BLAZEVIDEO A280 Trail Camera Instruction Manual

BLAZEVIDEO A280 Trail Camera

Product Information

Specifications

• Model: A280
• Battery Type: 1.5V AA Alkaline or Lithium (8 batteries required)
• Recommended Battery: Energizer AA Lithium
• Memory Card Type: SDHC/SDXC (maximum capacity 256GB, Class 10)
• Recommended Memory Card: SanDisk 32GB SDHC Class10
• Image Resolution: Up to 32MP
• Video Resolution: 1296P (20fps) or 1080P (30fps) H.264 with audio
• Night Vision: Flash range of 100ft. (30m) with 36pcs high performance infrared no glow 940nm LEDs
• Battery Life: Up to 8 months in standby mode with 8 AA 1.5V batteries

Product Usage Instructions

In the Box
The package includes the following items:

• 1 x Camera
• 1 x Mounting Strap
• 1 x Instruction Manual
• 1 x Mini USB Cord

Note: Memory card and batteries are not included. Please supply your own.

Important Note
The camera requires eight (8) 1.5V AA Alkaline or Lithium batteries for operation. It is recommended to use Energizer AA Lithium batteries to maximize battery life. Avoid mixing old and new batteries, as well as different battery types. Rechargeable NiMH AA batteries can be used, but they produce a lower voltage (generally 1.2V) and may require frequent
replacement. Remove the batteries when the camera is not in use to preserve battery life. The camera also requires a standard-size SDHC/SDXC memory card with a maximum capacity of 256GB (Class 10). It is recommended to use SanDisk 32GB SDHC Class10 memory cards for optimal cost-performance. Before using the camera for the first time, format your SD card in the camera by accessing the Format SD Card option in the menu settings. Require eight (8) 1.5V AA Alkaline or Lithium batteries. We recommend the use of Energizer AA Lithium batteries in this camera to obtain maximum battery life. Do not mix old and new batteries. Do not mix battery type. Rechargeable NiMH AA batteries can be used, but the lower voltage (generally 1.2V) they produce has short lifetime, you may have to replace them frequently. Remove batteries when the camera is NOT in use. Require a standard-size SDHC/SDXC memory card (maximum capacity 256GB, Class 10). Recommend using SanDisk 32GB SDHC Class10 memory cards in the camera to obtain the best cost-performance. Before first use, please format your SD card in the camera by using “Format SD Card” in the menu settings.

Introduction **

**

The A280 trail camera is a new generation of digital scouting camera designed for capturing high-quality pictures and videos in outdoor environments. It features a highly sensitive Passive Infra-Red (PIR) motion sensor that triggers the camera upon detecting any movement of game in its location. The camera can take still photos with resolutions of up to 32MP and record video clips in 1296P or 1080P H.264 format with audio. The camera incorporates innovative imaging technology, including smart illumination, blur reduction, auto noise reduction, and dynamic exposure technology, to deliver clear and high-resolution images.

ABOUT THE CAMERA
The A280 trail camera is a new generation of digital scouting camera, it can be triggered by any movement of game in a location, detected by a highly sensitive Passive Infra-Red (PIR) motion sensor, and then take high quality pictures (up to 32MP still photos), or 1296P H.264 video clips with audio.
The camera features the all new innovative and ultra-clear imaging technology. The camera encompasses all-new software innovations, smart illumination technology, blur reduction technology, auto noise reduction and dynamic exposure technology to deliver high resolution image quality.

