WiseEye Cam-MCVZ Smart Cam Mini Camera User Manual
- June 6, 2024
- WiseEye
Table of Contents
WiseEye Cam-MCVZ Smart Cam Mini Camera
Quick Start
**What is in the Box
Setting Up the Smart Cam (Quick Setup)**
- Your Smart Cam is already activated and ready to work with the HuntControl system. You do not need to notify any cellular providers.
- Please register your camera at huntcontrol.com and set up your subscription before setting up your camera in the field.
- Insert the Batteries
- Your camera can operate on either 8 AA batteries or an a12v external power source (Solar Panel or Power Pack). Do not mix batteries of different types or ages in the camera.
- The batteries can be installed by opening the access door on the side of the camera.
- Insert and format the SD card. Your SD card can be inserted on the side of the camera after opening the access panel. Your Smart Cam can use up to a 32GB SD card. Every SD card inserted in the Mini must be formatted. Learn how to format the SD card in the “Formatting SD Card” section on page 6.
- Slide the selector switch under the LCD screen to the “Setup” position. Let the SmartCam acquire a signal and tap the “OK” button. This will take a picture and watch for a green check mark. If your camera is already registered at HuntControl.com you should see a photo loaded in your profile within 5 minutes. The photo will likely be in the “Other” Image section since it does not contain one of the target animals.
- At this point, your camera is already working with the HuntControl system. Your camera will store 5MP images on the SD Card and send images when triggered by the motion sensor directly to the HuntControl system. You can change the camera options and reporting options from the HuntControl.com
- HuntControl Overview
The WiseEye SmartCam is made to work exclusively with the HuntControl Image and Camera management platform. Your photos will be sent directly to HuntControl via cellular signal. The photos/videos can not be directed to any other platform. HuntControl requires a subscription to operate. The subscription details and prices can be found at www.huntcontrol.com.
HuntControl makes it very easy to manage many cameras and has many scouting features such as auto image sorting, hunting predictors, weather forecasting, and activity and weather charts. We believe that HuntControl paired with your WiseEye SmartCam will serve you very well and lead to better hunting. Please visit huntcontrol.com for more information.
Camera Overview
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Batteries
The SmartCam Mini runs on 8 AA size batteries and can work with alkaline and high-quality NiMH rechargeable batteries. NiMH batteries will result in better performance, but they are not always as readily available as Alkaline. SmartCam is set to work with Alkaline by Default. If you choose to use NiMH batteries, please change the setting in the “Battery Type” menu. Batteries should be inserted with correct electrodeposition as marked in the battery case. Upside down batteries electrodes may cause malfunctions. Note: Don’t mix batteries types! Using batteries of different types can cause permanent damage to the camera, which is not covered by the warranty. -
Solar Panels
There is a connector on the bottom of the camera for the solar panel. The solar panel is available through the wiseeyesmartcam.com website. The solar panel has it’s own rechargeable battery packs that, in conjunction with the batteries in the camera, can result in drastically improved performance. The Solar Panel does not charge the batteries in the camera, it instead allows the camera to run on the batteries in the panel and the panel itself instead of the batteries in the camera. Even when using the solar panel, proper batteries should still be installed in the camera. The camera also has a water-resistant cover on the bottom of the camera to prevent moisture from entering the camera when not using the solar panel. -
12v Power Source
The SmartCam Mini is compatible with a 12v power source. To use the 12v option, connect a 12v connector cable (available at wiseeyetech.com) to a 12v battery of any size. If you have AA batteries installed in the SmartCam, they will act as a backup if the 12v battery dies. Another great 12v option is the Power Pack. It is also available on our website at wiseeyetech.com.
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SD Card Selection
Using an SD card is required to operate the camera. When the camera is “ON” and no memory card is used, the screen displays “No card”. The SD slot of the camera has a 32 GB memory capacity. Before inserting or removing the memory card, the camera must be turned “OFF”. Failing to do so may cause loss of or damage to the pictures already recorded from the memory card. When the SD card is full, the viewing screen shows “Memory Full”. -
Formatting the SD Card
Insert the SD card you want to format (Must be 8-32GB). Turn the Mini to SETUP then let the camera boot up. You do not need to wait for the camera and a signal or GPS location. Once the camera turns on, tap the menu button. Then tap about. Scroll down to SD Format and tap the OK button. Tap the OK button again to confirm the format. A message saying “execution completed” will appear showing the format has taken place. You have successfully formatted the SD card.
Getting to Know the SmartCam Mini
Photo Playback
- Turn “Power Switch” to SETUP position to enter test mode, press the UP arrow button to enter Playback; press the LEFT and RIGHT arrows for selection. Press the DOWN arrow to delete the selected photo.
- Press the MENU button to exit.
Auto Power On
- In Test mode, Smart Cam will automatically power on in 3 mins if there is no button pressed.
- Note: If the menu screens are displayed, the Smart Cam will not power off.
Home Screen
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The home screen is displayed when the power switch is set to “SETUP”.
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The home screen information is shown below.
1. Camera Mode Indicator.
2. Number of pictures taken/number of pictures remaining on the card at that resolution.
3. Cellular signal indicator.
4. Battery level indicator. -
Occasionally the home screen may display different messages on the screen to indicate various statuses.
