Using the correct batteries are key to getting the most out of your camera. RECONYX® cameras require 12 AA-cell batteries. We highly recommend using either Energizer® Ultimate Lithium™ batteries or high-quality NiMH Rechargeable batteries in your camera. Both battery types will operate at higher and lower temperatures than Alkaline batteries and are actually less expensive because you will get more photos per battery.

Alkaline batteries are not approved for use in RECONYX Cameras due to their short run time and their tendency to leak and cause damage, which is not covered under the manufacturer’s warranty.

We recommend that you mount your camera at the approximate height of your target animal, perpendicular to their line of travel and then aim the camera straight out for the best chance of sensing motion in the active detection zone. Please refer to the camera’s User Manual for more detailed information.

The camera can also be mounted to a tree by using the adjustable webbing strap or by using one of the many different types of mounting accessories available on our website. You can secure the camera to a tree and lock it shut at the same time with an optional Python™ cable lock by Masterlock®. Simply thread the cable through the “Lock Tunnel” on the camera and then cinch in place around the tree or post.

Learning to use the Test Motion Sensor mode is critical to being as successful as possible with your RECONYX® camera. The Test Motion Sensor mode allows you to precisely determine your camera’s active motion detection zone. This ensures that your camera is aimed at exactly where you want to capture animal activity.

Put camera in “Walktest / Test Motion Sensor” mode and latch it shut. Walk in front of the camera. Every time the red Test Motion Sensor light on the front of the camera blinks, it indicates that a motion event has taken place. If the Test Motion Sensor light does not blink where you expect it to, adjust the aim or location of the camera. All RECONYX cameras will self-arm from “Walktest / Test Motion Sensor” mode after a two minute period.

If you seem to be getting false triggers (i.e. the camera is taking pictures of nothing), first put your camera back to the default settings and try your camera again. This will ensure that you are running with known settings (motion detector ON at HIGH sensitivity and Time-Lapse OFF).

If after going back to the default settings, you still seem to be getting false triggers, check the physical setup of your camera. The sun should not be shining directly on the face of the camera and the camera’s field of view should be cleared of as much vegetation as possible. False triggers most often occur on sunny, breezy days. Vegetation will soak up the sun’s energy and it will become warmer than the ambient air temperature. Then, when the wind moves the vegetation and warm air around, the camera sees this and cannot distinguish it from a warm-blooded animal moving in the scene. For this reason, careful placement and setup of your camera helps prevent false triggers. Only as a last resort should you turn down your camera’s motion sensitivity. This reduces your ability to detect the movement of warm-blooded animals, especially during the summer.