TASER Axon Flex System User Manual IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS. Read all warnings and instructions. Save these instructions. The most up-to-date warnings and instructions are available at www.TASER.com. MMU0040 Rev: F Contents 3 Chapter 1: Introduction 3 What Is the Axon Flex System?
3 Additional Reading 4 Chapter 2: Hardware 4 Axon Flex Features 4 Axon Flex Camera 4 Axon Flex Controller 6 Equipment Mounting Options 6 Axon Flex Cables and Connectors 6 6 USB Cable Straight-to-Right-Angle Connector 8 Chapter 3: Hardware Details 8 Preparing the Axon Flex Camera 10 Preparing the Magnetic Clip Assembly 11 Mounting the Axon Flex Camera to Your Shirt Collar 12 Chapter 4: Basic Operations 12 Operating Modes 12 BUFFERING Mode 12 EVENT Mode 13 Battery Status 13 Adjusting the Audio Prompt Volume 14 Turning off the Controller LEDs 15 Chapter 5: Audio Prompts 16 Chapter 6: Axon Signal Operations 17 Chapter 7: Care and Maintenance 17 Cleaning the Axon Flex System Components 17 Charging the Controller Battery 18 Chapter 8: Troubleshooting 18 Reset Functioning 18 Customer Service 18 Warranty Policy 18 Warnings 19 Radio Waves 20 CE Declaration of Conformity 2 Introduction 1 What Is the Axon Flex System?
The Axon Flex system is a camera system incorporating an audio and video recording device to be worn by you while performing your job duties. Multiple mounting options are available to customize the system to your needs. The components are designed for use in tough environmental conditions. The system is designed to record events in real time for secure storage, retrieval, and analysis via the Evidence.com website or in an Offline configuration to your local computer. The recorded events are transferred to your storage solution via the evidence transfer manager
(ETM), the Evidence.com Dock, or by using Evidence Sync software installed on a Windows computer. The system has two operating modes. The default mode, or BUFFERING mode, provides pre-event buffering to capture activities that occur prior to the user activating the EVENT mode. In addition, the Axon Mobile application enables playback of footage on a smart phone for review prior to storing the data. Instructional videos for using your Axon Flex system are available at www.TASER.com under Training Videos. Additional Reading This manual explains how to operate the Axon Flex hardware. Other manuals cover additional aspects of the Axon Flex system. These documents are available at www.TASER.com. The TASER Axon System End-to-End Deployment Guide explains how to register for the Evidence.com website, configure settings, install Evidence Sync software, assign personnel to cameras, recharge your controller, and transfer video from an Axon device to a computer. Detailed instructions for using Axon cameras and other TASER products with Evidence Sync are available in the Evidence Sync User Manual. For instructions on using your Axon Flex camera with a smart device, see the Axon Mobile for Android Devices User Manual or the Axon Mobile for IOS Devices User Manual, as appropriate. If you have an Evidence.com Dock, see the Evidence.com Dock User Manual for how to transfer information and recharge your controller. 3 Hardware 2 Axon Flex Features The primary Axon Flex components are the camera and controller. Axon Flex Camera The camera offers high quality video and low-light gathering capabilities. The camera is designed to store at least 4 hours of video (and up to 13 hours based on the video setting). If the camera is full (has reached its storage limit), the camera will not record over previous video but instead stops recording. Volume/Pairing Button Imager Bracket Clip 1 Volume/Pairing Button This button is used to adjust the volume of audio prompts coming from the camera. It also is used to pair the Axon Flex system with a smart phone; see the Axon Mobile for Android Devices or Axon Mobile for IOS Devices manuals for more information. This button does not control the volume of recorded audio. 2 Bracket Clip A clamp attaches to this part of the camera, and the clamp can be attached to a variety of 3 mounting tools. Imager This is the camera lens. Avoid touching the lens. For cleaning information, see Chapter 5 Care and Maintenance in this manual. Axon Flex Controller The controller enables you to turn the unit on, begin recording of an event, stop recording, and turn the unit off. The controller features LEDs to indicate the operating mode and battery capacity. 4 NOTE: You can turn off the controller LEDs, if necessary. See Turning off the Controller LEDs in this manual for instructions. Top View Operation LED On/Off Switch On/Off Indicator Battery LED EVENT Button Battery Button Front View 1 Operation LED Shows the controllers current operating mode:
Operating Mode Recording Buffering Booting up/powering down Disconnect Controller LED Blinking red Blinking green Solid red Blinking yellow NOTE: For the battery status, see the battery LED, described below. 2 On/Off Switch Turns the controller on or off. 3 On/Off Indicator When the controller is turned on, the red portion of the controller is exposed. When the controller is turned off, the red portion is covered from view. 4 EVENT Button Used to start and stop recording. (Double-press to start; hold for 3 seconds to stop recording.) The controller might take several additional seconds to close out of the event video when it is taken out of EVENT mode. 5 Battery Button When pressed, momentarily indicates the remaining battery capacity only (it does not indicate the operating mode). 6 Battery LED When pressed, momentarily indicates the remaining battery capacity only (it does not indicate the operating mode). 5 Chapter 2 Hardware Battery Capacity Battery capacity is 41100 percent Battery capacity is 2040 percent Battery capacity is less than 20 percent Battery LED Green Yellow Red during operation; flashing red and yellow during charging Battery critically low Blinking red and yellow When you turn the controller on, the operation LED turns solid red until the system is ready to use. Then the Operation LED blinks green (BUFFERING mode). Equipment Mounting Options The Axon Flex system provides you with a variety of ways to wear your camera and carry your controller. Multiple holster options are available to attach the controller to your shirt or belt; and a variety of mounts enable the camera to be attached to your Oakley Flak Jacket eyewear, shirt collar or epaulet, load bearing equipment, helmet, cap, or your vehicles dashboard. Additional information on Axon Flex mounting options is available at www.TASER.com. Axon Flex Cables and Connectors Straight-to-Right-Angle Connector The Axon Flex camera and controller are designed to work with a purpose-built cable, with a straight connec-
tor at one end and a right-angle connector at the other. Insert the straight connector into the camera and the right-angle connector into the controller. The straight connector has jaws designed to grasp camera for added security. The controller holster has a swing arm designed to fit over the connecter and help keep it in place. These cables are specifically calibrated to work with the Axon Flex system. Use of unapproved cables will degrade system performance and may cause the system to not function properly or at all. Ensure that your cables are inserted properly into the camera and controller. If the cameras battery is low, or the cable is disconnected, your recorded video will be lost. USB Cable A USB cable is available to connect the Axon Flex camera directly to your computer. Do NOT connect your Axon Flex camera to your computer before you have installed the Evidence Sync software. 6 Chapter 2 Hardware For instructions on downloading your Axon Flex camera to a computer, see the TASER Axon End-to-End Deployment Guide. 7 Chapter 2 Hardware Hardware Details 3 This chapter describes preparing and using the universal magnetic mount. For additional information on using the universal mount and other mounts, see the instructional videos for assembling Axon Flex hardware at www. TASER.com. If the camera system causes discomfort or headaches, adjust the system for comfort. NEVER wrap cables around the neck. The Axon Flex system uses magnets in many of its mounting systems. The Axon Flex camera and Axon Flex controller both contain batteries. Do not let the magnets come into contact with the batteries. Magnets can cause damage to the batteries. Preparing the Axon Flex Camera All Axon Flex cameras shipped from the factory are configured to be installed on the right side of the body. If you wish to wear a camera on the left side, you will have to adjust your settings through the Evidence Sync software or on the Evidence.com website to re-orient the camera. The side on which you wear the camera is configured through the Evidence Sync software. Try wearing your camera on your dominant side and your non-dominant side to find what works best for you. If you have the Axon Mobile application, you can view live video and determine if the camera is pointed where you want it. See the Axon Mobile for Android Devices or Axon Mobile for IOS Devices manuals for more information on how to do this. Cable connectors are inserted into the rear of the Axon Flex camera. The connector has an assembly that clasps to the camera for a more secure fit. Both straight and coiled cables are also available. 8 To Camera To Controller The Axon Flex camera has a circular bump on one side, at the rear of the camera. The cable connector has a round opening that fits around the bump, providing added security when connected. Opening in Connector Protruding Bump on Camera If you do not connect the cable to the camera properly, the connection may not be secure. The controller holster has a cable retention clip that rolls into place to help keep the cable attached. 9 Chapter 3 Hardware Details Preparing the Magnetic Clip Assembly The most basic way to mount the camera to clothing involves two magnetic pieces. The two magnetic clips pictured below are the foundation for many camera mounting options. Each clip features a set of teeth on one side and a ring on the other. The sides with teeth are magnetically attracted to each other. The other clip can be placed inside a shirt collar or cap to hold the camera in place. The magnetic clip is designed to allow some rotation up or down, so you can adjust the cameras angle after it is mounted. 