Reconyx HyperFire 2, Security Series User Manual

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Outdoor Series Camera

User Manual

1 RECONYX®, Inc.

Table of Contents

I. Table of Contents ................................................................... 1

II. Camera Overview ................................................................... 2

III. HyperFire 2

™

Controls & Part Diagram................................. 3

IV. Batteries & Memory Cards .................................................... 4

V. Setup & Programming ........................................................... 9

VI. Mounting Your Camera ........................................................ 16

VII. Locking & Securing Your Camera ...................................... 17

VIII. Aiming Your Camera ............................................................ 18

IX. Image Data Information ....................................................... 20

X. Additional Camera Options ................................................. 21

XI. Troubleshooting ................................................................... 22

XII. Warranty, FCC, and Safety Information ............................. 25

XIII. Your Information and Camera Warranty Registration ...... 27

XIV. Copyright & Trademark Information ................................... 27

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Camera Overview

Congratulations on purchasing a RECONYX® camera. RECONYX® has been the leader in digital wildlife cameras since 2002. Your HyperFire 2™ camera is a state-of-the-art digital camera with a Passive Infrared (PIR) motion detector and a night time infrared illuminator. All contained in a secure, rugged and weatherresistant case.

Whether you are using the camera for scouting deer or studying wildlife, you will find that using the HyperFire 2™ camera in conjunction with BuckView™ Advanced software will be one of your most valuable tools in gathering and analyzing data. This software is available to download for free from our website at www.reconyx.com/software/buckview.

Thank you for putting your trust in us!

Contents of this package:

• HyperFire 2™ Camera

• Adjustable Webbing Strap for mounting camera

• This instruction manual

Other things you will need:

• Secure Digital® (SD, SDHC or SDXC) Memory Card up to 512GB

• 12 AA Batteries

NOTE: NiMH rechargeable batteries or Energizer® 1.5V AA Ultimate Lithium™ are

the only battery types recommended in RECONYX® Cameras.

NOTE: If you have any questions or concerns relating to the operation or

functionality of your camera, please contact our Technical Service Department by email at support@reconyx.com or by calling toll free

866-493-6064.

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HyperFire 2™ Controls & Part Diagram

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Batteries & Memory Cards

Accessing Batteries, Memory Card & Camera Controls

To install the batteries and memory card, open the latch on the right side of the camera by grasping behind the latch and flipping it toward the front. The camera will open like a book, allowing access to the batteries, memory card and settings.

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

TIP: Each time you open your camera it’s a good practice to:

• Make sure the main gasket is seated properly and is clear of debris.

• Be sure that the windows on the front of your camera are clean.

• Also be sure the latch is fully seated when closing your camera to ensure a

weather-tight seal.

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Battery Specifications and Installation

The RECONYX® HyperFire 2™ camera uses 12 AA-cell batteries. We highly recommend using either Energizer® Ultimate Lithium™ batteries or high-quality NiMH Rechargeable batteries in your camera. Alkaline batteries are not recommended. They do not provide as much power as Lithium or NiMH batteries and are adversely affected by both hot and cold weather.

NiMH will operate at temperatures down to 0°F; Lithium batteries to -40°F.

NOTE: We strongly advise that you not attempt to run alkaline batteries in your

RECONYX® cameras as the performance will be very poor. Also, alkali damage caused by alkaline batteries is not covered under warranty.

NOTE: Be sure to load batteries in the proper orientation (alternating

positive/negative, six in each battery bay).

Warning! Do not mix battery types! Damage to the camera can result and your warranty will be voided if you mix battery types.

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Battery Performance

Because camera settings, animal activity, individual battery performance and temperature all vary, there is no way to precisely predict a camera’s run time, the total number of images that can be taken or the temperature at which the camera will operate on any given set of batteries. Therefore, the following table shows approximate values and should be used as a guide in determining what type of batteries will best suit your needs.

NOTE: The values in the chart below were based on tests using 12 batteries;

taking 50% daytime photos and 50% nighttime photos at 70ºF. Use of video will greatly affect these estimates.

Battery Type

Operating

Temperature

Number of Images

AA Energizer® Ultimate Lithium™ (1.5V)

-40º F (-40ºC) and above

30,000 to 40,000

AA Rechargeable Nickel-Metal Hydride (1.2V, 2600MaH)

0º F (-18ºC)

and above

20,000 to 30,000

* High temperatures can reduce run time with NiMH batteries by 50% or more.

TIP: You can purchase 1.5V Lithium batteries as well as RECONYX® certified NiMH rechargeable batteries and chargers at www.reconyx.com.

Your camera will display the status based upon battery type. Be sure that the display is showing the same type of battery that you are using. You can change the battery type in the main menu, including Lithium (LITH) or Nickel-Metal Hydride (NIMH).

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Secure Digital® (SD, SDHC, SDXC) Card Specifications

A Secure Digital (SD/SDHC/SDXC) card is used to store the pictures your camera captures. These images may be transferred to your computer using standard image viewing software or RECONYX® BuckView™ mapping and image management software.

TIP: Many digital cameras and smartphones can be used to view images taken

by the HyperFire 2™ camera. No need to purchase a special purpose viewer!

Insertion and Removal of the memory card

Make sure the orientation is correct and that the card is aligned properly. Push gently on the memory card as shown below until it clicks into place.

Warning! Inserting the memory card upside down or backwards could damage the camera or the memory card. Damage resulting from inserting the card incorrectly is not covered under warranty.

To remove memory cards:

1) Press <OK> to disarm the camera (the battery status and number of

pictures taken since last armed will be displayed on the LCD).

2) Switch the power OFF.

3) Press and release the card to partially eject the memory card.

4) The card can then be removed by grasping it with your fingers.

NOTE: Always disarm the camera (by pressing OK) and switch the power off

before removing or inserting the memory card.

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Memory Card - File System Requirements

Secure Digital cards have various speeds and capacities. Larger capacity cards are capable of storing more images. Your HyperFire 2™ camera can accept cards up to 512GB, but most users will find 32GB cards to be more than adequate for normal use.

Cards with higher speed ratings are capable of reading and writing images faster. This is advantageous when taking RapidFire™ image sequences or videos.

NOTE: A 32 GB memory card will store approximately 80,000 images, or 3 hours of video.

Troubleshooting your memory card

If you have a memory card that does not seem to work or you used the card in another device, you may have to re-format your memory card. This can be done with the included BuckView™ software under the “Tools” menu item or with any Windows® Operating System.

Windows® – Steps to format memory card

Step 1: Insert your memory card into your computer's card reader. Step 2: You should see your memory card under the list of available drives. Be

sure to check its contents first to make sure that you have the right drive.

Step 3: Right-click on the drive and choose “Format”. (Do not check “Quick Format”.)

Step 4: Once the process is completed, take the memory card out and insert it into your Camera.

TIP: We recommend that you purchase two memory cards per camera so that

you can swap cards in the field.

You can purchase RECONYX® certified memory cards at www.reconyx.com

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Setup & Programming

With the SD card inserted in the camera, turn the camera on using the On/Off switch.

If this is the first time you’ve used your camera, it will take you through a setup wizard to help you with initial setup. It will start by asking you to set the date.

Use the up and down buttons to change numbers and the right and left buttons to scroll through settings for year, month and date. The OK button will take you to the Set Time screen. Proceed through the setup wizard until setup is complete.

TIP: After the initial setup options are set, your camera is ready to take pictures. All you need to do is make sure your camera has a card and batteries installed, mount it, turn it on, close it up, and walk away. The camera will automatically arm and start taking pictures (with default settings) in two minutes.

Default Settings

NOTE: Throughout this manual, default camera settings are

shown in red letters.

Your RECONYX® HyperFire 2™ camera comes pre-programmed with factory default settings. By default the camera will run in the Quickset Trail mode, which takes 3 pictures per trigger with a 1 second pause between pictures and no delay

between triggers.

If you wish to change your camera’s settings you can do so easily in the field at any time. Changes are easily made using the control buttons and the LCD display. Once you make selections, they are retained by the camera – even when the camera is off and the batteries are removed – so that you don’t need to make selections again unless you want to make any changes.

