TACTACAM X3.0 Cellular Camera Instruction Manual

: June 17, 2024
: TACTACAM

Table of Contents

TACTACAM X3.0 Cellular Camera
REVEAL APP DOWNLOAD
INTRODUCTION
SETTINGS / SPECIFICATIONS
BEST PRACTICES
TROUBLESHOOTING
LIMITED WARRANTY
FCC REGULATIONS
References
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Download This Manual (PDF format)

TACTACAM X3.0 Cellular Camera

TACTACAM-X3.0-Cellular-Camera-PRODUCT

REVEAL APP DOWNLOAD

DOWNLOAD THE TACTACAM REVEAL APP VISIT YOUR APP STORE TO DOWNLOAD TACTACAM-X3.0-Cellular-Camera-FIG-1

INTRODUCTION

WHAT IS IN THE BOX?

(1) Trail Camera
(1) Instruction Manual
(1) Mounting Strap
(1) Antenna
(1) Verizon & AT&T SIM Card

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

Full-size SD Card – Class 10, U3,
16GB-32GB
Recommended Brands: Tactacam, Lexar, SanDisk (Other brands that are lower-end SD cards are incompatible with the Reveal X-Pro and will yield unexpected results)
(12) AA Batteries Required – Lithium Batteries are recommended in colder temperatures

RECOMMENDED CAMERA ACCESSORIES (NOT INCLUDED)

TACTACAM-X3.0-Cellular-Camera-FIG-2

VIEW AND PURCHASE ALL ACCESSORIES AT REVEALCELLCAM.COM

TACTACAM-X3.0-Cellular-Camera-FIG-3

Lens
Antenna
IR LEDs
Camera Working Status Indicator
Device Status Indicator Light (Green/Blue)
SD Card Indicator (Red/Green)
SIM Slot (do not mix SIMs with other cameras)
Power Switch (ON/SETUP/OFF)
PIR Motion Sensor
Wi-Fi Indicator Light (Blue)
Microphone
Battery Level Indicator
4G Signal Indicator
SD Card Slot
Test Button
Battery Eject Button
Reset Button
External Battery In/DC Port
USB Port
Tripod/Mount Attachment

SETTING UP THE CAMERA

Install the camera’s antenna.
- Note: Do not over-tighten the antenna, once it is secure stop tightening to prevent antenna port damage.
Install a Class 10 U3 SD card (16GB or 32GB).
- Recommended brands are: SanDisk, Lexar and Tactacam
Install 12 AA batteries.
- To eject the battery tray, press the EJECT button on the Reveal. When inserting AA batteries correctly orientate + and – on the front and back of the tray.
- See battery details on page 13 under Best Practices.

Verizon and AT &T SIM Card install
Locate the (Verizon and AT&T) Sim card located in the white envelope included in your package. Remove the desired SIM (Verizon or AT&T) from its holder and install it into the SIM slot of your camera. Cell Phone Carrier vs. Camera Carrier: The carrier you choose (Verizon or AT&T) does not need to match your cell phone carrier. Just make sure you choose the carrier that has be best signal coverage in the area you will be keeping the camera.

Here is the link to our Data Plans and Coverage Map

https://www.revealcellcam.com/data-plans When activating the camera in the APP will need to select (Verizon or AT&T) depending on which SIM you selected for your camera.

Note: The SIM cards are connected to your camera so do not mix or use SIMs from other cameras including other Reveals.

SETTING UP YOUR ACCOUNT
please visit the Reveal Web Portal at https://account.revealcellcam.com/activation to set up your account. You can also access the Web Portal directly from your app, by clicking My Reveal on the account page in the app. If you already have a Reveal account with ACTIVE cameras, you can simply log in to your app and add your camera following the instructions on. TACTACAM-X3.0-Cellular-Camera-FIG-5

DOWNLOADING THE APP
In your Apple or Google Play Store, download the Tactacam Reveal app and sign in using the same email and password you created on the website. https://account.revealcellcam.com

ADD CAMERA TO THE APP

Navigate to the Reveal app on your device and log in using your Reveal account credentials. Click the home icon.
Click the camera icon at the top.
From the camera page click the (+) in the bottom right-hand corner.
Select Reveal X 3.0 and continue.
Follow the in-app prompts to activate your Reveal. Ensure the SIM selected (Verizon or AT&T) mirrors (or is the same as) the SIM card already inserted in the camera.
The app will prompt you to scan the QR code located inside the door of the camera.
After your camera is activated, turn your camera to set up, you will see the signal status indicator searching, and then connect showing the signal strength.

