About KeepGuard KG780 Trail Camera
This is the fifth generation of KeepGuard Cams. With each year, the cameras have continually improved and expectations for the 2013 version were no different.In years past, the KeepGuard KG780NV Cam has been customers favorite MID-range priced trail camera. Offering top of the line trigger speeds, much improved recovery times, strong durability and excellent photos. These were the trademarks of the KeepGuard Cam name.
KG780 trail camera produced a great prograss compared with other simliar trail cameras. Trigger time, detection circuit, Ease of Use and Battery Life all improved. After the recent firmware update, the night photos are even better than before and the systerm workes more smooth and steady.
Detection Circuit
It is tough to improve much over the detection circuit of the 2015 keepGuard KG780NV Cam. In 2013, it remains a very long detection range(20m-25m).
The trigger speed is 0.7 seconds, which is one of the fastest trigger on the market. The recovery is 3.0 seconds. This remains one of the finest recovery times on the market.
The PIR sensor, which controls the detection zone, was improved for 2013. The detection range is at least 60 ft in most cases.
Overall, this is an excellent detection circuit without a weakness. It can provide adequate coverage in any camera trap station you can think up.
Picture Quality
The day pictures from the KeepGuard are very nice. The maximum pixels can reach 12MP. Color, clarity and focus are exactly what we like to see.The night pictures are surprisingly clear and bright, especially for this no glow trail camera. You can click on any of the images below to see exactly what we are talking about.
Battery Life
Battery life has long been one of the biggest strengths of the KeepGuard Trail Cams. This camera is no different. Low stand-by current and low day and night power consumptions. This camera is a rock star when it comes to battery consumption.
Ma = milliamp
Operating on 8xAA batteries, this camera will last a long time in the field. With lithium batteries, you can expect anywhere from 8-12 months in the field. Alkaline batteries do work in this camera, however, from their low tolerance for cold weather we always use NiMH rechargeables or lithium batteries. Depending on your preference, all three battery types will work.
Ease of Use
You won't have a problem setting the 2013 KeepGuard KG780 HD. The options are simple and user-friendly. At the same time, It has more programming (timing) options than the competition.
Durability is still outstanding. We have experienced minimal returns on this unit and in years past the KeepGuard cameras had very low return rates. All in all, the durability of the 2013 KeepGuard KG780 is outstanding.
With the latest firmware in this camera, we believe the 2013 KeepGuard KG780 is still a tremendous value. Quick trigger time, excellent recovery, top-notch battery life and durability to last.
This camera is a workhorse, throw in a set of batteries and an SD card and let this camera go to work for you.
Notes of using camera
MOUNTING and POSITIONING the Cam HD
Mounting
After you've set up the camera's parameters to your personal preferences, you're ready to take it outside and slide the power switch to "ON". When setting up the Trophy Cam HD for scouting game or other outdoor applications, you must be sure to mount it in place correctly and securely. We recommend mounting the Trophy Cam HD on a sturdy tree with a diameter of about 6 in. (15cm). To get the optimal picture quality, the tree should be about 16-17 ft. (5 meters) away from the place to be monitored, with the camera placed at a height of 5-6.5 ft. (1.5~2 m). Also, keep in mind that you will get the best results at night when the subject is within the ideal flash range, no farther than 60' (19m) and no closer than 10' (3m) from the camera.
There are two ways to mount the Trophy Cam HD: using the provided adjustable web belt, or the tripod socket.
? Using the adjustable web belt: Fig. 5 illustrates using the web belt on the Trophy Cam HD. Push one end of the belt through the two brackets on the back of the Trophy Cam HD. Thread the end of the strap through the buckle. Fasten the belt securely around the tree trunk by pulling the end of the strap firmly so there is no slack left.
Note: it is not possible to use a cable lock (in the upper part of the bracket) and the web belt at the same time.
? Using the tripod socket: The camera is equipped with a socket at the bottom end (see pg. 9) to enable mounting on a tripod or other mounting accessories with a standard1/4-20 thread.
Sensing Angle and Distance Test
To test whether the Trophy Cam HD can effectively monitor the area you choose, this test is recommended to check the sensing angle and monitoring distance of the Trophy Cam HD. To perform the test:
? Switch the Trophy Cam HD to the SETUP mode.
? Make movements in front of the camera at several positions within the area where you expect the game or subjects to be. Try different distances and angles from the camera.
? If the motion indicator LED light blinks, it indicates that position can be sensed. If it does not blink, that position is outside of the sensing area.
The results of your testing will help you find the best placement when mounting and aiming the Trophy Cam HD. The height away from the ground for placing the device should vary with the animal size appropriately. In general, 3 to 6 feet is preferred.
You can avoid potential false triggers due to temperature and motion disturbances in front of the camera by not aiming it at a heat source or nearby tree branches or brush (especially on windy days).
Switching ON the Camera
Once you switch to the ON mode, the motion indicator LED (red) will blink for about 10 seconds. This gives you time to close and lock the front cover of the Trophy Cam HD and then walk away. During this time, the motion indicator LED will blink red continuously. After it stops blinking, the PIR is active, and any motion that is detected by it will trigger the capture of photos or videos as programmed in the SETUP Menu. Be sure you have read the descriptions of the Capture Number, Video Length, Interval and Sensor Level parameters. Please note, the PIR is strongly sensitive to ambient temperature. The greater the temperature difference between the environment and your subject, the farther the possible sensing distance. The average sensing distance is about 45 ft.
Before leaving the camera unattended, please check for the following:
? Are the batteries or DC power supply inserted/connected with correct polarity and is the power level is sufficient?
? Does the SD card have sufficient available space and is its write-protection (lock) switch off?
? Is the Power switch in the ON position? (do not leave it in SETUP).
REVIEWING/DELETING THE PHOTOS/VIDEOS
After you have setup, mounted and activated your Trophy Cam HD, you will be eager to return later and review the images it has captured for you. There are several different ways this can be done.
Reviewing Images Directly From the SD Card
This is the most popular method of viewing images. Since unmounting the camera and taking it to your computer isn't very convenient, you may find it easier to just take the card out. By removing the SD card (swapping it for a new empty card if you like) and taking it to your home or campsite to view the images by using an SD card "reader" (user supplied) connected to your computer (some computers and TVs have a built in SD card slot), you can leave the camera in place ready to capture more images. Once connected, the card reader works the same way as described below-please read that section if you have any problem finding your files.
Reviewing Images on the Color LCD
? Put the power switch in SETUP mode (switch to OFF first).
? Push the MENU key twice to go to "live view" mode, then press OK.
? Use the UP/DOWN keys to scroll through your photos or videos. A zoom feature is available for still photos: first press the LEFT key, then use the UP/DOWN keys to zoom in or out. After zooming in, you can then press OK, and use the UP/DOWN/LEFT/RIGHT keys to move around and examine small details in different areas of the photo. Press OK at anytime to exit and return to the full view.
? Press the RIGHT (Shot) key to play a video. If "Video Sound" was set to "On" in the Setup Menu, you should hear audio from the speaker during playback.
? Push MENU to delete an image. Image delete mode works as described in "Deleting Photos or Videos" (next page). To exit image review mode, press the OK key.
Deleting Photos or Videos
If you see a photo or video during playback on the LCD or video monitor that you want to delete, it can be done easily without leaving SETUP mode:
? Press the MENU key. You will see the first "Delete" screen, which lets you selects the option to delete only the currently displayed photo/video, or all photos/videos (see below).
? Highlight the "Delete Current" or "Delete All" option, then press OK.
? Next, select "Yes" and press OK to erase only the last displayed photo or video (if you selected "Delete Current"), or every photo and video file on the card (if you selected "Delete All")-or select "No" and press OK to cancel the operation without deleting any files.
NOTE: after deleting a picture or a video file, the deleted files can't be restored! It is also possible to delete all files from the card by using the Format parameter .
Camera takes continuous images of no subject
A camera has what is known as a "false trigger" if the PIR sensor thinks that there is motion and heat in front of the camera lens when there is no subject in the image. These "False Triggers" are the result of placing the camera in an environment where there is motion associated with tree branches creating motion in front of the camera or an area where there is high heat in the foreground and any motion from wind could set off the camera. Setting a camera up over water is also a potential cause for this issue. To remedy this situation:
1. Try moving the camera to an area that does not have any of these issues or try changing the sensor level on the menu settings.
2. If the camera continues to take images when there is no subject in them, try placing the camera in an inside environment and aiming at a location where there is no motion.
