Digital Game Cameras Frequently Asked Questions

 

Does my camera have a motion sensor?

Answer: It has an infrared sensor that detects changes in temperature, such as an animal’s body heat. It must sense a change in temperature to trigger the camera. A limb or other inanimate object will not trigger the camera.

Why does the range of my camera change?

Answer: Your game camera has an infrared sensor that monitors air temperature. A noticeable change in temperature, such as an animals body heat, will trigger the camera to take a picture. In hotter weather it is harder for the camera to "see" an animal simply because the air and body temperature are closer together. Newer model cameras are more sensitive and are not as affected by weather as the older models.

Why does my camera take pictures of landscape with no animals in them?

Answer: There can be several answers to this question, some of the more common reasons are:
1. Mounting the camera on an unstable object that allows the camera to move, like a small tree that could move in the wind, for instance.
2. Having your camera mounted in an eastern or western direction. The heat from the rising or setting sun can trick the camera into thinking it senses an animal’s body heat.
3. Aiming the camera straight across a trail can cause this. The unit needs to be angled up the trail so a passing animal will be in it’s field of view longer and allow the camera more time to react.
4. Sometimes in night pictures the animal may be out of the range of the flash, but still within the range of the infrared sensor, and not be seen in the background. Look close for shining eyes, or use photo software to enhance your pictures.
5. Look closely for small animals, sometimes a small bird, a mouse or squirrel on the ground can be hard to see in the picture, but they still have enough body heat to trip the camera.

How should I mount my camera?

Answer: Find a nice sized tree or post to begin with. Make sure to mount it about mid-thigh high and aim it away from the rising or setting sun.  You’ll need some way of attaching it, we suggest using bungee straps or ratchet straps.When mounting your camera on a trail, it is best to mount it about 25 feet from the trail you want to capture. For added security and protection, Moultrie suggests using the Camera Security Box that includes a steel box, security cable, padlock and key. Moultrie also offers a Camera Tree Mount and Camera Tripod to mount game cameras in otherwise unsuitable locations.

Will weather affect my camera?

Answer: Yes and no. Hot weather will affect the range of your infrared sensor. It will make the distance it picks up body heat shorter if it is extremely hot outside. Cold weather will not affect the camera itself, but it does affect the batteries. Anytime the temperature goes below freezing, you should expect a shorter battery life.

If I want to use the expanded memory, what brand memory card should I use?

Answer: Sandisc, Kodak, and Panasonic are the three brands that we use. There are some brand cards that we have found difficult to use. Usually, if you will purchase a quality brand name card, you shouldn’t have any problems. If you do experience problems, try formatting your card on your computer. If this doesn’t help, give our technicians a call and they will assist you. You must have your camera powered off to install the card or it will not save to it. Once a memory card is installed, all pictures will be stored on the card. All pictures that are already saved to the internal memory will remain on the camera, but will not transfer to the card.

How long can I expect the battery to last in my camera?

Answer: This depends on the model camera you are using. Moultrie Game Spy cameras made after 2007 operate on 6 D-cell batteries. Based on the number of flashes and pictures, you should get an average of 60-150 days (again, depending on the model). Moultrie cameras made before 2007 operate on one 6-volt rechargable battery, which should give you a minimum of three weeks in the field, many times longer. There is no "exact" time due to all the variables.

What delay time should I choose between pictures?

Answer: There are several options depending on how you are using your camera. As a general rule, shorter delay times are used on trails, when animals are just passing by. Longer time delays are used on food plots and mineral licks or by feeders, when the animals will be lingering in the area. It also depends on how much animal traffic that you have in your area.

Can I use the Camera PowerPanel with other brands’ game cameras?

Answer: Moultrie’s Camera PowerPanel was specifically designed to work with 2007 and later Moultrie game camera models. Since we have only tested the PowerPanel with Moultrie cameras, we cannot recommend using it with other game camera brands.

How can I delete single images from my camera?

Answer: Only 2007 and later Moultrie game cameras have the ability to delete single images. To delete single images when viewing pictures on a television or Moultrie’s Digital Picture Viewer, press the delete button twice.

How do I view my pictures?