Main Features

• High quality pictures: Up to 32MP still photos
• Video recording: 1296P (20fps) or 1080P (30fps) H.264 with audio
• Clear night vision: Flash range of 100ft. (30m) with 36pcs high performance infrared no glow 940nm LEDs
• Memory card support: SD/SDHC/SDXC, maximum capacity of 256GB
• Long battery life: Up to 8 months in standby mode with 8 AA 1.5V batteries
• High quality pictures (up to 32MP still photos), 1296P 20fps or 1080P 30fps H.264 video clips with audio
• Clear night vision, flash range 100ft. (30m). The camera is equipped with 36pcs high performance infrared no glow 940nm LEDs that function as a flash (invisible to human and animal eyes).
• Wide view angle – 70°
• Easy to use/program with well-designed operation buttons and built-in 2.4-inch LCD color screen, easy to review pictures and videos on the screen.
• Two working modes – Motion detection and Time lapse.
• Fast trigger time approx. 0.1~0.6 second (pre-activated technology with 3 PIR sensors designed), Fast recovery time of less than 0.5 second, Long trigger distance up to 90ft. (27m).
• Info strip on each capture: Date, Time, Temperature & Moon Phase.
• Operation Hours, Loop Recording, Time Lapse, Password Protected.
• Built for any climate – IP66 Waterproof designed for outdoor use and resistant against rain and snow. Operation Temperature: -4~140°F / -20~60°C
• Support SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card, max capacity 256GB (not included in the scope of delivery).
• Extremely long in-field battery life up to 8 months in a stand-by state with 8 AA 1.5V batteries (not included in the scope of delivery).

Applications
The A280 trail camera can be used for various purposes, including:

• Hunting and tracking animals’ trace or habits
• Wildlife observing and researching, capturing pictures and videos of wild animals
• Motion-triggered security camera for home, farm, office, and community
• Indoor and outdoor surveillance where invasion evidence is needed

Parts and Controls

The camera is equipped with the following components:

• 36pcs high efficiency infrared LEDs
• LED Indicators
• Lens
• PIR Sensors
• Lock Holes

The camera is equipped with 36pcs high efficiency infrared LEDs, LED Indicators, Lens, PIR Sensors, Lock Holes in front view .

TIP: During use, the black PIR Lens may be dirty or have scratches, however it does not affect the performance due to the reliability design. If you must clean it, please try to blow it off or pick out the dirt very lightly. Please do not try to wipe it, which may cause more scratches.
The camera provides the following connections for external devices: Mini USB port and SD card slot etc.

The camera has one security cable hole and two strap holes on the back. The strap can be put through the strap holes and fastened securely around a tree trunk by pulling the end of the strap firmly .

The camera has a 2.4-inch built-in LCD screen, which can be used for reviewing pictures or videos and menu displaying, and unique keypad design for easy program and operation, 8 AA batteries slot supported.

A power switch is used to power on (ON mode) or off the camera (OFF mode). A START button is used to quickly make the camera into the surveillance mode (motion detection) or time lapse per your settings.

When the camera is in the surveillance mode, press the START button to wake up the camera.
Note: The black PIR Lens may appear dirty or have scratches during use, but this does not affect the camera’s performance. If cleaning is necessary, please blow off or lightly remove dirt.
Avoid wiping the lens to prevent further scratches.

INSTALLING THE BATTERIES AND SD CARD

Before you start learning how to use your camera, you will first need to install a set of batteries and insert an SD card. Although that may only take you a minute, there are some important notes about both batteries and SD cards you should be aware of, so please take the time to read the following directions and cautions:

LOADING BATTERIES
After opening the cover of the battery compartment, you will see that the camera has eight battery slots .

A full eight batteries must be installed for the camera to operate. Be sure to insert each battery with correct polarity (negative or “flat” end against the long spring of each battery slot). In ON mode when battery power level gets low, the message “Low Battery” will show on the screen, please replace the batteries. If the battery indicator shows in RED, this does mean the batteries are not able to drive IR LEDs flash at night, however the batteries still work at daytime until “Low Battery”. If you want to continue night vision, please replace the batteries.

INSERTING THE SD CARD
Insert the SD card (with the camera powered off), before beginning to operate the camera. Don’t insert or remove the SD card when the camera is powered on or in the surveillance mode.

The following describes how to insert and remove the SD card:

• Insert the SD card into the card slot with its label side upwards. A “click” sound indicates that the card is installed successfully. If the wrong side of the card is facing up, you will not be able to insert it without force, there is only one correct way to insert cards. If the SD card is not installed correctly, the device will not display an SD card icon on the screen in ON mode. Formatting the SD card by using the camera’s “Format SD Card” menu option before first use is recommended, especially when a card has been used in other devices.
• To take out the SD card, just gently push in the card (do not try to pull it out without pushing in first). The card is released from the slot and ready to be removed when you hear the click. Be sure the camera’s power is switched OFF before inserting or removing SD cards or batteries.

