AcornGuard AG-690MG Series User manual

Acorn Guard®
HD MMS/GPRS Scouting Camera
AG-690MG Series
USER’S MANUAL

TABLE OF CONTENTS
General Information
1.1 Description
1.2 Features
1.3 Application
1.4 Parts and Controls
Quick Start
2.1 Load Batteries
2.2 Insert SIM Card and SD Card
2.3 Enter Into ON Mode
2.4 Enter Into Test Mode
2.5 Enter Into OFF Mode
Advanced Setting
3.1 Parameter Settings
3.2 Supported Format
3.3 Shooting Information Display
3.4 MMS Menu Definition
3.5 Set up Camera/MMS ON PC
3.6 Camera working with MMS
3.7 SMTP Function
3.8 Multi-Time lapse features
Important Notes
4.1 SD Card
4.2 850NM and 940nm IR LED
4.3 power supply and Battery Box
4.4 Downloading the photos/Videos
4.5 Mounting and Positioning the Camera
4.6 FAQ on MMS Function
4.7 Troubleshooting/FAQ
4.8 Firmware Upgrades

Two-Year Limited Warranty
Appendix I Technical Specifications
Appendix II Packing List
Dear customers, thank you for choosing our AG-690 series infra-red MMS
hunting camera. Please read this manual before using the camera. And please
keep it well preserved.
GENERAL INFORATION
1.1) Description
The AcornGuard camera (AG-690MG) is the upgrade version of our
AG-690HD digital scouting camera and it is with MMS/GPRS function, it
can be triggered by any movement of game in a location, detected by a highly
sensitive passive infra-red (PIR) motion sensor, and then automatically
captures high quality pictures (up to 12M pixels) or records HD video clips
(1080P).Then it can send the pictures (MMS: Multimedia Message service) or
Email Address via GSM network. You’ll be alerted just when something has
happened. And the camera can be also used as a regular hunting camera if
you don’t insert a SIM Card or turn off MMS Function.
1.2) Features
Ø Programmable 5 ,8 or 12 Megapixel high-quality image resolution.
Ø Programmable 1080P,720P High definition Video
Ø In “Cam + Video” mode, camera takes both pictures and video at
every trigger event
Ø 36pcs Infrared night vision LEDs for flash range as far as 65 feet
( when use 850NM LED)
Ø Ultra low standby power consumption. Extremely long in-field life
(in standby mode, up to 6 months with 8 x AA batteries when use
regular function)
Ø Working in Most extremely temperature -25℃+-70℃
Ø Build-in Full Definition 2inch Display to review Image, Video,
Cellular signal Information

Ø Lockable and Password protected
Ø Audio Recording brings you heart pumping like never before.
Ø Date, Time, Series number ,Temperature and Moon Phase can be
stamped on the pictures
Ø Multi-time lapse function: When Timer setting on, programmable to
only work in specified period every day. This feature can be used
together with Time Lapse feature to meet your timetable (Allow user
to setup 4 different timer each day, this features is unique and very
useful for some customer who cares multi-time lapse most)
Ø Camera and MMS function can be conveniently configured by a
Enclosed CD on Computer
Ø With MMS and GPRS function, camera can transmit photos to 1-4
settled mobile phones and 1-4 email accounts according to set
intervals constantly at lower battery consumption.
Ø Advanced Remote Cellular Technology transmits images
to your cell phone and email account constantly at lower
battery consumption and shorter transmission time.
Ø Automatically send text alert when battery power level goes low
Ø All MMS pictures, as well as the original ones, saved on SD card
Ø Operates globally via GSM/GPRS network. Supports four bands:
850 / 900 / 1800 /1900MHz
1.3) Application
AcornGuard AG-690 Series is an ideal product for housing security,
warehouse surveillance, and monitoring wild animals with its camouflage
appearance and nice shape. It is convenient to install or fasten, could be used
to take photographs manually and carry on long-time videos in Test mode.
Ø Trail Camera for hunting
Ø Time Lapse Camera to observe Cold Blood Animal or Event.
Ø Motion-triggered security camera, for home, office and community
Ø All indoor/outdoor surveillance where invasion evidence needed
1.4) Parts and Controls
l Figure A shows the Front view of AG-690MG
l Figure B shows the Back view of AG-690MG
l Figure C shows the Bottom view of AG-690MG

Figure A: Front View of AG-690MG
The camera has the following I/O interfaces: USB connector, SD-card slot,
SIM Card TV.output and The 3-way Power/Mode Switch is used to select
the main operation modes: OFF, ON and TEST
On the back of camera, there is a lock for theft-proof and an adjuster to
change the tilt when mounting on an irregular interface e.g. tree.
Please take a few minutes to familiarize yourself the following
intuitive controls and displays.

