Moultrie 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 Mobile Cellular Camera.
1. Check your camera mount. Ensure that If your camera is strapped to a tree or post, ensuring it's large enough to not sway in the wind as this can cause a false trigger.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. Perform a Test.
If the troubleshooting above does not correct the issue, then perform a test to verify your camera is taking pictures without being triggered by doing the following:
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Prepare a Test Box
- Find a closed box large enough to hold the camera with some extra space around it.
- Ensure the box is solid (not see-through) and has a lid that can fully close.
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Set Up the Camera in the Box
- Place the camera upright with its back against one wall, facing the longest stretch inside the box.
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Ensure that your camera's upload frequency is set to "Immediate" upload
- If it is not, change it now via the device's settings page.
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Turn On the Camera
- Power on the camera, ensuring it’s set up as you would for regular use.
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Close the Box
- Seal the box by closing the lid securely.
- Place the box in a location where it will not be disturbed.
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Wait for the Test to Run
- Leave the camera inside the closed box for at least one night; longer testing time may yield more reliable results.
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Check for Photos
- If no photos are captured during the test period, the camera is working correctly.
- If photos are captured, leave the images in your gallery and reach out to us.
Pro Tips:
- 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 the gallery, enlarge the most recent picture. 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 might be moving in the photo, or if your camera itself is moving.
- There are occasions when your camera can detect small critters such as squirrels or raccoons that are invisible to the eye in a photo. This occurs more in the spring and summer when your camera is aimed towards wooded areas causing photos to appear 'blank' or falsely triggered.
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