Poor results with all cameras

[brianb231]

well, I basically used the laser aim feature on the d40 to make sure that the trail area was the main focus. The IR aim seemed to fall right into place it spaned about a 20ft wide detection area out at 15-20 ft but it also detected about 30 ft out total past the trail. I was very impressed, but then again I had nothing to compare it too beings how this was the first camera for me. I guess if I put the camera lower on the tree i would not have to tilt it but I figured by tilting it a bit I would avoid some direct sun in the lense.

Not an expert by any means but it seems to work so far.

 

[brianb231]

Actually  if you look at the pics I posted up in the thread the big trees accross the trail actually got caught by the IR sensor when the wind was blowing hard one day and the limbs were moving. So you know that it was getting good detection distance. Maybe I got lucky, I dunno.

[tmike]

Bob have you tried setting it up and walking in front of it? I did that then put it in my room darkened and walked in to see if the flash went off. if your not getting anything their is something wrong with the camera. Also the internal memory has to be erased if your using an SD card. Just some ideas.

[Buckrub]

I have a ton of pics of nothing and half deer...keep on trying...still working here also. Moultrie seems to work when I don't screw up 

[Bob33]

Yes I've tried walking in front of it.  The green light goes on out to about 15-20 feet max.  Doesn't get my cat, however, when he walks in the same place.  It does get photos sometimes, so the internal memory is not the problem.  I just don't think it's very sensitive. 

I probably need to buy a Reconyx and be gone with the cheaper ones.  Either that or keep trying the Moultries and Cuddlebacks and hope I get lucky and finally get a good one.

[tmike]

If your getting nothing or half deer try setting it up facing up or down the trail not perpendicular to it, Also try to consider the sun if you haven't. Bob if it's a Moultrie take it back and get another one if you can. I know those problems are frustrating.

[coonhound]

The biggest issue I have with the Moultrie is the wakeup period, these cameras go to sleep and require around 45 seconds to wake up.  If you don't have bait to stop the critter you will most likely trigger the camera and take a picture of where it was 45 seconds ago.  After it wakes up it's instant but that 1st time it's triggered it's the pits.

Coon

[Bob33]

Wakeup period?  I've not heard of that.  Do all the Moultries have that?  Thanks.

[javman]

If your camera is taking 45 seconds to trigger, there's something wrong with it. Even the $80 moultrie D40 takes less than 5 seconds to trigger.

It seems to me like my I40 takes 3-4 seconds to take a pic if it's cold. I've got pics of camprobbers 10 feet in front of the camera. Odds are, your cat is too low to trip the camera. If you want pics of small animals you're going to have to put the camera closer to the ground. Deer, elk and bear are much larger targets. When I setup my I40's, I try to keep the laser around waist level 20-30 feet out. The motion sensor is only good to about that range anyways.

[Slider]

The I40 will trigger in 3 seconds. If it isn't something is wrong with it. Walk slowing across in front of it say 15 feet away. You should be in the center of the picture.

[coonhound]

If your camera is taking 45 seconds to trigger, there's something wrong with it. Even the $80 moultrie D40 takes less than 5 seconds to trigger.

It seems to me like my I40 takes 3-4 seconds to take a pic if it's cold. I've got pics of camprobbers 10 feet in front of the camera. Odds are, your cat is too low to trip the camera. If you want pics of small animals you're going to have to put the camera closer to the ground. Deer, elk and bear are much larger targets. When I setup my I40's, I try to keep the laser around waist level 20-30 feet out. The motion sensor is only good to about that range anyways.

You are correct, I typed it a little quick I meant to say 4 - 5 seconds not 45 seconds unless the flash needs to charge then it can take two to three times that long.  4 seconds is plenty of time for a critter to walk through the picture window before it trips.  Moultrie says it wakes up in 3 seconds but it seems to vary.

Sorry for the confusion,
Coon

[Bob33]

Update: I still can't get satisfactory results with the Moultrie IR40.

Here is my setup: the camera is strapped to a tree, facing a trail that comes directly towards and away from the camera.  The camera is 3 feet off the ground with nothing obstructing between the camera and the trail.  The camera is angled downwards; the IR beam is hitting the ground at approximately 25 feet from the camera.  The IR test confirms it is "working": when I walk and move the green light comes on.

This morning it was 51 degrees and calm.  My cat walked on the trail, very slowly, away from the camera. It walked very slowly towards the camera.  NOTHING.

I don't understand how a motion/heating sensing camera would not detect an animal the size of a cat, when it is 51 degrees. 

For those with great results with the Moultrie, I have a question: how do you know what you're missing?  You get some great shots of a deer, but how do you know a bobcat or cougar didn't pass through, or more deer, etc and you never got a photo?

I'm really disgusted.  I've tried everything I can to get this camera to work.  The Cabelas store is 50 miles away, so I don't want to keep swapping out Moultries.  Moultrie says "send it in" and we'll get it back to you in 3 weeks.  I lose 3 weeks and I just don't think it will work any differently.


I don't want a "home brew".  What should I do?