Searching Message : This indicates that the camera is searching for a
cellular signal. No SD Card! Message: The SD Card is not inserted
completely or the SD card is defective. Replace the SD card, restart the
camera. Ensure that the
SD card is 32GB or less. No SIM Card! Message: The Sim card is missing or
loose from the camera. Please make sure that the Sim card is completely
inserted into the
side of the camera.
Operation Menu
With the power switch in the SETUP position, Press the “Menu” button once to enter the camera setting menu. Navigate the settings interface by using the arrow keys, press “OK” for selection, or press “Menu” to exit to the previous page.
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General
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IR Flash
Change the Infrared Flash to High or Low -
Pic Size
Change the picture size stored on the SD card between 5, 8, or 12
megapixels -
PIR Sensitivity
Adjust the PIR Sensitivity between 0-9 (0 being the lowest sensitivity and 9 being the highest) -
PIR Delay
Adjust the delay between pictures being taken. Tap the “OK” button to turn the delay on, then tap the “OK” button again to set the delay
time. (note: a cellular camera has a natural delay because of the period of time from the image being taken and sent to the user.) -
Night
Set the night mode to Max. Range, Balanced, or Min. Blur -
Max. Range – Longer exposure time to extend IR flash range for better night vision; lower image quality
Balanced – Combination of Max. Range and Min. Blur -
Min. Blur – Short exposure time to minimize motion blur for better image quality; shortened IR flash range
Sending
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Instant – Sends a picture to HuntControl account as soon as the picture is taken
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Every 1H – Sends a collection of photos to HuntControl every hour.
(note: Be sure to set the start time of when the first bulk of photos will send) -
Every 4H – Sends a collection of photos to HuntControl every 4 hours. (note: Be sure to set the start time of when the first bulk of photos
will send) -
Remote Ctrl
This setting is when the camera will make remote changes made by the user
within HuntControl
. Instant – When set to “Instant” changes made remotely by the user will
take effect immediately. (note: running the SmartCam in “instant” will affect
battery life drastically and is not recommended without an external power
source)
Daily – When set to “Daily” the SmartCam will check for remote changes
made by the user within HuntControl once a day (usually
around midnight). This is the default setting.
Name
Name – Select “ON” by pressing the right arrow, then press “OK”, to name the SmartCam. This function can help the user to identify photos and also which camera the photos are from. The Camera Name will print at the bottom of the images. If no name is set then nothing will print at the bottom of the images.
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Password – Select “ON” by pressing the right arrow, press “OK”, to enable password protection for your camera; supports 6 digits/letters
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System
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Name – Select “ON” by pressing the right arrow, then press “OK”, to name the SmartCam. This function can help the user to identify photos and also which camera the photos are from. The Camera Name will print at the bottom of the images. If no name is set then nothing will print at the bottom of the images.
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System
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Language – Default is English
Date&Time – Auto/Manual – Tap the right arrow to select “Manual”, then tap the “OK” button to set the correct time and date. Auto – Camera will synchronize data/time
Manual – Manually set date/time: MM/DD/YYY – HH:MM: SS -
Batter Type – Tap the “OK” button to change between
“Alkaline” or “NI-MH”. Choose the correct battery type to match the
batteries you have installed in the SmartCam.
FW Update – With the updated firmware in the SD card, you can enter this menu to update the camera’s firmware. From time to time
Firmware updates may be made available on the
wiseeyesmartcam.com website. The user can update either the “software” or the “Module”. Most updates will be Software updates but be sure to check with WiseEye if you are unsure. -
About
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QR Code – Displays a QR Code to scan the IMEI number into your HuntControl account when setting up your SmartCam (optional).
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SD Format – Select “SD Format” to format the SD card that is inserted in the SmartCam. Every SD card inserted into the SmartCam
Mini needs to be formatted. -
Reset – Reset the camera back to the factory default settings.
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Info – Firmware version in the camera (Version: / IMEI: / MCU:/MOD:)
Troubleshooting/Support
Photos do not show any animals.
- Check the PIR Sensor level. It can help to use High in hot climates and low in colder climates.
- Try to set your camera in an area where it will not see any heat sources that can cause false trigger events.
- Make sure that the camera is on a stable object that would not be easily moved by wind or animals.
- Occasionally at night, the PIR sensor may be stronger than the camera flash. You can change the PIR sensor level or flash level to improve performance.
Camera Stops Taking Images
- Make sure that there is room on the SD Card.
- Check the Batteries to make sure they are still good and that the “Battery Type” menu option matches your battery type.
- Make sure that the camera power switch is in the “ON” position and not the “SETUP” or “OFF” position.
- Please format the SD card or replace it with a new 8-32GB SD card.
Night Vision Performance is not As Good as Hoped
- We have calibrated the Night Vision settings to be good for most conditions, however, some adjustments may be needed based on the environment in which your camera is located.
- Please make sure that the batteries are fully charged.
- “Max Range” offers a better IR flash range.
- High-quality 1.2V NiMH rechargeable AA batteries can also offer a much better IR flash range; alkaline batteries may not deliver enough amperage to power the flash consistently at night;
- To ensure accuracy and quality of nighttime images, please mount the camera in a dark environment without any obvious light sources;
- Certain surroundings (like trees, walls, ground, etc.) within flash range can get you better nighttime images.
For additional information/support please visit huntcontrol.com or wiseeyesmartcam.com
References
- Trail Camera Photo Sorting and More - HuntControl
- SmartCam Home – WiseEye Technologies
- WiseEye Technologies
- Trail Camera Photo Sorting and More - HuntControl