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Introduction

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Thank you for purchasing Falcon Zero’s F170HD – an advanced vehicle digital video 

recorder (DVR) that is specifically designed to capture real time video of events 

happening outside your vehicle while driving. 

Mounted on your car’s windshield, the F170HD uses a 170° Wide Angle Lens for 

the best field of view and records video in crystal clear Full HD 1080P to ensure all 

the important details of your trip are recorded. This User Manual will give you 

step-by-step instructions and advice to help you get the best experience from your 

new device. Please read carefully before using the F170HD.

Index

Video Settings/Device Settings

Video Recording

F170HD Vehicle Digital Video Recorder

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Intro

Safety Precautions

Getting Started

Video Recording

Video Settings/Device Settings

F170HD Feature Shortcuts

F170HD LCD Icons

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F170HD LCD Icons / Buttons    

/ Inputs

Troubleshooting

Support

Warranty

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Mounting Location

• Never place the F170HD where the driver’s view or deployment of airbags is      

   obstructed.

• Mount the F170HD within range of the windshield wipers to ensure clear visibility   

   in rain.

 

 NOTE: Remove the F170HD carefully if mounting the F170HD on a tinted  

 

window to prevent damage to the tint film.

Safety Precautions

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These usage and safety guidelines are important. Please follow them carefully to 

ensure your own personal safety and help protect your F170HD from potential 

damage.

  • For in-vehicle use only.

• Do not operate the F170HD while driving.

www.falconzero.com
[email protected]

844.921.4448

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Getting started

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• Avoid using or storing the F170HD in an extreme temperature environment.

• Never allow the F170HD to come in contact with water or any other liquids.

• Do not use the F170HD in environments with strong magnetic fields or excessive 

    vibration.

• If your car’s lighter socket continues to provide power after the engine is 

   switched off, unplug the F170HD when the engine is off or idling to reduce unnec

   essary power consumption and prevent any unexpected problems.

Package Contents

Falcon Zero F170 HD DVR, Vehicle Mounting System, 11’ Power Cord, GPS 

Software Disc, USB Cord, Dual USB Car Charger, 32GB Class 10 Falcon Zero SD 

Card, and Instruction Manual

Features

• Smooth, detailed Full HD 1080P recording @ 30fps resolution

• Bright 2.7” color LCD screen

• 170 degree 6 glass wide angle lens

• Bundled 32GB microSD memory card

• Motion Detection & Parking Mode

• G-Sensor with customizable sensitivity

Installing the Memory Card

Before you can use or turn on the device, you must install a memory card.

 

1. On the bottom of the F170HD is the rubber port protector, lift this 

    carefully.

2. Insert the provided memory card into the slot on the device.

3. Press it in until it clicks then place back the rubber port protector.

The F170HD immediately begins recording video when it turns on, and it continues 

recording, overwriting the oldest, non protected videos until it turns off (looping).

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Protecting a Video File

The F170HD uses a sensor to automatically detect accidental collisions. Also called 

a Gravity Sensor (G-Sensor), you can adjust sensitivity in Settings. When the 

G-Sensor is on, which is by default, set on Medium Sensitivity, and a collision is 

detected, the F170 will automatically lock that clip and prevent any overwriting, You 

can also manually protect videos at any time by pressing the Menu button while 

recording, you will notice a (key icon here) indicating that clip is now locked and will 

not be overwritten, the only way to delete that file is manually.

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Viewing Videos and Photos

The F170HD has a built in 2.7” LCD screen to calibrate the cameras viewing angle 

as well as playing back video with sound or viewing pictures. This also allows the user 

to be able to change settings without having to plug the F170HD to a computer.

There are 3 modes: Video, Photo, and Video/Photo Playback. By pressing the Mode 

button while the F170HD is not recording, this will allow the user to select between 

modes.

Taking a Picture

By pressing the OK button, you will stop the F170HD from recording. The red 

on-screen flashing red light will stop, and press the MODE button to switch to 

Picture Mode. In this mode press the OK button to take a picture, and if needed use 

the UP and DOWN buttons to zoom in and out. 

General Use

Power Cord Management

Auto Start

• Hi-Speed USB 2.0 connector for easy computer connectivity and fast file               

   transfers

• Stream videos on a TV screen via mini HDMI

• Built-in microphone

• Built-in speaker

• Supports 14 languages

• And much, much more.

Connecting the Device to Vehicle Power

1. With the vehicle off, plug the power cable into a power outlet in your vehicle.

2. Plug the other end of the power cable in the USB port on the F170HD

3. Slide the suction cup mount onto the F170HD

4. Press the suction cup to the windshield, and flip the lever back towards the 

    windshield.

5. Route the 11’ power cable around the interior of vehicle as shown on page 12

6. Turn on the vehicle.

 

When the device is connected to an ignition-switched power outlet, the F170HD 

turns on automatically when you turn on your vehicles and will power down when the 

vehicle turns off.

 NOTE: 

If your vehicle does not have an ignition-switched power outlet, you  

 

must manually turn it off by pressing the power button.