USING THE CAMERA

Once you’ve prepared your camera by properly installing batteries and an SD card, you could simply take it outside, strap it to a tree (or not – according to your application scenario), switch it ON, press START button and leave-and you might get some great photos that are exactly what you wanted. However, we highly recommend that you first spend some additional time indoors with this manual and your camera until you know a bit more about what those control keys do. If nothing else, you’ll probably want to at least set the date and time so the camera will imprint them (or not-it’s your option) on your photos as they are taken, learn how to set the camera to shoot video clips instead of still photos if you like, and read some tips about mounting it on a tree.

THE OFF, ON, AND SURVEILLANCE MODES

The camera has three basic operational modes:

• OFF mode: Power switch in the OFF position (The camera is powered off).
• ON mode: Power switch in the ON position (The camera is powered on and its screen is on).
• SURVEILLANCE mode: When the camera is powered on, press START button to enter the surveillance mode. When the screen is off, the camera enters standby and will perform according to your settings.

OFF MODE
The OFF mode is the “safe” mode when any actions must be taken, e.g. replacing the SD card or batteries, or transporting the device. And of course, when you are storing or not using the camera, you will switch it to OFF. Please note that in the OFF mode the camera still consumes a little power. It’s a good idea to take the batteries out of the battery compartment if the camera will not be used for a long time.

ON MODE
In the ON mode you can check and change the settings of the camera with the help of its built-in screen. These settings, found in the menu by pressing MENU key, let you change the photo or video resolution, interval between photos, switch the time imprint on, etc. (See more in Section 8 ADVANCED SETTINGS). On the screen display, you will see an information screen that shows how many images have been taken, the battery level, camera or video mode, etc.
Attention please: In the ON mode, the camera will automatically enter SURVEILLANCE mode if there is no operation (key pressing) within 5 minutes. Then the camera will perform as your settings in the menu.
In the ON mode, you can connect the camera to a computer’s USB port to download your images.

SURVEILLANCE MODE
Any time after the batteries and SD card have been inserted, you can switch on the camera. When the START button is pressed, the camera will enter into the SURVEILLANCE mode. If the Mode in the settings is set as “Motion Detection”, the camera will count down a 30-second delay and then be ready to capture images. If the Mode is set as “Time Lapse”, there will be no 30-second counting down, and the camera will be ready to enter Time Lapse. Once in the SURVEILLANCE mode, no manual controls are needed or possible (the control keys have no effect). The camera will take photos or videos automatically (according to its current parameter settings).
TIP: You can press the START button again to wake up the camera and reprogram your camera if required.

ADVANCED SETTINGS

The trail camera comes with preset manufacturer settings. You can change the settings to meet your requirements. Once the camera screen is on, press MENU key to enter/exit the menu. Press the UP/DOWN key to move the marker, Press the LEFT/RIGHT key to change the setting, and press the OK key to confirm the change. Always remember to press the OK to save the change. Otherwise, you will lose your new setting.