10 Chapter 3 Hardware Details Mounting the Axon Flex Camera to Your Shirt Collar 1 Push the two parts of the universal magnetic clip together on each side of your collar. 2 Tug on the parts slightly to confirm the connection is secure. 3 Attach the camera assembly to the magnetic clip on the outside of your shirt. 4 Tug on the parts slightly to confirm the connection is secure. 5 Route the cable to your controller. Ensure that the cable does not obstruct the motion of your head. 11 Chapter 3 Hardware Details 4 Basic Operations Operating Modes The Axon Flex system has two operating modes:
1 BUFFERING 2 EVENT BUFFERING Mode BUFFERING mode is the default mode of operation, and it is activated a few seconds after turning on the controller. The camera must be attached to the controller in order for it to capture video in BUFFERING mode. If the camera is not connected to the controller, you will not capture any video. When BUFFERING begins:
The Operation LED on the controller will blink green. The camera will be capturing video but no audio, and will not record to permanent memory while in BUFFERING mode. Buffered video duration is up to 30 seconds (00:00:30). When you activate the EVENT mode, the buffered video (not audio) captured directly before the event will be saved and attached to the event in permanent memory. This feature is intended to capture the video of an incident just before your activation of EVENT mode. Because the system does not capture audio in BUFFERING mode, the first 30 seconds of a recorded event will be video-only. Buffering mode starts only after the Axon Flex controller is turned on. The system does not record when the controller is turned off. NOTE: An agency can turn off the BUFFERING mode. If your agency has deactivated the BUFFERING mode, your Axon system will operate the same way as described in this manual, but the camera will not record anything until you double-press the EVENT button. EVENT Mode 1 When you need to record, quickly double-press the EVENT button on the controller. The system now records audio as well as video. The buffered video directly preceding the event will be saved 12 and attached to the event recording. (Remember, the buffered video will not contain audio.) The moment you double-press the EVENT button, both video and audio will be recorded from the camera and GPS coordinates (if the system is paired to a GPS-capable smart phone) will be recorded. This will continue throughout the duration of the recording until you terminate the recording. The Axon Flex hardware provides you with indications that it is recording in EVENT mode:
The camera must be attached to the controller in order for it to record video in EVENT mode. If the camera is not connected to the controller, you will not record any video. If the camera becomes disconnected from the controller during an event, the system will stop recording. At the start of an event and every 2 minutes during an event, the system will beep twice. The Operation LED on top of the controller will blink red. 2 To stop recording and return to BUFFERING mode, press the EVENT button for approximately 3 seconds. The system will beep once. 3 To end a recording and turn off the system, move the on/off switch to the off position. When you end a recording with the on/off switch you will not go into BUFFERING mode; instead the system will turn off completely. NOTE: An event not recorded by the Axon Flex system cannot be played back or downloaded to your computer. Battery Status Press the Battery button to determine the percentage remaining in the controller battery. See Axon Flex Controller in Chapter 2 Hardware in this manual for details on the Battery LED functions. Adjusting the Audio Prompt Volume Press the volume/pairing button on the camera to adjust the volume of the audio prompts. Volume/Pairing Button The volume has four settings. At each level, the camera beeps, providing you with a sample of the volume:
Low Medium High Off 13 Chapter 4 Basic Operations Other than the audio prompt beeps heard on the audio recordings, the volume/pairing button has no effect on the audio recording captured by the camera. Turning off the Controller LEDs For some situations, you may wish to turn off the lights on your controller. 1 Press and hold the Battery button for 10 seconds. The Operation LED flashes red, yellow, and then green before shutting down the lights. Pressing the Battery button will momentarily light both the Operation LED and the Battery LED, displaying the current operating mode and battery level. For interpreting the LED colors, see Axon Flex Controller in Chapter 2: Hardware in this manual. 2 To turn the lights back on, press and hold the Battery button for 10 seconds. If you disconnect a cable when the lights are active, the Operation LED flashes yellow. If you turned off the LEDs, and you later disconnect a cable, there will be no visual warning that the cable has been disconnected. 