Solar Panel & AA Battery TroubleshootingUpdated 5 months ago
How often should my camera need AA batteries?
Based on average camera activity and settings, you should replace the camera's AA batteries based on the below guidelines.
Standard panel: roughly every 2-4 months.
Premium panel: roughly every 6-12 months.
Mega panel: rarely requires replacement. We recommend AA backup battery replacement in case of hardware failure.
On the bottom of the solar panel is a black button which, when pressed, displays the panel charge level as a series of red lights. If you see fewer than 3 solid red lights, we recommend taking the panel inside to charge overnight and perform the test again the next morning. If the light pattern hasn't improved, this may indicate a solar panel failure which we can further investigate.
We also recommend checking the power ports on the solar panel and camera, and charge cable between them. Also, if your panel has multiple OUT ports, please ensure the camera power cable is plugged into the 12V OUT only.
Based on average camera activity and settings, you should replace the camera's AA batteries based on the below guidelines.
Standard panel: roughly every 2-4 months.
Premium panel: roughly every 6-12 months.
Mega panel: rarely requires replacement. We recommend AA backup battery replacement in case of hardware failure.
On the bottom of the solar panel is a black button which, when pressed, displays the panel charge level as a series of red lights. If you see fewer than 3 solid red lights, we recommend taking the panel inside to charge overnight and perform the test again the next morning. If the light pattern hasn't improved, this may indicate a solar panel failure which we can further investigate.
We also recommend checking the power ports on the solar panel and camera, and charge cable between them. Also, if your panel has multiple OUT ports, please ensure the camera power cable is plugged into the 12V OUT only.
1) Before Deployment
• Charge the solar panel using the included 12V DC charger or USB cable until fully charged (typically 8-10 hours). Charge panels via the IN port.
2) Mounting the Solar Panel
• Using the provided strap or mounting bracket, orient the solar panel to maximize sun exposure.
• Typically, orienting the solar panel towards the south will maximize sun exposure.
• The orientation may require seasonal adjustment.
• Using the provided cable, connect the solar panel to the camera.
• Place the rubber grommets on the cable connectors.
• Connect the solar panel's "OUT" to the camera's "12V DC".
• Make sure the connectors are fully inserted into the solar panel and camera.
3) Managing the Camera's Power Consumption
• With 3-4 hours of direct sunlight, the solar panel should remain charged throughout the day.
• If the solar panel is draining, consider changing camera settings to reduce power draw.
• Limit the number of daily photos.
• Limit the camera to daytime operation only.
• Change "SMS Control" to "By Trigger". Note, this setting will significantly reduce power
consumption, but the camera will not be able to receive on-demand image requests.