Setting up your Rexing R316 dash cam doesn’t have to be a headache, even if you’re not a tech wizard. here’s how to get it installed and running smoothly, so you can hit the road with confidence. This isn’t just about recording your drives. it’s about having that extra layer of security and peace of mind on the road, knowing you’ve got reliable eyes watching your back and front!. The dash cam market is booming, with its global size valued at around USD 0.40 billion in 2023 and projected to hit USD 3.72 billion by 2032, showing just how many folks are realizing the benefits of these devices. The Rexing R316 is a popular choice, known for its 4K front and 1080p cabin recording, wide-angle lenses, and infrared night vision, making it a powerful tool for capturing clear footage day or night.
Whether you’re looking to protect yourself from insurance fraud, document a scenic road trip, or simply monitor your parked car, understanding your R316’s features and how to use them is key. We’ll walk through everything from getting it out of the box to tweaking its settings, even tackling some common issues you might run into. By the end of this, you’ll be a Rexing R316 pro, ready to make the most of your dash cam.
Unboxing Your Rexing R316: What’s Inside?
When you first open up that Rexing R316 box, you’ll find a few crucial items that make getting started super easy. Typically, you’ll get:
- The Rexing R316 Dash Cam unit itself, often with a cabin-facing camera.
- A car power connector 12ft, usually for your cigarette lighter.
- A suction cup mount with a built-in GPS module. This is pretty cool because it means your location and speed are automatically logged with your footage.
- A Micro SD card, usually 64GB or even 128GB, giving you a good amount of storage right off the bat.
- A smart hardwire kit – and trust me, this is a must for parking surveillance.
- A user manual which you’re basically getting a super-friendly version of right here!.
Some models might also include a separate rear camera, offering a “triple-channel” setup for even more coverage. Knowing what you have helps you jump straight into the setup without any surprises.
|
0.0 out of 5 stars (based on 0 reviews)
There are no reviews yet. Be the first one to write one. |
Amazon.com:
Check Amazon for Your Go-To Guide Latest Discussions & Reviews: |
Initial Setup: Getting Your R316 Ready to Roll
Alright, let’s get this thing mounted and powered up. It’s usually pretty straightforward, but a few tips can make it even smoother.
Inserting the Micro SD Card
This is step one, and it’s super important. Your R316 needs a Class 10/UHS-1 or higher Micro SD card, and it can handle up to 256GB. Rexing S1 Pro: Your Ultimate Guide to a 3-Channel Dash Cam
- Power Down First: Always, always make sure your dash cam is turned off before you mess with the memory card. This prevents any data corruption or damage.
- Insert Gently: Find the Micro SD card slot on your R316 it’s usually on the side. Push the card in gently until you hear a little click. It should sit flush or nearly flush with the device. If it’s being stubborn, try using a coin to push it in until it locks.
- Format the Card: This is a step many people miss, but it’s crucial for the camera to record properly. Once the card is in, power on the camera by connecting it to your car charger. Then, you’ll need to go into the camera’s menu settings to find the “Format” function. Select it and confirm. This wipes the card clean and optimizes it for your Rexing R316. Always back up any important data on the card before formatting!
Mounting the Dash Cam
The Rexing R316 often comes with a suction cup mount with an integrated GPS module.
- Find the Best Spot: You want a place on your windshield that gives the dash cam a clear, unobstructed view of the road ahead, ideally behind your rearview mirror so it’s out of your direct line of sight but still easy to access. Make sure it won’t block any crucial safety features like airbags.
- Clean the Windshield: A clean surface is key for a strong suction. Wipe down the area with a window cleaner.
- Attach the Mount: Press the suction cup firmly against the windshield and then engage the locking lever or twist the base to secure it. If you have an electrostatic film, apply that first to the windshield, then attach the mount to the film for easier removal later.
- Attach the Dash Cam: Slide the R316 onto the mount until it clicks into place.
- Route the Cables: This is where you make it look neat. Carefully route the power cable along the edge of your windshield, tucking it under the trim and weather stripping. Guide it down to your car’s power outlet cigarette lighter or, if you’re hardwiring, towards the fuse box. A cable management kit can really help here.
If you have a rear camera some R316 models offer this, or a triple-channel setup with front, cabin, and rear:
- Choose a Spot for the Rear Cam: Typically, you’d mount it on the rear windshield, ensuring a clear view out the back.
- Connect and Route: Use the provided cable to connect the rear camera to your R316. Then, just like the front cam cable, route it neatly along the car’s interior trim back to the main unit.
Powering Up and Connecting
Once everything is mounted and cabled:
- Plug it In: Connect the car charger cable to a 12V DC power outlet or your car’s cigarette lighter.
