

Close-up of a black smartwatch with labeled buttons (MENU, MODE) and ports (no readable text beyond labels)

The selected picture will now show a lock icon:

This means this file will not be overwritten by continuous loop recording in Dash Cam mode.

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Adjusting Camera Settings

Language Selection

While in Video or Still Photo mode, press the MENU button, scroll to the language menu, and press MODE to enter the Language Selection menu.

Use the UP or DOWN arrows to select the desired language, and then press MODE to confirm.

The following languages are supported:

English, Dutch, French, German, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish and Chinese.

Your Dash

Adjusting Camera Settings

Video Settings

Note: If you are currently recording video (●) you'll need to stop recording with the RECORD button first.

While in VIDEO mode, press the MENU button once to enter the menu selection screen. Verify that Video Settings is selected, then press MODE to confirm.

Press the UP and DOWN arrows to select the setting you'd like to modify, then press the MODE button to confirm.

A window on the right edge of the screen will display the available options. Use the UP and DOWN arrows to make your selection, then press MODE to confirm.

A list of the settings and their meanings are shown on the next page.

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Adjusting Camera Settings

Your Dash Cam

Adjusting Video Settings

Movie Mode Settings

Video Settings	This sets the level of detail in the video. FHD will give you the best image, but will take up the most memory.
Movie Quality Select between Super High Quality (SHQ) and High Quality (HQ)
Movie Clip Time	This selects the length of the video clips the system records. Options range from 1 minute to 10 minutes.
Auto Power Off	Once power is removed from the device, it automatically shuts down. This option lets you set how many seconds to continue recording video after power is removed.
Motion REC Time	When the Motion Event REC feature is turned on, the camera will analyze the Image and determine when the Image has changed substantially, and automatically start recording for you. Leave this feature on If you want to record video when you're moving, and stop recording video when stopped.
Microphone If you do not want this device to record audio with its internal microphone, turn this setting off.
MIC sensitivity	Set the sensitivity of the microphone.
Scene	Select between Auto, Sport, Portrait, Landscape, Snow, Beach, and Fireworks.
Exposure	In very bright environments, use a positive EV. Dark environments use negative EV. Options between -2 and +2 are available.
White Balance You can adjust the white balance based on the ambient lighting. Options include: Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Flourescent 1, Flourescent 2, and Flourescent 3.
ISO Sensitivity	Increasing ISO will make the camera more sensitive to light. Try increasing ISO in low-light conditions, or leave it set to “Auto”
Color	Adjusts color saturation. Options include: natural, bright, and grey.
Effect	Photo effects include: Normal, retro, black and white, relief, negative, drawing, painting, and crayon.

Adjusting Camera Settings

To Adjust General Settings

NOTE: If you are currently recording video (●) you'll need to stop recording with the Record button first.

While in VIDEO or STILL PHOTO mode, press the MENU button once to enter the menu selection screen. Press the down arrow until General Settings is highlighted, then press MODE to confirm.

Press the UP and DOWN arrows to select the setting you'd like to modify, then press the MODE button to confirm.

A window on the right edge of the screen will display the available options. Use the UP and DOWN arrows to make your selection, then press MODE to confirm.

A list of the settings and their meanings are shown on the next page.

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Adjusting Camera Settings

General Settings

Beep Sound	If you don't want the device to beep on every button press, turn this option OFF.
Idle Power Off Automatically turns the unit off if no buttons are pressed within 1 or 5 minutes if no video is being recorded.
Date/Time	Use this to set the current time and date.
Date Format	Sets the date format.
HDMI ^ Output	Lets you choose between 720P and 1080P on the HDMI ^ Output.
Screen Flicker	This sets the screen refresh rate. Options include 50 Hz and 60 Hz.
USB Function If you want your camera to behave like a Mass Storage device (flash drive) when connected to a computer, select MSDC. If you want to use it as a webcam with your computer, select PCAM.
Screen Rotate	Allows you to flip the screen vertically for upside-down operation.
Screen Saver Allows you to set a timeout for the screen to go black when not in use. Options include 1 minute and 3 minutes.
G-Sensor Level	Sets the sensitivity of the G-Sensor, from 0 (off) to 4 (max)
Motion Detector	Sets the sensitivity of the Motion sensor, from 0 (off) to 3 (max)
Restore Defaults	Resets the system to its default settings.
Format SD-Card If you want to completely erase all the movies and files on the SD-card, select this option. Be careful; all your data will be lost.
SD-Card INFO	See how much space remains on the SD Card.
FW Version	Get the firmware version information.

Adjusting Camera Settings

Still Photo Mode Settings

While in Still Photo mode, press the MENU button to enter the menu selection screen. Verify that Still Settings is selected, then press MODE to confirm.

Press the UP and DOWN arrows to select the setting you'd like to modify, then press the MODE button to confirm.

A window on the right edge of the screen will display the available options. Use the UP and DOWN arrows to make your selection, then press MODE to confirm.

