The ZenCAM telematics dashcam is designed to provide high-quality safety and tracking solutions for fleet management and other telematics applications. However, depending on the configurations, the device may consume varying amounts of data. This article provides helpful tips and best practices to help you manage and reduce data usage for your ZenCAM devices.

1. Understanding Data Usage on Your ZenCAM Devices

ZenCAM cameras support a variety of features, including livestreaming, event-based video recording, snapshot uploads, and multi-channel setups. Data usage typically depends on factors such as resolution, frame rate, and the type of recording. Here's what to keep in mind:

• Resolution and Frame Rate: ZenCAM supports resolutions ranging from D1 to 1080p and frame rates from 5FPS to 25FPS. Higher resolutions and frame rates result in higher data consumption.
  
  

• Streaming: Streaming is used for live video feeds, which require a continuous data connection and consume significant data bandwidth.
  
  

• Event-Based Video Recording: This mode allows the camera to record only when a trigger event occurs (e.g., a collision, sudden braking), conserving data by limiting video recording to critical moments.
  
  

• Snapshot Uploads: Snapshots taken at regular intervals (e.g., every minute) provide periodic updates with visual summary of a trip.
  
  

• Multi-Channel Setups: When using a multiple camera setup, data usage will naturally increase, especially when multiple devices are transmitting data simultaneously.

2. Tips for Reducing Data Usage

Here are some actionable tips to help optimize your data usage:

1. Turn Off Hotspot When Not Needed
   
   

• Why? When the hotspot feature is enabled, your device continuously shares internet access, consuming data even when you don't need it.
  
  

• Tip: Disable the hotspot feature, to prevent unnecessary data consumption.
  
  

2. Limit Streaming to Spot Checks
   
   

• Why? Continuous streaming uses significant data as it transmits video in real time. Using it unnecessarily can quickly eat into your data plan.
  
  

• Tip: Use streaming for on-demand, spot checking instead of continuous live feeds to reduce data consumption. Consider opting into the controlled streaming plan that allows 30 minutes of livestreaming per GB of your data plan (e.g., 2GB = 60 minutes). After this limit is reached, snapshot streaming will be used to minimize data usage.
  
  

3. Use Snapshot for Recurring Events
   
   

• Why? Some events, such as not wearing a seatbelt, phone use, camera block, or smoking, may trigger often, leading to excessive video recording and data usage.
  
  

• Tip: For recurring event-based recordings, use snapshots instead of video for these events. Snapshots take periodic images, consuming less data while still capturing essential moments.
  
  

4. Reduce Resolution and Frame Rate
   
   

• Why? Higher resolution (1080p) and higher frame rates (25FPS) lead to larger video files, increasing data usage.
  
  

• Tip: Lower the resolution and frame rate to reduce data usage while still maintaining sufficient video quality for safety and tracking.
  
  

5. Upgrade to a Higher Data Plan for Multi-Channel Setups
   
   

• Why? Using multiple devices or a 4-channel (4CH) setup increases data consumption. A lower data plan may not be sufficient to cover the load.
  
  

• Tip: Consider upgrading to a 4GB or higher data plan for multi-camera setups to handle the increased data usage.
  
  

6. Increase Hyperlapse Capture Duration
   
   

• Why? Hyperlapse reduces data by capturing periodic snapshots of trips, but increasing the frequency of uploads can lead to higher data consumption.
  
  

• Tip: Increase the hyperlapse duration from 1 minute to 10 minutes for fewer uploads, thus reducing the number of data transfers while still providing trip visibility.

3. Monitoring and Managing Data Usage

ZenCAM provides tools to help you stay on top of your data consumption:

• Device Health Tab: Within the Asset module, this feature tracks data usage for each device, showing how much data has been used in the current month.
  
  

• Customization: Adjust your resolution, frame rate, and recording settings from the device configuration menu to better align with your data usage goals.
  
  

4. Conclusion

Managing data usage with your ZenCAM devices is essential for optimizing performance and controlling costs. By using event-based recording, snapshots for recurring events, lower resolution/frame rate, and hyperlapse for trip uploads, you can reduce data consumption while maintaining necessary footage quality.

If you need assistance in configuring your ZenCAM devices or optimizing your data plan, feel free to reach out to our service desk team.