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The F170HD comes with an 

11’ USB power cord. Route 

the power cord to the 12V 

power adapter as shown 

below. The power cable should 

not be obstructing your view of 

the road.

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1. F170HD must not be recording, if so simply press the OK button to stop

2. Press the MODE button until the Video/Photo Playback selection appears

3. Select between the videos and photos by using the UP and DOWN buttons

4. Play and pause a video using the OK button, and to exit the video, press the 

    MODE button.

Videos and Photos on Your Computer

You can connect the F170HD with the included USB cord to your computer to view, 

transfer, or delete videos and photos stored on the device memory card.

Deleting Videos or Pictures

1. Press the MENU button when viewing a video or picture

2. Three options will appear: Delete, Protect, and Slide Show

Video Settings

Resolution:  Set  the  resolution/quality  for  recording  videos,  available  options  are 

1080FHD, 720HD, WVGA or VGA. The lower the resolution the lower the quality and 

memory usage

Loop Recording: Select 3, 5 or 10 minute loop clips, or select OFF for continuous 

recording. When memory card is filled with loop clips, the oldest files will be 

overwritten.

 

NOTE: If OFF is selected the F170HD will record until the SD card is filled,  

 

and then stop recording. You will have to format the card to use again.  

 

Loop Mode is recommended.

Motion Detection: While the F170HD is powered down and the vehicle is shut off, 

the internal battery will power on the unit and record a 10 second locked clip should 

movement be detected.

 

 NOTE: This is Off by default and should not be On when driving, it is strictly    

 

for a parked vehicle situation.

Gravity sensing: Off, Low, Medium, or High Sensitivity. Also known as the G-Sensor, 

this mechanism will detect sudden collisions and automatically lock the recording to 

prevent overwriting. 

 

 NOTE: Adjust the sensitivity if does not detect events or incorrectly    

 

detects events during normal driving.

HDR: High Dynamic Range is for the best possible clarity as it uses multiple images 

to create the most optimal single image. Default this is On, however this feature can 

be shut off to save space on SD card. 

Exposure: Adjust exposure composition value to lighten or darken the LCD screen; 

default is 0.0.

Record Audio: On or Off; default is set to OFF, turn ON to record audio while record-

ing video.

Date Stamp: On or Off; default is set to On. This feature will embed in the recording 

the Date and Time on Video Playback.

GPS: Global Position Satellite coordinates can be recorded onto the SD card and 

played on your computer with the included software showing the recorded route on 

Google Maps. The software will also display speed and time.

Plate Number: If multiple F170s are being used in different vehicles, each F170 can 

be assigned the plate number for that vehicle, a very handy setting for vehicle fleets.

Device Settings

Date/Time: Sets Date and Time. Using the Ok button to switch between values and 

the Up and Down button to change numbers.

Auto Power Off: 3, 5, 10 minutes or Off. When the F170 is not hooked up to a 

power supply and not being used, the unit will power down automatically. If set to Off, 

it will remain on until the internal battery is out of power.

 

Beep Sound: On or Off.

Language: English, French, Spanish, Portuguese, Dutch, Italian, Chinese, Simplified 

Chinese, Russian, Japanese, Common Czech, Danish, Norwegian and Swedish.

AutoUpdateTime:  GMT Adjustment

Format: Format the SD card right on the F170HD instead of formatting via 

computer. Very useful if using Continuous recording and the SD card fills up, this can 

be done right on the spot.

Screen Saver: Set duration for display to automatically turn off after recording 

begins.

Below you will find some helpful one button press shortcuts to a few key features.

• Night Vision: To toggle between On and Off, press the Mode button while      

   recording.

• Emergency File Lock: To lock a file while driving press the Menu button while 

   recording.

• Parking Mode: To toggle between On and Off press the Power button for 1 

   second

• Microphone: To toggle between On and Off press the Mode button while recording.

My computer’s operating system cannot detect my F170HD

Check the following:

1. Is your F170HD properly connected to the USB port? If not, unplug it and plug it 

in again. Make sure the USB port is connected on both ends, as shown in the 

User’s Manual.

2. Is your F170HD connected to the Mac keyboard? If yes, unplug it and plug it into 

an available USB port on your Mac Desktop.

Delayed Shut Down: Set duration the F170HD is to remain recording for after the 

vehicle has been turned off. Settings are off, 5, 10, and 30 seconds. This will be 

powered by the internal battery.

Default Setting: Restores the F170HD back to factory settings.

Version: Current operating version.

Frequency: 50Hz or 60Hz.  Depending on the region of the world being used, 60Hz 

is generally for the America’s and parts of China.

Night Vision: Turn the IR lights on or off, this feature is mainly used for the interior 

of the vehicle if recording. However Night Vision can also help the overall outside 

clarity at night time or in darkened places.

Parking Monitor: This option can be turned On or Off. If turned On, when your 

vehicle is parked and powered down, the F170HD can pick up vibrations and collisions 

and will turn on using the internal battery and lock record a 10 second session.