Figure B: Back View of AG-690MG
Figure C Bottom view of AG-690MG

The remote control is an input device of the camera and is primarily used
for customer settings and password input. This is an infrared
type wireless remote controller.The maximum remote distance is 9
meters. There are fifteen buttons on the remote control.
Select Item(UP)/Increase value
Display Menus /Exit Make Selection/Enter
Change Value (Left) Change Value (Right)
Select Item(Down)/Decrease
A) Press the punctuation “ ” to turn on laser
direction pointer in the night. Please note: the Laser
could be harmful to eyes if pointed at other humans.
CAUTION: If you are not using the camera for an extended period of
time, it is highly recommended that you remove the batteries from
the camera to avoid
possible acid leak that may damage the camera which would void the
warranty.
QUICK START
2.1) Load Batteries
To supply power for the camera, Eight AA size batteries are needed, Voltage
of each battery should be 1.5V.
Open the bottom cover by pulling down the lock hole. Confirm that the power
switch is at the OFF position, pull out the battery depot. Load the fully
charged batteries into the depot according the polarities sign shown
below. Push back the depot to the battery chamber. The following batteries
with 1.5V output can be used:（NOTE: rechargeable battery voltage should
be also reach 1.5V each, 1.2V Rechargeable Battery will only working short

time）.
1. High-density and high-performance alkaline batteries (Recommended)
2. Rechargeable alkaline batteries
3. Rechargeable NiMH batteries
When in low-battery state, Please change the batteries in time. If you have set
the MMS
function, it will send you a SMS or Email to indicate the low battery situation.
2.2) Insert SIM and SD Card
You need to purchase the SIM card from your local Mobile phone Network
Operators. Making sure they provide Multimedia Messaging
Service (MMS). Ask them for the relevant information to configure
the MMS settings on your camera.( Please Reference 3.5 Set up MMS
function on PC) (Note: Please Open the Bottom Cover and Insert the SIM card
into SIM card slot under OFF Mode. be sure to insert SIM-card into the
SIM-card slot with angle in the upper left)
Open the bottom cover. Insert SD-card into the card slot with
Golden Pin side upwards. Please note: That the SD-card can only be plugged
in one direction.
( NOTE: The camera will not power up if SD card is not inserted)

2.3) Enter ON Mode
Before switching on, please pay attention to the follows:
Ø Avoid temperature and motion disturbances in front of the camera
such as big leaf, curtain, air-conditioner, air outlet of the chimney
and other heat sources to prevent fr om false triggering.
Ø The height from ground for placing the camera should vary with the
object size appropriately. In general, one to two meters are preferred,
Slide the power switch to the ON position to power on the camera
and enter into the ON mode. Before entering into the ON mode, you
can adjust the camera the target monitoring area by laser pointer
Ø After switching on the camera, the motion indication LED (red) will
blink for 15s. The 15s is a buffering time before autonomic capturing
photos or videos,e.g. for closing and locking the bottom cover, fixing
the camera on a tree and walk away.
Ø In ON mode, it is unnecessary to use the remote control. The camera
will take pictures or videos automatically according to the default
settings or previous custom settings. The camera has the sound
recording function, so the sound will be embedded in the video clip
while capturing a video.
2.4) Enter TEST Mode
Slide the power switch to the TEST position and enter into the TEST mode.
In this mode you can take pictures or video clips like a regular digital camera,
or enter the Menu to set up parameters by remote control.
2.5) Enter OFF Mode
Slide the power switch to OFF position to power off the camera. Off mode
allow user to insert SD ,SIM Card, replace Battery etc. Please note that even
in the OFF mode, the camera still consumes certain power at µA level.
Therefore, please remove the battery if the camera will not be used for a
long time
(Cautions: The Power Switch can’t be Slide From “OFF” Mode directly
to “ON” Mode or From “ON “ Mode to “ TEST” Mode. Each time,
user should Slide power switch into “OFF” Mode, then into “Test” Mode
and Finally Enter into “ON” Mode)

