TrackSnap Manual
Model TS-DSC-S40-01
Page 2 of 12
Version
TS S40.01
This document comprises information provided by Suppliers and is
assumed to be correct.
Released
Introduction
Congratulations on the purchase of a new TrackSnap camera system. This manual provides detailed
information for the setup and use of your system.
Please read this manual before using your TrackSnap camera. The information provided will give you good
service from your system.
At the heart of any motion sensing camera is a controller board. All TrackSnap cameras use a PixController
PIR (Pryoelectric Infra-Red) motion detection sensor. The PixController motion sensor electronics is a
unique design. With this design you will get the minimum number of false triggers (blank photos), and the
PIR electronics will shut down when the board battery gets low also minimising false photos. It can detect the
target in any vector of travel (say up and down target movement), which is very important if you plan to
mount your sensor in an elevated position.
Knowing your system is working in the field all the time is what you expect from our high quality products!
TrackSnap Setup Tips
•
Ensure the DSC-S40 camera is set up correctly, Camera Mode Selector is in the Still Image
position and turned off as per page 11 of this manual. The TrackSnap controller will power the
camera when required and will not function correctly without these correct settings..
•
Utilise the Auto Walk-Test Mode to confirm settings after positioning the camera as suggested
below. See top of page 4 for auto walk-test mode information.
•
Position the camera correctly
•
Point the sensor away from the rising or setting sun. In general, North or South works well,
but your local site conditions could dictate otherwise.
•
Keep the sensor aimed at an area that will not have intense, direct sunlight warming all or
part of the detection area. Shadows of trees or clouds moving across a sun-warmed area can
cause a momentary temperature drop which could cause a false event to be recorded. The
warmed air rising from the ground can cause problems too.
•
Tall, sun-warmed grasses or other vegetation blowing in a breeze can be detected. Point the
sensor away from dense, sun-warmed vegetation which can trap heat.
•
Even in a shaded area, keep the sensor pointed away from dense shrubs or trees that can
retain the day’s warmth. A warm evergreen or other dense shrub will hold the day’s heat. If
the air temperature drops at night - and the still warm shrub moves in the wind, this
movement could be detected.
•
If the area is known to have many small birds / mammals, you will surely get many empty
pictures, as these active, fast animals will often leave the frame before a picture can be
taken. Orient your sensor to your target.
•
Wind (moving air) can cause false events. The moving air might be warmer or cooler than
the background. Place the sensor in an area sheltered from strong winds when you use your
PIR sensor equipped cameras in a location prone to high winds.
•
Wind can also cause movement of the tree or other object you have your sensor mounted to.
Make sure to secure your sensor to an object that will not sway in strong winds. Trees
should be a minimum of 25 cm in diameter.
•
Make sure your equipment is fastened securely. Movement of the equipment can be
interpreted as motion by the sensor.