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HYPERFIRE 2™ Programming Menu

Your camera includes three main levels of options:

Level 1: Main menu options

Level 2: Quickset settings

Level 3: Advanced settings

The programming menus are set up so that the most commonly used items are at the top level. Other camera settings that are not as frequently accessed do not show up every time you are setting up or moving your camera.

NOTE: As with the date and time, you can move through and select any of the

menu options by pressing the directional buttons to scroll and the OK button when the menu or option you want to select is displayed.

TIP: Use the “Programming Diagram” on the next page for a better understanding of how the options are accessed on your HyperFire 2™ camera.

The backlit LCD includes two lines of information. The top line displays the menu, option or setting you are currently accessing. After you make a selection, it may display additional information. The bottom line displays the available options/settings. Selections you can choose from are always displayed between < > brackets on the bottom line.

You can change your camera settings any time you like, either prior to using the camera or in the field. Likewise, you can switch memory cards as needed and check the remaining space on your memory card as well as your remaining battery power.

NOTE: The camera will remember the settings even when shut off, you do not

need to reconfigure the camera unless you want to change its behavior.

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HYPERFIRE 2™ Programming Diagram

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Level 1: Main Menu Items

NOTE: Main Menu Items are shown in Yellow on the Programming Diagram

(Page 11).

Arm Camera – When you select this option, your camera arms in ten seconds. You can cancel the arm sequence by pressing the “OK” button.

Quickset – Quickset options are available for common situations in which you use your camera – see details below.

Change Setup – Allows you to change the way your camera functions – see details below.

WalkTest – When you select this option, your camera flashes an indicator light so that you can test its aim by walking in front of it. The WalkTest mode shows you exactly where the camera’s active motion detection zones are located (see page 18 for more information). The tilt of the camera is critical, as slight changes are magnified at greater distances from the camera.

TIP: If left in WalkTest mode, the camera will automatically arm itself after 2

minutes with no motion events. This allows you to set the camera up, check its aim using WalkTest and then just walk away.

Erase Card – When you select this option, your camera wipes your entire memory card clean, removing all images and other information from the card. You should not select Erase Card unless you are absolutely certain you want to remove everything from the card.

Battery Type – Allows you to select what type of batteries you are using to accurately display the amount of power remaining.

Status/About – When you select this option, your camera displays the number of pictures, number of videos, time, date, firmware version and serial number of the camera. The left and right buttons scroll between these items.

NOTE: The battery status shows the level for different types of batteries. If you

change battery types, be sure to change the “Battery Type” setting.

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Level 2: Quickset Options

NOTE: “Quickset Options” are shown in Blue on the “Programming Diagram”.

QUICKSET options allow you to quickly select pre-programmed settings that are optimized for particular situations. Selecting “Change Setup” takes you to the advanced settings detailed in level 3.

QuickSet Options

Pics/Vids

per Trigger

Picture

Interval

Quiet

Period

Trail: 3 Pics

3 pictures

1 second

None

Scrape: Video

10 seconds

n/a

None

Feeder: Delay

3 pictures

5 seconds

15 seconds

Plot: Timer (USA Only)

1 picture

5 minutes

n/a

Note: The SmartPlot™ Plot Timer with adaptive time lapse technology automatically takes Time Lapse photos every 5 minutes during a 2 hour period at dawn and at dusk. The camera automatically adjusts for sunrise and sunset through the year based upon your location. The Trail setting is also active when Plot Timer is chosen, so regardless of time, the camera will trigger on motion events as well.

Level 3: Change Setup (advanced settings)

NOTE: “Change Setup” options are shown in Grey on the “Programming Diagram”.

MOTION – All settings related to how your camera behaves when motion is

detected are grouped under this menu item.

1) Motion Pictures – ON, off

2) Pictures Per Trigger – 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10

3) Picture Interval – RapidFire™, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 seconds

4) Motion Videos – on, OFF a) If On, Video Length – 5 sec, 10 SEC, Dynamic Length

5) Quiet Period – NO DELAY, 5s, 10s, 15s, 30s, 1m, 2m, 3m, 5m

6) Sensitivity - low, low/medium, medium, medium/high, HIGH, very high

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TIME LAPSE – All settings related to how your camera behaves related to time based triggers are grouped under this menu item.

1) Lapse Picture – on, OFF

2) Lapse Video – on, OFF a) If On, Video Length – 5 sec., 10 SEC.

3) If Picture or Video On, Interval – 1 min, 5 MIN, 15 min, 30 min, 1 hour

4) If Picture or Video On, Lapse Schedules – 24 HOUR, add

If you want to restrict the times when the time lapse photos/videos are taken, you can do it by adding schedule(s) to the camera. Two scheduled periods can be added to the camera. For instance, you can add a morning period and an afternoon period when you would like Time Lapse pictures and/or videos to be taken.

DAY/NIGHT – Select options relating to the camera’s functionality with regard to taking photos/videos during day time and night time periods as well as select the best night time Infrared illumination options for your application.

1) Take Pictures – Day Only, Night Only, both DAY & NIGHT

2) Take Videos - Day Only, Night Only, both DAY & NIGHT

3) Night Mode - Adjust the nighttime exposure

• OPTIMIZED – best combination of shutter speed and flash range

• Fast Shutter - reduced motion blur, reduced flash range

• Long Range – increased range, reduced image quality

USER LABEL - Add a label (up to 16 characters) that will be included in the data band of all photos and videos taken by your camera. You can also view, change or clear an existing label.

CODELOC - Use CodeLoc™ to add a four-digit security code to your camera to prevent unauthorized use of your camera in the event of tampering or theft. You can also change or remove an existing code.

TIP: Write your four-digit CodeLoc™ code on the last page of this manual.

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DATA BANDS – Set format for how time and temperature will be displayed on the data bands for photos and videos. Select Time Format (12 or 24 hours) and Temperature scale (FAHRENHEIT, Celsius).

DATE/TIME – Set the date and time. Up and down buttons change numbers, left and right buttons move between year, month and date. OK takes you to the time setting. Use up and down buttons to change numbers. Use left and right buttons to move between hours and minutes.

LOCATION – USA or Other. Users are asked to enter location information. This information is required to enable the SmartPlot™ feature to work properly.

RESOLUTION – Select picture and video aspect ratio. (16:9 WIDE) or (4:3 STANDARD).

TIP: The 16:9 Wide setting is ideal for viewing images on widescreen monitors

or HD television sets. The 4:3 Standard setting records full resolution pictures and videos.

USE DEFAULTS – (NO, Yes, Factory Reset). If you choose Yes, your settings will be reset to defaults (shown above in RED CAPITAL letters). Defaults will not reset your date, time, battery type or location information. If you choose Factory Reset, all of your settings will be reset to factory settings and your camera will reboot as if it were the first time you powered it on.

TIP: You can return to the Main Menu options at any time by simply pushing the

“up” directional arrow button.

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Mounting Your Camera

Your RECONYX® HyperFire 2™ camera can be mounted to a RECONYX® Universal Camera Mount™ or a camera tripod by utilizing the threaded insert on the bottom of the camera housing.

The camera can also be mounted to a tree by using the adjustable webbing strap (shown below). You can secure the camera to a tree and lock it shut at the same

time with a Python™ cable lock by Masterlock®. Simply thread the cable through the “Lock Tunnel” on the camera and then cinch in place around the tree or post.

Mounting Camera with Adjustable Webbing Strap (included)

We recommend that you mount your camera at the approximate height of your target animal, and then aim the camera straight out for the best chance of sensing motion in the active detection zone.

NOTE: It is highly recommended that you use a theft deterrent device such as a

security box and/or a Python Lock™ by Masterlock® to help secure your camera against possible theft when it is in the field. You can purchase HyperFire 2™ compatible mounts, theft deterrent cable locks and security enclosures at www.reconyx.com .

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Locking & Securing Your Camera

There are a number of options to securely mount your camera.

1) A Python™ cable lock by Masterlock® can be used by threading it through

the Lock Tunnel in the camera and securing it to a tree or another object. This will prevent the camera from being opened or easily removed.

2) For increased security, RECONYX

offers a custom fit Security Enclosure for the HyperFire 2™ camera series. The Security Enclosure can be secured with either a padlock or the Python™ cable lock by Masterlock®.