Parameter| Settings
( Bold = default)| Description
---|---|---
Mode| Motion Detection , Time Lapse| In Motion Detection mode, the camera would take photos or videos once triggered. In Time Lapse mode, the camera would take photos or videos periodically according to your preset “Timelapse Interval” parameter.
Photo or Video| Photo, Video,
Photo+Video| Select whether still photos or video clips are taken.
Photo Quality| 32MP,
24MP,
16MP,| Select desired resolution for still photos. Higher resolution produces better quality photos, but creates larger
| 8MP 4MP, 2MP| files that take more of the SD card capacity. Larger files require longer time to write to the SD card, which will slightly slow the shutter speed.
---|---|---
Photo Burst| 01, 02, 03, 04, 05| Select the number of photos taken in sequ8eMncPe, per trigger.
Video Quality| 1296P
1080P
720P| Select video resolution (pixels per frame). Higher resolution produces better quality videos, but creates larger files that take more of the SD card capacity.
Video Length| 10 seconds , Optional from 3s to 5m| Select video recording length.
Note: It is highly recommended to set the night video length to less than 30 seconds as the IR LEDs will consume more battery power.
Video Sound| On
Off| Selecting On will record video with sound.
Video Format| MP4
MOV| MP4 is the mainstream format in the video industry, more compatible with any player. Select MOV in case some legacy digital camera software must be working with videos in MOV format.
Detection Delay| 10
seconds , optional from 0s to 60m| Select the shortest length of time that the camera will wait until it responds to any subsequent triggers from the PIR sensor after a game is first detected. During the selected interval, the camera will not take pictures/videos. This prevents the SD card from filling up with too many redundant images. 0 means capture as
| | fast as possible.
Note: this option is inval id if Mode is set as “Time Lapse”.
---|---|---
PIR
Sensitivity| High Medium Low| Select the sensitivity of the PIR sensor. Temperature affects the sensitivity. The High setting is suitable when the ambient temperature is warm or you want to capture distant objects or capture more, and the Medium/Low setting is helpful in cold weather.
Note: this option is invalid if Mode is set as “Time Lapse”.
Side Motion Sensors| On
Off| Selecting On will activate the side motion sensors. It brings faster trigger speeds and helps capture fast moving animals. When any of the two side motion sensors detects a motion event, the camera will be pre- activated. While the animal enters the detection area of the center motion sensor, the camera will start taking photos or videos. Select Off to save batteries power.
Motion Test| | This feature helps you aim the camera at your target area. Please refer to the details in Section 9.2.
Timelapse Interval| 1 hour , optional from 2s to 24h| Setting time lapse interval. It takes effect ONLY when Mode is set as Time Lapse, the camera will automatically take photos/videos according to the set interval, regardless of whether the PIR sensor has detected any game. This is helpful when
| | observing cold-blooded animals like snakes, or the process of flowering, etc. Note: This option is invalid if Mode is set as “Motion Detection”.
---|---|---
Date/Time| M/D/Y hh:mm| M – Month, D – Day, Y – Year hh – Hour, mm – Minute
Note: Use “ LEFT/RIGHT ” key to switch settings, use “ UP/DOWN ” to set current date and time. Date input format may change. Please refer to “ Date Format ” parameter settings accordingly.
Date Format| D/M/Y M/D/Y Y/M/D| Select date format which will be shown on the screen and each capture.
Time Format| 12h
24h| Select time format which will be shown on the screen and each capture. 12h – AM/PM
Camera Name| On
Off| Select On to assign a 4-character long in the form of Capital A-Z, 0-9 to record the location in the photos (e.g. A123 for Yellow Stone Park). This helps multi-camera users identify the location when reviewing the photos.
Info Strip| On
Off| Select On to show date, time, temperature, moon phase on each capture.
Loop Recording| On
Off| Selecting On option will cause the oldest files to be overwritten with new captures when the SD card reaches its capacity. With Off option selected, the camera will stop capturing images
| | once the SD card reaches capacity.
---|---|---
Operation Hours| On
Off| Select On if you only want the camera to work within a specified time period every day. For instance, if the starting time is set at 18:35 and the ending time at 8:25, the camera will function from 18:35 the current day to 8:25 the next day. Outside the time period the camera will not be triggered or take photos/videos.
Password| On
Off| Set up a 4-digit password to protect your camera from unauthorized users. If the code is lost, you can contact customer support to reset the password.
Format SD Card|

Yes
No

| All files will be deleted after formatting the SD card. We highly recommend you to format the SD card if it has been used previously in other devices. Caution: make sure wanted files on the SD card have been backed up first!
Factory Reset| Yes
No| Selecting Yes will return all your previous settings back to the manufacturer default.
Version| Defined| Display the version of the camera.

