HQCAM HQ-M21 Green WiFi Bird Box Camera User Manual

1. Product Introduction

This HQCAM HQ-M21 is a network camera designed for security surveillance and observation. It connects to the internet via a network cable or Wi-Fi for data transmission and reception. Users can remotely view real-time images on mobile phones and computers anytime, anywhere. The camera supports video saving to a Micro SD card or computer. It features motion detection and humanoid detection alarms; when triggered, the camera can send email notifications, push phone messages, and activate an alarm sound, among other functions.

Figure 1: HQCAM HQ-M21 Green WiFi Bird Box Camera

2. Package Contents

Please check the package for the following items:

Figure 2: Camera and Included Accessories

3. Specifications

4. Setup

4.1 Product Precautions

• The proper operating temperature for this camera ranges from -10°C to 50°C. Avoid exposing it to environments that are too hot or too cold.
• When installing, protect the camera's interface cable and power supply. Ensure they are not short-circuited or excessively lengthened.
• For optimal image quality, keep the front and sides of the camera lens away from reflective objects like glass or white walls to prevent overexposure.
• Place the camera in an area with good Wi-Fi signal strength, away from potential jamming sources like metal objects or microwave ovens.
• If this is a PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) camera, do not manually force it to rotate. Adjust monitoring orientation using the PT function in the mobile app.

4.2 Turning on the Camera

Use the provided 12V power adapter and connect it to the camera's power interface. Wait a few minutes for the camera to complete its startup sequence.

4.3 App Installation

Download the official app, "CamHiPro" or "CamHi", from the Google Play Store (for Android) or Apple App Store (for iOS). You can also scan the QR codes below to quickly access the app download pages.

Android App QR Code

iOS App QR Code

4.4 Connecting with Wi-Fi (Method 1)

Before connecting, ensure the Wi-Fi signal strength at the camera's installation location is above 70% (you can check this in the app later).

1. Connect the power to the camera. Do NOT connect a network cable at this stage. Ensure the camera's antenna is properly installed.
2. On your mobile phone, go to "Settings" > "WLAN". Look for the camera's Wi-Fi hotspot in the list. The hotspot name will be in the format "IPCAM-******" (e.g., IPCAM-66666). If you don't see it, reset the camera and wait 1 minute.
3. Connect to the camera's hotspot. The default password is "01234567".
4. Open the CamHiPro app.
5. Tap "Add Camera", then select "IP camera", and then "New device".
6. The app will detect the camera. Confirm you want to add it.
7. Enter your home Wi-Fi network's SSID and password. Tap "Configure wireless and add devices".
8. Once connected, you will hear a "ding..." sound from the camera. If not, recheck your Wi-Fi password.
9. Name your camera and confirm. The camera will now be added to your device list.

Figure 3: CamHiPro App Wi-Fi Connection Process

4.5 Connecting with Network Cable (Method 2)

Ensure both the camera and your mobile phone are connected to the same local area network and have internet access.

1. Connect the power adapter and a network cable to the camera.
2. Open the CamHiPro app.
3. Tap "Add Camera" > "IP camera" > "New device". Follow the prompts until you reach the "Confirm access network" page.
4. Select "Connected network cable".
5. The app will search for devices on the LAN. Select your camera from the list.
6. You can then choose to configure Wi-Fi or continue using the network cable. If you wish to use Wi-Fi after initial setup, click "Configure Wi-Fi and add devices", complete the setup, and then unplug the network cable to activate Wi-Fi. If you want to continue with the network cable, select "Not configured yet, add directly".

4.6 Installing a Micro SD Card

Refer to the product information for a detailed tutorial on installing the Micro SD card. Ensure you use a high-quality SD card to prevent recording failures or camera malfunctions.

5. Operating Instructions

5.1 Viewing on Mobile Phone

After successful setup, tap on the online camera in the CamHiPro app to view the live feed. You can access various settings and features from the app interface.

5.2 Viewing on Computer

5.2.1 Using the "Search Tool"

Install the "Search tool" software from the CamHi IP camera product information page (download from www.hqcam.cn). This tool helps find cameras on your local network and modify their IP addresses if needed.

Figure 4: Camera Search Tool Interface

5.2.2 Web Access

Double-click the camera in the "Search tool" to open its web page in your browser. Here, you can configure all camera parameters. Note: Some settings might be missing if you are not using Internet Explorer.