HyperFire 2™ Security Enclosure Python™ cable lock by Masterlock®

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Aiming Your Camera

PIR Motion Detector

The Passive Infrared Motion Detector on your HyperFire 2™ camera is aligned with the camera lens to give you the best chance of capturing subjects that come into the field of view of the camera, while not triggering on subjects outside the view of the camera.

The motion detector can detect movement up to 100 feet (30 m) away. However, the detection range is dependent on the size and temperature of the subject (relative to ambient temp) as well as the speed at which the subject is moving.

The HyperFire 2™ Motion Detector consists of a horizontal detection band (shown in red). Camera aim is critical to maximize detection range.

For the camera to trigger two things need to happen:

1) An object with a temperature different from the background temperature

must be present within the field of view of the motion detector (shown in red) (i.e. something warmer or colder than the ambient temperature).

2) That object (with a temperature differential) must move horizontally within the

active zone approximately 1/8 of the way across the field of view of the camera.

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Using the “WalkTest” Mode

Learning to use the WalkTest mode is critical to being as successful as possible with your RECONYX® camera. The WalkTest mode allows you to precisely determine your camera’s active motion detection zone. This ensures that your camera is aimed exactly where you want to capture animal activity.

1) Secure the camera to a tree or other object aiming the camera toward where

you want it to capture pictures.

2) Put camera in “WalkTest” mode,

and close the camera.

3) Walk in front of the camera where

you expect to capture pictures. Every time the red WalkTest light blinks it indicates that a motion event has taken place. If the WalkTest light does not blink where you expect it to, adjust the aim or location of the camera.

4) If possible, set up the camera so

that no large trees or objects are in the main field of view of the camera, as they can adversely affect motion detection as well as night time flash range.

NOTE: All RECONYX® cameras will self-arm from the “WalkTest” mode after a

two minute period during which it does not detect any motion events.

TIP: Be sure to use the “WalkTest” mode to be sure the camera is aimed correctly.

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Image Data Information

Your RECONYX® HyperFire 2™ camera stores Image Data along with every picture it takes. Some of this information is displayed in Image Data bands above and below the image.

• An “M” or “T” in the top data band indicates a “motion” or “time-lapse” event.

A “D” in the top data band indicates a “Dynamic Video” sequence.

• “1/3” indicates the first in a sequence of three pictures for that event.

• Moon Phases displayed include: (new moon), (waxing crescent),

(first quarter), (waxing gibbous), (full moon), (waning gibbous), (last quarter), and (waning crescent).

• An “Illumination” indicator appears in the Image Data bands, when the

infrared illuminator is used.

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Additional Camera Options

IR Mask

If you need to clean the IR Array window, the IR Mask™ is easily removed by carefully inserting a small screw driver in one of the small slots and prying it out.

Warning! Be very careful not to scratch the IR Array window!

Step 1

Step 2

The windows covering the IR Array, lens, WalkTest indicator and light meter may all be cleaned with glass cleaner or water using a soft non-abrasive cloth.

To replace the IR Mask™, carefully line up one side of the IR Mask™ with the IR Array window. Then gently push on both sides until the IR Mask™ is completely seated against the window and snaps into both sides.

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Troubleshooting

For answers to questions about your RECONYX® HyperFire 2™ camera that you cannot find in this User Manual, please check the RECONYX® web site (www.reconyx.com).

Firmware Updates

You should also periodically check the RECONYX® website for firmware updates for your camera. We periodically release firmware updates with new features and/or performance enhancements. Updating firmware on the HyperFire 2™ Series cameras takes just a few seconds and is well worth the effort to ensure your camera is performing at the highest level possible.

Limited Nighttime Range

If your nighttime range is less than expected, check to be sure you are using only recommended battery types and that they are new or fully charged.

The physical camera setup is also important in getting good nighttime images. If you aim the camera out over an open field where there is nothing within range to reflect the Infrared energy back toward the camera, the images will appear very dark (like shining a flashlight into outer space). The best nighttime images will be captured when you have a backdrop of some sort that will reflect energy back toward the camera (e.g. trees, tall grass, fence, building, hillside, etc).