ADVANCED SETTING
3.1) Parameter Settings
This chapter explains the advanced operations for customizing the camera
settings. The settings can only be customized in TEST mode and there are
two ways are available to customize the camera settings. Including:
Remote control and Parameters Setup EXE file Storage on CD Disk.
(Please reference 3.5 Set up Camera/MMS ON PC)
Following will introduce how to customize the camera settings by remote
control:
Press “MENU” Key to Enter/Exit the menu, Press , to move the
marker, Press , to change the setting.
Parameter Settings De
Mode Camera
Video
Camera+Video
Se
l
ect
w
h
i
ch
M
ode
y
ou
w
ou
l
d
like
to use. In Camera+video mode, the
camera will first take a picture and
then start to record Video
immediately.
Photo Size 12M Pixel
8M Pixel
5M Pixel
Se
l
ec
t
s
r
e
s
o
l
u
ti
on
f
or
stil
l
pho
t
os
from 5 to 12 megapixels, Higher
resolution produces better quality
photos, but creates larger files that
take up more of the SD card
capacity. 5M is a good compromise
between quality and file size
Video Size 1080P
720P
WVGA
QVGA
Se
l
ec
t
v
i
deo
r
e
s
o
l
u
ti
on,h
i
g
h
er
resolution produces better quality
videos, but creates longer files that
take up more of the SD card
capacity. 1080P and 720P are high
de
fi
n
iti
on
v
i
deo
f
o
r
m
a
t
.

Video Length
10sec
30sec
60sec
90sec
Se
t
s
l
eng
t
h per
c
a
p
t
u
r
ed
v
i
deo
c
li
p,
settings begin with 10 second, 10sec
is Default value. All videos are in
AVI format that can be played in
most of media players
Set Clock MM/DD/YY -
HH:MM:SS
DD/MMS/YY-H
H:MM:SS
YY/MM/DD-H
H:MM:SS
Press
“
OK
”
t
o
s
e
t
up
da
t
e
a
nd
T
i
m
e
(the
Date format can be switchable)
Interval ON
(Optional from
1Sec to
30Min)
Se
l
ect
the l
eng
t
h
of
t
i
m
e
t
h
a
t
t
he
camera will wait from when the last
picture was taken and written in the
SD card, until it
OFF
responds
t
o any
new
tri
gge
r
s
fr
om
the PIR sensor. During the selected
interval, the camera will not take
pictures/videos. This prevents the SD
card from filling up with too many
redundant images. (Note: whe
n
your turn on Interval,
the camera can also sending MMS
or SMS)
Image Multi
Optional from
Singal Picture
t
o
9
Picture
Se
l
ec
t
s
how
m
a
n
y
photo
s
a
r
e
taken in sequence per trigger in
camera mode.
Sense Level
Distance
High/Normal/Hi
gh
Se
l
ec
t
s
the
s
en
siti
v
it
y of
t
he
P
I
R
sensor. The “ High” setting will
make the camera more sensitive
to infrared (heat) and more
easily triggered by motion, and the
“Low” setting makes it less sensitive
to heat and motion. The High setting
can be useful when the ambient
temperature is warm( making it
more difficult for the sensor to
detect animals), and the Low setting
may help in cold weather if often by
anything warmer than the
surroundings

Voice ON/OFF
Choose
“
ON
”
to
record the voice
when video mode.and choose”OFF”
to close it if you do not want the
voice recording.
Playback
P
r
e
s
s
“
OK
”
t
o
P
l
a
y
back
Pictures/Videos on 2inch HD
Display, Press “Right Arrow” to
Delete video or picture, Press Left
button to Play video, Press Up and
Down to adjust the Volume
or change picture and Video.
Multi-Timer
O
N
/
O
F
F
H:M—H:
M
H:M—H:
M
H:M—H:
M
H:M—H:
M
Se
l
ect
on
i
f
y
ou
w
ant
t
he c
a
m
e
r
a
working in specified time
everyday, our camera allow user to
setup four different specified time
each day. Each different time should
be not overlap with other different
time outside the time period the
camera will not be triggered or take
any photos/videos this features can
be used together with Time Lapse
function.
ISO 100/200/400
Choose differen
t ISO setting to meet
the different light request.
Password
ON
/
O
F
F
Four Digit
(From 0-9,
A-Z)
Set
up
a
password
t
o
p
r
o
t
ect
y
our
camera from unauthorized users.
Time Lapse
ON
/
O
F
F
HH:MM
I
f
s
et
O
n,
the
ca
m
e
r
a
wil
l
automatically take photos/videos at
the set interval (Note: in this mode,
the PIR sensor is disabled). This is
helpful when Observing
cold-blooded animals like snakes, or
the process of flowering,This feature
can work together with Timer
feature. (Note: when
you turn on this function,
the camera will not
sending MMS)

