aACORN GUARD AG-690HD Series User Manual - User Manual

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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)

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

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)

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.

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

(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

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

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)

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.)

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.

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

Wireless Control

TV AV IN Cable

USB Cable

Strap

External DC Cable(optional)

Installation CD

Warranty Card

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