Bushnell SpotOn 18MP Low Glow Trail Camera Instruction Manual

Introduction

Welcome to your Bushnell SpotOn 18MP Low Glow Trail Camera. This manual provides detailed instructions for setting up, operating, and maintaining your new trail camera. Designed for wildlife monitoring and security, the SpotOn camera captures high-quality 18-megapixel images and 720p video with low-glow infrared technology for discreet observation.

Product Overview

Key Features

• 18 Mega Pixel Image Quality
• 720p Video Capture Resolution at 30 frames per second
• Low Glow Infrared Night Vision (60 Feet Range)
• Tree Bark Camouflage Design
• Battery Powered (8 AA batteries, not included)
• SD Card Slot (SD card not included)
• Motion-Activated Alert Type
• Wireless Connectivity (Wi-Fi)

Camera Components

Familiarize yourself with the main components of your SpotOn Trail Camera.

This image displays the front of the Bushnell SpotOn Trail Camera, highlighting the lens, infrared emitters, and motion sensor. The tree bark camouflage helps it blend into natural environments.

This image shows the Bushnell SpotOn Trail Camera opened, revealing the internal control panel with a small display screen, navigation buttons, and the battery compartment.

Setup

Battery Installation

1. Open the camera housing by unlatching the side clamp.
2. Locate the battery compartment.
3. Insert 8 AA batteries (not included) into the designated slots, ensuring correct polarity (+/-).
4. Close the battery compartment securely.

SD Card Insertion

1. With the camera housing open, locate the SD card slot.
2. Insert a standard SD card (not included) into the slot until it clicks into place. Ensure the card is inserted in the correct orientation.

Mounting the Camera

The Bushnell SpotOn Trail Camera is designed for tree mounting.

This image shows an angled front view of the Bushnell SpotOn Trail Camera, highlighting its camouflage pattern and the various sensors and lens on the front face.

This image displays the back of the Bushnell SpotOn Trail Camera, showing the strap pass-throughs and mounting points for secure installation.

1. Use the provided strap to secure the camera to a tree or pole. Thread the strap through the slots on the back of the camera.
2. Position the camera to face the desired monitoring area.
3. Ensure the camera is stable and securely fastened to prevent movement.

Initial Power On and Basic Settings

1. With batteries and SD card installed, slide the power switch to the "ON" position.
2. The display screen will activate.
3. Use the navigation buttons (MENU, OK, UP, DOWN, LEFT, RIGHT) to set the current date and time. This is crucial for accurate timestamping of your captures.
4. Refer to the "Operating Instructions" section for further customization.

Operating Instructions

Modes of Operation

The camera offers various modes for capturing images and videos.

• Photo Mode: Captures still images when motion is detected.
• Video Mode: Records video clips when motion is detected.
• Photo + Video Mode: Captures a still image followed by a video clip when motion is detected.

Adjusting Settings

Access the camera's menu to customize settings:

1. Press the "MENU" button to enter the settings menu.
2. Use the UP/DOWN arrows to navigate through the options.
3. Press "OK" to select an option or confirm a setting.
4. Key settings include:
   • Photo/Video Resolution: Adjust image quality (18MP) and video resolution (720p).
   • Detection Delay: Set the time interval between consecutive captures after motion detection.
   • PIR Sensitivity: Adjust the sensitivity of the Passive Infrared (PIR) sensor for motion detection.
   • Time Lapse: Configure the camera to take photos at set intervals regardless of motion.
   • Date & Time: Ensure accurate timestamps.
   • Camera Name: Assign a name to your camera for easy identification.
5. Press "MENU" again to exit the settings.

Viewing Captured Media

You can review images and videos directly on the camera's display.

1. In the "ON" mode, press the "OK" button to enter playback mode.
2. Use the LEFT/RIGHT arrows to scroll through captured files.
3. Press "OK" to play a video or view an image.
4. Press "MENU" to exit playback mode.

Transferring Media

To transfer media to a computer:

• Remove the SD card from the camera and insert it into a computer's SD card reader.
• Alternatively, connect the camera to a computer using a USB cable (not included).

Maintenance

• Cleaning: Regularly clean the camera lens and PIR sensor window with a soft, lint-free cloth. Avoid abrasive materials.
• Battery Life: Replace batteries when the low battery indicator appears on the display. Use high-quality alkaline or lithium batteries for optimal performance, especially in cold weather.
• SD Card Management: Format the SD card periodically to ensure optimal performance and prevent data corruption. Back up important files before formatting.
• Weather Protection: Ensure the camera housing is securely latched to prevent moisture ingress. While designed for outdoor use, extreme weather conditions may affect performance.

Troubleshooting

• Camera Not Turning On: Check battery installation and ensure batteries are fresh. Verify the power switch is in the "ON" position.
• No Images/Videos Captured: Ensure the SD card is properly inserted and has sufficient space. Check PIR sensitivity settings and detection delay. Verify the camera is in the correct operating mode (Photo, Video, or Photo+Video).
• Poor Image/Video Quality: Clean the camera lens. Ensure the camera is mounted securely to prevent blur. Check resolution settings.
• Short Battery Life: Use high-quality batteries. Reduce video length or detection delay settings if frequently capturing.
• Water Inside Camera: Immediately remove batteries and SD card. Allow the camera to dry completely in a warm, dry place. Ensure all latches are securely closed when deploying the camera.

Specifications

Warranty and Support

For warranty information and customer support, please refer to the official Bushnell website or contact their customer service directly. Specific warranty terms may vary by region and purchase date.