GardePro A252 User manual

Trail Camera
Model: A252
Instruction Manual
V1.0

TABLE OF CONTENT
1. IN THE BOX............................................................... 1
2. IMPORTANT NOTE...................................................1
3. INTRODUCTION........................................................1
3.1. ABOUT THE CAMERA................................... 1
3.2. APPLICATIONS...............................................3
4. PARTS AND CONTROLS......................................... 3
5. INSTALLING THE BATTERIES AND SD CARD.. 6
5.1. LOADING BATTERIES................................... 6
5.2. INSERTING THE SD CARD............................7
6. USING THE CAMERA...............................................8
7. THE OFF, ON, AND SET MODES............................8
7.1. OFF MODE..................................................... 9
7.2. ON MODE........................................................9
7.3. SET MODE...................................................... 9
8. ADVANCED SETTINGS......................................... 11
9. MOUNTING AND POSITIONING THE CAMERA15
9.1. MOUNTING...................................................15
9.2. SENSING ANGLE AND DISTANCE TEST... 16
9.3. SWITCHING ON THE CAMERA.................. 17
10. REVIEW PHOTOS OR VIDEOS........................... 18
11. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS.......................... 18
12. WARRANTY...........................................................21
13. FCC COMPLIANCE STATEMENT...................... 22

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1. IN THE BOX
1 x Camera, 1 x Mounting Strap,
1 x Instruction Manual, 1 x Mini USB Cord
Note: Memory card and batteries are not included (user supplied).
2. IMPORTANT NOTE
Require eight (8) 1.5V AA Alkaline or Lithium batteries. We
recommend the use of Energizer AA Lithium batteries in this
camera to obtain maximum battery life.
Do not mix old and new batteries.
Do not mix battery type.
Rechargeable AA batteries are NOT recommended as the lower
voltage they produce can cause operational issues.
Remove batteries when the camera is NOT in use.
Require a regular SD memory card (max capacity 128GB, Class
10). We recommend using SanDisk 32GB SDHC/Class10
memory cards in the camera to obtain the best
cost-performance.
Before use, please remove the protective films on the front of
the camera to get the best performance.
3. INTRODUCTION
3.1. ABOUT THE CAMERA
This trail camera is a new generation of digital scouting camera,
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 take high quality pictures (up to 20MP still

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photos), or 1080P 30fps H.264 video clips.
The Camera features the all new innovative imaging technology.
The camera encompasses all-new software innovations, smart
illumination technology, blur reduction technology, auto noise
reduction and dynamic exposure technology to deliver high
resolution image quality, and fast boot to deliver fast 0.5s
trigger speed and 0.5s recovery time. The camera consumes
very little power (less than 0.1mA) in a stand-by (surveillance)
state. It can deliver 8 months standby operation time when the
device is powered by eight AA 1.5V batteries.
Main features:
High quality pictures (up to 20MP still photos) or full HD
H.264 video clips. The camera is equipped with a advanced
image sensor, premium lens and has exclusive imaging
optimization algorithm, takes clear photos or videos even at
low light or darkness environment.
Clear night vision, flash range 70ft. The camera is equipped
with 36pcs high performance infrared no glow 940nm LEDs
that function as a flash (invisible to eyes).
Easy to use/program with well-designed operation buttons
and built-in 2.31-inch LCD color screen, easy to review
pictures and videos on the screen.
Two working modes – Motion detection and Time lapse.
Fast trigger time approx. 0.5 second, Fast recovery time less
than 0.5 second, Long trigger distance up to 70ft.
Info strip on each capture: Date, Time, Temperature & Moon
Phase.
Operation hours, Loop Recording, Time Lapse, Password
protected.
Built for any climate - IP66 Waterproof designed for outdoor
use and resistant against rain and snow. Operation
Temperature -4~140°F.

