KeepGuard KG780NV User manual

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Scouting CAM
INSTRUCTION MANUAL
Model #: KG780NV
12-11

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page #
Introduction
3
General Description
3
Applications
4
Parts and Controls
4
Installing the Batteries and SD Card
6
Loading Batteries
6
Using an External Power Source
6
Inserting the SD Card
7
Using the KeepGuard CAM
8
The OFF,ON and SETUP Modes
8 - 9
OFF Mode
8
ON Mode
8
SETUP Mode
9
SETUP Mode Shortcut Keys/Functions
9
Using the SETUP Menu to Change Settings
10
Changing Parameter Settings in SETUP Mode
11
EXAMPLES-Changing the Settings of Some Common Parameters
12
The SETUP Menu-Parameters and Settings List w/Descriptions
15
Camera Name Input
19
Coordinate Input
19
Mounting and Positioning the KEEPGUARD CAM
20
Mounting
20
Sensing Angle and Distance Test
21
Switching ON the Camera
21
Playing Back/Deleting the Photos/Videos
22
Reviewing on the KeepGuard Cam LCD
22
Reviewing Images on an External Video Monitor
22
Deleting Photos or Videos
23
Reviewing Images Directly from the SD Card
23
Reviewing Images by Connecting the Camera to a Computer
24
Downloading the Photos/Videos
24
Troubleshooting/FAQs
26
Technical Specifications
29

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INTRODUCTION
About the KEEPGUARD CAM
The KeepGuard Cam is a 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 8MP
still photos), or video clips.
Battery life has long been one of the biggest strengths of the KeepGuard Cam.
This camera is no different. It has low stand-by current and low day/night
power consumptions. The KeepGuard Cam is a rock star when it comes to
battery consumption. It consumes very little power (less than 0.28mA) in a
stand by (surveillance) state. This means it can deliver up to six months
stand-by operation time when the device is powered by eight AA alkaline
batteries, and up to twelve months utilizing lithium AAbatteries. Once motion in
the monitored area is detected, the digital camera unit will be triggered
(typically within one second) and then automatically take photos or videos
according to previously programmed settings.
The KeepGuard Cam is equipped with built-in infrared LEDs that function as a
flash. It delivers clear photos or videos (in black & white) even in the dark and it
can take color photos or videos under sufficient daylight. The KeepGuard
Cam is designed for outdoor use and is resistant against water and snow.
Your trail camera is one of the latest generations of KeepGuard Trail Cam,
and includes many new or improved features, including:
• Auto PIR Sensitivity-the camera monitors ambient temperature conditions
and automatically adjusts the sensor/trigger signal to be more sensitive to
slight variations in temperature on hot days, less sensitive on cold days.
• Hyper Night Vision-The IR LED Flash array now has increased range,
brighter output and better coverage for improved nighttime images. The
nighttime pictures are clear and bright.
• Timed Scan - The “time lapse” feature added in last year’s models has been
enhanced with the addition of the option for a second block of recording with its
own start/stop times. Trigger signals generated by nearby wildlife activity will
still generate additional photos/videos as they normally would, independently
of the Timed Scan operation.
•IR LED Control - prevents overexposed flash photos in close range
applications.

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The KeepGuard Cam has many more features such as Video with Audio,
wide screen or full screen format still photos, imprint able camera name (user
set) along with current data including temperature and moon phase.
Applications
The KeepGuard Cam can be used as a
Trail /Game Camera for hunting or scouting game.
Motion-triggered Camera: for Home, Office and Commune.
All other Outdoor Surveillance where Invasion Evidence is needed.
PARTS AND CONTROLS
The KeepGuard Cam provides the following connections for external devices:
USB port, SD card slot and external DC power (Fig. 1). A three way power
switch is used to select the main operating modes: OFF, SETUP, and ON (Fig.
2).
A control key interface with six keys is primarily used in SETUP mode to select
operational functions and parameters. As shown in Fig. 2, these keys are: UP,
DOWN, LEFT, RIGHT, OK and MENU. Four of the keys can also perform a
second function (shortcut operations in SETUP mode) in addition to their main
function. The DOWN key can be used to set the Video mode (movie camera
icon), and the UP key can set the camera to Photo mode (still camera icon).
The RIGHT key also serves as the manual shutter ("SHOT") button of the
camera and the OK key switches the camera to the playback ("REPLAY")
mode. These secondary functions are indicated by icons or text above the key
as shown in Fig. 2.
Figure 1: Connections For External Devices
SD Card Slot
DC In Jack
USB Port
Video Mic