MOUNTING AND POSITIONING THE CAMERA

MOUNTING

After you’ve set up the camera’s parameters to your personal preferences at home, you’re ready to take it outside. When setting up the camera for scouting game or other outdoor applications, you must be sure to mount it in place correctly and securely. We recommend mounting the camera on a sturdy tree with a diameter of about 6in. (15cm). To get the optimal picture quality, the tree should be about 16-17ft. (5m) away from the place to be monitored, with the camera placed at a height of 2.5-3.5ft. (0.75-1m). Also, keep in mind that you will get the best results at night when the subject is within the ideal flash range, no farther than 100ft. (30m) and no closer than 10ft. (3m) from the camera. There are two ways to mount the camera: using the provided adjustable web belt, or the tripod socket.
Using the adjustable strap: In order to use the strap on the camera, push one end of the strap through the two brackets on the back of the camera. Thread the end of the strap through the buckle. Fasten the strap securely around the tree trunk by pulling the end of the strap firmly so there is no slack left.

Using the tripod socket: The camera is equipped with a socket at the bottom end to enable mounting on a tripod or other mounting accessories with a standard UNC 1/4-20 thread screw (not included).

SENSING ANGLE AND DISTANCE TEST
To test whether the camera can effectively monitor the area you choose, this test is recommended to check the sensing angle and monitoring distance of the camera. To perform the test:

• Switch the camera to the ON mode.
• Press MENU button, go to “Motion Test”. The camera will count down a max 60-second delay and be ready to capture motions. (Note: The delay time may be less than 60 seconds, depending on the actual time of the motion sensor to be activated. The delay time is 60 seconds minus the power-on time.)
• Close the camera door.
• Make movements in front of the camera at several positions within the area where you expect the game or subjects to be. Try different distances and angles from the camera.
• If the motion indicator RED light blinks, it indicates that position can be sensed. If it does not blink, that position is outside of the sensing area.
• In these sensing tests, the camera will take pictures once motion is captured. When you open the camera, the screen shows the number of times triggered, you can review the pictures on the screen.

(Note: The red light will blink only when the motion is within the sensing area of the central PIR sensor. The central sensor’s sensing angle of view is 60°. Each of the side sensors has a 30° angle of view, which is only used to pre-activate the camera and accelerate the triggering speed, there is no RED light blinking whatever each of the side sensors detects motions.)
The results of your testing will help you find the best placement when mounting and aiming the camera. The height above from the ground for placement of the device should vary with the size of animal you are hoping to see. In general, 3 to 6 feet is preferred. You can avoid potential false triggers due to temperature and motion disturbances in front of the camera by not aiming it at a heat source or nearby tree branches or bush (especially on windy days). Do NOT install the camera behind the glass window as that is not possible to sense any motion. Avoid aiming the camera toward to any glass objects.

STARTING
The camera supports two working modes, “Motion Detection” and “Time Lapse”, press START button to enter surveillance mode.

1. If you set the camera’s working mode as “Motion detection” in the menu, the camera will count down a 30-second delay, and then will be ready to go into standby (surveillance) and capture. Any motion that is detected by it will trigger the capture of an image or video as programmed in the menu. Be sure you have read the descriptions of the Detection Delay, and PIR Sensitivity parameters.
2. If you set the camera’s working mode as “Time Lapse” in the menu, the camera will be ready to go into “Time Lapse” mode soon after the START button is pressed, and then will take images periodically according to your preset “Time lapse Interval” parameter, regardless of the settings “Detection Delay”.

REVIEW PHOTOS OR VIDEOS
After you have setup, mounted and activated your CAMERA, you will of course be eager to return later and review the images it has captured for you. The camera stores photos and videos in the folder \DCIM\100MEDIA in the SD card. Photos are saved with file names like DSCF0001.JPG and videos like DSCF0001.MP4. The MP4 video files can be played back on most popular media players, such as Windows Media Player, QuickTime, VLC etc. There are several ways this can be done. You can directly review the photos or videos on the camera screen. Or when the camera is powered on, you can use the provided USB cable to download the files to a computer. Or you can put the SD card into an SD card “reader” (not included), plug into a computer, and browse the files on the computer without downloading.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