TV OUT
NTSC/
P
A
L
Se
l
ec
t
s
video
st
anda
r
d
/f
o
r
m
at
for the “TV Out” output
jack, The video standard is
NTSC for the United states, Canada,
Mexico, Asia and South America.
Pal is used primarily in Europe
Format
O
K
/Cancel
D
e
l
e
t
es
A
l
l
fil
es
st
o
r
ed
on
a
ca
r
d
t
o
prepare it for reuse. Always format a
card that has been previously used in
other devices. Note: Make sure you
have download and backed up any
files you want to preserve first !
Default Set
E
n
t
e
r/Can
c
el
Se
l
ect
“
Dafualt
”
a
nd
P
r
e
s
s
it
t
o
restore all parameters to the original
factory default settings. If the camera
is behaving oddly and you think you
may have changed the setting for
something accidently, this will reset
all parameters to their most
commonly used or
“generic” settings
Version
D
i
f
f
e
r
ent
AcornGuard
F
i
r
m
w
a
r
e
has
Different Version Number. User need
to check the Version Number when
the firmware is upgrade each time. If
the version number is different from
before, then it means the upgrade is
successful,otherwise user need to
upgrade again.
3.2) Supported Format
Item
Format
Photo JPG
Video AVI
File Format FAT32

The SD card stores all original pictures and videos in the folder
\DCIM\100IMAGE, Pictures are saved with filenames PTDC0001.JPG
and videos like PTDC0001.AVI.
Here are some important notices. You don’t need to concern about the
file system format of the camera unless you have problems with reading
the SD-card by your other equipments. If this happened, please format
the SD-card in the camera or in a computer at first and then reinsert the
card into your camera to try again.
In the OFF mode, you can use the provided USB cable to download the
files to a computer. Or you can put the SD card to a SD card reader, plug
in a computer, and browse the files on the computer without downloading.
The AVI video files can be played back on most popular media players,
such as Windows Media Player, QuickTime, etc.
3.3) Shooting Information Display
Slide the Power switch into “Test” Mode and the shooting information will be
displayed on the Screen.
This camera can send pictures instantly to your mobile device via GSM
network. You’ll be alerted just when something has happened; The
MMS through GPRS to send, so before using this function you need to
open this business. It supports four band ：
850MHz,900MHz,1800MHz and 1900MHz.

There are five bars indicating the signal strength on the screen
NOTE: Two bars is required when sending MMS.
Ø SIM: Means SIM card is inserted, Means SIM card
is not inserted
Ø Signal: , Means no Signal, Means Signal is good.
Ø SD Card: Means SD card is inserted, camera will not turn
on if SD card is not inserted.
NOTE: Be sure that the PIN of the SIM card is disabled before you
insert it . (You can disable the PIN of a SIM card via your mobile phone.)
3.4) MMS Menu Definition
Slide Power switch into “Test” Mode, Select “MMS Setup” and Press
“OK” Button to enter into MMS Set up Menu. The following is a quick
introduction about how to setup mms function.
Note: (All MMS parameters should be configured by PC software
MMS Status ON/OFF
T
he de
f
a
u
l
t
s
e
tti
ng
i
s
O
f
f
,
which turns the MMS
function off. To turn it on,
choose either
VGA=640x480 or
QVGA=320x240,
SMS=Short Message, which
defines the resolution size of
the MMS picture. (Please
Note: Please turn on MMS
Status when you would like
to use MMS function,
Otherwise the camera will
not recognize the SIM
Card and Sginal Icon will
not be shown on Screen )