Answer: For initial set up, please refer to your game camera manual (manuals can be found in the Product Instructions section on Moultrie’s website). Viewing pictures on your television: If viewing on a TV, it may be helpful to have your television manual handy. When viewing pictures from both old and new Moultrie game cameras, you will need to identify the input channel for your television. You can find this channel by pressing the “Input” button on your television’s remote control. The channel could be Input 1, Aux, Frnt, Game, Video In, or another input channel. If you are viewing pictures from a 2007 or later game camera you may notice the information strip at the bottom of the picture is cutoff. This is due to the television reformatting the picture to fit the screen and it does not recognize the information strip as part of the picture. To view videos on Moultrie models GW4.0, D40 and Cabela’s 5.0 Outfitter Series cameras, the camera must be in playback mode then go to the picture without the information strip and press the shutter button to activate the video. Viewing pictures on your computer: If viewing on a computer, the first thing you need to know is what operating system your computer is running. You must have Windows Millennium, XP or 2000 to hook the camera up directly to your computer. If you have Windows 95 or 98, you must use a card reader to view your pictures. Moultrie offers a Digital Picture Viewer that plugs directly into the TV Out port of your camera, allowing you to view photos in the field.

Can I use a solar panel on my unit?

Answer: Yes and no, depending on the camera model. Moultrie Game Spy cameras made after 2007(operating on 6 D-cell batteries) have an external power port, which only accepts Moultrie's PowerPanel. This is a combination solar panel and 12-volt battery. NOTE: Using an external battery other than the PowerPanel on 2007 and later cameras will void the camera's warranty. Moultrie cameras made before 2007 (operating on a 6-volt battery) that have solar panel connectors located on the bottom right-hand side of the unit are compatible with solar panels. As long as you are using a rechargeable battery, you can use one. NOTE: Do not use a solar panel with a dry cell battery! Remember the solar panel recharges the battery, the camera does not run off the solar panel.

Does the new Camera PowerPanel recharge the D-cell batteries in the camera?

Answer: No, the Camera PowerPanel will not recharge the internal D-cell batteries. The PowerPanel is a separate power source. When there is not enough power coming from the PowerPanel, the camera reverts to using the D-cell batteries until the PowerPanel builds up enough power to take over again as the primary power source. When using the PowerPanel for the first time, it needs to be powered on and placed in direct sunlight for at least 8 to 12 hours before first use. NOTE: Moultrie’s PowerPanel is compatible with 2007 and later Moultrie models only.

Can I use my camera to take video clips at night?

Answer: Yes and no depending on the camera model. Game Spy I-series infrared cameras (I-40 and I-60) will take nighttime videos in black and white. Game Spy flash cameras will only take videos during the day, at night the camera reverts back to taking still pictures. You will notice a still picture before each video clip. This is to allow you to view the time and date of each video clip, as it can’t keep that display on the picture during a clip.

I notice a red glow coming from the lights on my I-series infrared camera, is this normal?

Answer: Yes, all infrared cameras have somewhat of a low-grade flash. The lights will glow red, but will remain virtually undetectable to game.

Why are there more events recorded than pictures taken?

Answer: Your camera records everything that walks in its path. If the event occurs during the delay period, the camera will not photograph the event. There is a delay period between shots because the camera needs time to recharge the flash.

What is time lapse mode?

Answer: The time lapse mode on the I-60 and M-60 is useful for taking a picture at, and only at, specific times as determined by the user. In the setup mode, the time lapse start time can be set to make the camera begin taking pictures at a time specified by the operator. A menu in the set up mode, the time lapse frequency setting also allows the operator to specify the frequency of pictures taken. An example would be to start the camera at 12 noon and take a picture every hour. In the setup mode, the operator would scroll to the time lapse start menu, and set it for 12:00 noon, then scroll to the time lapse frequency menu, and set it for 1 hour. The camera would then take a picture at noon and then one picture every hour thereafter if it is set to the time lapse mode rather than the auto mode. The time lapse start time can be programmed for any time desired by the operator, and the time lapse frequency can be set at intervals of 1, 4, 8, 12 or 24 hours.

Why does my camera drain batteries so quickly?

