Setup: Before Deployment
Getting prepared before going out into the field
1. Checklist Before Leaving
Fully charge your 18650 lithium-ion batteries
Batteries are secured inside Sentinels and no internal cables are loose
Ensure Sentinels are properly configured in the online dashboard
Pre-test connectivity in a controlled setting
Verify your SD card is properly inserted. Practice connecting the camera traps and Sentinels with the cabled SD card, close the camera trap door and test the camera activation while monitoring the Sentinel's LED light behavior (flashing red light followed by yellow light for success)
ONLY USE FULLY CHARGED BATTERIES IN YOUR SENTINEL
Don't travel with antennas installed/screwed onto Sentinels, as this can damage the antenna connection. Travel with them separate from the Sentinels in your bag.
Camera and Sentinel Setup video & Light Guide
2. Set Your Camera Trap Settings (before you're in the field!)
Date/Time (this is very important)
Camera/Sentinel Name on the dashboard (making post-deployment monitoring easier)
Trigger Settings (don't use timelapse or this will result in thousands of photos very quickly)
Photo Mode (not video)
If using Reconyx cameras - enable Loop Record with custom Sentinel firmware
3. Preparing for Deployment
Before heading into the field, ensure you have:
Fully charged your 18650 lithium-ion batteries
Your Sentinel device (with loaded batteries)
A compatible trail camera (with loaded batteries)
SD card cables and spares
Mounting straps
Antennas to attach to the Sentinel (it is easier to transport Sentinels with the antennas unattached and loose)
Laptop and SD card reader to read data in the field (optional)