PAIRING YOUR CAMERA TO YOUR PHONE THROUGH WI-FI

You can automatically change and apply the camera settings when your phone is connected to the camera’s Wi-Fi. This will not work unless you are next to the camera.

Turn Reveal X 3.0 to SETUP mode.
When the Wi-Fi light is blinking blue, it is ready to pair with your phone or tablet.
In the app go to the Account page and click Connect to Reveal X 3.0/SK Wi-Fi.
Follow the in-app instructions and turn ALL slides to the ON position. You can also manually connect to your phone’s Wi-Fi settings, select REVEAL, and enter the password (Reveal2021 ) This Wi-Fi password is case-sensitive, with no spaces.
See preview on screen
- The red line on the preview is the point of focus
- To send a test picture, press the “Test” button on the camera

Also available in the app while connected to Wi-Fi:

Instantly apply setting changes from the app
Formatting SD Card

REMOTELY CHANGE THE CAMERA SETTINGS FROM THE APP

From the camera page click the tool icon ( ) to make changes to the camera’s settings. Make sure to select “Apply Settings” when done to save your changes.

Note: In cameras SETTINGS > Settings Check, Daily will check settings every 24 hours. Instant will Receive settings Instantly but will consume more battery. TACTACAM-X3.0-Cellular-Camera-FIG-12

SENDING A TEST PICTURE

Allow the camera to connect to 4G signal. The LED signal indicator light will be constant green.
- After your camera is activated, you will see the signal status indicator searching, and then connect showing the signal strength.
- After the camera has connected, push the test button to send a photograph.
- You will see the status light blinking as the image is sent.
- When the test picture is sent successfully, the status light will turn green.
- If the status light turns red there may have been an issue trying to send the test photo. This is usually caused by signal strength or the SD Card.
  SENDING A TEST PICTURE (CONTINUED)
Refer to the app to be sure the picture has been successfully sent.
While your camera is connected to your phone with Wi-Fi, you will be able to access a live preview to help with camera setup and proper placement.
Allow the camera to connect to 4G signal. The LED signal indicator light will be constant green.

LEAVING YOUR CAMERA IN THE FIELD

While your camera is connected to your phone with Wi-Fi, you will be able to access a live preview to help with camera setup and proper placement.
Ensure the antenna is securely tightened.
Wipe down the seal, removing any dirt and/or debris.
Turn the camera to the ON position.
As long as your phone picks up a signal, be sure a motion-detected picture is sent to your phone via the app. This may take a few minutes.

SETTINGS / SPECIFICATIONS

Camera Mode	Photo; Photo+Video
Day/Night Mode	Daytime: Color, Nighttime: B+W
IR Range	96+ Feet
PIR Angle	45*
Flash	No Glow IR Technology effectively eliminates all
Operating Keys (2)	1x Power button; Navigation arrows
Lens	F=6mm; F/No=2.0;

FOV=60* Auto IR-Cut-Remove (at night)

Optional external power source (12V external battery pack or solar panel)

– Barrel plug reducer size 4×1.7mm

External DC| 12V-2A
Camera Mode| Photo; Photo+Video
---|---
Day/Night Mode| Daytime: Color, Nighttime: B+W
IR Range| 96+ Feet
PIR Angle| 45*
Flash| No Glow IR Technology effectively eliminates all
Operating Keys (2)| 1x Power button; Navigation arrows
Lens| F=6mm; F/No=2.0;

FOV=60* Auto IR-Cut-Remove (at night)

Optional external power source (12V external battery pack or solar panel)

– Barrel plug reducer size 4×1.7mm

External DC| 12V-2A

BEST PRACTICES

PROPER CAMERA PLACEMENT

Location and placement are critical for optimal camera performance.
Avoid hanging the camera on small trees that are prone to moving with the wind.
Place the camera about waist high on the tree or post.
We recommend having the camera pointing down about 7 to 15 degrees. We recommend using shims to achieve the desired angle.
To achieve the best lighting conditions, face your camera North. Avoid facing your camera toward the sun.
If the camera is placed too high on a tree and angled down, the field of view “window” becomes narrower, this is only a good idea if you plan to set your camera to watch a bait station or scrape.
On a food plot:
- Camera height and angle are critical to get the widest field of view. Do not place the camera too high.
On a trail:
- For the best view place your camera at an angle looking up or down the trail rather than perpendicular to the trail.

