photosentinel TEMPO Long-term Timelapse Weatherproof Kit inc Solar and AC Power User Guide
- June 6, 2024
- photosentinel
Table of Contents
photosentinel TEMPO Long-term Timelapse Weatherproof Kit inc Solar and AC
Power
CONTACT US
If you run into issues not covered or resolved by this quick start guide,
additional information can be found on our website, or by contacting our
international support team:
CREATE AN INSTALLATION
Before setting up your hardware, you will need to createan installation by
following the steps outlined at photosentinel.com/kb/create-installation.The
installation will allow you to select a Cloud Services plan, configure your
system and view your photos on an online gallery.
Note: Once the installation has been created, monthly service fees will
apply. We recommend setting up your installation close to the date of
installing on-site.
TEST BEFORE INSTALLING
The controller integrates with a cellular network to transfer photos and data.
You may need to manually configure the equipment to work with your local
network. To save time, money and stress at the installation site, we recommend
you set up and test the system before you travel to install it.
SYSTEM ALERTS
System Alerts and Notifications let you know if your system is behaving
unexpectedly or has a critical issue. Alerts are enabled by default, and you
will receive Notifications at the email address and/or mobile number listed in
your User Details.To learn how to change Alerts and Notification preferences,
or to understand more about the Alerts System, head to photosentinel.com/kb
/alerts-system.
QUICK START FOR THE TEMPO
- Log into photoSentinel Control Hub to view your system.
- Log in to setup.photosentinel.com.au with your username and password.
- If you have not yet created an installation, follow the instructions on page 3.
- Select your installation from the dropdown menu, then navigate to the Config page.
- See page 7 for our default Schedule settings. You can change these sessions if you would like different settings.
- Open the housing. Push down on the thumb tabs to unclip and slide out the carriage (2A).
Unclip and slide the camera plate to the right, out of the carriage.(2B opposite)
-
Plug the battery insert into the camera battery port. Mount your camera to the camera plate and secure back into the carriage.
-
Insert SD card, trigger cable and USB cable into the camera.Insert SIM card into the controller.
-
Slide the carriage back into the housing. Push firmly until both sides click into place.
-
Switch the controller into Setup mode.
-
Turn camera on, frame the image and configure the camera settings. After setting up the camera, leave it switched on for normal photoSentinel operation.
-
To frame the image, switch the camera to Live View and adjust the three-axis housing mount, securing the bolts using the security hex bit in the accessories box.
-
Check the camera’s on-board time and date are correct.
-
Adjust all camera settings as appropriate. As a general rule, long-term timelapse is best captured in Aperture Priority, with all other settings locked down to manual.
-
IMPORTANT : Save on-board camera settings by switching the camera off and back on.
Note: Some cameras do not allow settings to be changed while the USB cable is plugged in. Simply disconnect the USB from the camera and re-connect when the camera set-up is complete. -
Switch the controller to On. It will attempt to connect to the network. On successful connection, it will capture and upload a photo.
This initial first-time sequence can take up to five minutes to complete. -
The controller will attempt to connect to the cellular network for the first time using a series of pre-programmed APNs. If it finds a working APN, it will connect and upload a photo. If, after trying all the pre-programmed APNs, the system still does not connect, you will need to manually program in your network’s APN. For how to set your APN, see page 6 .
-
View the photo in the web gallery to ensure successful upload.Repeat as neccessary until satisfied with the images.
-
Go to setup.photosentinel.com.au
-
On the Galleries page, click on your photoSentinel unit to go to the photo gallery.
-
Shut the door (making sure all the cables are clear) and tighten the triangular security screws.
-
Check the camera hasn’t been knocked out of position.
-
Check there are no marks on the window or camera lens.
-
On the Config page, adjust the settings to your desired on-going shooting regime. Learn more about scheduling at photosentinel.com/kb/scheduling.
-
Select your photoSentinel from the dropdown menu, then navigate to the Config page. See page 7 for our default Schedule settings.
SET THE CELLULAR NETWORK APN
The Access Point Name (APN) allows a SIM card to connect to the internet and
is unique to each local cellular network. To determine your APN, either do an
online search (your network provider + “APN”) or call your network provider’s
help desk. One network provider can have multiple APNs, so make sure you get
the APN for your particular cellular plan. If it’s unclear which APN is for
your service, you may have to try multiple APNs to find the right one.
To set the APN:
- Switch the controller to Setup mode.
- Push the rotary dial in once to bring up the Setup menu.
- Rotate the dial to highlight Set APN and push the dial in to select.
- Rotate and push in the dial to enter the APN, and select Done when finished.
- If your cellular network account requires a username and password (generally only required for corporate accounts), then repeat steps 2-4 for Set APN User and Set APN Password.
- Switch the controller to On mode. The system will power on the camera, take a photo and then attempt to connect to the cellular network using the entered APN.
- If the system connects and uploads a photo, you’re done! If not, repeat the above steps with another APN until you get a successful connection.
DEFAULT SCHEDULING SETTINGS
By default your installations Config Schedule will be set to:
- Run on weekdays: Monday to Friday
- Capture photos between 6am – 6pm, every 15 minutes
- Upload latest photo between 6am – 6pm, every 15 minutes
- Check-in between 00:00 – 23:59, every hour
To
learn about Config Scheduling, visit our knowledge base article at
photosentinel.com/kb/scheduling.
References
- photoSentinel | Timelapse Cameras | Timelapse Solutions
- Alerts System
- How to Create an Installation
- Scheduling – Setup and Features
- Knowledge Base | Your Timelapse Questions Answered | photoSentinel
- Login