Runaway camera problem

[Chipdasqrrl]

So I bought myself a nice new camera last December, it was a Moultrie (can’t get the model name right now about it was 16MP and about $150) and it’s already having some problems. I set it to take 30 second videos with a 10 minute delay, sensitivity on medium. I’ve put new charged batteries in it twice. It’s on a tree facing North on a turnip plot.
So what’s happening is it will randomly take a picture (of nothing) every 10 seconds for about 3 hours straight. This happens at random times. Sometimes in the middle of the night, sometimes at daybreak, sometimes midday. Also, at a random time between the next series of pictures, it takes a 9 second video of nothing.
This went on for 3 days. On the third night, it took a 9 second video of a deer and the camera seemingly died at that point.
I haven’t done much to try to fix it yet, and I haven’t done a factory reset. Any thoughts are appreciated. Thanks

 

[swat1018]

I gave up on Moultrie after 2013.

 

[Chipdasqrrl]

I gave up on Moultrie after 2013.

My other two which were cheaper ones had been flawless, so I bought another

 

[Deadeye]

My first one did great so I bought a 2nd one. So far the 2nd has been good, but it is new this year. The 1st one started acting up after only 1 year. One set it would work perfect and take lots of great pics. The next time it would shut itself off and I wouldn't get a single pic.

Tried different batteries and the same thing happened. I tossed it. I can afford to set a camera out for a month only to come back and find out it decided not to work.

 

[struttingfool]

I would suggest putting in new batteries not rechargeable and a brand new formatted card. Changing the setting maybe to a default setting??? Then set it up in the house for the day and see if you get the results you want. Sometimes those setting get jumbled and it looses it mind. Had that issue with another camera and did those things and it "fixed" it. I know my cameras like their own cards, can't go from one camera to another?????? If you set it to just take pictures, does it do that well?????? Hope this helps, camera issues are very frustrating. Been there, 4000 pictures on a bait sight on my lease in Ohio and not one single deer picture. Every single picture was BLACK, like someone spray painted the lens?????? New batteries and a card fixed it. Good Luck

Strut

 

[X-farmerdan]

All the above AND DO the factory reboot./reset. Still, "cheap" cameras are always going to be problematic. Made in China....

And, I would suggest buying a battery tester. I think they can be had for less than $10. I now check batteries before I put them in. You might be surprised.....

 

[Chipdasqrrl]

Thanks for the tips. I still have to play around with it a bit to see if I can get it working, but I’ll use the advice given


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[catscratch]

I sent my last Moutrie in 3 times before they returned one that worked more than a couple of weeks. Had this one for a couple of yrs now with no problems. Customer service was great with no questions asked, just automatically replaced the broken one with a new or upgraded model. Might just give them a call...

 

[Chipdasqrrl]

Update: I switched the batteries (Duracell quantum alkaline to energizer lithium), the camera works flawlessly again. Let this serve as a lesson, to try using better batteries when your camera goes nuts.


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[F12Mahon]

I had my StealthCam quit on me. Battery case contacts were corroded. Cleaned them up and put dielectric grease on the contacts and battery terminals. Hopefull that it makes a difference.

Eugene

 

[Oldman570]

Update: I switched the batteries (Duracell quantum alkaline to energizer lithium), the camera works flawlessly again. Let this serve as a lesson, to try using better batteries when your camera goes nuts.


Sent from my iPhone using Deer Hunter Forum

One should check that the switch on the card is in the correct position to take photos. Using a rubber pencil eraser to clean the small contacts on the card will clean them, if the camera has been in harsh weather. I have had these problems with cameras that I have, and have fixed most all my troubles. The use of high end lithium batteries, is the best batteries, for the extended use that trail cams usually get.

 

[Robert Gate]

Use lithium batteries is the best. Add 1 more solar panel charger is a plus.

 

[Sir Miss A Lot]

Buy good stuff, get good results.
Pretty common for lower quality cams....I know, I bought plenty. Finally realized that I was paying more for the low quality units. Bought some higher quality cams, haven't looked back. Trust me its better in the long run. 5years, 4 cams, 2 IR sensors went bad, sent it back to customer service, repaired promptly, $25. Not to mention the quantity and quality of pics taken. Take the leap and buy quality, you wont regret it.