Enter the Video Settings by pressing the MENU button while the F170 is idle and 

not recording. Enter Device Settings by quickly pressing the MENU button again. 

Below is a list of settings and options. 

F170HD Feature Shortcuts

1) Current Mode – Video/Picture/Playback
2) Loop Time – 3/5/10 Min.’s or Off
3) Motion Detection On/Off
4) Exposure – +2.0 to -2.0 Range
5) Date 
6) Current Time 
7) Battery Charge – Internal Battery only
8) Memory Card – Indicates Card Installed
9) G-Sensitivity – Low/Medium/High/Off

F170HD Buttons

1) Mode
2) OK/Rec
3) Menu
4) Up/Zoom
5) Power
6) Down/Zoom
7) Recording LED

F170HD Inputs
Top
1. USB Port
2. Reset Pin Hole
3. GPS Port

Bottom
1. microSD Card Slot
2. Mini HDMI Out Port
3. Microphone

MODE

MENU

OK

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F170HD LCD Icons/Buttons/Inputs

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MODE

MENU

OK

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2015/03/10

08:20:04

00:00:12

1080PHD

HDR

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F170HD LCD Icons

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If a problem occurs with your F170HD please first check the information listed 

below before sending your device for repair..

*Red X indicators means no signal, this may take a few minutes to activate.

Troubleshooting

3. Is the computer’s USB port enabled? If not, refer to the user’s manual of your 

computer (or motherboard) to enable it.

I was using my F170HD, now no buttons are responding (hangs / lags / stalls)

Try unplugging the car adapter from your F170HD, then reconnecting it to your 

F170HD again.

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My F170HD cannot read videos on my memory card

1. Edited and deformed videos may not display properly on your F170HD.

2. F170HD only play files generated by F170HD.

Why does nothing happen when I press the “Emergency Recording” button?

Emergency recording only works when your F170HD is in recording mode.

Why does the time and date reset after not using my F170HD for a long time?

If your F170HD is not connected to a power source for a long period of time, the 

internal backup battery will eventually drain. Typically, your F170HD can keep your 

time and date settings for about 4 days without any external power source.

1 Year Manufacturer Limited Warranty

Falcon Zero© warrants to you, the original retail purchaser ("Consumer"), that this 

product ("Product") will under normal use operate substantially in accordance with 

the accompanying documentation for a period of one (1) year from date of original 

purchase. Consumer's sole and exclusive remedy and Falcon Zero’s sole and 

exclusive responsibility under this warranty will be, at Falcon Zero’s option, either 

Support

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Warranty

to repair or replace the defective Product during the one (1) year limited warranty 

period so that it performs substantially in accordance with the accompanying 

documentation on the date of your initial purchase. Any replacement may be, at 

the option of Falcon Zero, a new or remanufactured Product. If Falcon Zero, in its 

sole discretion, determines it is not reasonable to replace the defective Product, 

Falcon Zero may refund to Consumer the purchase price paid for the Product.

At Falcon Zero we believe customer support is paramount. Should the above 

trouble shooting tips be of no use, please contact us immediately at 

[email protected] or call us at  

844.921.4448

A One Year Limited Manufacturers warranty is included as well as our signature 

LifeTime Support for questions and answers.

The Falcon Zero F170HD is pre-configured to the most optimal resolution settings. 

Install the F170HD onto your windshield so it’s not blocking your view. Once the 

above is done and the vehicle is powered on the unit will start to record automati-

cally. Using the LCD screen, point the camera to where you would like to record. 

The LCD screen will automatically power down but the F170HD continues to record 

(leaving the LCD on at all times may be a distraction), however, you will see a green 

LED light next to the screen indicating the unit is recording. To view the LCD briefly 

press the up or down button and the display will turn on and turn off again after a 

brief period. A Red LED light is also present and will turn on and off, this is normal, 

as it is simply indicating the internal lithium ion battery is being accessed for 

internal usage. 

The GPS module must be attached to record your coordinates to run on the 

included software. The software is not needed to view videos but is required to 

view the recordings location on a map.

When you power down the vehicle the F170HD will automatically power down after a 

set amount of time that you set (see Default Shutdown Setting). The recorded 

footage will remain on the microSD card until it written over by new footage (Loop 

Recording) and can also be adjusted from 3 minute to 5 and 10 minute loops. Or you 

can turn looping off, but note that once the microSD card is filled you must manually 

format the card again to record. The F170HD will alert you when the card is filled.

10) Sound – On/Off
11) Night Vision – On/Off
12) Resolution – 1080P/720P/WVGA/VGA
13) Current Loop Time
14) Vibration Sensor 
15) GPS – On/Off*
16) Parking Mode – On/Off
17) HDR - On/Off

8) Charging LED*
9) Mini HDMI/
MicroSD Card Port
10) Mini USB Port
11) GPS Port

*LED light on time may vary as the F170HD accesses internal 
hardware

GPS

MIC

USB

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