14 Chapter 4 Basic Operations Audio Prompts 5 The Axon Flex system emits beeping sounds called audio prompts to notify you of the system status. These audio prompts usually occur after you perform an action with the Axon Flex system. NOTE: The camera must be connected to the controller for audio prompts to be heard. If the camera and controller are connected and you still do not hear the audio prompts, check the cameras volume. Action Powering on or off Recording an event Audio Prompt One beep Two beeps (sound every two minutes) Press the battery button while the camera is recording The device is ending an event and returning to BUFFERING mode Two beeps One long beep The battery is at 20 percent capacity or lower Four quick beeps (repeating every 20 seconds) The system is in buffering mode Cable disconnect (the camera will shut down) The cameras memory is full No beeps One beep Three beeps 15 Axon Signal Operations 6 An Axon Flex controller equipped with Axon Signal technology is identified with special markings. Its buttons and power switch operate the same way as any other Axon Flex controller. Axon Signal technology takes your Axon Flex system from BUFFERING to EVENT mode automatically after your emergency vehicles light bar is activated. NOTE: Your emergency vehicles light bar must be equipped with an Axon Signal Unit (ASU) for the camera to go into EVENT mode. (The ASU is purchased separately from the Axon Flex system.) The ASU sends a signal to your Axon Flex controller. Upon processing this signal, your Axon system transitions from BUFFERING to EVENT mode. When your Axon Flex camera starts recording, you will hear two beeps. The ASU has a range of approximately 30 feet. Another vehicles light bar activation may cause your Axon camera to start recording if the light bar is equipped to do so. The ASU can only send a signal to tell the camera to start recording. Axon Signal technology does not end recording. If a light bar is turned off, the camera will continue to record. The ASU cannot turn an Axon system on. If the controller is turned off, the camera will not record even if an ASU sends an activation signal. 16 Care and Maintenance 7 Cleaning the Axon Flex System Components Use a soft, damp cloth to clean the surface of the system components. Do not use harsh cleaners or solvents. Do not immerse the system components in water or cleaning solutions. If the Axon Flex camera lens becomes dirty, use a lens blower brush to clean it and then wipe it with a soft cloth if necessary. You may moisten the cloth with isopropyl alcohol. Do not use Windex or similar type cleaners on the camera lens. Do not place the lens under running water or apply jets of water to the camera lens. When the cable contacts show signs of contamination (e.g., with dirt or debris), clean them gently with a white or red pencil eraser. Charging the Controller Battery A fully charged controller battery should provide enough power for approximately 12 hours of normal operation. Recharging a battery after a 12-hour use can take up to 6 hours if you are recharging your controller from a wall outlet, Evidence.com Dock, or an ETM. Recharging could take considerably longer if you are recharging from a computer. If the battery depletes significantly during the shift, you will hear 4 quick tones repeating every 20 seconds. This message indicates that less than approximately 20 percent of the battery capacity remains. Always recharge a depleted battery as soon as reasonably possible. You can use an ETM, Evidence.com Dock, wall charger, or computer (using the 2.5 mm to USB cable) to charge the battery. Using a non-TASER approved wall charger may degrade device performance. Do not have Evidence Sync open and running on your computer when recharging an Axon Flex controller with a computer. 17 Troubleshooting 8 If you experience difficulty with your Axon Flex devices, first power the device(s) down, disconnect the cables, and then reconnect the cables to ensure a proper connection. If experiencing difficulty with the Axon Mobile application, power down the mobile device, turn the device back on, and re-pair your smart phone with the Axon Flex camera. See the Axon Mobile for Android Devices User Manual or Axon Mobile for IOS Devices User Manual, as appropriate, for more information. Do not plug an Axon Flex controller into a computer with the Evidence Sync software active. Reset Functioning You might experience a reset while operating the Axon Flex camera. During a reset, the camera will shut down, restart, and return to the mode (BUFFERING or EVENT) in which it was operating before the reset occurred. If a reset occurs in BUFFERING mode, the camera will beep once while shutting down. The LED will go from blinking green (BUFFERING mode) to blinking yellow, and then it will turn solid red. The LED will then cycle back through solid red (booting). The camera will then beep once, and the LED will blink green (BUFFERING). This will repeat until the Axon system is booted up. If the reset occurs in the EVENT mode, the camera will beep once while shutting down. The LED will go from blinking red (EVENT mode) to blinking yellow, and then it will turn solid red. The LED will then cycle back through solid red