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Support SD/SDHC/SDXC memory card, max capacity
128GB (user supplied).
Extremely long in-field battery life up to 8 months in a
stand-by state with 8 AA 1.5V batteries (user supplied).
3.2. APPLICATIONS
The camera can be used as follows:
For hunting, trail animals’ trace or habit
For wildlife observing and researching, captures pictures and
videos of wild animals
As sports camera, for riding, driving, camping or exploring
As motion-triggered security camera, for home, farm, office
and community
All other indoor & outdoor surveillance where invasion
evidence needed
4. PARTS AND CONTROLS
The camera is equipped with 36pcs built-in high efficiency
infrared LEDs, LED Indicators, Lens, PIR Sensors, Lock Holes
in front view (Figure 1).

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Figure 1: Front View
The camera provides the following connections for external
devices: Mini USB port and SD card slot etc. (Figure 2).
Figure 2: Bottom View
The camera has two strap holes on the back. The strap can be
put through the strap holes and fastened securely around the tree
trunk by pulling the end of the strap firmly (Figure 3).
Tripod Base
1/4" - 20
SD Card
Holder
DC 12V/1A
Plug 4.0x1.7mm
Mini USB Port
IR LEDs
Lock Hole
Lens
PIR Motion
Sensor
Light Sensor
Indicator

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Figure 3: Back View
The camera has a 2.31-inch built-in LCD screen, which can be
used for reviewing pictures or videos and menu displaying, and
unique keypad design for easy program and operation, 8 AA
batteries slot supported (Figure 4).
Figure 4: Inside View
Figure 5: Operation Buttons and Shortcut
A 3-way power switch is used to select the main operating
Strap Hole
Lock
Buckle
RIGHT Key as
Manual Shutter
("SHOT")
UP Key as
Video Mode
DOWN Key as
Camera Mode
OK Key as
Playback Mode
Power Switch
Color
Screen
Battery
Compartment
and Cover
Operation
Buttons

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modes: OFF,ON,and SET (Figure 5).
A control key interface with six keys is primarily used in SET
mode to select operational functions and parameters. As shown
in Figure.5, the keys can also perform a second function
(shortcut operations in SET mode) in addition to their main
function.
5. INSTALLING THE BATTERIES AND SD CARD
Before you begin learning how to use your camera, you will
first need to install a set of batteries and insert an SD card.
Although that may only take you a minute, there are some
important notes about both batteries and SD cards you should
be aware of, so please take the time to read the following
directions and cautions:
5.1. LOADING BATTERIES
After opening the cover of the battery compartment, you will
see that the camera has eight battery slots (Figure 6). A full
eight batteries must be installed for the camera to operate. Be
sure to insert each battery with correct polarity (negative or
"flat" end against the long spring of each battery slot).
The camera takes 1.5V AA Lithium or Alkaline batteries. We
recommend using 1.5V Lithium AA batteries (Energizer brand)
to get maximum batteries lifetime. NiMH Rechargeable can
also be used, but they might have a shorter life span due to their
reduced efficiency over time and at low temperature, and would
not work for night video recording.
On SET mode when battery power level gets low, the message
"Low Battery" will show on the screen, please replace the
batteries.

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Figure 6: Loading the Batteries
5.2. INSERTING THE SD CARD
Insert the SD card (with the camera's power switch in the OFF
position) before beginning to operate the camera. Don't insert or
remove the SD card when the power switch is in the ON or
SET position. The camera uses a regular memory card to save
photos (in .jpg format) and/or videos (in .mp4 format). SD and
SDHC (High Capacity)/SDXC cards up to a maximum 128GB
capacity are supported (Figure 7).
Figure 7: Inserting the SD Card
The following describes how to insert and remove the SD card:
Insert the SD card into the card slot with its label side
+
+
+
一