Figure 5: Live View via Web Browser

5.2.3 Using "HiP2P Client"

For multi-channel management, install the "HiP2P Client" software (available from www.hqcam.cn). Run the client, go to the "Config" page, and click "Input UID" to add your camera. The UID serial number is found on the camera's label. After adding, double-click the camera to watch the live video. This client supports up to 32 channels, local and remote video playback, and parameter configuration.

Figure 6: HiP2P Client Setup

5.3 Recording Settings

5.3.1 SD Card Plan Recording

1. In the CamHiPro app, tap the "Setting" icon for your camera.
2. Select "SD card plan recording".
3. Enable "Record" and configure your desired recording length and time periods. The default is continuous recording.

5.3.2 SD Card Alarm Recording

1. In the CamHiPro app, tap the "Setting" icon for your camera.
2. Select "Alarm management and notification".
3. Configure motion detection, humanoid detection, and audible alarm settings as desired.
4. Under "Action with Alarm", enable "Alarm recording to SD card".

Figure 7: Alarm Recording Configuration

5.4 Record Playback

1. In the CamHiPro app, tap the "Playback" icon for your camera.
2. You can choose between "Time playback" or "File playback".
3. Select the desired video file or time range to play or download.

Figure 8: Video Playback Interface

5.5 Reboot or Restore Factory Settings

• Reboot: Disconnect and reconnect the power to reboot the camera.
• Restore Factory Settings: Press and hold the reset button for 5 seconds. You will hear a "dong..." restart tone, indicating the camera has restored to factory settings.

Figure 9: Reset Button Location

6. Maintenance

• Cleaning: Gently wipe the camera lens with a soft, dry cloth. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive materials.
• Environmental Conditions: Ensure the camera operates within its specified temperature range (-10°C to 60°C). Protect it from direct exposure to extreme weather conditions if used outdoors (consider additional waterproofing as it is not inherently waterproof).
• Firmware Updates: Periodically check the manufacturer's website (www.hqcam.cn) for firmware updates to ensure optimal performance and security.

7. Troubleshooting (Q&A)

Q: Forgot password?

A: Reset the camera to factory settings and reconfigure it.

Q: Wi-Fi configuration failed?

A: Check if the Wi-Fi signal is strong enough. Ensure the Wi-Fi name (SSID) and password are correct and contain only English characters. The password length should not exceed 31 characters.

Q: The device list shows the camera is offline?

A: Ensure your phone has internet access. Verify the camera's wired/Wi-Fi connection is stable and connected to the internet. If using Wi-Fi, check signal strength at the camera's location and confirm the Wi-Fi name/password haven't changed.

Q: Live video is very stuck, or the camera shows offline?

A: Ensure both your phone and camera have a good, stable internet connection (at least 2Mbps). If on Wi-Fi, confirm sufficient signal strength at the camera's installation location.

Q: Mobile app does not receive push notifications?

A: Check if alarm push is enabled in the app (Settings > Alarm management and notification). Also, ensure the app has push notification permissions enabled in your phone's system settings.

Q: Playback video cannot find video files?

A: Check if an SD card is installed and if it's damaged. Verify the camera's internal time setting and ensure the playback time range is correct.

Q: How to focus the image manually?

A: The focus can be adjusted directly on the camera lens. Turn the lens to achieve a sharp image, especially for close-up applications like bird boxes (10-20cm distance).

Q: Does the camera get hot?

A: If the camera gets dangerously hot, discontinue use and contact support. Ensure it's operating within the specified temperature range and has adequate ventilation.

Q: Is RTSP available?

A: Yes, RTSP is available and unlocked for streaming.

Q: Can I use PoE (Power over Ethernet)?

A: The standard model does not support PoE. PoE is an optional feature.

Q: How much power does it draw for solar/battery use?

A: The camera runs on DC12V. Buyers have reported current draw around 120mA. Ensure your solar/battery setup matches this voltage and provides sufficient current.

8. User Tips

• Adjust Focus First: For optimal clarity, especially in bird boxes, manually adjust the lens focus before final installation.
• Waterproofing: If using outdoors, consider adding extra waterproofing to the camera and its connections, as it is not inherently waterproof.
• Versatile Use: This camera is excellent for observing shy animals from a distance when paired with appropriate telephoto lenses (25mm or 35mm).
• Network Integration: The camera works well with NVRs and NAS systems via ONVIF for advanced recording and management.
• Daylight Strip: For bird boxes, consider adding a separate white daylight LED strip (purchased elsewhere) that plugs inline for improved daytime visibility inside dark enclosures.

9. Warranty and Support

For warranty information, technical support, and the latest product documentation, please visit the official HQCAM website at www.hqcam.cn. Please retain your proof of purchase for any warranty claims.