Plant Cams

Camera operations:

Currently, we have to two types of cameras: TimelapseCam 8.0 (left photo) and Plant Cam (right photo) (Notes by Jordi Cristobal).

In both cases, however, the way to operate them is the same. Retrieving the SD card 1. The camera will be probably in AUTO mode when you are going to collect the SD card. If not, probably the camera did not take any picture.

2. In order to collect the card, first, you should TURN OFF the camera. To do that, press the power status button until the display is off. If this does not happen the first time, do it again until the display is off. When this happens, the camera let will stop blinking (unfortunately, not always).

3. Set the dial into SETUP mode.

4. Collect the card.

5. Put a new card. IMPORTANT: we have noticed that the Plant Cam green models (right picture), sometimes work with 16Gb cards and sometimes not. So, I would suggest putting a 8Gb card in the green models. With an 8Gb card, you can collect around 7000 high-quality photos, almost 146 days, taking photos every 30 min.

6. Turn on the camera pressing the power button. The display will be then on.

8. Set the dial into AUTO mode. In a few seconds, the camera will take a photo. Something similar to “CAPTURING PHOTO” will appear on the display. If this does not happen repeat the whole procedure. You will notice that the camera has taken a photo because it will appear on the display “0001/7000” (see photo below).

Troubleshooting:

1. SD card file format: I suggest formatting the SD card in FAT 32 file system (option usually used by default in most Windows computer). Doing this, will allow reading the SD card directly with your computer, if you have a card reader.

2. If the card reader does not work properly and you do not have a card reader built-in in your computer, you can use a regular photo GPS-camera to copy the data to your computer. Remember to bring the appropriate USB camera cable.

3. At this photo rate (30 min), the battery camera will last around one month or more in warmer temperatures. The batteries will only last a few weeks at temperatures below freezing. What it is IMPORTANT is to ensure the battery status on the display, i.e. “B: 99%”. In any case, it is worth to replace the batteries with lithium AA on every trip.