Muddy PRO-CAM 24 - User Manual

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Summary

Installing Batteries

Batteries Cont... If Using 12 V DC Power Source

Details on connecting an external 12V DC power source for the trail camera.

Advanced Settings

Time and Date

Setting the camera's internal clock for accurate image timestamping.

Camera Mode

Configures the camera to operate in photo, video, or time-lapse mode.

Image Quality

Selects the resolution for captured images, affecting detail and storage space.

Video Quality

Determines the video resolution, balancing visual quality with storage requirements.

Video Length

Sets the duration of recorded video clips, from 5 seconds to 2 minutes.

Picture Delay

Specifies the wait time before re-arming the PIR sensor after capture.

Burst Mode

Controls the number of photos taken in rapid succession upon detection.

Temperature Unit

Imprints the ambient temperature onto photo/video files.

Camera ID

Assigns a name to the camera for identification on captured media.

Picture Info Bar

Enables or disables the display of camera information on images/videos.

Motion Test

Activates an LED to help aim the camera and visualize the detection zone.

Default Setting

Resets all camera settings to their factory default values.

Timelapse Freq

Sets the time interval between photos taken in time-lapse mode.

Timelapse Period

Defines the specific time windows during the day for time-lapse captures.

Flash Mode

Determines whether the IR LEDs are used for illumination, affecting day/night capture.

PIR Sensitivity

Adjusts the sensitivity of the motion sensor for detecting objects.

Format SD Card

Erases all data on the SD card, preparing it for camera use.

FW Version

Displays the current firmware version installed on the camera.

SD Overwrite

When enabled, overwrites oldest files when the SD card becomes full.

Mounting & Field Set-Up

Arming the Camera

Explains how the camera automatically prepares to capture images after power-on or inactivity.

Reviewing Images

Guides on transferring and viewing captured photos and videos from the SD card.

Camera Care

Moisture

Precautions to prevent water damage and ensure camera integrity in damp conditions.

Vibration

Guidelines for handling and transporting the camera to avoid damage to internal components.

Temperature

Recommended temperature ranges for storing and operating the camera.

Troubleshooting

Camera Not Responding

Steps to resolve issues where the camera fails to power on or turn off.

Bad SD Card

Troubleshooting steps for SD card recognition problems and recommended formatting.

Image Quality

Explains common causes for blurry or smeared images, like fast motion or low light.

The Muddy Pro-Cam 24 (Model MUD-MTC800) is a trail camera designed for outdoor surveillance and wildlife monitoring. It captures images and videos, offering a range of customizable settings to suit various user needs. The camera comes with essential accessories including a manual, a 5-foot mounting strap, and 6 AA alkaline batteries, along with an SD card for storage.

Function Description

The primary function of the Pro-Cam 24 is to capture high-resolution images and videos of activity in its detection zone. It operates in three main modes: Camera, Video, and Timelapse. In Camera mode, it takes still photos, while Video mode records video clips with sound. Timelapse mode allows the camera to capture images at fixed intervals, regardless of motion, which is useful for observing long-term changes or activity over a wide area. A unique feature of the Timelapse mode is its ability to still trigger on animal movement based on the current Camera settings, ensuring no activity is missed.

The camera is equipped with 36 invisible flash LEDs for night illumination, providing clear black and white images in low-light conditions without startling wildlife. Its PIR (Passive Infrared) sensor detects motion, triggering the camera to record. The trigger speed is notably fast, at 0.6 seconds, ensuring that fast-moving subjects are captured effectively.

Usage Features

Setting up the Pro-Cam 24 involves installing batteries and an SD card. The camera requires 6 AA alkaline batteries and supports SD storage cards up to 32GB, with Class 10 cards recommended for optimal performance. An external 12V DC power hookup is also available, which takes precedence over the AA batteries if both are connected. The battery indicator will display "EXT" when running on external power.