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LCD Screen
Up/Camer
a
Down/Video
Power/Mode Switch
Cable to Battery
Compartment
OK/Replay
Menu
Left
Down/Photo
RIGHT/Shot
UP/Video
Power/
Mode Switch
DC In Cover Plug
Video Mic
Figure 2: Button and Switch Guide
LED IR Flash
Lens
Lock Hole
Motion/Low Battery Indicator
PIR Sensor
Light Sensor
Latch
Front View

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INSTALLING THE BATTERIES and SD CARD
Before you begin learning how to use your KeepGuard Cam, 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:
Loading Batteries
After opening the two latches on the right side of the
KeepGuard Cam, you will see that the KeepGuard
Cam has eight battery slots. Starting at the top of the
battery compartment slots 1, 2, 3 and 4 form one
group, while slots 5, 6, 7 and 8 form the other group,
each providing 6 volts in parallel. For maximum
battery life, you should install a full set of eight
batteries.
The KeepGuard Cam may also be operated by just
four batteries installed in the top group only (see
right), starting at slot 1. Battery life will be shorter with
4 batteries, but the camera will operate normally. Whether you use 4 or 8, be
sure to insert each battery with correct polarity (negative or "flat" end against
the long spring of each battery slot). KeepGuard recommends using eight new
lithium AA (Energizer® brand) or alkaline AA batteries. NiMh Rechargeable
batteries can also be used, but they might have a shorter life span due to their
reduced efficiency over time and at low temperature. It is also possible to use a
lead-acid external battery cell with 6V output or suitable AC adapter - see
below for more details.
Using an External Power Source (optional, user provided)
Optionally, you can connect an external 6V DC power source to the "DC In"
jack at the bottom of the KeepGuard Cam. It is recommended to use a power
source with a current output greater than 1000mA. However, during bright
daytime operation when no flash is required, the KeepGuard Cam can
function with much less current (>400mA). Please use a compatible power
source cable (not provided) to connect the external DC power source with the
power input jack of the KeepGuard Cam, making sure that the polarity is
correct.
Note: The power connector is a 4.0 x 1.7mm coaxial DC power plug with
positive ”tip” (inside pin) polarity (Radio Shack P/274-1532 or equivalent). If
both an external power source is connected and batteries are installed, the
1-
3+
5+
7-
2+
4-
6-
8+
Battery Slot

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KeepGuard Cam will be powered by the external power source. When the
batteries become weak, the low-battery indicator LED will glow blue, indicating
the batteries should be changed.
Inserting the SD Card
The KeepGuard Cams have 32MB internal memory, which can hold only
about 18 photos (12MP resolution). This is handy for testing and getting
familiar with the camera, but you will no doubt want to leave the camera
unattended for longer than a day, so using an SD card is recommended. 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 position. The KeepGuard Cam uses a standard SD
(Secure Digital) memory card to save photos (in .jpg format) and/or videos
(in .asf format). SD and SDHC (High Capacity) cards up to a maximum 32GB
capacity are supported. Before inserting the SD card into the card slot after
opening the camera's front cover, please make sure that the write-protect
switch on the side of the card is ″off″ (NOT in the ″Lock″ position). The
following describes how to insert and remove the SD card:
Insert the SD card into the card slot with its label side upwards (see below). 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 LCD in SETUP mode (the SD
card icon displayed after switching to SETUP mode will have a ″lock″ symbol
inside it if the card is locked). Formatting the SD card by using the KeepGuard
Cam's "Format" parameter before using it for the first time is recommended,
especially when a card has been used in other devices (see ″Changing Menu
Parameter Settings″ for details).
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.
WARNING
Be sure the camera′s power is switched OFF
before inserting or removing SD cards or batteries.