The other issue you may encounter with setup is that if you have an object near the camera that reflects a lot of IR energy back to the camera. The camera will optimize its exposure so as not to over expose this close object. This can result in what appears to be limited range. The solution to this setup problem is to either move the camera or remove the close object from the field of view of the camera.

Focus Problems

If your images appear cloudy or out of focus, first consider whether there was snow or frost on the camera windows. You may wish to check your camera after a fresh snowfall to be sure the windows are not covered with snow. Next, check the windows for dirt and water spots, and gently clean them with a clean soft cloth and glass cleaner or water. Image clarity can also be adversely affected by very high temperatures, so it is a good idea to mount your camera where it will not be getting direct sunlight during the heat of the day.

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False Triggers

If you seem to be getting false triggers (i.e. the camera is taking pictures of nothing); first put your camera back to the default settings and try your camera again. This will ensure that you are running with known settings – with the motion detector ON at HIGH sensitivity and with Time-Lapse OFF.

If after going back to the default settings, you still seem to be getting false triggers, check the physical setup of your camera. The sun should not be shining directly on the face of the camera and the camera’s field of view should be cleared of as much vegetation as possible. False triggers most often occur on sunny, breezy days. Vegetation will soak up the sun’s energy and it will become warmer than the ambient air temperature. Then, when the wind moves the vegetation and warm air around, the camera sees this and cannot distinguish it from a warm-blooded animal moving in the scene. For this reason, careful placement and setup of your camera helps prevent false triggers.

Only as a last resort should you turn down your camera’s motion sensitivity. This reduces your ability to detect movement of warm-blooded animals, especially during the summer.

Camera Not Triggering on Animals

First, put the camera back to Default settings and try your camera again. This will ensure that you are running with known settings – it will set the motion detector ON at HIGH sensitivity. This is important, especially in the warmer months, because as the background temperature approaches the temperature of the animals, the strength of the signal decreases and the range goes down accordingly.

If you are still having trouble, please refer to the “Mounting and Aiming Your Camera” section for detailed information, as well as using the WalkTest mode. Keep in mind that most animals are not 6 feet (2 meters) tall, so when you use the WalkTest mode, do not just walk by the camera in a full upright stance. The camera may be triggering on your upper torso or head and not on your legs (where most animals are likely to be).

It is important to keep in mind that there are other factors that can also affect the ability of your camera to detect motion. Wind can have a detrimental effect. Body heat from an animal can be quickly dispersed away from the animal on a breezy day, making it more difficult for the camera to detect the animal. Also movement directly toward and away from the camera is less likely to trigger the

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camera than side-to-side movement. And finally, if an animal is moving very slowly, it will sometimes not produce a strong enough signal within the sensor to trigger the camera.

Memory Card Problems

If your camera won’t start up properly or displays a “card error, write lock”, first check to be sure your card is not

“Locked”. On most SD cards there is a switch on the side of

the card. If the card is locked, you will not be able to save any photos. If the card is not locked, but this message persists, you can attempt to clean the contacts in the card holder by blowing canned air into the card slot. This will often resolve the issue.

If you have other issues, you may have to try a different brand of memory card. We have found that some inexpensive memory cards are very slow and do not always run well (even if they are advertised as fast). RECONYX® certified memory cards are available at www.reconyx.com

Cold Weather Problems

If your camera shuts down in the cold, it may be too cold for the batteries. Refer to “Battery Specifications” for recommended battery types. Extreme cold weather does have an adverse effect on the LCD display. This does not inhibit the camera’s ability to function, it just makes it hard to read the display.

Battery Life Less than Expected

NiMH batteries have decreased life in hot weather. They will run the camera, but they will have decreased run time. It is not unusual to see battery life drop off 50% or more when daytime temperatures are near 90˚ Fahrenheit or higher. This will not damage your NiMH batteries, their charge just runs down faster. If you notice that nighttime illumination decreases over time, you should change your batteries sooner or switch to Lithium batteries.

Reconyx HyperFire 2, Security Series User Manual

Specifications and Main Features

Frequently Asked Questions

User Manual