# Troubleshooting common issues

### The camera trap is not triggering the Sentinel

✅ Check that the SD card cable is securely plugged in.&#x20;

✅ Ensure the camera is in photo mode, not video mode.&#x20;

✅ Verify that the Sentinel has power (blue light blinking).&#x20;

✅ Test another SD cable in case of a faulty connection.

### Data is not transmitting from Sentinel to my dashboard

✅ Ensure the Sentinel has connectivity (WiFi, cellular, satellite, or LoRa).&#x20;

✅ Check the Sentinel’s [status LEDs](../../getting-started/technical-specification/sentinel-led-light-guide) for error codes.&#x20;

✅ Restart the Sentinel by turning it off and on.&#x20;

✅ Manually retrieve data from the SD card in the Sentinel if no transmission occurs.

***

## Troubleshooting

{% hint style="warning" %}
**Check the connection between the camera trap & the Sentinel**
{% endhint %}

<details>

<summary>Checks &#x26; Solutions</summary>

* **Checks:**

- [x] **Quick check:** Trigger the camera trap and observe the rapid red flashes followed by [1-2 yellow flashes](../../getting-started/compatible-camera-traps). This means the Sentinel is reading the SD card cable. <mark style="color:orange;">(Duration: <1min)</mark> &#x20;
  * [x] If this doesn't work: proceed to **Solutions.**&#x20;
  * [x] If this works: proceed to **Thorough check.**
- [x] **Thorough check (always recommended):** Trigger the camera (so it takes some pictures) and power cycle the Sentinel (switch off and on). The Sentinel will reboot and will transfer and process all the images on the SD card ([green lighs](#what-the-sentinel-lights-mean)). If you see te green light sequences you can be sure the Sentinel is correctly connected to the camera trap. <mark style="color:orange;">(Duration: \~5mins)</mark>&#x20;
  * [x] If this doesn't work: proceed to **Solutions.**&#x20;
  * [x] If this works: <mark style="color:green;">**You're done! :)**</mark>

* **Solutions:**

- [x] Make sure the SD Card is properly inserted and doesn't get pulled out too easily. You can give the cable some slack when closing the camera trap door.
- [x] Make sure the SD card cable isn't damaged when closing the camera trap door. You can reroute the cable so it exits the camera trap where the least pressure is exerted.
- [x] Repeat **Checks** & **Solutions**.
- [x] **Last resort:** Replace the Spypoint SD card cable and repeat **Checks** & **Solutions**.

* **Supporting material**

Check out this [video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pDYlcd6wWmQ) which will take you through both both the quick & thorough checks.

</details>

{% hint style="warning" %}
**The camera trap is not functioning correctly with the SD card cable plugged in**
{% endhint %}

<details>

<summary>Checks &#x26; Solutions</summary>

* **Checks:**

- [x] Make sure there is NO "Card ERROR" message displayed on the camera
- [x] Check that the SD card cable is securely plugged in.
- [x] Ensure the camera is in photo mode, not video mode.&#x20;
- [x] Make sure the camera trap takes pictures correctly and the counter of number of images taken increases
- [x] If you have the necessary equipment, check the pictures on the SD card
- [x] Test another SD cable in case of a faulty connection.

* **Solutions:**

- [x] &#x20;Replace the Spypoint SD card cable

</details>

{% hint style="warning" %}
**I'm unsure if the Sentinel is active**
{% endhint %}

<details>

<summary>Checks &#x26; Solutions</summary>

* **Checks:**

- [x] The red 'Heartbeat' light on Sentinel is flashing

* **Solutions:**

- [x] Replace or recharge the Sentinel batteries
- [x] **Last resort:** Replace Sentinel or contact a CXL engineer: **sentinel-support@conservationxlabs.org**.

</details>