BATTERIES AND CELLULAR TRAIL CAMERA PERFORMANCE

Use the recommended batteries for the Reveal:
- Energizer Lithium batteries
- Duracell Max Alkaline batteries
- Rayovac UltraPro Alkaline batteries
In cold weather, use lithium-ion batteries for optimal camera speed and performance.
The expected picture count with the proper batteries (in greater than freezing temps) are:
- Lithium: 4,000+ pictures
- Alkaline: 2,500+ pictures
If connecting the Tactacam External Solar Panel (sold separately), the lithium batteries would act as a backup power source.

TROUBLESHOOTING

CAMERA SENDS PICTURES OF NOTHING

Motion sensors (PIR sensors) are heat and motion sensors. This is why on a hot and windy day, people get false triggers. People and animals are not the only objects that will trigger your camera; vegetation and precipitation can act as a moving target as well.

Be sure to clear any low-hanging tree branches, brush, and weeds from
Motion sensitivity recommendations:
- To start set to High, and decrease sensitivity if you’re getting too many false triggers (9 being the highest and 1 being the lowest).

NIGHT VISION FLASH RANGE DOESN’T MEET EXPECTATION

Check to make sure that the batteries are fully charged.
“Max Range” offers a better IR flash range. Given IR flash range values are based on the max range setting; adjust Night Mode to Max Range for better night vision flash range.
High-quality 1.2V NiMH rechargeable AA batteries can also offer improved IR flash range.
Note: If your camera will be used in cold weather, we do recommend lithium batteries to deliver consistent results.
Certain surroundings (like trees, walls, ground, etc.) within flash range can deliver you better nighttime images. To improve night images do not aim the camera in an open field where there is nothing to reflect the IR flashback.

TO HELP PREVENT THEFT OR DAMAGE
Use a protective security box such as the one listed at www.revealcellcam.com

CAMERA STOPS TAKING IMAGES OR WON’T TAKE IMAGES

Make sure that the SD card is not full. If the SD card is full, the camera will stop taking images. Users can turn on SD Loop to avoid such problems. This will cause the SD card to overwrite older images.
Make sure that alkaline or NiMH-AA batteries have enough power for the camera to work.
Format the SD card with the camera before using or when the camera stops taking images.

INTERNAL CONDENSATION ON THE LENS
The Reveal is IP66-rated waterproof. This means the camera is water-resistant against powerful jets. The only way the Reveal can get condensation in or behind the lens is if the antenna is not screwed in all the way, or if there is dirt or debris on the seal. Follow these at-home instructions to alleviate this issue if need be:

Pull the SD card out and let the camera sit for 3-4 days open, in an area where there is circulating air (fan or vent).
You can also put in a sealed container with rice for 24 hours to draw out the moisture.
Clean the seal well and tighten your antenna.
Place back out in the field.

IF THE CAMERA HAS ACCIDENTALLY BEEN SUBMERGED IN WATER

Do not open the camera right away.
Be sure to dry the outer housing of the camera, preventing water from entering the inside of the camera and causing internal damage.

LIMITED WARRANTY

HOW LONG DOES THIS COVERAGE LAST?

One year from the date of purchase.
Be sure to register your Reveal under warranty at https://www.revealcellcam.com/warranty-registration

WHAT IS COVERED?

This limited warranty covers: manufacturer defects in materials and workmanship including but not limited to:
- Defective buttons
- Cracked/chipped glass lens
- Broken SD card or SIM card spring mechanism
- Broken USB port
Covered cameras will either be repaired by a certified camera technician or replaced.

WHAT IS NOT COVERED?

This limited warranty does not cover any damage caused by the owner modifying, attempting to fix, or otherwise altering the product.
This limited warranty excludes damage caused by people or animals, including but not limited to antenna, strap, Fresnel lens, glass lens, or camera housing.

If damage is caused to the camera by the owner or animal, contact customer support for repair options.

FCC REGULATIONS

Federal Communications Commission – Part 15

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, under Part 15 of the Federal Communications Commission rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
Connect the equipment to an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

Changes or modifications to this equipment not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment. This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

DO NOT RETURN THIS PRODUCT TO YOUR RETAILER

For any warranty issues or questions on how CALL 218-282-5650 OR EMAIL SUPPORT@TACTACAM.COM 110 N Sunset Blvd, Caledonia, MN 55921 www.revealcellcam.com 110 N SUNSET BLVD, CALEDONIA, MN 55921 SUPPORT@REVEALCELLCAM.COM | 218-282-5650 WWW.TACTACAM.COM