Moultrie Mobile Cameras use a passive infrared (PIR) sensor to detect when an object passes in front of it. When the PIR is triggered the camera takes a photo. At times, the PIR will trigger and there won't be anything in the photo. These are called “False Triggers” and are the result of placing the camera in an environment where tree branches, grass, leaves, etc., are blowing in the wind and creating motion. Sunlight can also cause false triggers as the PIR sensor is reading the sun beam as hotter than the surrounding environment. Setting a camera up over water is also a potential cause for this issue. Follow these tips to reduce or eliminate false triggers on your Moultrie Trail Camera.
Check your camera mount. Ensure that If your camera is strapped to a tree, make sure the tree is large enough to not sway in the wind as this can cause a false trigger.
Position your camera facing north or south. If you position your camera aiming east or west your camera tends to have a greater frequency of false triggers due to the rising or setting sun passing through the frame.
Place your camera at the right height. Mount the camera to a strong tree or camera stand positioned 3 to 5 feet off the ground. Attaching your camera too low can result in getting too many pictures of small non-targeted creatures. Placing your camera too high and facing downward can cause the camera to pick up shadows and the changes in ground temperature.
Clear all vegetation from in front of the camera. Any small limbs, twigs, leaves, or grass blowing in the wind can trigger a false image.
Check your camera’s settings. Double-check that your camera’s PIR sensitivity is set to low and ensure that you aren’t set to multi-shot mode.
Pro Tip: To find out what is causing a possible 'false trigger' just log in to your account at moultriemobile.com from your computer, tablet or laptop. From here, enlarge the most recent picture in your Gallery. You will see an option to click Next to view the next picture. If you repeatedly click the Next option it will let you view your pictures in rapid succession similar to a slide-show. This will help you identify what is moving in the photo, or if your camera itself is moving.
Troubleshooting The Camera:
After following the steps above to ensure it is not something environmentally driven or a result of the way the settings are, please follow these steps:
- Take your camera and place it facing a blank wall on a sturdy surface
- Leave it powered on facing the wall for 24 hours. During this time do not disrupt the camera or its field of view
- If the camera was taking excessive blank images of the wall do not delete any of the images and contact us using the links below
Still Need More Information? We’re Here to Help! Use the link below to Contact Us.