Full Text Searchable PDF User Manual

Acorn Guard
®
HD 12MP Digital Scouting Camera
AG-690HD Series
USER’S MANUAL

TABLE OF CONTENTS
General Information
1.1
Description
1.2
Features
1.3
Application
1.4
Parts and Controls
Quick Start
2.1
Load Batteries
2.2
Insert SD Card
2.3
Enter Into ON Mode
2.4
Enter Into Test Mode
2.5
Enter Into OFF Mode
Advanced Setting
3.1
Parameter Settings
3.2
Supported Format
3.3
Shooting Information Display
3.4
Set up Camera ON PC
3.5
Multi-Time lapse features
Important Notes
4.1
SD Card
4.2
850NM and 940nm IR LED
4.3
Power supply and Battery Box
4.4
Downloading the photos/Videos
4.5
Mounting and Positioning the Camera
4.6
Troubleshooting/FAQ
4.7
Firmware Upgrades

Two-Year Limited Warranty Appendix I Technical Specifications
Appendix II Packing List
Dear customers, thank you for choosing our AG-690 series infra-red
MMS hunting camera. Please read this manual before using the camera.
And please keep it well preserved.
GENERAL INFORATION
1.1)
Description
The
AcornGuard
camera (AG-690HD) Series adapts IR thermo
stimulation technology. Camera will automatically photograph or shoot
videos when triggered by moving object. and automatically captures high
quality pictures
(up to 12M pixels)
or records
HD video clips
(1080P). The
upgraded AG-690MG can transmit the images to users corresponding to the
set phone and computers via GPRS.
This product is mainly used in housing security, monitoring wild animals, and
tracking. Camera is under energy saving mode while nothing is detected in the
reachable monitoring zone. With 8 AA alkaline batteries, the longest standby
time could be around 6 months. (Time to initiate is approximately 1sec).
This product has been equipped supplementary IR LED lights and specialized
CMOS photosensitive chip which can automatically power on IR LED lights
during dark night to capture clear black-and-white photos or videos; when the
light is bright enough, the IR LED will be off and camera will capture colorful
photos or videos.
With the high-qualified waterproof shell, this product can be set at wild fields.
Please set it 2M high above the ground, avoid the cloud thunder whether,
avoid high temperature air vent, and do not bring it to dive.
1.2) Features
Ø Programmable 5 ,8 or 12 Megapixel high-quality image resolution.
Ø Programmable 1080P,720P High definition Video

Ø In “Cam + Video” mode, camera takes both pictures and video
at every trigger event
Ø 36pcs Infrared night vision LEDs for flash range as far as 65 feet
( when use 850NM LED)
Ø
Ultra low standby power consumption. Extremely long in-field life (in
standby mode, up to 6 months with 8 x AA batteries when use regular
function)
Ø Working in Most extremely temperature -22
℃
+-70
℃
Ø Build-in Full Definition 2inch Display to review Image, Video,
Cellular signal Information
Ø Lockable and Password protected
Ø A
udio Recording brings you heart pumping like never before.
Ø Date, Time, Series number ,Temperature and Moon Phase can be
stamped on the pictures
Ø
Multi-time lapse function: When Timer setting on, programmable
to only work in specified period every day. This feature can be
used together with Time Lapse feature to meet your timetable
(Allow user to setup 4 different timer each day, this features is
unique and very useful for some customer who cares multi-time
lapse most)
Ø
Advanced Remote Cellular Technology transmits images to
your cell phone and email account constantly at lower battery
consumption and shorter transmission time.
Ø Automatically send text alert when battery power level goes low
1.3) Application
AcornGuard AG-690 Series
is an ideal product for housing security,
warehouse surveillance, and monitoring wild animals with its camouflage
appearance and nice shape. It is convenient to install or fasten, could be used
to take photographs manually and carry on long-time videos in
Test
mode.
Ø Trail Camera for hunting
Ø Time Lapse Camera to observe Cold Blood Animal or Event.
Ø Motion-triggered security camera, for home, office and community
Ø All indoor/outdoor surveillance where invasion evidence needed

