Understanding the Homebrew Trail Camera

[gkowen]

I just thought I would share this with everyone.  Here are the only 2 pics on my trail camera from being out in the woods 4 days.




So now a question. How did the deer manage to leave the area and not trigger the camera again?

Any ideas??   

Here is what I think happened.  When I checked my camera settings I found the focus setting set to Single, not to Monitor like BoB suggested.  Could it be that the deer turned and walked directly past the camera and since they were moving the camera couldn't lock the focus and therefore didn't take a pic?  Thats what I think happened. So now it is set to MONITOR on the focus setting.  The moral of the story is Bob has lots of experience with these cameras and I think you should follow his recommended settings. At least until you are very familiar with these cams.

Any one else have any ideas? 

Oh, and there was not a blank pic without a deer in it. So it wasn't the deer moved fast enough and escaped the scene before the camera caught them.

[BobR]

  Greg,  If you read the theory of operation for the motion sensor on the Yeti website, you will see how the motion sensor works. The sensor detects heat in movement from side to side. That is why there are vertical and horizontal boards. The way the motion sensor is mounted on the board is the only difference. Sometimes when I am testing my camera, I have noticed the sensor does not see my hand when I move it up and down in front of the sensor. There has to be some movement from side to side. Read the theory of operation, and I think you will see what I am talking about. The sensor misses very little, but if the movement is coming straight toward the camera or moving straight away, the sensor will not detect it.
  The sensor beam is like a flash light beam. The farther from the sensor the larger the detection area. I like having my cameras out in the open away from trees and shadows because I think the pictures are better with more light.
Bob

[gkowen]

Yes I noticed the motion has to be in the same direction as the little tab on the PIR.  That could be what happened here.  I will move a bit further off the trail next time.

[bow4elk]

Bob, what about direct sunlight causing false triggers?  I've read that direct sunlight can also ruin or degrade the sensor?  On my other homebrews I notice false triggers if they get much direct sunlight.  Moving them to face more N or NE seems to help.  Thoughts?

[Bones]

  I have never had a problem with false triggers.
  Tom, I sent the CD to you in the mail today.
Bob

[bow4elk]

Bob, thank you!  How can I reciprocate?

[BobR]

  Tom,  I copied a CD that came with a W55 because that was all I had. The picture motion browser software is somewhere on that CD. It might be in a folder called Sony Picture Utility. Before I mail other copies of this CD out, I would like for you to figure out how to get the software off of that CD. You don't owe me for this, glad to help.
Bob

[bow4elk]

OK, will do.  I'll post the intstructions once I figure it out.