- Auto Start: The R316 is designed to automatically power on and start recording when it receives power i.e., when you start your car. You’ll usually see an LED light or a red dot blinking to confirm it’s recording.
- Manual Power: If you need to turn it on manually, just press and hold the Power button until you see the welcome screen.
Navigating the Menus: Your R316’s Key Settings
Getting comfortable with the menu system is important for customizing your dash cam. The R316 has an intuitive menu that you can navigate using the buttons on the device. Master Rexing Roller Skating: Your Ultimate Guide to Backward Glides and Smooth Moves
To access the main menu, stop any active recording by pressing the OK button, then hit the Menu button. You might need to press it once or twice to get to the main settings.
Basic Recording Settings
- Loop Recording: This is fundamental for any dash cam. Loop recording ensures continuous coverage by overwriting the oldest footage when your memory card is full. You can usually set the duration of each video clip e.g., 1, 3, or 5 minutes. I usually stick with 3-minute clips. it makes finding specific moments easier.
- G-Sensor Gravity Sensor: This feature detects sudden movements or impacts, like a collision. When triggered, it automatically locks the current video segment, protecting it from being overwritten by loop recording. You can typically adjust its sensitivity Low, Medium, High. Setting it to “High” can be good for parking mode, but too high might lock videos from speed bumps.
Video Resolution and Quality
The R316 boasts impressive video quality. The front camera records in 4K Ultra HD, while the cabin camera and optional rear camera typically records in 1080p. You might have options to adjust these, but generally, you’ll want to use the highest quality available to ensure important details like license plates are clear.
Date & Time Setup
Getting the date and time right is crucial for any evidence. The R316 has a built-in GPS module, which usually helps set the time automatically once a GPS signal is found. If it’s off, you can manually adjust it in the system settings.
Parking Monitor & Motion Detection
This is where the hardwire kit really shines. The 24-hour Parking Monitor keeps your car protected even when you’re not around.
- Vibration Detection: If you have the Rexing Smart Hardwire Kit which often comes bundled, the dash cam can switch to parking mode when your engine is off. It will start recording if it detects vibrations or impacts.
- Motion Detection: Some hardwire kits, like the Rexing Intelligent Hardwire Kit, allow for motion detection, where the camera starts recording when it senses movement around your parked vehicle. Important: If you’re using a hardwire kit for motion detection, make sure to turn OFF the parking mode setting on the dash cam itself to avoid conflicts.
Without a hardwire kit, your dash cam will typically turn off when the car engine is off, as its internal battery is mainly for emergency situations and not continuous recording. Rexing Rear Camera Only: Can You Really Do It?
Audio Recording
The R316 usually has a built-in microphone. You can choose to record audio inside the vehicle or turn it off for privacy. There’s often a dedicated button to toggle the microphone on/off, or you can find it in the menu settings.
Format SD Card
As mentioned earlier, regularly formatting your SD card every few weeks or months, depending on usage helps maintain its performance and prevents errors. Find this option in the system settings menu.
Understanding the Rexing R316’s Advanced Features
Beyond the basics, the R316 packs some neat features that elevate its usefulness.
Front and Cabin Camera Views
The R316 is often a dual-channel front + cabin or even triple-channel front + cabin + rear dash cam, giving you extensive coverage. You can usually toggle between viewing just the front, just the cabin, or a picture-in-picture display on the camera screen. This flexibility is great, whether you’re driving for personal use or for ride-sharing. Rexing Rear Camera Upside Down: Easy Fixes & Troubleshooting Tips
Wi-Fi Connectivity and App Usage Rexing Connect
This is one of my favorite features. The R316 has dual-band Wi-Fi 2.4GHz and 5GHz, which lets you connect your smartphone directly to the dash cam.
- Enable Wi-Fi: With the dash cam powered on, hold the “Up Navigation” button. The Wi-Fi name SSID and password will pop up on the screen.
- Connect Your Phone: Go to your phone’s Wi-Fi settings and connect to the dash cam’s network.
- Open Rexing Connect App: Download the “Rexing Connect” app available on iOS and Android. Open it, and hit “Connect” to link it to your dash cam.
- What you can do: Through the app, you can see a live view from your cameras, play back recorded videos, and download clips directly to your phone. This is super handy for quickly sharing footage or backing it up without needing a computer.
GPS Logger
The built-in GPS module isn’t just for setting the time. it logs your vehicle’s speed, location, and entire route. This data is really valuable, especially if you ever need to provide evidence for an accident or dispute. You can review this information by playing back your recordings using the Rexing GPS Video Player on your computer downloadable from Rexing’s website or directly through the Rexing Connect app.