1.4) Parts and Controls
l Figure A shows the Front view of
AG-690HD
l Figure B shows the Back view of
AG-690HD
l Figure C shows the Bottom view of
AG-690HD
Figure A: Front View of AG-690HD
The camera has the following I/O interfaces: USB connector, SD-card slot,
SIM Card TV.output and The 3-way Power/Mode Switch is used to select
the main operation modes: OFF, ON and TEST
On the back of camera, there is a lock for theft-proof and an adjuster to
change the tilt when mounting on an irregular interface e.g. tree.
Please take a few minutes to familiarize yourself the following
intuitive controls and displays.

Figure B: Back View of AG-690HD
Figure C Bottom view of AG-690HD

The remote control is an input device of the camera and is primarily used
for customer settings and password input. This is an infrared type
wireless remote controller.The maximum remote distance is 9 meters.
There are fifteen buttons on the remote control.
Select Item(UP)/Increase value
Display Menus /Exit
Make Selection/Enter
Change Value (Left)
Change Value (Right)
Select Item(Down)/Decrease
A) Press the punctuation “
” to turn on laser direction pointer in the night.
Please note: the Laser could be harmful to eyes if pointed at other humans.
CAUTION: If you are not using the camera for an extended period of
time, it is highly recommended that you remove the batteries from
the camera to avoid possible acid leak that may damage the camera
which would void the warranty.
QUICK START
2.1) Load Batteries
To supply power for the camera, Eight AA size batteries are needed,
Voltage of each battery should be
1.5V.
Open the bottom cover by pulling down the lock hole. Confirm that the
power switch is at the OFF position, pull out the battery depot. Load
the fully charged batteries into the depot according the polarities sign
shown below. Push back the depot to the battery chamber. The following

batteries with
1.5V
output can be used:
(
NOTE: rechargeable battery voltage
should be also reach 1.5V each, 1.2V Rechargeable Battery will only working
short time
)
.
1. High-density and high-performance alkaline batteries (Recommended)
2. Rechargeable alkaline batteries
3. Rechargeable NiMH batteries
2.2) Enter ON Mode
Before switching on, please pay attention to the follows:
Ø Avoid temperature and motion disturbances in front of the camera such as
big leaf,curtain, air-conditioner, air outlet of the chimney and other heat
sources to prevent f r o m false triggering.
Ø The height from ground for placing the camera should vary with the object
size appropriately. In general, one to two meters are preferred, Slide the
power switch to the ON position to power on the camera and enter into the
ON mode. Before entering into the ON mode, you can adjust the camera
the target monitoring area by laser pointer
Ø After switching on the camera, the motion indication LED (red) will blink
for15s. The 15s is a buffering time before autonomic capturing photos or
videos,e.g. for closing and locking the bottom cover, fixing the camera on a
tree and walk away
Ø In ON mode, it is unnecessary to use the remote control. The camera will
take pictures or videos automatically according to the default settings or
previous custom settings. The camera has the sound recording function, so
the sound will be embedded in the video clip while capturing a video.
2.3) Enter TEST Mode
Slide the power switch to the TEST position and enter into the TEST mode.
In this mode you can take pictures or video clips like a regular digital camera,
or enter the Menu to set up parameters by remote control.
2.4) Enter OFF Mode
Slide the power switch to OFF position to power off the camera. Off mode
allow user to insert SD , replace Battery etc. Please note that even in the OFF