Still Photo Mode Settings

Still Image Size	This sets the level of detail in the photo. Higher M indicates more megapixels, which will give you a sharper image, but take up more memory. Options between 1M and 14M are available.
Still Quality Select	between Super High Quality (SHQ) and High Quality (HQ)
Scene	Select between Auto, Sport, Portrait, Landscape, Snow, Beach, and Fireworks.
Exposure	In very bright environments, use a positive EV. Dark environments use negative EV. Options between -2 and +2 are available.
White Balance You can adjust the white balance based on the ambient lighting. Options Include: Auto, Daylight, Cloudy, Flourescent 1, Flourescent 2, and Flourescent 3.
ISO Sensitivity Increasing ISO will make the camera more sensitive to light. Try increasing ISO in low-light conditions, or leave it set to "Auto"
Color	Adjusts color saturation. Options Include: natural, bright, and grey.
Effect	Photo effects include: Normal, retro, black and white, relief, negative, drawing, painting, crayon.

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Connecting to a Computer

To connect your camera to a Computer

Connect the camera to your computer using the included USB to Mini-USB Cable.

By default, your device connects to your computer in Mass Storage mode, and acts like a flash drive. Videos can be viewed with any standard video player that supports .avi files.

NOTE: Quicktime, the native video player for Mac, only supports specific types of .avi files and cannot playback this camera's videos. For links to third party players that will work on Mac, visit www.cobra.com/support/software-downloads.

Movies that are locked begin with "SOS_" and movies that are not locked begin with "MOV_".

Note that if the Memory card gets too full, videos that are not locked will be overwritten to make room for new videos. If you want to save any videos that begin with "MOV_" you should copy them to your computer, or Lock the files.

To switch the camera's USB function

If you prefer to connect your camera to your PC as a web or video camera, you can change this setting in the settings menu.

Disconnect the camera from your PC, enter General Settings, and change the USB Function to MSDC.

Then, when you reconnect your camera to your PC, it will use this function

Troubleshooting & Trademark Acknowledgement

Your Dash Cam

Specifications and Product Service & Support

Troubleshooting

If your unit does not appear to be operating properly, please follow these troubleshooting steps:

■ Make sure the power cord is properly connected.
■ Make sure the socket of your vehicle's cigarette lighter is clean and free of corrosion.
■ Make sure the power cord's cigarette lighter adapter is firmly seated in your cigarette lighter, and the Status LED is on between the UP and DOWN buttons.
- Check the power cord fuse. (Unscrew the ribbed end cap of the cigarette lighter adapter and examine the fuse. If required, replace it with a 2-amp fuse only.)

For detailed and up-to-date FAQ's, please visit www.cobra.com/support/faqs.

Trademark Acknowledgement

Cobra, the snake design, Drive HDTM, the d design, and Record your rideTM are proprietary trademarks of Cobra Electronics Corporation, USA. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.

Cobra Electronics Corporation™ is a trademark of Cobra Electronics Corporation, USA. HDMI, the HDMI logo, and High-Definition Multimedia Interface are trademarks or HDMI registered trademarks of HDMI licensing LLC in the United States and other countries.

NOTE: This device complies with part 15 of 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.

CAUTION: Modifications or parts not approved by Cobra Electronics Corporation may violate FCC Rules and void authority to operate this equipment.

This device complies with RSS-310 of Industry Canada. Operation is subject to the condition that this device does not cause harmful interference.

CAN ICES-3B/NMB-3B.

DISPOSAL OF ELECTRONICS EQUIPMENT: This product may contain hazardous substances that could impact health and the environment if not disposed of properly. The crossed out wheeled bin symbol indicates that the product should not be disposed of along with household waste. It should be handed over to an applicable collection point for the recycling of electrical equipment. By ensuring that this product is disposed of correctly you will help/prevent potential negative impact on the environment. If you need more information on the collection, reuse and recycling systems, please contact your local civic office or the shop where it was originally purchased. WARNING: This product contains chemicals know to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm.

HDMI

Camera Specifications:

Visual Angle.... 118 degrees

Sensor 5 MP CMOS

Video resolution.... 1080P 1920x1080 30 fps

720P 1280x720 60 fps

720P 1280x720 30 fps

480P 640x480 30 fps

Video Format....avi

Picture Resolution 4032x3094 (Max. 14 MP)

Picture Format...... JPEG

White Balance.... Auto

Color Effect ...... Auto

Continuous Loop Recording.... Supported

Motion Detection .... Supported

Date and Time Stamp ...... Supported

Media Supported.... micro SD Card - 8GB Included (32GB Max)

Languages ..... English, Dutch, French, German, Portuguese, Russian, Spanish, Chinese

Sound Recording .... Synchronous video and sound record

USB Interface.... USB 2.0

USB Web Camera.... Supported

USB Mass Storage.... Supported

Display Screen.... 1.5" LCD

Battery.... Rechargeable Lithium-Ion

Camera Capacity:

1080P Recording time with 8GB card (included).... 120 minutes

1080P Recording time with 16GB card 240 minutes

1080P Recording time with 32GB card (max) 480 minutes

Product Service & Support

For any questions about operating or installing this new Cobra product, PLEASE CONTACT COBRA FIRST...do not return this product to the retail store. The contact information for Cobra will vary depending on the country in which you purchased and utilize the product. For the latest contact information, please go to www.cobra.com/support

For products purchased in the U.S.A. you may also call 1-800-262-7212 (1-800-COBRA-12). For Products Purchased in the U.S.A., if your product should require factory service, please go to www.cobra.com/support and follow the instructions for returning your product to the Cobra Factory Service Department for service.

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