3. If the camera continues to show issues, then there is probably an electronic component issue. If this is the case, please contact our customer service to send the camera back for repair.
Battery life is shorter than expected
1. Battery life will vary with operating temperature and the number of images taken over time. Typically, the Trophy Cam HD will be able to capture several thousand images before the batteries die.
2. Check to make sure you have used new alkaline or lithium batteries. We recommends using a full set of 12 EnergizerR Lithium AA batteries in your Trophy Cam HD model to obtain maximum battery life.
3. Make sure that the power switch was turned to the "On" position and that the camera was not left in "Setup" mode while in the field.
4. Make sure that you are using a good quality name brand SD card in your camera. We recommends SanDiskR brand SD Cards up to 32GB (Class 6 or higher for HD video). Our experience indicates that poor quality SD cards can sometimes reduce your Trophy Cam HD battery life.
TROUBLESHOOTING / FAQ : BASIC CAMERA FUNCTIONS
Camera stops taking images or won't take images
1. Please make sure that the SD card is not full. If the card is full, the camera will stop taking images.
2. Check the batteries to make sure that they are new alkaline or lithium AA batteries. See note above about short battery life.
3. Make sure that the camera power switch is in the "On" position and not in the "Off" or "Setup" modes.
4. Make sure that you are using a good quality SD card in your camera. We recommends SanDiskR SD Cards up to 32GB (Class 6 or higher for 1920x1080 or 1280x720 HD video) .
5. If the SD card has its write protect switch in the lock position, the camera will not take images.
6. If you have used an SD card in another device before inserting it in your Trophy Cam HD, you might want to try formatting the card using the "Format" parameter in Setup mode (make sure you have backed up any important files first, as formatting will erase all previous files). In some cases, other devices may change the formatting of the SD card so that it will not work properly with the Trophy Cam HD.
Camera won't power up
1. Make sure that you have installed at least 4 batteries (the required minimum) in the battery compartment, starting at the top, filling battery spaces 1-4 with no "gaps". We recommends using a full set of 12 EnergizerR Lithium AA batteries in your Trophy Cam HD (the max. capacity).
2. Make sure that the batteries are installed correctly, observing proper polarity. Always place the negative (flat) end of each battery in contact with the spring side of its slot inside the camera.
3. After moving the switch from "Off" to "Setup" or "On", make sure that the switch is correctly in position to ensure the proper mode (avoid positions "between" two modes).
4. Do not move the switch directly from "On" to "Setup"-always move the switch all the way down to "Off" first, then back up to "Setup".
Still Photo and/or Video Quality Problems
1. Night photos or videos appear too dark
? Check the battery indicator icon to see if battery power is full. The flash will stop operating near the end of the battery life.
? You will get the best results when the subject is within the ideal flash range, no farther than 60' (19m) . Subjects may appear too dark at greater distances.
? Please note that when the Capture Number parameter is set higher than "1 Photo", or with very short Interval settings, some images may appear darker than others due to the quick response and rapid retriggering of the camera, allowing less time for the flash to fully recharge before firing again.
? Make sure "LED Control" in the setup menu is set to "High" to ensure maximum output. You can also try setting "NV Shutter" in the menu to "Low" (slower shutter speed=brighter images, with tradeoff of increased blur if subject moves rapidly).
? The ARD (anti-reflective device) shield can be removed to maximize flash output. See page 34 for more details.
2. Daytime photos or videos appear too dark
? Make sure that the camera is not aimed at the sun or other light sources during the day, as this may cause the auto exposure to produce darker results.
3. Night photos or videos appear too bright
? If the subject is close to the camera (less than10ft/3m), change the LED Control parameter in the Setup Menu to "Medium" or "Low".
4. Daytime photos or videos appear too bright
? Make sure that the camera is not aimed at the sun or other light sources during the day.
5. Photos with streaked subject
? In some cases with low lighting conditions and fast moving subjects, the 5MP or 8MP resolution settings may not perform as well as the 3MP setting.
? If you have multiple images where fast moving subjects produce streaks on the photo, try the 3MP setting instead.
? Set "NV Shutter" to "High" to minimize motion blur.
6. Red, green or blue color cast
? Under certain lighting conditions, the sensor can become confused resulting in poor color images.
? If this is seen on a consistent basis, then the sensor may need servicing. Please contact customer service.
