Tasco Trail Camera

Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of a Tasco Digital Trail Camera. This camera, with its weatherproof, rugged construction, is designed to record animal activity in the outdoors. Your Trail Cam features a compact, portable size and an extra long battery life.

Main Features:

• 1MP digital sensor, 3MP image resolution
• Compact Size
• Trigger Time=1.0 second
• Automatic IR Filter
• 12 Night Vision LEDs
• Supports up to 32 GB SD Card
• Date, Time & Moon Phase Imprint
• Auto Exposure
• Auto White Balance
• Power Supply: 4 or 8 AA batteries (lithium or alkaline)
• Mounting Strap Supplied
• Weatherproof

Parts and Controls Guide

Front of Camera:

The front of the camera features a lens labeled "Camera Lens". Above the lens is the "PIR Motion Sensor". To the right of the lens, there is a "Latch" and a "Padlock Hole". Below the lens is the "Tasco" logo and an array of 12 "Infrared LED Array" lights.

IR LED Array Detail:

This view shows the "Light Sensor/PIR Indicator" located above the IR LED array.

Battery and SD Card Installation

Battery Installation

Battery Compartment:

The battery compartment accommodates 8 AA batteries. Polarity indicators (+ and -) are visible, showing the correct orientation for each battery. It is noted that batteries can be installed in the first four slots, though battery life will be shorter.

Note: Always set the power switch to the OFF position when installing or removing batteries. Ensure correct voltage and polarity (+/-) to prevent damage.

Important: Do not mix old and new batteries. Do not mix battery types; use ALL lithium or ALL alkaline. Rechargeable batteries are not recommended.

SD Card Installation

Your Digital Trail Camera has a memory card slot for SD cards up to 32 GB (not included). The camera stops capturing images when the card is full.

Inserting an SD card:

• Ensure the power switch is OFF.
• Insert the SD card into the slot, label side up, contacts facing down, with the notched corner on the right.
• To remove, depress the card and pull it out gently.

Using a new, blank SD card is recommended. Format cards used in other devices (FAT16) on your computer before use.

Date & Time Imprint Feature

The camera imprints date, time, and moon phase on photos. If no date/time text file is found on the SD card, only "Tasco" will be imprinted.

Requirements: A PC with an SD card slot or USB reader, and the "Timetool" application (Windows only).

Steps:

1. Insert a new SD card into the camera. Switch the camera to "ON". The "Timetool.exe" software saves to the card.
2. Turn off the camera, remove the SD card, and insert it into your computer. Double-click "timetool.exe".
3. In the Timetool window, click "Update" to use your computer's clock time, or click "Edit" to manually change the date and time.
4. Click "..." to select the SD card location (drive letter) or manually enter it (e.g., "D:\"). Click OK to save the text file.
5. Remove the SD card, insert it into the camera, and the date/time data will load. The text file is deleted. Ensure the card is transferred promptly to maintain accuracy.

Note for Mac (OSX) users: Create a plain text file (.txt) with the format "TIME"YYYYMMDDHHMM (e.g., "TIME"201507171038). Save it as "TIMESYNC.txt" on the SD card.

Power On

After inserting batteries and an SD card, slide the power switch to "ON". The PIR indicator (red LED) signals issues:

• Rapid red light flash (10 seconds): SD card problem. Check insertion, lock switch, or try a different card.
• Solid red light (20 seconds): Low battery. Insert fresh batteries.

Set Up

1. Mount the Camera

Mount the camera 4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 meters) high, angled slightly downward. Avoid facing east or west to prevent sun glare and overexposure. Clear obstructions from the lens and PIR sensor. Use the included strap, threading it through the rear housing slots, wrapping it around the mounting surface, and securing the buckle. Ensure latches are locked for weather resistance.

2. Power On the Camera

With good batteries and SD card, the camera takes photos 10 seconds after switching to "ON", triggered by motion. A 10-second delay occurs between shots. For the first three minutes, the PIR indicator glows for 3 seconds upon detecting motion, aiding aiming.

3. Test the Coverage Area

This feature helps determine the camera's detection range.

• Open the front housing and switch the power to "ON".
• The PIR indicator LED will glow for 3 seconds when motion is detected within the coverage area.
• Adjust camera position as needed and repeat the test.
• After three minutes, the PIR indicator stops glowing to keep the camera hidden. It is now ready to capture images.
• Maximum PIR sensor range is approximately 13 meters (42 ft).

4. Secure the Camera

A standard padlock can be used in the lock hole to prevent theft.

Viewing the Photos

Photos can be reviewed using an SD card reader.

Using an SD Card Reader:

1. Gently push and pull the SD card out of the camera.
2. Insert the SD card into a USB SD card reader or your computer's SD card slot.
3. The card or reader will appear as a connected drive. Double-click to view or download .jpg photo files.

