Setup: In the Field
How to set up a Sentinel when you get to that tree
We recommend you trial the full process within the reach of computing equipment and connectivity before heading out into the field.
A - Prepare your camera trap & the Sentinel
Mount the Sentinel and camera trap in place. Make sure they are close enough to be connected.
Install the satellite or cellular antenna onto the Sentinel.
Connect the cable to Sentinel and tighten it in place - leave the Sentinel switched off for now.
B - Testing the camera trap
Insert SD Card (Spypoint cable) into the camera trap.
Turn on the camera trap. Check settings (if necessary).
Trigger the camera & check whether the camera functions properly with the SD card inserted.
(Optional, but recommended) Check the SD card with laptop/phone that camera positioning is correct
Switch off the camera trap & disconnect the SD Card (Spypoint cable)
From this point onwards, DO NOT stand in front of the camera trap.
C I - Testing your Sentinel - Setup mode
Depending on the software version your Sentinel is running you should now verify it's functioning.
First, please verify your software version with us:
If your MCU software version is >= 1.01 you should proceed to the Setup Mode section.
If your MCU software version is < 1.01 you should proceed to step 8.
If your Sentinel has successfully exited the setup mode it will run through the normal booting process, which is detailed below. If you did not have the setup mode available you can directly skip to step 8.
C II - Testing your Sentinel - without Setup mode
Turn on the Sentinel
Connect the SD card (Spypoint cable) to the camera trap
Switch on the camera trap (leave the door open for now, in case you need to change settings e.g. delay between triggers for faster testing)
Once the fast blinking red lights stop, trigger the camera trap and observe the lights on the Sentinel board
The number of yellow flashes is important and depends on the camera model & settings. Please refer to the compatible cameras section and the Troublshooting section ("Check the connection between the camera trap & the Sentinel") below.
Close the door of the camera trap and repeat step 12.
Be careful closing the door. Ensure that SD card isn't pulled out of the slot, and that the cable isn't kinked or damaged.
Turn off the Sentinel & proceed to section D
D - Testing your Sentinel - Boot process
Turn on the Sentinel - while the camera trap is turned on. Note, you should NOT have the camera trap menu activated (both the Sentinel & camera trap should still be turned on if you have completed Setup mode). Observe the lights on the Sentinel board.
Wait until the lights stop flashing (ignore the lights on the back of the Sentinel). After the boot process finishes, the red 'heart beat' light (indicating an active Sentinel) should persist.
Trigger the camera a few times more and confirm the correct light sequences.
Make sure you have tested section D and particularly step 17 with a closed camera trap door. Don not forget to set the correct settings e.g. camera date & time between triggers before you leave things in the field.
Close the Sentinel door and walk away!
Tutorial video & additional information
Troubleshooting
Check the connection between the camera trap & the Sentinel
Make sure the camera trap reads the SD card correctly
Make sure the Sentinel is switched on & active
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