mode, the camera still consumes certain power at µA level. Therefore,
please remove the battery if the camera will not be used for a long time
(
Cautions: The Power Switch can’t be Slide From “OFF” Mode directly
to “ON” Mode or From “ON “ Mode to “ TEST” Mode. Each time,
user should Slide power switch into “OFF” Mode, then into “Test”
Mode and Finally Enter into “ON” Mode
)
ADVANCED SETTING
3.1) Parameter Settings
This chapter explains the advanced operations for customizing the
camera settings. The settings can only be customized in
TEST
mode and
there are two ways are available to customize the camera settings.
Including: Remote control and Parameters Setup EXE file Storage on
CD Disk.
Following will introduce how to customize the camera settings by remote
control:
Press “
MENU
” Key to Enter/Exit the menu, Press
, to
move the marker, Press
,
to change the setting.
Parameter
Settings
(Bold=
Default
)
Description
Mode
Camera
Video
Camera+Video
Select
which Mode you would like
to use. In
Camera+video
mode, the
camera will first take a picture and
then start to record Video
immediately
.

Photo Size
12M
Pixel
8M Pixel
5M Pixel
Selects resolution for still photos from
5 to 12 megapixels, Higher resolution
produces better quality photos, but
creates larger files that take up more
of the SD card capacity.
5M
is a
good compromise between quality and
file size
Video Size
1080P
720P
WVGA
QVGA
Select video resolution,higher
resolution produces better quality
videos, b u t creates longer files that
take up more of the SD card capacity.
1080P and 720P are high definition
video format.
Video
Length
10sec
30sec
60sec
90sec
Sets length per captured video clip,
settings begin with 10 second, 10sec is
Default value. All videos are in AVI
format that can be played in most
of media players
Interval
ON
(Optional from
1Sec to
30Min)
Select the length of time that the
camera will wait from when the last
picture was taken and written in the
SD card, until it
OFF
responds to any new triggers from the
PIR sensor. During the selected
interval, the camera will not take
pictures/videos. This prevents the SD
card from filling up with too many
redundant images. (Note: when your
turn on Interval, the camera can
also sending MMS or SMS)
Image
Multi
Optional from
Singal Picture to
9 Picture
Selects how many photos are taken
in sequence per trigger in camera mode.

Sense Level
Distance
High/Normal/Hi
gh
Selects the sensitivity of the PIR
sensor. The “ High” setting will make
the camera more sensitive to infrared
(heat) and more easily triggered by
motion, and the “Low” setting makes it
less sensitive to heat and motion. The
High setting can be useful when the
ambient temperature is warm( making
it more difficult for the sensor to detect
animals), and the Low setting may help
in cold weather if often by anything
warmer than the surroundings
Voice
ON/OFF
Choose “ON” to record the voice when
video mode.and choose”OFF” to close
it if you do not want the voice
recording.
Playback
Press “ OK” to Playback
Pictures/Videos on 2inch HD Display,
Press “Right Arrow” to Delete video or
picture, Press Left button to Play video,
Press Up and Down to adjust the
Volume or change picture and Video.
Multi-
Timer
ON/OFF H:M—
H:M H:M—H:M
H:M—H:M
H:M—H:M
Select on if you want the camera
working in specified time everyday,
our camera allow user to setup
four different specified time each day.
Each different time should be not
overlap with other different time
outside the time period the camera will
not be triggered or take any
photos/videos this features can be used
together with Time Lapse function.
ISO
100/200/400
Choose different ISO setting to meet
the different light request.

Password
ON / OFF
Four Digit (From
0-9, A-Z)
Set up a password to protect your
camera from unauthorized users.
Time Lapse
ON/OFF
HH:MM
If set On, the camera will automatically
take photos/videos at the set interval
(Note: in this mode, the PIR sensor is
disabled). This is helpful when
Observing cold-blooded animals like
snakes, or the process of flowering,This
feature can work together with Timer
feature. (Note: when you turn on
this function, the camera will not
sending MMS)
TV OUT
NTSC/PAL
Selects video standard/format for the
“TV Out” output jack, The video
standard is NTSC for the United states,
Canada, Mexico, Asia and
South America. Pal is used primarily
in Europe
Format
OK/Cancel
Deletes All files stored on a card to
prepare it for reuse. Always format a
card that has been previously used in
other devices. Note: Make sure you
have download and backed up any files
you want to preserve first !
Default Set
Enter/Cancel
Select “Execute” and Press OK to
restore all parameters to the original
factory default settings. If the camera is
behaving oddly and you think you may
have changed the setting for something
accidently, this will reset all parameters
to their most commonly used
or “generic” settings

Version
Different AcornGuard Firmware has
Different Version Number. User need
to check the Version Number when the
firmware is upgrade each time. If the
version number is different from
before, then it means the upgrade is
successful,otherwise user need to
upgrade again.
3.2) Supported Format
Item
Format
Photo
JPG
Video
AVI
File Format
FAT32
The SD card stores all original pictures and videos in the folder
\DCIM\100IMAGE, Pictures are saved with filenames PTDC0001.JPG and
videos like PTDC0001.AVI.
Here are some important notices. You don’t need to concern about the file
system format of the camera unless you have problems with reading the SD-
card by your other equipments. If this happened, please format the SD-card in
the camera or in a computer at first and then reinsert the card into your camera
to try again.
In the
OFF
mode, you can use the provided USB cable to download the
files to a computer. Or you can put the SD card to a SD card reader, plug
in a computer, and browse the files on the computer without downloading.
The AVI video files can be played back on most popular media players,
such as Windows Media
Player, QuickTime, etc.

3.3) Shooting Information Display
Slide the Power switch into “
Test
” Mode and the shooting information will be
displayed on the
Screen.
3.4) Set up Camera/ON PC
Users can set up camera or MMS function.
1) Copy all folders from CD onto Local Disk.
2) Open PC setup Software and Double Click “MMSCONFIG” then the
following interface will be shown.
(Note: This kind of CD is CD-R, please don’t open Camera setup directly on
CD. Need to copy onto Local PC disk and then open it )

Please setup your camera according to your desired settings,
Click “
SAVE
” to choose directory to save your settings. We highly
recommend save the settings in the root directory of the SD card (Be sure
you insert the SD card in the SD card reader and plug it at your
computer) and then,
Click “
SAVE
” A file named
“Parameter”
will be created and saved in
the directory you just selected. If you selected a directory other than the
SD card, you need to move the “Parameter”
file to the root directory of the
SD card before inserting the card in the camera later on. (
Caution: Please
don’t try to change the file name that already generated, otherwise your
camera will can’t be setup as desired
)
User can also user the manufacture default settings by click on .
Retrieve the SD card from the computer and insert it in the camera. Slide
power switch into Test
mode. A message will show up on the TFT display, indicating the Camera
has been successfully
set up. You are set with the camer
3.5 Multi-Time lapse features
Our AcornGuard camera has a very unique features Compared to other
scouting camera in the market,, here we called multi-time lapse features. It
can be worked as a High Quality Time lapse camera.
User can setup Four timers each day from AM and PM
(
Please Don’t
overlap the time of each timer
)
. Then the camera will automatically take
picture or videos clips according to the specified time lapse. This features
will help some customer to observe behavior of the cold blood animal or
some plant such as: flowers etc.

Important Notes
4.1) SD Card
There are plenty of different brand SD cards on the market. We tested on
our camera as many brands as we can. However, we cannot guarantee every
brand SD card will work compatibly with our camera, please format the SD
card on the camera before use. Please try another brand SD card if doesn’t
work. (
NOTE:the camera will not turn on if the SD card is not inserted
)
4.2) 850NM and 940nm IR LED
There are two selects of IR LED on the AG-690HD series camera, 850nm
and 940nm. The former provides more than 65-foot flash range whereas
the latter more than 40 foot flash range. The benefit of 940nm IR LED,
however, it’s emits very low-glow flash that is almost invisible from 5 feet
away.
4.3) Power supply and Battery Box
We recommend using eight new lithium AA (Energizer Brand) or Alkaline
AA batteries. Nimh Rechargeable batteries can also be used, but they
might have a shorter life span due to their reduced efficiency over
time and at low temperature. Please Note. The voltage of each battery
should be 1.5V for non rechargeable Batteries or rechargeable Batteries
。
As a result, the camera
can extend its life in the field by being powered by a external solar panel.
4.4) Downloading the photos/Videos
To download your photos/videos to a PC. First make sure the Camera is
power
switch is in the
“TEST”
Mode. Connect the supplied cable to the Camera’s
USB port. Then connect main USB port on your computer. Then, the camera
will be recognized as a standard “ USB Mass storage” Device.
On all windows OS, the Camera will also be listed as a “ Removable Disk”