Answer: Flash pictures, cold weather, extreme heat, and or other factors can cause extremes in battery life. Using quality alkaline batteries, such as Duracell or Energizer will give you the best battery life. The Camera PowerPanel will greatly extend battery life on D-cell battery operated cameras. A quality rechargeable battery and a solar panel will extend battery life on cameras that use a 6-volt battery.

Why are all of my night time pictures black?

Answer: Make sure your flash is set to Auto in the flash menu in the setup mode of your camera. Make sure that you are using a good quality alkaline battery such as a Duracell or Energizer. If problems persist contact Moultrie Customer Service.

What does default mean?

Answer: Default is the camera’s factory setting. If you decide to restore the camera’s factory setting you may select default in the menu and select yes and it will change your custom setting back to the original settings. The default settings are: low resolution, one shot per event, one minute delay, and still pictures.

What is dual trigger and HE on some of the older units?

Answer: In dual trigger the camera will look a second time before triggering, therefore eliminating landscape pictures with no animals. The camera reacts slower, but uses less power. This works well in areas where the animal will linger such as at a feeder or a mineral lick. In HE mode the camera will reacts quicker but you may get a few landscape pictures. HE mode works best where animals are moving like on trails, rubs or food plots.

What is IR Aim?

Answer: IR Aim is an alternate way of aiming the camera. Turning the IR aim function on disables the camera but leaves the IR sensor running. You may walk in front of the camera, watching when the status light blinks indicating the aiming point. The camera will not take a picture with the IR aim turned on.

What is the watch battery in my older model camera for?

Answer: This will only be found in the cameras that are powered by a 6-volt battery. This battery holds the date and time settings while you are changing 6-volt battery. If your camera ever begins loosing time replace this battery.

What is the Camera PowerPanel?

Answer: The Camera PowerPanel is a rechargeable battery, solar panel, and meter built into one unit. The Camera PowerPanel will only work with 2007 and newer game cameras (All units that operate on D-cell batteries). The D-cell batteries should be left in the camera so there will be a backup if you have several days of cloudy weather.

Why won't a SD card from my game camera show the pictures on my handheld digital camera?

Answer: Each camera company uses different formatting in their cameras. The formatting on your Moultrie game camera may not be compatible with your handheld camera, causing it not to produce your pictures. We suggest viewing with a computer, TV, or Moultrie Handheld Viewer. Always erase the pictures on the game camera to preserve the correct formatting.

What does the remote control on the I and M series cameras do?

Answer: The remote helps you to locate your camera by causing the status light to blink when the locate button is activated. Activating the capture button allows you to remotely trigger the camera to capture a picture.

What does the security code feature on the I-60 and M-60 cameras do?

Answer: The security code feature allows you to lock the setup menu, allowing access to only persons with the correct code. If you enter a code please remember it. The only way to unlock the camera without the code is to send it in to us at Moultrie Feeders along with a receipt and a check or Money Order for $25.00. We can then reprogram the code. We will make no exceptions in this policy.

How do I check the software levels on my camera?

Answer: Moultrie’s Game Spy M- and I-series cameras have the ability to accept software updates as they become available to enhance the camera’s performance.

Level One software updates are for the I-60 and M-60 models only. The Level One update is an enhancement for the security functions, and should not be installed on the I-40 or M-40 models.

Level Two software updates are available for the I-40, I-60, M-40 and M-60. The Level Two update enhances the actual camera performance.

To check your camera for the current level of software: First power on the camera, and wait for the camera to go through the SD card message. After the camera stops in the setup mode, use the arrow keys to scroll through the individual menus until you arrive at the Level One update screen. On the Level One screen, a number will be displayed - this is the number for your software version. If this number is smaller than the newest version (listed below), you should consider installing the newer version. Level one applies only to the I-60 and M-60 model cameras. After determining the Level One version, use the arrow button to scroll to the Level Two updates screen, and again determine the current number of your software version. If your software number is a lower number than the current version, you should consider updating the software. Level two software is available for the I-40, I-60, M-40 and M-60.

As of this date, all Game Spy I-50 cameras have the most current software versions, and do not need to be updated. Level One updates should not be installed on the I -50 camera model.

The latest software versions are as follows:

	Level 1	Level 2
I-40	11037	40704
I-60	11037	40708
I-50	12037	40904
M-40	11037	40701
M-60	11037	40702