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Installing a SurfSight AI-12 Dashcam

This article explains how to correctly mount and install the SurfSight AI-12 AI Dash Camera system to a vehicle, covering physical placement, wiring, field of view optimisation, and verification of operation once installed. It also includes links to official manufacturer documentation.

Overview

The SurfSight AI-12 Dashcam is an advanced dual-lens AI dash camera system designed for commercial vehicles. It captures high-resolution video from both road-facing and interior (“in-cab”) perspectives, and supports AI-driven event detection such as collisions, lane departure, distraction, and fatigue monitoring.

Key features:

  • Dual 1080p or 4K cameras (front & interior/road-facing depending on configuration)

  • Built-in AI for driver behaviour and event detection

  • Loop recording with event tagging

  • Integration with Perspio

  • LTE tethering for cloud upload (where supported)

Official manufacturer resources:

What’s in the Box

When you receive the AI-12 kit, it typically contains:

  • AI-12 main dashcam unit with dual camera lenses

  • Front camera cable

  • Interior/road-facing camera cable (if dual lens)

  • Mounting hardware (adhesive mount, screws if provided)

  • Power cable or harness (hard-wire or cigarette lighter style)

  • GPS antenna (if separate)

  • Quick start guide / installation notes

Verify all items are present before starting installation.

Tools and Materials

Prepare the following:

Tools

  • Screwdrivers or trim removal tools

  • Pry tools for routing cables behind trim

  • Wire crimpers and connectors (for hard-wiring)

  • Multimeter (optional)

Materials

  • Cable ties

  • Split-loom tubing for cable protection

  • Adhesive mounting pads (industrial grade)

  • Grommets or sealant for through-wall feeds

Safety and Pre-Installation Planning

Before mounting:

  • Ensure the vehicle is parked safely with the ignition off

  • Avoid installing in locations that block the driver’s view

  • Plan cable routing paths to avoid moving parts, airbags, and sharp edges

  • Identify a stable, rigid surface on the windshield or dash for the camera mount

Physical Mounting

1. Choose Camera Mount Locations

A. Front-Facing Lens

  • Mount high on the windshield behind the rear-view mirror

  • Ensure the camera’s line of sight is clear of wipers, tint bands, and dashboard reflections

  • Align the camera centrally so the road view is unobstructed

Best practice:

  • Position the lens just below the top edge of the windshield

  • Confirm the camera does not impede the driver’s sightline

 

B. Interior / Road-Facing Lens (AI-12 Dual Setup)

  • For the in-cab/driver-facing lens, mount behind the rear-view mirror or on the A-pillar

  • Ensure the interior lens has a clear view of the driver without obstruction

  • Avoid reflections from glass or bright light

Tip:

  • For near-cab configurations, use an adjustable clip or bracket to fine-tune the angle

2. Attach Mounting Hardware

A. Adhesive Mount

  1. Clean the intended mounting surface with isopropyl alcohol

  2. Peel the protective backing off the adhesive pad

  3. Press the mount firmly onto the windshield or surface

  4. Allow recommended cure time before attaching the camera

Important: Use a high-temperature automotive adhesive rated for glass installation, as standard tape may fail in hot conditions.

B. Screw Mounting (If Provided)

If the kit includes screws or a bracket:

  1. Mark drill points carefully

  2. Drill pilot holes if required (only in interior trim or panel areas, never structural glass)

  3. Secure the bracket and attach the camera to it

Always avoid drilling into structural or safety-critical areas.

3. Cable Routing

Carefully route camera cabling from the camera into the vehicle interior trim so it remains:

  • Hidden and secure

  • Free from pinching or interference with airbags

  • Clear of moving components

Typical routing path:

  • Along the windshield headliner

  • Down A-pillar behind plastic trim

  • Under the dash towards power source or gateway interface

Use cable ties and split-loom tubing where appropriate to protect cables.

Power and Integration

The AI-12 dashcam requires a reliable power source — depending on your installation strategy:

A. Hard-Wire Interface

For permanent installation, a hard-wire kit is used:

  1. Connect to fused ignition/ACC feed (power when ignition is on)

  2. Ground to a clean chassis point

  3. Optional permanent 12V feed for parking/event recording

Follow local electrical codes and standard fuse protection.

 

B. Cigarette Lighter / Accessory Power

Some installations can draw power from a lighter socket or auxiliary power point:

  • Insert the dashcam’s power adapter into the socket

  • Route cable discreetly to maintain clean appearance

Note: Vehicles that cut accessory power off with ignition can impact event recording during parked periods.

Power-Up and Initial Setup

After physical mounting and power connection:

  1. Turn key to accessory or ignition position

  2. AI-12 will begin booting — LEDs or on-screen indicators may show status

  3. Confirm that:

    • Power LED is steady

    • GNSS LED blinks as it searches for satellites

    • Cellular or network indicators show connectivity

    • Follow steps on device to calibrate the camera correctly

Allow the device time to acquire GNSS fix and network registration (if using LTE).

For in-cab cameras and sensors, confirm correct angle and focus before vehicle operation.

 

 

Verifying Operation

Location and Telemetry Updates

Open the Asset Inspector in Perspio and confirm:

  • Recent GPS timestamps

  • Correct latitude/longitude updates

  • Movement tracking where applicable

Telemetry Signal Checks

If telemetry does not appear:

  • Check device power/ground integrity

  • Validate installation location is free of GPS blockage

  • Contact servicedesk@perspio.io if assistance is needed

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

No Power to Dashcam

  • Confirm proper power feed and fuse installation

  • Verify ignition/ACC source is correct for desired recording behaviour

Poor GPS Fix

  • Adjust mounting orientation

  • Avoid mounting fully enclosed by metal


No Device Records in Perspio

  • Confirm correct tenant context

  • Verify the device was added with correct IMEI

Poor Video Quality

  • Adjust camera angle to avoid glare

  • Clean the windshield area above the mount

Device Reports No Data

  • SIM Card install

  • Confirm correct power wiring and fuse installation

  • Check for cellular coverage at the installation site

Manufacturer References

For official technical details and additional resources:

These resources provide model-specific firmware, installation diagrams, and advanced configuration information.

Summary

The SurfSight AI-12 Dashcam provides dual-lens video capture and AI-driven event detection for driver safety and coaching. Proper physical installation — including strategic camera placement, secure mounting, clean cable routing, and correct power connection — ensures reliable video capture and telemetry streaming. Once commissioned and assigned to an asset in Perspio, the camera system enables powerful contextual feeds, safety insights, and compliance logging.