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upwards.A "click" sound indicates that the card is installed
successfully. If the wrong side of the card is facing up, you
will not be able to insert it without force, there is only one
correct way to insert cards. If the SD card is not installed
correctly, the device will not display an SD card icon on the
screen in SET mode.Formatting the SD card by using the
camera's "Format" parameter in the menu settings before
using it for the first time is recommended, especially when a
card has been used in other devices.
To take out the SD card, just gently push in the card (do not
try to pull it out without pushing in first). The card is
released from the slot and ready to be removed when you
hear the click. Be sure the camera's power is switched OFF
before inserting or removing SD cards or batteries.
6. USING THE CAMERA
Once you've prepared your camera by properly installing
batteries and an SD card, you could simply take it outside, strap
it to a tree (or not-according to your application scenario),
switch it ON and leave-and you might get some great photos
that are exactly what you wanted. However, we highly
recommend that you first spend some additional time indoors
with this manual and your camera until you know a bit more
about what the 3-way switch and those control keys do. If
nothing else, you'll probably want to at least set the date and
time so the camera will imprint them (or not-it's your option) on
your photos as they are taken, learn how to set the camera to
shoot video clips instead of still photos if you like, and read
some tips about mounting it on a tree.
7. THE OFF, ON, AND SET MODES
The camera has three basic operational modes:
OFF mode: Power switch in the OFF position.

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ON mode: Power switch in the ON position.
SET mode: Power switch in the SET position (screen is on).
7.1. OFF MODE
The OFF mode is the "safe" mode when any actions must be
taken, e.g., replacing the SD card or batteries, or transporting
the device. And of course, when you are storing or not using the
camera, you will switch it to OFF. Please note that in the OFF
mode the camera consumes little power. It's a good idea to take
the batteries out of the battery compartment if the camera will
not be used for a long time.
7.2. ON MODE
Anytime after the batteries and SD card have been inserted, you
can switch on the camera. When the power switch is moved to
the middle position, the camera will enter into the ON
(Surveillance) mode. If the Mode is set as “Motion Detection”,
the camera will countdown 30-second delay and then be ready
to capture images. If the Mode is set as “Time Lapse”, there
will be no 30-second counting down, and the camera will be
ready to enter Time Lapse.
Once in the ON mode, no manual controls are needed or
possible (the control keys have no effect). The camera will take
photos or videos automatically (according to its current
parameter settings).
You can either move the power switch directly from OFF to
ON mode, or stop at the SET position first to change one or
more settings, then move the switch to ON after you have
finished doing so.
7.3. SET MODE
In the SET mode you can check and change the settings of the
camera with the help of its built-in screen. These settings, found

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in the menu by pressing MENU key, let you change the photo
or video resolution, interval between photos, switch the time
imprint on, etc. (See more in Section 8 ADVANCED
SETTINGS).
Moving the power switch to the SET position will turn on the
screen display, and you will see an information screen that
shows how many images have been taken, the battery level,
camera or video mode, etc.
Attention please: In SET mode, the camera will automatically
enter ON mode if there is no operation (key pressing) within 5
minutes. Then the camera will perform as your settings in the
menu.
In the SET mode, you can connect the camera to a computer's
USB port to download your images.
Shortcut Keys/Functions
As mentioned earlier in "Parts & Controls", the keypads have
secondary, "shortcut" functions when the camera is switched to
SET mode:
Press the UP key to quickly set the camera to shoot video
clips.
Press the DOWN key to quickly set the camera to take still
photos.
Press the RIGHT key to manually trigger the shutter. This is
useful for testing the camera. The "number of images taken"
counter on the top right of the screen will increase by one.
Press the OK key to playback. Then press UP or DOWN
key to navigate the history photo or video if you want. Press
LEFT key to delete. Finally press the OK key to exit
playback.

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8. ADVANCED SETTINGS
The trail camera comes with preset manufacturer settings. You
can change the settings to meet your requirements. Please make
sure that the camera is in the SET mode. Once the camera
screen is on, press MENU key to enter/exit the menu. Press the
UP/DOWN key to move the marker, Press the LEFT/RIGHT
key to change the setting, and press the OK key to confirm the
change. Always remember to press the OK to save the change.
Otherwise you will lose your new setting.
Parameter
Settings
(Bold =
default)
Description
Mode
Motion
Detection,
Time Lapse
In Motion Detection mode, the camera
would take photos or videos once
triggered. In Time Lapse mode, the
camera would take photos or videos
periodically according to your preset
“Timelapse Interval” parameter.
Photo or
Video
Photo
Video
Photo+Video
Select whether still photos or video clips
are taken.
Photo
Quality
20MP
16MP
8MP
4MP
2MP
Select desired resolution for still photos
from 2 to 20 megapixels. Higher
resolution produces better quality photos,
but creates larger files that take more of
the SD card capacity. Larger files require
longer time to write to the SD card, which
will slightly slow the shutter speed.
Photo Burst
01, 02, 03,
04, 05
Select the number of photos taken in
sequence per trigger in Camera mode.
Video
Quality
1080P
720P
Select video resolution (pixels per frame).
Higher resolution produces better quality

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videos, but creates larger files that take
more of the SD card capacity.
Video
Length
10 seconds,
Optional
from
3s to 5m
Videos are in MP4 format that can be
played back on most video players.
Note: Night videos are limited to a
maximum of 30 seconds to conserve the
batteries. If set video length higher than
30 seconds, e.g. 60 seconds, the max
recording length at night keeps 30
seconds.
Video
Format
MP4
MOV
MP4 is the mainstream format in the
video industry, more compatible with any
player. Select MOV in case some legacy
digital camera software must be working
with videos in MOV format.
Frame Rate
30fps
25fps
When the light works at 50HZ and video
flickering occurs, please select 25fps.
Detection
Delay
10 seconds,
optional
from 0s to
60m
Select the shortest length of time that the
camera will wait until it responds to any
subsequent triggers from the PIR sensor
after a game is first detected. 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: this option is invalid if Mode is set
as “Time Lapse”.
PIR
Sensitivity
High
Medium
Low
Select the sensitivity of the PIR sensor.
Temperature affects the sensitivity. The
High setting is suitable when the ambient
temperature is warm or you want to
capture distant object or capture more, and
the Medium/Low setting is helpful in cold
weather.

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Note: this option is invalid if Mode is set
as “Time Lapse”.
Motion Test
This feature helps you aim the camera at
your target area. Please refer to the details
in Section 9.2.
Timelapse
Interval
1 hour,
optional
from 1s to
24h
Setting time lapse interval. It takes effect
ONLY when Mode is set as Time Lapse,
the camera will automatically take
photos/videos according to the set
interval, regardless of whether the PIR
sensor has detected any game. This is
helpful when observing cold-blooded
animals like snakes, or the process of
flowering, etc. Note: This option is
invalid if Mode is set as “Motion
Detection”.
Date/Time
M/D/Y
hh:mm
M – Month
D – Day
Y – Year
hh – Hour
mm – Minute
Note: Use "LEFT/RIGHT" key to switch
settings, use "UP/DOWN" to set current
date and time.
Date input format may change. Please
refer to “Date Format” parameter
settings accordingly.
Date Format
D/M/Y
M/D/Y
Y/M/D
Select date format which will be shown on
the screen and each capture.
Time
Format
12h
24h
Select time format which will be shown
on the screen and each capture.
12h - AM/PM
Camera
On
Select On to assign a 4-character long in

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Name
Off
the form of Capital A-Z, 0-9 to record the
location in the photos (e.g. A123 for
Yellow Stone Park). This helps
multi-camera users identify the location
when reviewing the photos.
Info Strip
On
Off
Select On to show date, time,
temperature, moon phase on each capture.
Loop
Recording
On
Off
Selecting On option will cause the oldest
files to be overwritten with new captures
when the SD card reaches its capacity.
With Off option selected, the camera will
erase image capture once the SD card
reaches capacity.
Operation
Hours
On
Off
Select On if you only want the camera to
work within a specified time period every
day. For instance, if the starting time is set
at 18:35 and the ending time at 8:25, the
camera will function from 18:35 the
current day to 8:25 the next day. Outside
the time period the camera will not be
triggered or take photos/videos.
Password
On
Off
Set up a 4-digit password to protect your
camera from unauthorized users. If the
code is lost, you can contact customer
support to reset the password.
Format SD
Card
Yes
No
All files will be deleted after formatting
the SD card. Highly recommend you
format the SD card if it has been used
previously in other devices. Caution:
make sure wanted files on the SD card
have been backed up first!
Factory
Reset
Yes
No
Selecting Yes will return all your previous
settings back to the manufacturer default.

