Receiving Your New Camera
When you purchase your new camera there are a few simple things you should do "First" when your camera arrives:
1. Visually check the packaging to make sure the box has not been damaged while shipping in any way. If yes, document the damage with a picture & date and notify the shipper immediately.
2. Be careful when removing the camera and components from the box so you do not damage them in any way via box cutter, knife etc.
3. Check the packing list to make sure you have all of the parts you ordered. If no, document and notify the manufacturer immediately.
4. Visually inspect your new camera inside & out for any loose wires, connections, damage etc. If yes, document with a picture & date and notify the manufacturer immediately.
5. Read the users manual front to back before doing anything else to familiarize yourself with the camera.
6. Download any software to your computer that will be needed to view the images later.
7. Add the batteries and test your camera before taking it out into the field.
This includes:
a. Learning how to: Set up the: date, time, picture delay, sensitivity, operation modes etc.
b. Learn how to aim your camera properly at home.
c. Learn the optimal mounting height for your camera- (3 ft. - 4 ft. usually best)
d. Learn the optimal sensing capability of your camera- Best distance to the subject for good images. (Approximately 20 ft. usually best)
e. Learn the realistic trigger time for your camera. This will affect how you set up your camera in the field. (On a trail, salt lick, feeder, food plot, etc.)
f. Learn how to mount your camera to a variety of trees, posts or mounting stand etc. It may sound silly, but is well worth your while!!
Wild View Web Checklist
Run thru this checklist before heading out with your camera(s):
1. Camera(s)
2. Camera Users Manual ? Don?t leave home without it!!!!
3. Memory Card(s)
4. Batteries
5. Mounting Bracket
6. Lock Box
7. Straps, cables
8. Locks & Keys
9. Cables / Chains
10. Hand Saw
11. Salt Licks, Corn, Mock Scrape Drip, Active Scrape, Doe in heat etc.
12. Scent Control Spray
13. Rubber Boots
14. Scent control gloves
Camera(s)
Check over the camera housing(s) and weather resistant gaskets to make sure there are no visible voids or cracks allowing the penetration of water or bugs that could possible damage your camera(s). Insects are sometimes overlooked as a potential threat but they will set up shop inside your camera housing if you let them.
Note: If you do find any cracks or voids simply apply silicon to them and allow it to dry before you head out.
Protect your camera(s) with a box, blanket, bubble wrap etc. along with any other components to prevent damage in transit. If you simply throw everything loose in a box you run a risk of damaging the outside housing, lenses, wire connections, antennas, etc. Take care of your cameras and they will take care of you.
Memory Card(s)
Use a piece of tape and a marker to identify your empty memory cards with the date before you head out to the field. This will prevent confusion when changing out cards. You would hate to come home with the wrong card. (Don?t laugh this has happened to me more than once!!!) Also, make sure to delete images off of your memory card after downloading or viewing you pictures so that there is not a potential storage problem (Card Full) in the future.
Batteries
Use a piece of tape and a marker to identify your new batteries with the date before you head out to the field. This will also prevent confusion when changing out batteries. If you do not mark the batteries, at one point you will pull out the old batteries and set them next to the new batteries. At that point, you will either wind up guessing or heading to the store to buy more batteries.
Solar Chargers
Solar chargers can be a very useful option to consider for your cameras. The cost of changing out batteries adds up quickly. The solar chargers pay for themselves faster than you think.
Choosing A Tree
When setting up your camera, choose a tree that is large enough to prevent sway from the wind Minimum 8 to 9 inch diameter. If you choose a small tree you may run the risk of false triggers from the tree swaying back and forth in the wind.
North, South, East, West??
To achieve the best lighting for your images try to point the camera North or South. If you point the camera east or west there is a risk of bright light wash out during the rising or setting sun.
Mounting Height
Typically 3 – 4 ft. is a good height for mounting the camera. This height will eliminate pictures of unwanted small game such as raccoons, squirrels, rabbits, etc.
Check Your Foreground & Background
Make sure to trim any high weeds or low hanging branches that may trigger the motion detector or interfere with the images. If you are getting lots of pictures with no target subjects check this first, before getting upset with your camera.
Picture Range
Try to set up your camera to catch the target subject at approximately 20-30 feet. If you have done your home testing you will have a better idea of your cameras best distance. Keep in mind that some cameras use PIR heat sensing detection and those cameras will be less sensitive in the summer and more sensitive in the winter.
Condensation
You may want to consider using some type of moisture absorption desiccant within the housing to prevent any condensation that may get on the inside of the camera. If you have checked your housing for leaks and repaired with silicon there should not be an issue but you can never be too safe.
