> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://conservation-x-labs-1.gitbook.io/sentinel-multi-language/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://conservation-x-labs-1.gitbook.io/sentinel-multi-language/in-the-field/setup-in-the-field/setup-mode.md).

# Setup Mode

Instructions on using the setup available from MCU version 1.01.

{% hint style="info" %}
**Setup mode is intended as a way for users to verify basic Sentinel operation in the field prior to leaving the deployment location**

You do not have to use it, but it is strongly encouraged when deploying a device. It allows you to determine:

* A functioning connection between the camera trap and the Sentinel without booting the Sentinel. 
* In case you're working with a **satellite Sentinel**:
  * Whether Sentinel has a *time sync* and confirms a GPS lock if using Swarm (satellite) - it won't guarantee satellite communication via Swarm (i.e. transmission of insights) but will confirm GPS satellite communication. Without GPS satellite communications, chances of Swarm satellite communication are greatly reduced.
* In case you're working with a **LoRa Sentinel**:
  * Enables verificaction of connection to the gateway with LoRa.
* In case you're working with a **Cell Sentinel**:
  * Enables verificaction of cell connectivity.
    {% endhint %}

Please verify your software version with us [**sentinel-support@conservationxlabs.org**](#user-content-fn-1)[^1] prior to following the next steps.

***

If your Sentinel is running the correct software version please proceed as detailed in this [video](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVTdckgaUbs):

{% embed url="<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uVTdckgaUbs>" %}

1. Insert the SD card (Spypoint cable) and switch on the camera trap - enter the menu (M - in case of the Browning model used in the video).
2. Turn on the Sentinel and wait until the red light starts to pulsate - make sure the camera trap stays in the menu until then.

{% hint style="info" %}
The Sentinel is in setup mode as soon as the red lights starts to pulsate (<mark style="color:orange;">\~every second</mark>).
{% endhint %}

3. You can now exit the camera trap menu.
4. From now on you can and should **trigger the camera** **and** [**confirm that the Sentinel is correctly detecting the trigger event**.](/sentinel-multi-language/in-the-field/setup-in-the-field.md#what-the-sentinel-lights-mean)

{% hint style="info" %}
You can keep triggering the camera as often as you want during setup mode
{% endhint %}

{% hint style="warning" %}
Step 4 is important to verify a valid connection between the camera trap and the Sentinel. If you cannot confirm this during the setup mode it is recommended to proceed to steps 6 & 7 and wait until Setup mode finishes before processing to [section D](/sentinel-multi-language/in-the-field/setup-in-the-field.md#d-testing-your-sentinel-boot-process).&#x20;
{% endhint %}

6. At some point after entering setup mode (<mark style="color:orange;"><1min</mark>) **yellow (orange) and red lights will start to pulsate concurrently** (<mark style="color:orange;">\~every second</mark>).

{% hint style="info" %}
Note, you can trigger the camera during the concurrent yellow and red lights. However, to confirm any of the processes in A), B) & C), and effectively exit the setup mode you'll have to stop triggering the camera for at least 30s (see video).&#x20;
{% endhint %}

<table><thead><tr><th width="385">A) Satellite</th><th width="368">B) LoRa</th><th>C) Cell</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><p>The concurrently pulsating yellow &#x26; red lights (<em>time sync</em>) should not take more than <mark style="color:orange;"><strong>3min</strong></mark> (without camera triggering). In certain environments the time sync can take longer. Please contact <a data-footnote-ref href="#user-content-fn-1"><strong>sentinel-support@conservationxlabs.org</strong></a> and ask about the <mark style="color:purple;"><strong>designated maximal time sync</strong></mark> <mark style="color:purple;"><strong>duration</strong></mark>. If the time sync does not complete before the <mark style="color:purple;"><strong>designated maximal time sync</strong></mark> <mark style="color:purple;"><strong>duration</strong></mark>, this means that the Sentinel is unable to connect to an overhead GPS satellite, reducing the probability of being able to connect to a Swarm satellite lateron, which will compromise data transmission via satellite.</p><p></p><p><strong>In such a case, it is recommended to move the Sentinel to a different place with better connectivity and try again.</strong> Sometimes simply moving the Sentinel to the other side of the tree or a few meters away can fix this problem.</p></td><td><p>Cessation of the concurrently pulsating yellow &#x26; red lights indicates successful connection to the gateway. Typically, the lights last for about <mark style="color:orange;">~1min</mark> or less without camera triggering.  If the Sentinel can't connect to the gateway the lights can go on indefinitely. </p><p></p><p>Move Sentinel and gateways closer together</p></td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

7. After the concurrently pulsating yellow & red lights stop, the Sentinel will exit the setup mode and initiate the boot sequence with a pulsating yellow (orange) light (<mark style="color:orange;">\~every second; <1min</mark>, see video).

***

## Common troubleshooting

#### If the Sentinel does not enter setup mode:

* Check that you're on the correct software version - contact: [**sentinel-support@conservationxlabs.org**](#user-content-fn-1)[^1]
* Check whether the camera is taking pictures & whether there is a [card error](/sentinel-multi-language/in-the-field/setup-in-the-field.md#checks-and-solutions-1).

#### If the Sentinel enters the setup mode, but you cannot confirm a valid connection between the camera trap and the Sentinel:

* Let setup mode finish (all the way until step 7) and [troubleshoot the connection between the camera trap and the Sentinel](/sentinel-multi-language/in-the-field/setup-in-the-field.md#troubleshooting) outside of the setup mode.&#x20;
  * If the Sentinel is stuck and doesn't reach step 7, switch the Sentinel off and turn it on again without triggering the setup mode. Proceed to [section D](/sentinel-multi-language/in-the-field/setup-in-the-field.md#d-testing-your-sentinel-boot-process).

#### For stellite, if the time sync takes longer than the <mark style="color:purple;">**designated maximal time sync**</mark> <mark style="color:purple;">**duration**</mark>**:**

* Move to a different place and restart timing the process (concurrently pulsating yellow & red lights). You do not have to restart the whole process. &#x20;

***

[^1]: