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Scout PIR
Owner's Manual
44 pgs3.6 Mb0

Cognisys Scout PIR Owner's Manual

Owner’s Manual
Revision 1.0
Copyright 2018 Cognisys, Inc.
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Table of Contents
1. SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS .................................................................................................................................. 5
2. GETTING STARTED ......................................................................................................................................... 5
2.6.1 Cleaning ................................................................................................................................................. 10
2.6.2 Care and storage .................................................................................................................................... 10
2.6.3 Maintaining Weatherproof Design ........................................................................................................ 11
3. ACCESSORIES ............................................................................................................................................... 13
4. INSTALLING THE SOFTWARE ........................................................................................................................ 15
5. BASIC NAVIGATION ..................................................................................................................................... 15
6. NAVIGATING THE APP ................................................................................................................................. 17
6.2.1 Read Config ............................................................................................................................................ 18
6.2.2 Save Config ............................................................................................................................................ 18
6.2.3 Shutter ................................................................................................................................................... 18
6.2.4 Outputs Off ............................................................................................................................................ 18
7. SETTINGS ..................................................................................................................................................... 20
7.2.1 # pics (elapsed) ...................................................................................................................................... 21
7.2.2 Sensitivity ............................................................................................................................................... 21
7.2.3 LED On .................................................................................................................................................... 21
7.2.4 Camera Settings ..................................................................................................................................... 21
7.2.4.1 # pics ............................................................................................................................................................. 22
7.2.4.2 Delay ............................................................................................................................................................. 22
7.2.4.3 On time ......................................................................................................................................................... 22
7.2.4.4 Off time ......................................................................................................................................................... 22
7.2.4.5 Final Off ......................................................................................................................................................... 22
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7.2.4.6 Extend On Time ............................................................................................................................................. 23
7.2.4.7 Extend Off Time ............................................................................................................................................ 23
7.2.4.8 Periodic Half-Press (PHP) .............................................................................................................................. 23
7.2.5 Wireless Settings .................................................................................................................................... 24
7.2.5.1 Enabled ......................................................................................................................................................... 24
7.2.5.2 Channel ......................................................................................................................................................... 24
7.2.5.3 ID ................................................................................................................................................................... 24
7.2.5.4 Wake Up Speed ............................................................................................................................................. 24
7.2.6 Time Settings ......................................................................................................................................... 25
7.2.6.1 On Time ......................................................................................................................................................... 25
7.2.6.2 Off Time ........................................................................................................................................................ 25
7.2.7 Shot Limit ............................................................................................................................................... 26
7.2.7.1 Limit Window ................................................................................................................................................ 26
7.2.7.2 Limit Timeout ................................................................................................................................................ 26
7.2.8 Software ID ............................................................................................................................................ 27
7.2.9 Voltage ................................................................................................................................................... 27
7.2.10 Load PIR Defaults ............................................................................................................................... 27
8. EXAMPLES ................................................................................................................................................... 28
8.3.1 Scout PIR in the Camera Box App ........................................................................................................... 32
9. INSTALLING THE REFLASH SOFTWARE (OPTIONAL) ...................................................................................... 39
10. TROUBLESHOOTING ................................................................................................................................ 40
11. SPECIFICATIONS ...................................................................................................................................... 42
12. WARRANTY ............................................................................................................................................. 43
13. REVISION HISTORY .................................................................................................................................. 44
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Table of Figures
Figure 1 – Scout PIR Connections ............................................................................................................... 12
Figure 2 - Mac/PC Global Buttons (at top) .................................................................................................. 17
Figure 3 - Basic Connection Diagram .......................................................................................................... 30
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1. Safety Instructions
WARNING indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
Follow all CAUTION notices to reduce the risk of personal injury, prevent damage to the Scout equipment, accessories, and devices (computers, cameras, flashes, etc). Failure to follow all CAUTION notices may void your warranty. CAUTION may also indicate a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may result in personal injury.
