Covert MP30 - User Manual

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Overview

Function Description
Important Technical Specifications
Usage Features
Maintenance Features

The device described in the manual is the Covert Scouting Camera MP30, a trail camera designed for scouting and monitoring wildlife.

Function Description

The MP30 is a scouting camera that captures still images and/or videos when triggered by movement and heat (PIR Trigger) or at set intervals (Time lapse). It can also be set to capture both, taking an image when movement is detected and at each interval of the time lapse. The camera is designed for outdoor use, with recommendations for optimal placement to enhance flash performance and avoid false triggers.

Important Technical Specifications

Power Source: 8 AA batteries.
Storage: Supports SD cards up to 32GB.
Photo Resolution: Selectable megapixels (5, 8, 16, 20, 24, 30).
Video Resolution: Selectable video quality (WVGA, 720P, 1080P, 2.7K, 4K).
Video Length: Adjustable from 5 to 60 seconds.
Flash Power: Adjustable for both photos and videos (Low, Middle, High).
Photo Burst: Configurable from 1 to 10 images per trigger.
PIR Sensitivity: Adjustable (Low, High) to control trigger sensitivity to movement.
PIR Interval: Adjustable from 0 seconds to 1 hour, in 5-second, 1-minute (1-5 minutes), and 5-minute (5-60 minutes) intervals.
Work-Time: Up to 4 separate work periods can be set, allowing the camera to function only during specified time ranges and days of the week.

Usage Features

Quick Setup:
1. Install batteries and SD card.
2. Switch the camera to SETUP mode.
3. Press the Menu button to access and select desired settings.
4. Mount the camera.
5. Switch the camera to ON mode, which initiates a 5-second countdown before the screen goes blank, indicating it's actively scouting.
Three-Position ON/OFF Switch:
- OFF Position: The unit remains off.
- SETUP Position: Allows viewing of the home screen and access to the menu for changing settings.
- ON Position: Activates the camera to function according to the chosen settings. When transitioning to ON (from either OFF or SETUP), a 5-second countdown occurs, and the screen goes black.
Button Functions:
- Arrow Keys: Used for scrolling through menus, changing settings, and taking a picture (right arrow key).
- OK Button: Used to select preferred settings and view stored images. Pressing OK once in the main screen displays images; pressing it again returns to the main screen.
- Menu Button: Used to access camera settings and delete images. When viewing images, pressing Menu provides the option to delete the current image.
Main Screen Information: Displays Camera Mode, Megapixel & Video Setting, SD Card Storage, Date & Time, and Battery Life.
Custom Settings: Users can customize various parameters including Photo Size, Photo Flash Power, Photo Burst, Video Size, Video Length, Video Flash Power, Trigger Mode (PIR Trigger, Time lapse, Both), PIR Sensitivity, PIR Interval, Time lapse interval, and up to four Work-Time periods.
System Settings (SYS Screen):
- Set Clock: Allows setting the date display order (DD/MM/YYYY, MM/DD/YYYY, or YYYY/MM/DD), date, and local time.
- Language: Default is English, but other languages can be selected.
- Password: A 4-digit password can be set, required each time the camera is turned on.
- Rename: Assign an 8-character name to the camera.
- Overwrite: When enabled, the camera deletes the oldest image on the SD card when storage is full.
- Software Version: Displays the current firmware version.

Maintenance Features

SD Card Formatting: It is highly recommended to format the SD card every time before using the camera, even with a new card. This clears all existing data. The process involves selecting "yes" and pressing "okay" in the Format menu, followed by a "Please Wait" message and a return to the menu screen upon completion.
Default Settings: The camera can be reset to its factory settings using the "Default" option in the menu.
Troubleshooting Tips:
- Mount the camera approximately three feet off the ground, facing straight forward and level, adjusting for uneven terrain.
- Position the camera with a backdrop (e.g., field edge facing woods, or thicket inside timber) 20-30 feet away to enhance flash reflection.
- Clear brush from the front of the camera to prevent false movement triggers.
- Face the camera North or South to avoid overexposure from the sun during morning or evening.
- Consider using Covert mounting systems to mount the camera higher and point it downwards for a better view.
Warranty and Support:
- The product comes with a 2-year warranty from the date of purchase (for 2016 and newer products).
- Warranty covers manufacturer's defects and does not cover damage from misuse or abuse.
- Customers should contact Covert Customer Service for issues, providing proof of purchase and registering the product warranty within 10 days of purchase.
- Technical support is available via www.feradyne.com/contact.
- Returns require an RMA number and proof of purchase.
- Covert is not responsible for lost or damaged merchandise during shipping.
- Insurance for returns is at the customer's discretion, with additional charges for return shipping.
- The warranty does not cover damage from unauthorized repairs, incompatible equipment, non-Covert supplies, modifications, or failure to properly prepare/transport the product. It also excludes user maintenance/cleaning and support for non-Covert software.