The camera's settings are accessed via a backlit LCD screen and a set of navigation buttons (M, OK, UP, DOWN, LEFT, RIGHT). Users can customize various parameters, including:

Date and Time: Essential for accurate timestamping of images and videos. The format is MM/DD/YY, and the time can be set to the hour, minute, and AM/PM.
Camera Mode: Switches between Camera, Video, and Timelapse modes.
Image Quality: Adjusts the resolution of still photos (High, Medium, Low), impacting file size and memory usage.
Video Quality: Sets the resolution for video recordings (HD or Standard).
Video Length: Determines the duration of video clips, with options ranging from 5 seconds to 2 minutes.
Picture Delay: Controls the time the PIR sensor waits before reinitializing after capturing an image or video, affecting how frequently the camera triggers.
Burst Mode: Specifies the number of photos taken in a rapid sequence when triggered (2-8 Burst Fast or 2-8 Burst Standard). "Burst Fast" offers a 0.6-second delay between photos, while "Burst Standard" has a 2-second delay.
Temperature Unit: Allows the user to choose between Fahrenheit or Celsius for temperature imprints on files.
Camera ID: A customizable alphanumeric name (up to 13 characters) that is imprinted on photo/video files for easy identification.
Picture Info Bar: Enables or disables the display of information like Moon Phase, Camera ID, Burst count, Temperature, Date, and Time on captured files.
Motion Test: A crucial feature for field setup. When activated, a red LED lights up upon motion detection, allowing users to determine the optimal placement and aim of the camera to capture desired movement within its detection zone. The camera arms after 30 seconds of no motion detection in this mode.
Default Setting: Resets all menu settings to their factory defaults.
Timelapse Frequency: In Timelapse mode, this sets the interval between photos (e.g., 5 seconds to 60 minutes).
Timelapse Period: Defines specific AM and PM time windows during which timelapse photos will be taken.
Flash Mode: Controls whether the IR LEDs are used (Auto or Off). Setting it to "Off" results in day-only photos, extending battery life.
PIR Sensitivity: Adjusts the sensitivity of the motion sensor (Low, Medium, High), which can be fine-tuned using the Motion Test feature. Weather and environmental conditions can influence trigger distance.
Format SD Card: Allows users to erase all data on the SD card. It is highly recommended to format the SD card before each use, either via the camera or a PC.
FW Version: Displays the camera's current firmware version.
SD Overwrite: When enabled, the camera will automatically erase the oldest files on a full SD card to make room for new ones.

Mounting the camera is made easy with a 5-foot nylon strap that threads through slots on the back of the housing. An additional cable track is provided for cable securing, and a 1/4"-20 mount receiver at the bottom allows for alternative mounting options. A loop in the latch accommodates a padlock for security.

Reviewing images is typically done by inserting the SD card into a computer. Some computers have built-in SD card slots, while others may require an external SD card reader.

Maintenance Features

The Pro-Cam 24 is designed with a durable, waterproof molded ABS material shell. However, proper care is essential to ensure its longevity and performance.

Moisture Protection: Avoid mounting the camera upside down, leaving the case open, or changing batteries/SD cards in heavy rain. If water enters the camera, immediately remove batteries and allow it to dry for several days before reactivating.
Vibration Protection: The camera contains sensitive electronic components. Avoid dropping it on hard surfaces and transport it using methods that minimize bouncing or vibration to prevent irreparable damage.
Temperature Management: The recommended operating and storage temperature range is -10°F to 140°F (-23°C to 60°C). Extreme cold or warm temperatures can affect battery life and camera functions. It is crucial not to store the camera in enclosed environments like vehicles where temperatures can become excessively high.
Battery Safety: Only use the specified AA batteries. Incorrect battery installation or using unapproved batteries can lead to acid leaks, potential explosions, and damage to the camera or personal injury.
SD Card Management: Regularly format the SD card to prevent corruption and ensure optimal camera function. If using an SD card that has been used in other cameras or for viewing on a point-and-shoot camera, a full format on a PC is recommended before reinserting it into the Pro-Cam 24.
Infrared Light Warning: Avoid looking directly into the infrared light during test mode, as prolonged exposure can cause cataracts or permanent retinal damage.

In case of troubleshooting, if the camera becomes unresponsive, removing the AA battery compartment (or disconnecting external power) for 10 seconds often resolves the issue by resetting the main power supply. If the camera fails to recognize the SD card, replacing it with a new one or a known working card from another Muddy trail camera can help diagnose whether the problem lies with the card or the camera itself. While the camera aims for optimum trigger speed and night photo clarity, extremely fast movement or insufficient light conditions may occasionally result in smearing or blurry images, which is a natural aspect of photography.