capacity 256GB
Picture Resolution| 32MP, 24MP, 16MP, 8MP, 4MP, 2MP
Video| 2304 x 1296P@20fps (16:9),
Resolution| 1920 x 1080P@30fps (16:9),
1280 x 720P@30fps (16:9)
---|---
PIR Sensitivity| High/Normal/Low
PIR Sensing Distance| 90ft. (27m) (Below 77°F/25°C)
PIR Sensing Angle| Total 120° (while side motion sensors enabled) Central zone: 60°, Left side: 30°, Right side: 30°
Trigger Time| Approx. 0.1~0.6 second
(0.1s while side motion sensors enabled)
Trigger Interval| 0sec.-60min, Programmable
Shooting Numbers| 1~5
Video Length| 3sec ~ 5min., Programmable
Info Strip| On /Off
Operation Hours| On /Off, Specific working period of time
Password| 4-Digit Code
Camera Name| 4-Character (A-Z, 0-9)
Time Lapse Interval| 2 Sec. ~ 24 Hours
Power Supply| 8×1.5V AA Batteries (Not included)
Stand-by Time| 8 Months
Auto Stand-by| Auto Stand-by (Surveillance mode) in 5 minutes while no operation in ON mode
Low Battery Alarm| 8V – Low Battery (Batteries die)
9V – Night vision is unavailable in low voltage (Almost die)
Interface| Mini-USB, Standard SD card holder, External Power (DC 12V/1A, Plug 5.5×2.1mm)
---|---
Mounting| Strap, Tripod Base (1/4-20)
Waterproof| IP66
Operation Temperature| -4~140°F/-20~60°C
Operation Humidity| 5% ~ 95%
Certificate| FCC & CE & RoHS
Product Dimensions| 5.6 x 4.2 x 2.86 inches

TROUBLESHOOTING

If your camera does not seem to be functioning properly or if you are having photo/video quality issues, please run these simple and quick checks:

• Make sure the camera is powered on and in the right mode
• Format the SD card in the camera or replace the SD card, since the SD card is a storage media and sometimes it might be unstable
• Replace batteries if night vision seems not to be working as expected
• The dark background of night images is usually caused by strong reflections from the obstacles close to the camera. To get the best night image, please remove close-up obstacles (such as walls or tree trunks) in front of the camera as possible, or adjust the installation position of your camera to avoid these obstacles.

Avoid close-up obstacles in front of the camera
If your unit is still having trouble, please contact us, providing us with your order number, or check the website to determine that you are using the latest firmware. Please be assured we will make the things right for you.

WARRANTY

ONE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
Your trail camera warranty covers your trail camera for one year after the original purchase date. We warrant that your camera will be free from defects in materials and workmanship when operated in normal use and conditions. This warranty does not cover consumer caused damages such as misuse, abuse, improper handling or installation, damaged caused by wild animals, or repairs attempted by someone other than our authorized technicians. We will, at our option during the warranty period, repair your camera or replace it with the same or comparable model free of charge. This warranty only extends to the original retail buyer from our authorized dealer. Purchase receipt, order number or other proof of the date of the original purchase is required to receive warranty benefits. The warranty on any replacement product provided under the original warranty shall be for the remaining portion of the warranty period applicable to the original product. This warranty extends solely to failures due to defects in materials or workmanship under normal use. It does not cover normal wear of the product. If you need to return a product under this warranty, please contact your dealer or our distributor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Q: What batteries should I use with the camera?
   A: The camera requires eight (8) 1.5V AA Alkaline or Lithium batteries. It is recommended to use Energizer AA Lithium batteries for maximum battery life.

2. Q: Can I use rechargeable batteries with the camera?
   A: Yes, you can use rechargeable NiMH AA batteries. However, they produce a lower voltage (generally 1.2V) and may require frequent replacement.

3. Q: What type of memory card should I use?
   A: The camera supports SDHC/SDXC memory cards with a maximum capacity of 256GB (Class 10). It is recommended to use SanDisk 32GB SDHC Class10 memory cards for optimal performance.

4. Q: How do I format the SD card in the camera?
   A: To format the SD card, access the Format SD Card option in the menu settings. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the formatting process.

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