Browning Dark Ops Elite - defective and heading back

[yakimanoob]

Hey folks, curious if anyone else has encountered this problem. 

I just picked up a new Browning Dark Ops Elite HD camera off Amazon, which by all accounts is an excellent unit for the price.  The intent for this one is to keep an eye on my driveway when I'm gone, but when I tested it last night and today, I discovered that it was only detecting movement/heat out to about 10-15ft -- nowhere near the advertised (and verified by many reviewers) 70-ft detection range.  The temperature was also reading about 30 degrees lower than actual temp.

When I called Browning (or rather the subsidiary whose name I've forgotten--periscope or something like that), the altogether unhelpful rep gave me a speech about how I had it mounted too high (it was mounted on a utility pole about 5ft off the ground).  I kindly replied that if the detection methods were that sensitive to placement I would be returning it no matter what.

He did, however, mention at some point that the detection is based on temperature, not on movement like I had assumed for some reason.  So best I can tell, the dismal detection performance combined with the WAY low temperature reading means it has a faulty thermal sensor.  So it's headed back to Browning via Amazon, and I have a new Dark Ops 940 HD on its way from Trail Cam Pro. 

Anyone else had similar experiences?

[cougforester]

Too bad. I’ve got 4 Browning Strike Forces that are a couple years old and have been awesome.

[yakimanoob]

I bought a Strike Force Elite as well that just arrived.  That one will live in the woods while the dark ops watches my driveway

[NathanFooter]

Hey folks, curious if anyone else has encountered this problem. 

I just picked up a new Browning Dark Ops Elite HD camera off Amazon, which by all accounts is an excellent unit for the price.  The intent for this one is to keep an eye on my driveway when I'm gone, but when I tested it last night and today, I discovered that it was only detecting movement/heat out to about 10-15ft -- nowhere near the advertised (and verified by many reviewers) 70-ft detection range.  The temperature was also reading about 30 degrees lower than actual temp.

When I called Browning (or rather the subsidiary whose name I've forgotten--periscope or something like that), the altogether unhelpful rep gave me a speech about how I had it mounted too high (it was mounted on a utility pole about 5ft off the ground).  I kindly replied that if the detection methods were that sensitive to placement I would be returning it no matter what.

He did, however, mention at some point that the detection is based on temperature, not on movement like I had assumed for some reason.  So best I can tell, the dismal detection performance combined with the WAY low temperature reading means it has a faulty thermal sensor.  So it's headed back to Browning via Amazon, and I have a new Dark Ops 940 HD on its way from Trail Cam Pro. 

Anyone else had similar experiences?

 I have worked with the Browning Black Ops/Spec Ops series and love them, the detection range and speed is unmatched by other cameras except the reconyx higher end models.     

  For detailed testing information and reviews on trail cameras visit trailcampro.com   

 Detection sensors directed at a high heat surface area ( blacktop, concrete or metal buildings ) seem to struggle in some cases to trigger when a subject enters frame.  Hope this helps.

[fishnfur]

I've used BTC4s for around three years - I loved the first one I got, but it failed after 11 months - I forget why.  Tech support replaced it with a new one (which was stolen or eaten by a bear within a month or so after deployment).  So I bought another, which wasn't nearly as good as the original and after 11 months, started giving me very grainy images.  I sent it in for repair and was once again given a new BTC4 camera.  It worked no better than the one I sent in.  It has very weak IR lighting.  If an animal stands directly in front of it at 10 feet or less, it works fine.  Farther out than that, I can barely make out any detail at all.  It is sitting on the counter now 'cause it sucks!  No more of these for me. 

My Bushnell story is sadly similar.... 

[yakimanoob]

That seems to be the ticket with no-glows.  I've got a BTC-6HD (the Dark Ops 940) now set up on my driveway, and it works fine.  FAR from impressive night performance, but it's doing its job.

I also have the strike force BTC-5 as well, and I'm much happier with the low-glow version.  Haven't found time to get out in the woods to set it up, but it's doing a good job photographing my yard coyotes... 

[Thehowler]

Show me a camera that will last more than a few years, or even one.

[h20hunter]

My bushnells have been going 5 plus years now.