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USING THE KEEPGUARD CAM
Once you've prepared your KeepGuard Cam by properly installing batteries
and an SD card, you could simply take it outside, strap it to a tree, 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.
THE OFF, ON, AND SETUP MODES
The KeepGuard Cam has three basic operational modes:
· OFF mode: Power switch in the OFF position.
· ON mode: Power switch in the ON position (LCD screen is off.)
· SETUP mode: Power switch at SETUP position (LCD screen is on).
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. You will also use
OFF mode if you connect the camera to a computer′s USB port to download
your photos/ videos. When you are storing or not using the camera, you will
switch it to OFF. Please note that even in the OFF mode the KeepGuard Cam
still consumes power at a very low level. Therefore, 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.
ON Mode
Any time after the batteries and SD card have been inserted, you can switch
on the camera. When the power switch is moved to the top position, the
camera will enter into the ON (Live) mode. The motion indicator LED will blink
red for about 10 seconds. This interval allows time for you to close the
KeepGuard Cam′s front cover, lock it, and leave the monitored area. Once in
the ON mode, no manual controls are needed or possible (the control keys
have no effect). The KeepGuard Cam will take photos or videos automatically
(according to its current parameter settings) when it is triggered by the PIR
sensor′s detection of activity in the area it covers. You can either move the
power switch directly from OFF to ON mode, or stop at the SETUP position
first to change one or more settings, then move the switch to ON after you

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have finished doing so.
SETUP Mode
In the SETUP mode you can check and change the settings of the KeepGuard
Cam with the help of its built-in LCD (or a monitor connected to the TV out
jack).These settings, found in the SETUP Menu, let you change the photo or
video resolution, interval between photos, switch the time imprint on, etc.
Moving the power switch to the SETUP position will turn on the LCD display,
and you will see an information screen that shows how many images have
been taken, the battery level, camera or video mode, etc. (see Fig. 3).
NOTE: Always move the power switch from OFF to SETUP mode. It is
possible that the camera could lock up if it is switched from ON to SETUP
mode. If this occurs, simply move the switch to OFF and then push it up
to SETUP again.
SETUP Mode Shortcut Keys/Functions
As mentioned earlier in “Parts & Controls”, four of the keys below the LCD
have secondary, "shortcut” functions when the camera is switched to SETUP
mode (but the MENU key has not been pressed):
•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. Make sure you are in SETUP mode, press the RIGHT key and a
few seconds later a photo or video (depending on how the camera was set) will
be saved to the SD card (or internal memory if no card is inserted). The
“number of images taken” counter on the bottom left of the LCD will increase
by one. If the display indicates "SD PROTECTED" when you press the SHOT
key, switch the camera OFF, remove the SD card and slide its protect switch
off.
• Press the OK key to replay (review or playback) photo/videos on the LCD
connected TV monitor. See “playing Back Photos/Videos” for more details.

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Fig. 3: SETUP Information Screen
USING THE SETUP MENU TO CHANGE SETTINGS
The main purpose of the SETUP mode is to allow you to change the settings of
the camera’s parameters (15 different ones are available) so your KeepGuard
Cam operates exactly the way you want it to. You will do this by entering the
SETUP Menu and pressing the keys below the LCD display, which will show
you each parameter and its setting.
Remaining Photo
Capacity
Image Resolution
# of Photos Taken
Camera Mode
Time Stamp ON
Timed Scan ON
Battery Level
SD Card Status
Video Mode
Video Resolution
Audio Rec On
Available Video
Recording Time
Time Stamp ON
Field Scan ON