7. Short video clips-not recording to the length set
? Check to make sure that the SD card is not full.
? Make sure that the camera has good batteries in it. Near the end of the battery life, the camera may choose to record shorter video clips (or even stop recording video, only still photos) to conserve power.
Date/Time Stamp not appearing on images
Make sure that the "Time Stamp" parameter is set to "On".
Photos Do Not Capture Subject of Interest
1. Check the "Sensor Level" (PIR sensitivity) parameter setting. For warm temperature conditions, set the Sensor Level to "High" and for cold weather use, set the sensor for "Low". For variable weather, use "Auto".
2. Try to set your camera up in an area where there is not a heat source in the camera's line of sight.
3. In some cases, setting the camera near water will make the camera take images with no subject in them. Try aiming the camera over ground.
4. Try to avoid setting the camera up on small trees that are prone to being moved by strong winds.
5. Remove any limbs that are right in front of the camera lens.
PIR Sensor LED Flashes/Doesn't Flash
1. When the camera is in the "Setup" mode, a special LED on the front of the camera will flash when it senses motion. This is for setup purposes only and will help the user aim the camera.
2. During use, the LED will not flash when the camera takes an image. This is to help keep the camera hidden from game.
LCD Screen Issues
1. LCD screen powers on but no text is present.
? After moving the switch from "Off" to "Setup" or "On", make sure that the switch is correctly in position to ensure the proper mode (avoid positions "between" two modes).
? Do not move the switch directly from "On" to "Setup"-always move the switch all the way down to "Off" first, then back up to "Setup".
2. Screen comes on but then powers off
? Make sure that you have installed the SD card correctly.
Camera won't retain settings
Make sure that you have been saving the changes to any parameter settings that you made while in Setup mode, by pressing "OK" after changing the setting. If you don't save your new setting after changing it, the camera will continue to use the original default setting for that parameter.
Moisture or Ants Inside Camera
1. To ensure humidity or rain is kept out of the camera, secure the DC In plug firmly in place.
2. Ants can be attracted by low level electronic vibrations, and enter through any gaps between the exterior and interior of the camera. Make sure the DC In plug is securely attached.
Field Scan (Time Lapse) not working properly
1. Make sure that the stop and start times of Field Scan "A" and "B" do not overlap (for example, do not set the start time of "B" to 8AM if the stop time of "A" is 10AM).
2. When using Field Scan in video mode, the smallest interval time available is 5 min, to avoid potential overheating of the batteries and electronic components, which could cause operational failure or damage to the camera. In still photo mode, a 1 min. Interval can be set.
Do not mix old and new batteries.
Do not mix battery types-use ALL lithium or ALL alkaline.
Rechargeable batteries are not recommended.
KG780 Technical Specification
Image Sensor | 5 Megapixel Color CMOS |
Lens | f=7.45mm;F/NO:3.2;FOV=55°; Auto IR-Cut-Remove (at night) |
IR-Flash Range | 20m-25m;32 LEDS |
Display Screen | 2.4 inch Color Display |
Memory Card | SD or SDHC Card, Maximum capacity 32GB |
Internal RAM | 32M |
Image Size | 12MP(4000×3000); 8MP(3264×2448);5M(2592X1944); 3M(2048X1536); |
Image Recycle | ON/OFF |
Image Format | Full Screen/Wide Screen |
Video Size | 1920X1080 |
PIR Sensitivity | PIR with 4 sensitivity levels: High/ Normal/ Low/Auto |
IR LED Control | High/Medium/Low |
Operation | Day/Night |
Response Time | <0.4s |
Triggering Interval | 1sec-60min programmable |
Shutter Speed | 1/10-1/2000sec. |
Shooting Numbers | 1-3 programmable |
Video Length | 5-60sec. programmable |
Power Supply | 8×AA recommended;4×AA as emergency power |
Stand-by current | <0.28mA |
Power Consumption | <200mA(+600mA when IR-LED Lighted) |
Timed Scan | 2X;programmable |
Temperature Display | programmable |
Password | programmable |
Camera Name | Input |
Moon Display | programmable |
Audio Video | programmable |
User Interface | LCD display |
Interface | USB;SD card holder; 6V DC external |
Operating Temperature | -20-60ºC(Storage temperature:-30-70ºC) |
Operating Humidity | 5%-90% |
Security Authentication | FCC/CE/RoHs |
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