if you open my computer” window. The camera’s photo file are named
“PTDC0001.JPG”. video file names will end with “.AVI”. you may copy
the photos/videos to your hard drive as you would any file-just copy/paste or
drag the file name or Icons to your drive or desktop.
4.5) Mounting and Positioning the Camera
After you’ve set up the camera’s parameters to your personal
preferences. You have to take it outside and slide the power switch to “ ON “.
When setting up the camera for scouting game or outdoor applications. You
must make sure to mount it in place correctly and securely, we recommend
mounting the camera on a sturdy tree with a diameter of 6inch (15cm). (5
meters ) Away from the place to be monitored, with the camera placed at a
height of 5-6.5ft. (1.5-2M). please also keep in mind that you will get the
best results at night when the subject is within the ideal flash range. No farther
than 45’ (14m) and no closer than 10’ (3m) from the camera. Besides, The
camera can be also mounted on a tripod
4.6)Troubleshooting FAQ
AcornGuard AG-690HD series Camera won’t power on?
1. Make sure that you have installed at least 4 batteries in the battery
compartment all stacked together.
2. Make sure that the batteries are installed correctly.
3. When moving the switch from “Off” to “Test” or “On”, the user should
make sure that the switch stops in a positive position to ensure the proper
mode (and do not move the switch too fast).
A. The voltage should be between 4.5V and 6.5V;
B. In Test mode, camera will automatically power off if there is no operation
in 1 minute.
Make sure batteries power is enough; or else, camera may power off suddenly
when IR leds is on in TEST mode.
AcornGuard AG-690HD series hunting camera stops taking images or
won’t take images
1. Please make sure that the SD card is not full. If the card is full, the camera
will stop taking images.

2. Check batteries to make sure that they are new alkaline or lithium AA
batteries.
3. Make sure that the camera power switch is in the “On” position and not in
the “Off” or “Test” modes.
4. Please format the SD card with AG-690HD hunting camera before
using or when camera stops taking images.
Photos Do Not Capture Subject of Interest
1. Check the “Sensor Level” (PIR sensitivity) parameter setting. For warm
environmental conditions, set the Sensor Level to “High” and for cold weather
use, set the sensor for “Low”.
2. Try to set your camera up in an area where there is not a heat source in the
camera’s line of sight.
3. In some cases, set the camera near water will make the camera take images
with no subject in them. Try aiming the camera over ground.
4. Try to avoid setting the camera up on small trees that are prone to being
moved by strong winds.
5. Remove any limbs which are right in front of the camera lens.
4.7) Firmware Upgrades
AG-690 series camera are equipped with an automatic upgrade function for
you, Upgrading is needed when an improved firmware is available. Follow
the steps to implement the upgrades.
Ø
Back up the content on the SD card on your computer (Format the
SD card if content is not useful for you)
Ø
Retrieve the SD card and plug it in your computer (SD card reader
may needed). Copy and paste the
FW18NA.BIN
file in the root
directory of the SD card. (Consult with the Local distributor if there is
an upgrade available and where to download it.)
Ø
Retrieve the SD card and insert it back in the camera. Switch to
TEST mode and check the Fimrware version number in Camera
setup. If the Version number is changed, it means the updating is
successed, if not, please upgrade again.
Ø
After upgrade is done, please remember to Delete the firmware
(
FW18NA.BIN
) in SD Card otherwise, the camera will be upgrade
everytime when turn on.

Attention: A firmware upgrade program for one model is not
compatible on other models. In other word, an upgrade for Model
AG-690HD only applies to that model. If a camera is falsely
upgraded by running a non-compatible program, it will quit
working and needs to be sent back for repair. This issue is
not covered
under warranty.
Two-Year Limited Warranty
Congratulations on your purchase of one of the best trail cameras on the
market !
With great pride and full confidence in our products, we always keep our
words which are given to our customers as specified warranty terms and
service below. Based on a strict QC system, we initially offer all our
customers
Two year long time limited warranty,
come along with selectable
chargeable
renewal policy of warranty as one, two, three, or four years
.
Our products are warranted against defects in materials and workmanship for
a period of two year from the date of original purchase. If a defect exists, we
will, at our option and to extent permitted by law will (1)repair the product at
no charge using new or refurbished parts; (2)exchange the product with a
functionally equivalent product that is new or refurbished. Provided the
product is returned freight charge paid.
This warranty excludes damage resulting from abuse, accident, modifications
or other causes that are not defects in materials and workmanship, or by
someone other than our authorized technicians. This warranty only covers
failures due to defects in materials or workmanship under normal usage.
To obtain warranty service, please contact us to determine the nature of
problem before return the product under this warranty(with a written
description of the problem and print samples) for reparing or exchanging.

Appendix I TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Item
Parameters
AG-690HD
Image sensor
8 Mega Pixels
Yes
Max. Pixel size
4000*3000 (12MP)
Yes
Lens
F=3.1;FOV=60°;AutoIR-Cut
Yes
IR-Flash
65 Feet/20 Meters 850NM IR
Flash; 30 Feet/10 Meters on
940NM Low-glow Flash
Yes
LCD Screen
2inch Full definition color
screen
Yes
Memory Card
From 8MB to 32GB
Yes
Picture size
12MP=4000*3000;
8MP=3200*2400;
5MP=2592*1944
Yes
Video Size
1080P=1440*1080(25fps);
720P=1280*720(25fps);
VGA= 640*480 (30fps)
Yes
PIR Sensitively
High/Normal/Low
Yes
PIR Sense
Distance
65Ft/20m
Yes
PIR sensing
Angle
100°
Yes
Operation Mode
Day/Night
Yes
Trigger time
1.0 s (when using 2GB SD card)
Yes
Trigger Interval
0sec-60Min; programmable
Yes

Shooting
numbers
1-5 Photo
Yes
Video length
0-90s; programmable
Yes
Camera+Video
First take picture then Video
Yes
Time stamp
ON/OFF, temperature, moon phase
Yes
Password
4-Digit Number; programmable
Yes
Time lapse
ON/OFF;1Min-24hour
Programmable
Yes
Power Supply
8*AA
YES
Stand-by Current
<0.1mA
YES
Stand-by Time
3-6Months
YES
Auto power off
Auto power off in 2minute if no
input in test mode
YES
Power
consumption
150mA(+350mA when IR LED
lights up
YES
Low-Battery
Alert
4.2-4.5V
YES
Interface
TV out (NTSC/PAL);USB; SD
card slot; 6V DC External
YES
Mounting
Strap; Tripod
YES
Waterproof
IP54
YES
Operation
Temperature
-22~+158°F/-30 ~+70°C
YES

Operation
Humidity
5% ~ 95%
YES
Certificate
CE & FCC & ROHS
YES
Appendix II: PACKAGE CONTENTS
Part Name
Quantity
(
AG-690HD
)
Digital Camera
1
Wireless Control
1
TV AV IN Cable
1
USB Cable
1
Strap
1
External DC Cable(optional)
1
Installation CD
1
Warranty Card
1