MMS Number
0
-
99
(Note: ‘0” is
unlimited)
J
u
s
t
w
o
r
k
i
ng
in
O
N
m
ode,
which means the camera will
send a MMS instantly when
it captures a photo or
a video clip. While, for the
economy consideration, there
is a limitation on the
MMS quantity per day. You
can set the MAX number
from 0 to 99.
(Note: ‘0” is unlimited)
Daily Report
O
N
/
OFF
（0-24Hour
）
Programmable
D
a
il
y
Report
,
j
u
s
t
w
o
r
k
i
ng
in ON mode， which means
that the camera will
report the camera
working status in preset time
URL
URL of
t
he ne
tw
o
r
k
o
pe
r
a
t
or
APN
A
PN
of
t
he
ne
tw
o
r
k o
p
e
r
a
t
or
Gateway
Gateway of
t
he
network operator
PORT
Po
r
t
of
t
he
network
o
pe
r
a
t
or
Email
I
nput
your
e
m
a
i
l add
r
e
s
s
t
o
r
ece
i
v
e
the
MM
S
Mobile Number
I
nput
your
M
ob
il
e
nu
m
ber
that will receive the MMS
(Caution: URL, APN, Gateway, PORT, Email, Mobile number are all
need to be setup by
PC software, please reference 3.5)
3.5) Set up Camera/MMS/SMTP ON PC
Users can set up camera or MMS function.
1) Copy all folders from CD onto Local Disk.
2) Open PC setup Software and Double Click “MMSCONFIG” then the
following interface will be shown.

(Note: This kind of CD is CD-R, please don’t open Camera setup
directly on CD. Need to copy onto Local PC disk and then open it )
Please setup your camera according to your desired settings,
Click “SAVE” to choose directory to save your settings. We
highly recommend save the settings in the root directory of the SD card (Be
sure you insert the SD card in the SD card reader and plug it at your
computer) and then,
Click “SAVE” A file named “Parameter” will be created and saved in the
directory you just selected. If you selected a directory other than the SD card,
you need to move the “Parameter” file to the root directory of the SD card
before inserting the card in the camera later on. (Caution: Please don’t try to
change the file name that already generated, otherwise your camera will
can’t be setup as desired)
User can also user the manufacture default settings by click on .
Retrieve the SD card from the computer and insert it in the camera. Slide

power switch into Test mode. A message will show up on the TFT display,
indicating the Camera has been successfully set up. You are set with the
camera.
Click On MMS Setup, and you will see the following interface:
First, you need to choose how you like to set up the MMS Mode. Auto or
Manual. If you choose Auto, then you need to choose the country and the
Mobile Phone Network Operator. Input the phone number or Email Address
that you would like the MMS pictures to be send to.
You can enter into Four different mobile numbers
or Email
If you choose Manual to manually input all the parameters, you need to

contact your Mobile Phone Network Operator (MPNO) to have them provide
you all the required information such as URL, APN, Gateway, and Port.
Note: The MMS parameters of the major MPNO’s in each country have been
pre-stored in the program on the enclosed CD. You’re suggested to choose
Auto to let the system to set up the MMS. However, because each local
MPNO has their own settings for their MMS service, and those settings can
change over time, you may need to acquire the settings from your MPNO if
the Auto-selected settings fail to work. If you find out those settings have
changed according to the information provided by your MPNO, or you have
settings from your MPNO that is not on our Operators list, please notify us so
we can update our program.
Click on “ S A V E ” to choose the directory to save the settings, usually
under the root directory of the SD card (You need to insert the SD card in the
SD card reader and plug it in your computer.)
Retrieve the SD card and insert it in the camera. Switch to the TEST position
to enter the TEST mode. Congratulations! You camera (Model:AG-690MG) is
all set to send color pictures to your cell phone and/or email account every
time it is triggered.
3.6 Camera Working with MMS
When you have the AcornGuard Model AG-690MG, not only will your camera
work as a standard trail camera, but also send pictures to your cell phone
and/or email account, when it meets the following requirements.
Advanced Settings
The camera is ON and functions. The SD card has enough space. 8 AA
batteries with enough power capacity. The camera is in Cam mode or
Cam+Video mode, not Video mode.
 SIM card is installed. The MMS service is activated (some MMS
services need pre-paid
balance in the account.) The SIM card is not password-protected
 Only when the switch is in OFF position, you install the MMS-module
battery box.
 The signal is strong in the field. The recipient’s phone number and/or

email account is entered correctly. You are suggested to take the
receiving phone with you and do the send and-receive test on site.
 MMS parameters are set correctly.
 The Timer function is OFF. If you have the Timer ON, make sure you
are in the specified time period when expecting incoming MMS
pictures.
The camera is stationary while sending MMS pictures.
3.7 SMTP Function
Click On SMTP Setup, and you will see the following interface (Make sure
select AG-690MG Model):
SMTP function is similar to MMS function. But setting and charging from
Operators is different. Normally, in some country, SMTP function can save
much money than MMS function. SMTP function sending MMS or SMS by
GPRS, GSM sending MMS or SMS by GSM. and also, SIM card