The safety alert symbol precedes a general CAUTION or WARNING statement.
The electrical hazard symbol precedes an electric shock hazard CAUTION or WARNING statement.
CAUTION: Only use approved power sources for Scout equipment. Use of other power
adapters or batteries may damage the sensor and/or attached equipment.
CAUTION: Misuse of Scout equipment could potentially damage your equipment. Cognisys, Inc.
will not be held liable for damage to your equipment. If you have questions about safety please contact us!
2. Getting Started
The latest version of this manual is available on our website at:
http://www.cognisys-inc.com/store/scout-pir.html
The graphics/menus included in this manual may not be identical to the software that you are running. Improvements and adjustments to the software may happen prior to an updated version of the manual.
Not big on reading manuals? (What? No thumbs-up? We worked hard on this you know!) We have a few real world setups in the “8 - Examples” section. You can always come back to the technical details if you get stuck. You really should finish reading this section though – it goes through battery replacement and the basic care of the sensor.
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2.1 What is the Scout PIR?
The Scout PIR is an ideal solution for short-term or long-term trail photography. It uses Passive Infrared (PIR) to detect motion. This means it is looking for a heat signature to move.
The Scout PIR has several features not available with many trail photography devices:
• Ultra-compact
• USB controlled
• Customizable camera control
• Adjustable sensitivity to prevent false activations
• Time windows of operation to only go after the subjects you’re interested in
• Can limit the number of shots to reduce nuisance triggers (curious squirrels)
• Wired or wireless operation with other Scout equipment
• Quad-element differential PIR sensor for superior noise filtering
• Fast response time (up to 100ms)
• Weatherproof design
• Removable ¼-20 tripod mount
• Operates off of 2 AA batteries
• > 90 days of battery life
• Wide operating temperature range: -20C – 60C (-4F – 140F)
2.2 Why PIR? (and its limitations)
Advantages of PIR:
• Reduced cost.
• Single-ended sensor. You don’t need a transmitter since you’re just looking for a
change in the scenes heat signature. Less camera framing concerns.
• Excellent battery life with just two AA’s.
• Wider field of view than a beam sensor (great for video work)
• Can detect slight motion (a beam-break system only activates when the subject crosses
the beam – PIR will continue to activate when it sees motion)
Disadvantages of PIR:
• Wider field of view makes tack-sharp pictures more difficult. You may be counting more on your camera’s depth of field.
• Potential false triggers from sunlight (warm leaves blowing in the wind)
• Slower response time
• There is a short 2-3 second “recovery” time after a subject is detected
• Decreased detection range compared to Scout RX
• Decreased operating temperature range compared to Scout RX
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There definitely is a place for PIR-based sensors in the trail photography / camera trap world. If the disadvantages of the Scout PIR make you a little nervous – no worries! We have an incredible beam-break style system that is fully compatible with other Scout equipment:
https://www.cognisys-inc.com/store/scout-standard.html
Still not sure? You can always send us an e-mail at support@cognisys-inc.com
. We’d be happy
to answer your questions!
2.3 What is Included
The Scout PIR includes:
• Scout PIR sensor
• Camera cable of choice (for stills)
• 4m/13ft weatherproof cable (Scout PIR to camera)
• Removable ¼-20 tripod mount
• Quick-start guide insert
If you purchased the Scout PIR as a kit it may include additional accessories.
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2.4 Battery Installation
Battery installation is a simple process and because the Scout PIR has excellent battery life – you won’t have to do it often!
The Scout PIR requires two AA (LR6) batteries. You can use either alkaline, lithium, or rechargeable varieties. For details about maximizing battery life see section “8.5 - Maximum Battery Life”.