(booting). The camera will then beep once, and the LED will blink green (BUFFERING) and then blink red (EVENT). This will repeat until the camera is booted up. Customer Service Visit www.TASER.com and view the Support options. Warranty Policy TASER International warranty provisions are applicable on all Axon Flex system products. See TASER Internationals website, www.TASER.com, for detailed warranty information. Warnings For a full list of the warnings associated with this product, see www.TASER.com. 18 Radio Waves Changes or modifications to the equipment not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the product warranty and the users authority to operate the equipment. Your wireless device is a radio transmitter and receiver. It is designed and manufactured not to exceed the emission limits for exposure to radio frequency (RF) energy set by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) of the U.S. Government. These limits are part of comprehensive guidelines and establish permitted levels of RF energy for the general population. The guidelines are based on standards that were developed by independent scientific organizations through periodic and thorough evaluation of scientific studies. The standards include a substantial safety margin designed to ensure the safety of all persons, regardless of age and health. Before a device model is available for sale to the public, it must be tested and certified to the FCC that it does not exceed the limit established by the governmentadopted requirement for safe exposure. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna. Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected. Consult TASER International Customer Service for help. FCC/IC NOTICE: This device meets the body worn human exposure limits found in OET Bulletin 65, 2001, and ANSI/
IEEE C95.1, 1992. Proper operation of this equipment according to the instructions found in this guide will result in exposure substantially below the FCCs recommended limits. To comply with the FCC and ANSI C95.1 RF exposure limits, this device has been tested for compliance with FCC RF Exposure limits in the typical configuration. The radiated output power of this wireless device is far below the FCC radio frequency exposure limits. Section 7.1.3 of RSS-GEN This Device complies with Industry Canada License-exempt RSS standard(s). Operation is subject to the following two conditions: 1) this device may not cause interference, and 2) this device must accept any interference, including interference that may cause undesired operation of the device. Cet appareil est conforme aux normes dexemption de licence RSS dIndustrie Canada. Son utilisation est soumise aux conditions suivantes : 1) cet appareil ne doit pas causer de brouillage, et 2) doit accepter tout brouillage, y compris le brouillage pouvant entraner un fonctionnement indsirable. 19 Chapter 8 Troubleshooting Section 7.1.2 of RSS-GEN Under Industry Canada regulations, this radio transmitter may only operate using an antenna of a type and maximum
(or lesser) gain approved for the transmitter by Industry Canada. To reduce potential radio interference to other users, the antenna type and its gain should be so chosen that the equivalent isotropically radiated power (e.i.r.p.) is not more than that necessary for successful communication. Conformment la rglementation dIndustrie Canada, le prsent metteur radio ne peut fonctionner quau moyen dune antenne dun seul type et dun gain maximal (ou infrieur) approuv pour lmetteur par Industrie Canada. Dans le but de rduire les risques de brouillage radiolectrique pour les autres utilisateurs, il faut choisir le type dantenne et son gain de sorte que la puissance isotrope rayonne quivalente (p.i.r.e.) ne dpasse pas celle requise pour tablir une communication satisfaisante. THIS MODEL DEVICE MEETS THE GOVERNMENTS REQUIREMENTS FOR EXPOSURE TO RADIO WAVES. Declaration of Conformity TASER International declares that this Axon Flex system is in compliance with the essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive 1999/5/EC. A copy of the original declaration of conformity can be found at www.TASER.com. 20 Chapter 8 Troubleshooting Product functions and specifications may change without notice and the actual product may vary from the illustrations in this manual. Android is a trademark of Google, Inc., Flak Jacket is a trademark of Oakley, Inc., IOS is a trademark of Cisco Technology, Inc., and Windex is a trademark of S. C. Johnson & Son, Inc. Axon Signal, Evidence.com, and are trademarks of TASER International, Inc. Axon, Axon Flex, TASER, and are trademarks of TASER International, Inc., registered in the US and other countries. For more information, visit www.TASER.com/legal. All rights reserved. 2015 TASER International, Inc. MMU0040 Rev: F