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Version
Defined
Display the version of the camera.
9. MOUNTING AND POSITIONING THE CAMERA
9.1. MOUNTING
After you've set up the camera's parameters to your personal
preferences at home, you're ready to take it outside and slide the
power switch to "ON". When setting up the camera for scouting
game or other outdoor applications, you must be sure to mount
it in place correctly and securely. We recommend mounting the
camera 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 2.5-3.5 ft. (0.75-1m). 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 65' (20m)
and no closer than 10' (3m) from the camera.
There are two ways to mount the camera: using the provided
adjustable web belt, or the tripod socket.
Using the adjustable strap: illustrates using the strap on the
camera.Push one end of the strap through the two brackets on
the back of the camera.Thread the end of the strap through the
buckle. Fasten the strap securely around the tree trunk by
pulling the end of the strap firmly so there is no slack left
(Figure 8). Note: it is not possible to use a cable lock (in the
upper part of the bracket) and the strap at the same time.
Using the tripod socket: The camera is equipped with a socket
at the bottom end to enable mounting on a tripod or other
mounting accessories with a standard UNC 1/4-20 thread screw
(user supplied).

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Figure 8: Mounting the Camera
9.2. SENSING ANGLE AND DISTANCE TEST
To test whether the camera can effectively monitor the area you
choose, this test is recommended to check the sensing angle and
monitoring distance of the camera.To perform the test:
Switch the camera to the SET mode.
Select “Motion Test” in the Menu. The camera will
countdown a max 30-second delay and be ready to capture
motions. (Note: The delay time may be less than 30 seconds,
depending on the actual time of the motion sensor to be
activated. The delay time is 30 seconds minus the power-on
time.)
Close the camera door.
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 (RED light) blinks, it
indicates that position can be sensed. If it does not blink, that
position is outside of the sensing area. (Note: The red light
will blink only when the motion is within the sensing area of
the PIR sensor.) In these sensing test, the camera would take
pictures once motion captured. When you open the camera,
the screen shows the number of times triggered, you can
review the pictures on the screen.

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The results of your testing will help you find the best placement
when mounting and aiming the camera.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).
Do NOT install the camera behind the glass window as that is
not possible to sense any motion. Avoid the camera toward to
glass object.
9.3. SWITCHING ON THE CAMERA
The camera supports two working mode “Motion Detection”
and “Time Lapse”.
(1) If you set the camera working mode as “Motion detection”
in the menu, once you switch to the ON mode, the camera
countdowns 30-second delay, and then ready to capture, go into
standby(surveillance). Any motion that is detected by it will
trigger the capture of images as programmed in the menu. Be
sure you have read the descriptions of the Detection Delay, PIR
Sensitivity parameters.
(2) If you set the camera working mode as “Time Lapse” in the
menu, once you switch to the ON mode, the camera will be
ready to go into “Time Lapse” mode, then take images
periodically according to your preset “Timelapse Interval”
parameter, regardless of the settings “Detection Delay”.
Before leaving the camera unattended, please check for the
following:
Are the batteries inserted with correct polarity and is their
power level sufficient?
Does the SD card have sufficient available space?
Is the power switch in the ON position?

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10. REVIEW PHOTOS OR VIDEOS
After you have setup, mounted and activated your CAMERA,
you will of course be eager to return later and review the images
it has captured for you. The camera stores photos and videos in
the folder \DCIM\100MEDIA in the SD card. Photos are saved
with file names like DSCF0001.JPG and videos like
DSCF0001.MP4. The MP4 video files can be played back on
most popular media players, such as Windows Media Player,
QuickTime, VLC etc.
There are several different ways this can be done.
You can directly review the photos or videos on the camera
screen.
Or in the SET mode only, 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" (user
supplied), plug in a computer, and browse the files on the
computer without downloading.
11. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Element
Description
Working Mode
Motion detection or Time Lapse
Max. Pixel Size
20MP
Lens
FOV=105°, Auto IR-Cut
IR Flash
70ft
LCD Screen
2.31" Color screen
Keypad
6 Keys, 1 Power switch
Memory
SD, SDHC or SDXC Regular memory card
(Not included), max capacity 128GB