Glossary

PIR (Passive Infrared Sensor)

Senses motion by detecting infrared energy (heat) to trigger the sensor, limiting detection to live subjects.

Moon Phase

A feature that imprints a moon phase stamp on each photo.

IR Flash

Also called IR LED Array. A "night vision" feature emitting infrared light, invisible to the human eye, useful for night photos where a visible flash is undesirable.

Battery Life

Duration the camera functions in the field, dependent on temperature, image count, and IR flash usage. The IR flash stops below 4.5v, and the camera stops working below 3.5v.

Mass Storage

Connect the camera via USB to a computer. Pressing "SETUP" allows access to the SD card contents. The camera acts as an external drive without special drivers (Win 98 and older OS not supported; Mac OSX compatible).

Technical Specifications

*3MP resolution via software interpolation

Troubleshooting / FAQ

Battery life is shorter than expected

1. Battery life varies with temperature and image count.
2. Use new alkaline or lithium AA batteries. Tasco recommends 8 Energizer Lithium AA batteries.
3. Use a good quality SD card, such as SanDisk up to 32GB. Poor quality cards can reduce battery life.

Camera stops taking images or won't take images

1. Check if the SD card is full.
2. Ensure batteries are new alkaline or lithium AA.
3. Verify the power switch is in the "ON" position.
4. Use a good quality SD card (Tasco recommends SanDisk up to 32GB).
5. Ensure the SD card's write protect switch is not locked.
6. If the SD card was used in another device, format it (FAT16) on your computer before use.

Camera won't power up

1. Ensure at least 4 batteries are installed. Tasco recommends 8 Energizer Lithium AA batteries.
2. Check battery installation for correct polarity (negative end to the spring tab).

Note: Do not mix old and new batteries. Do not mix battery types; use ALL lithium or ALL alkaline. Rechargeable batteries are not recommended.

Still Photo and/or Video Quality Problems

1. Night photos appear too dark: Use new batteries. Best results within 30' (9m) of subject. Subjects may appear too dark at greater distances.
2. Daytime photos appear too dark: Avoid aiming the camera at the sun or bright light sources.
3. Night photos appear too bright: Best results within 10' (3m) of subject. Subjects may appear too light at closer distances.
4. Daytime photos appear too bright: Avoid aiming the camera at the sun or bright light sources.
5. Red, green or blue color cast: Sensor may be confused by lighting conditions. Contact Tasco customer service if consistent.

Photos Do Not Capture Subject of Interest

1. Avoid aiming the camera at heat sources.
2. Avoid aiming the camera near water, which can cause false triggers.
3. Avoid mounting on small trees prone to wind movement.
4. Remove any limbs obstructing the camera lens.

PIR Sensor LED Flashes/Doesn't Flash

1. During the first three minutes after power-on, the PIR Indicator LED flashes for 3 seconds upon detecting motion for setup.
2. During normal use, the LED does not flash when an image is captured to keep the camera hidden.

Time/Date Imprint is Not Accurate

1. Ensure the SD card with the time/date file is transferred to the camera promptly after saving the file to maintain accuracy. Significant delays can result in incorrect imprints.

ONE-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY

Tasco products are warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for one year from the purchase date. Tasco will repair or replace defective products at its option, provided they are returned postage prepaid. This warranty excludes damages from misuse, improper handling, installation, or maintenance by unauthorized personnel.

Returns must include:

• $10.00 check/money order for postage and handling.
• Name and address for product return.
• Explanation of the defect.
• Proof of Date Purchased.
• Product packed securely in a shipping carton with return postage prepaid.

Send to:

IN U.S.A.: Tasco, Attn.: Repairs, 9200 Cody, Overland Park, Kansas 66214

IN CANADA: Tasco, Attn.: Repairs, 140 Great Gulf Drive, Unit # B, Vaughan, Ontario L4K 5W5

This warranty grants specific legal rights, which may vary by country.

©2015 B.O.P.

Specifications and designs are subject to change without notice.

FCC Compliance Statement

This equipment complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules for Class B digital devices, providing reasonable protection against harmful interference in residential installations. Operation is subject to two conditions: no harmful interference caused, and acceptance of any received interference.

The equipment may generate radio frequency energy. If not installed and used per instructions, it may cause radio communication interference. If interference occurs, users are encouraged to:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase separation between equipment and receiver.
• Connect to a different circuit.
• Consult a dealer or technician.

The device contains no user-serviceable parts. Repairs must be done by an Authorized Tasco repair center. Unauthorized repairs void the warranty and operating authority.

A shielded interface cable must be used to comply with digital device limits per Subpart B of Part 15 of FCC Rules.

FCC Logo CE Logo

Contact Information

For further questions or additional information, contact:

Tasco
9200 Cody, Overland Park, Kansas 66214
(800) 423-3537
www.tasco.com

©2015 B.O.P.