Rexing Smart Hardwire Kit Installation: For 24/7 Protection
If you’re serious about protecting your car, especially while parked, a hardwire kit is essential. It provides continuous power to your dash cam even when your engine is off, enabling the parking monitor features. This means your dash cam can capture incidents like hit-and-runs or attempted break-ins when your car is stationary.
Disclaimer: If you’re not comfortable working with your car’s electrical system, it’s always a good idea to have a professional install this for you. Rexing rear camera mount
Here’s a general overview of how a Rexing Smart Hardwire Kit or Intelligent Hardwire Kit is typically installed:
- Why Hardwire? The main reason is to power your parking mode. Without it, your dash cam typically shuts off when the car does. With a hardwire kit, the camera draws minimal power directly from your car battery, with built-in voltage protection to prevent draining it completely.
- Identify the Wires: A standard Rexing hardwire kit usually has three wires:
- Red ACC: This connects to a “switched fuse” – one that only gets power when your car’s ignition is on Accessory power.
- Yellow B+: This connects to a “hot fuse” – one that has constant power, even when your car is off. This is crucial for parking mode.
- Black GND: This is your ground wire. It needs to be securely attached to a metal bolt or screw on your car’s chassis that provides a good ground connection.
- Tapping into Your Car’s Fuse Box:
- Locate your fuse box: This is often under the dashboard, in the glove compartment, or under the hood. Consult your car’s manual if you can’t find it.
- Find suitable fuses: You’ll need a fuse tap connector for each of the red and yellow wires. Use a multimeter or a fuse tester to identify a switched fuse and a constant hot fuse. Look for low-amperage fuses for non-critical components to tap into.
- Connect the fuse taps: Insert the fuse tap with the hardwire kit’s wire into the appropriate fuse slot.
- Routing the Cables Neatly: Just like the power cable for the main unit, carefully route the hardwire kit’s cables from the fuse box to your dash cam, tucking them away under trim panels and carpeting to keep things tidy and safe.
- Testing the Hardwire Connection: Once everything is connected, start your car to ensure the dash cam powers on. Then, turn off your car. If your parking monitor configured in the dash cam’s settings activates, you’ve likely done it correctly! If the dash cam continues to record normally, or doesn’t activate parking mode, double-check your fuse connections.
Viewing and Managing Your Footage
So, you’ve recorded some interesting drives or captured an incident. Now what? You have a few ways to check out your footage:
On the Dash Cam Itself
Your R316 has a built-in screen. To watch videos directly on the device, press the Menu button sometimes you’ll hold it to toggle into “Playback Mode”. Then, use the navigation buttons to scroll through your videos and press the OK button to play. It’s a quick way to review something right after it happens.
Via the Rexing Connect App
As we discussed, the Rexing Connect app is super convenient. Connect your phone to the dash cam’s Wi-Fi, open the app, and you can instantly view your live feed or browse through recorded files. You can then download specific clips to your phone’s camera roll for easy sharing or backup. Rexing R4 Plus Installation: Your Ultimate Guide to Getting Started
On Your Computer
For a more detailed review or to transfer many files, using a computer is ideal.
- Remove the SD Card: Power down your R316 and gently remove the Micro SD card.
- Use a Card Reader: Insert the SD card into a card reader and plug it into your computer. Your computer will recognize it as a removable drive, and you can simply copy the video files usually MP4 or MOV format.
- Direct Connection Less Common: You might also be able to connect the dash cam directly to your computer using a USB cable, which will allow your computer to access the SD card inside.
- Rexing GPS Video Player: If you want to see the GPS data speed, location overlaid with your video, download the Rexing GPS Video Player from their website. It’s available for both Windows and Mac and gives you a more comprehensive view of your recordings.
Common Rexing R316 Issues & Quick Fixes Troubleshooting
Even the best tech can have a hiccup now and then. Here are some common problems you might encounter with your Rexing R316 and what to do about them:
Camera Not Turning On
- Check Power Source: Make sure the car charger is securely plugged into both the dash cam and the car’s power outlet. If using a hardwire kit, verify those connections. Try a different power source if possible.
- Car Ignition: Remember, the dash cam usually powers on with your car’s ignition unless hardwired for constant power.
- Depleted Battery: If your unit keeps rebooting or won’t turn on, the internal battery might be depleted. While it’s primarily for emergencies, a severely low battery can cause issues. Ensure it’s connected to a stable power source for a while.
- Firmware: An outdated or corrupted firmware can sometimes cause power issues. Check Rexing’s website for the latest firmware update for your specific R316 model.