1. Be sure the sensor is clean prior to replacing the batteries otherwise dirt may compromise the weatherproof seal.
2. Remove the two front screws (by the front label shown above with the red arrows) using a Philips screwdriver.
3. Remove the battery door.
4. Install the two batteries.
5. Align and push the battery cover onto the sensor housing.
6. Install screws being careful not to cross-thread them – do not overtighten!
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2.5 Quick Start Guide
Want to be up and running in two minutes or less? Here’s the quick-start guide in case you misplaced it:
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2.6 Cleaning and Care
We want your Scout equipment to last – so here are some brief steps to keep it happy!
2.6.1 Cleaning
For cleaning we recommend a slightly dampened (not wet) micro-fiber cloth. Do not spray water directly into the inside of the equipment. Any liquid that goes into the sensor may cause an electrical failure of the device. Do not use a flammable liquid/solvents or cleaning agents on the sensor – just a micro-fiber cloth (dampened if needed).
2.6.2 Care and storage
Scout equipment is designed to handle normal wear and tear but there are some things to avoid:
Do not get the unit wet internally. If not using the external connectors be sure to attach the protective cover or
water may leak into the sensor causing damage.
Do not drop the unit (there is some fancy technology inside – if you wouldn’t
drop your camera, why would you drop this sensor?!?)
Protect the unit’s sensor opening when packing up your gear. If a tripod fights
the PIR sensor – the tripod will win.
Do not allow dirt to get into the blue weatherproof seal around the battery
compartment. This could cause seal failure and damage to the sensor and/or batteries.
Do NOT remove the four screws on the back of the sensor (opposite of the
battery door). This may cause water to leak into the electronics.
Remove all batteries prior to long term storage.
Failure to properly care for the Scout PIR could result in a leak that may damage the unit. The product warranty does not cover water damage resulting from user error.
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2.6.3 Maintaining Weatherproof Design
Scout equipment is designed to meet the most challenging environmental conditions. It does, however, require some care to maintain its weatherproof sealing.
Prior to opening the equipment rinse it under gently running water if it is dirty.
It’s very important to keep the housing’s silicone seal clean. A single hair or grain of sand could potentially cause the housing to leak and damage the equipment. The seal is bright blue in color. If the seal is dirty use a water dampened cotton swab to remove any debris and thoroughly air dry the seal prior to returning the sensor into the field.
Below is an image indicating the seal location. It is recessed in a groove in the battery compartment.
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2.7 The Scout PIR
There are two connectors on the Scout PIR (left to right):
1. Camera Connector (5-pin) Camera half/full press: 3.5mm connector on end of cable.
2. USB
Change sensor settings (you can also do this wirelessly via the Scout Camera Box). Update firmware.
The Scout PIR uses weather-resistant connectors and cables. If the sensor will be used outside during the rain, snow, or condensing humidity be sure to have the connectors locked in place (including the connector caps if a port is unused). The 3.5mm jack on the end of the supplied cable must be kept dry.
Figure 1 – Scout PIR Connections
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3. Accessories
The Scout PIR works great all on its own but there are some key accessories that could turn this sensor into a full-blown camera trapping system.
3.1 Scout Camera Box
Most camera trapping systems are intended for long term deployments under harsh conditions. Keeping your camera dry and secure is usually a requirement! Thankfully we’ve developed a camera box that is ideal for holding your camera. It also has the added benefit of wirelessly communicating with the Scout PIR sensor. This means no more hungry red squirrels or insects eating cables. Bear will have less “play toys” when there aren’t any cables laying around. The setup is easy and has been used around the world in the most challenging conditions.
For more information please look at our website:
https://www.cognisys-inc.com/store/scout-camera-box.html
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3.2 Scout Receiver
Why would you want a Scout Receiver if you are using a Scout PIR? For additional
flexibility. The Camera Box lets you combine several Scout PIR and RX/TX combinations for a variety of applications. One Scout PIR could turn on auxiliary lighting, another PIR could start video recording, while the Receiver could have a burst of tack-sharp still images taken. When used in conjunction with the Camera Box the only limit is your creativity (and the cooperation of whatever you’re shooting!).
For more information please look at our website:
https://www.cognisys-inc.com/store/scout-standard.html
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