SD Card Errors / Footage Not Saving
This is probably one of the most common issues across all dash cams.
- Format Regularly: As mentioned, format your SD card frequently e.g., once a month within the camera itself. This keeps it optimized.
- Wrong Card Type/Quality: Make sure you’re using a Class 10/UHS-1 or higher Micro SD card that’s designed for dash cam use high endurance. Some brands like SanDisk Ultra are not recommended by Rexing for reliability.
- Full Card Even with Loop Recording: If too many “locked” files from G-sensor triggers or manual locks fill up the card, loop recording can’t overwrite them. You’ll need to manually delete these or format the card.
- Improper Insertion: Ensure the card is fully inserted and clicked into place.
- Faulty Card: SD cards wear out over time. If you’ve tried formatting and it still acts up, try a brand new, compatible SD card.
Wi-Fi Connection Problems
- Dash Cam Wi-Fi On: Double-check that Wi-Fi is enabled on your dash cam hold the Up Navigation button and the SSID/password are displayed.
- Phone Wi-Fi Settings: Make sure you’re actually connected to the dash cam’s Wi-Fi network in your phone settings, not your home Wi-Fi.
- App Glitches: Sometimes closing and reopening the Rexing Connect app helps. If prompted, select “Keep Trying Wi-Fi”.
- Firmware: An outdated firmware can sometimes affect Wi-Fi stability.
Rear Camera Not Working
- Cable Connection: Verify that the cable connecting the rear camera to the main R316 unit is securely plugged in at both ends.
- Firmware: Similar to other issues, check if a firmware update addresses rear camera functionality.
- Camera Malfunction: If all else fails, the rear camera unit itself might be faulty.
Unit Keeps Rebooting
- Power Supply: This often points to an inconsistent power supply. Ensure your car charger or hardwire kit is providing stable power. Try a different power source.
- Parking Monitor Setting: If you have the Parking Monitor enabled but don’t have a hardwire kit installed or it’s incorrectly installed, the dash cam might try to draw power in parking mode, fail, and continuously reboot. Try turning off the Parking Monitor function if you’re only using the cigarette lighter adapter.
- Depleted Internal Battery: As mentioned under “Not Turning On,” a depleted battery can cause reboots.
If you’ve tried these steps and are still having trouble, don’t hesitate to reach out to Rexing’s customer support. They’re usually pretty good about helping out with specific issues. Mastering the Rexing R4 Hardwire Kit: Your Ultimate Installation Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of memory card does the Rexing R316 need?
The Rexing R316 requires a Micro SD memory card that is Class 10/UHS-1 or higher. It supports cards up to 256GB. It’s super important to use a high-endurance card specifically designed for dash cam use to ensure reliable recording and prevent errors.
How do I format the SD card on my Rexing R316?
To format the memory card, first make sure the dash cam isn’t currently recording press the OK button if it is. Then, press the MENU button twice to enter the System Setup Menu. Scroll down using the navigation buttons often the MIC button until you find the “Format” option. Select it with the OK button and confirm. Remember to back up any important videos before formatting.
Can the Rexing R316 record when my car is parked?
Yes, the Rexing R316 can record while parked, but you’ll need a Rexing Smart Hardwire Kit or similar hardwire connection. This kit connects the dash cam directly to your car’s fuse box, providing continuous power even when the engine is off and enabling the 24-hour Parking Monitor features like vibration or motion detection. Without a hardwire kit, the dash cam typically turns off with the car’s engine.
How do I view recorded videos from my R316?
You have a few options to view your recordings. You can play them back directly on the dash cam’s screen by entering “Playback Mode” via the Menu button. For more convenience, use the Rexing Connect mobile app by connecting your phone to the dash cam’s Wi-Fi. You can also remove the Micro SD card and insert it into a computer using a card reader, or connect the dash cam directly to a computer via USB, then use a program like the Rexing GPS Video Player for detailed footage analysis with GPS data. Mastering Your Rexing R316 Dash Cam: The Ultimate User Guide (And Why It’s Your Best Road Buddy!)
Why does my Rexing R316 keep rebooting or turning off?
Frequent reboots or unexpected shutdowns often point to a power issue. First, check that your power cable cigarette lighter adapter or hardwire kit is securely connected and providing stable power. If you have the Parking Monitor enabled but aren’t using a hardwire kit, the dash cam might struggle to draw power, causing reboots – try turning off the Parking Monitor in this case. A severely depleted internal battery or outdated/corrupted firmware can also contribute to these problems. Try using a different power source or checking for firmware updates.
Leave a Reply