Leupold RCX Trail Camera System User manual

TM
USER MANUAL

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Introduction
The RCX Trail Camera System is
designed to support the use of many
cameras and a single controller. The
camera system is simple, high quality,
and durable so you can place many
cameras in the field, and quickly and
easily access them to change setups,
use Real Time Video AlignmentTM and
to download images. The system works
by the camera capturing images and
storing them on an SD card that you
install. The controller also takes an SD
card up to 32 GB.
When you connect the controller to the
camera with the USB cable, you can
download images from the camera to
the controller with just a couple of quick
menu selections. You are then able to
view the images right there in the field
and make any changes to the setup you
want. The controller also allows you to
view photos from other brand trail
cameras when the SD cards are
inserted. The camera can be aligned
using Real Time Video Alignment™ that
permits you to see what the camera
sees. Settings can also be changed to
get more or less images by selecting one
of 4 preset modes, or you may access
the powerful custom menu for settings
such as multipicture, event delay, time
lapse, etc. See “Custom Camera Setup”
on page 18 for more information.
Contents
Introduction.......................................................................................................... 3
Things you need to get started ............................................................................4
Controller Setup ...................................................................................................5
Camera Setup..................................................................................................... 10
Battery Guideline ............................................................................................... 11
Camera Operation Setup.................................................................................... 12
Camera Setup with Preset Modes...................................................................... 13
DST (Dual Sensor Technology) ........................................................................... 14
Camera Mounting .............................................................................................. 15
Custom Camera Setup........................................................................................ 18
Using an External Power Source ........................................................................ 21
Downloading Images .........................................................................................22
Troubleshooting ................................................................................................. 24

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Things you need to get started
1. Camera
2. Controller (included in RCX Kit. Li-Ion
battery included)
3. 8 AA Batteries (Leupold strongly
recommends Energizer®Ultimate Lithium
AA batteries, especially for use in below
freezing temperatures.)*
4. 2 SD or SDHC cards: one for the
controller, one for the camera, up to
32GB capacity.
Accessories:
5. Mounting strap (comes with camera
or kit)
6. USB Cable (included with kits and with
controllers)
7. Stand offs (Included with cameras and
kits. These are used to solidly position
the camera on uneven surfaces)
Optional: RCX Lockdown Security Plate
(Comes installed on RCX-2 only; for use with
Master Lock® Python™ cable or for mounting
with a single nail. Available separately for
RCX-1.)
*Alkaline batteries can leak and damage
the camera if left unattended for extended
periods, especially during below freezing
temperatures. The RCX Trail Camera Warranty
does not cover damage from battery leakage.
Controller Set-Up
Lanyard Hole
Battery Door
Battery Door
Screw
Mini USB Port Cover Power Button
SD Card Slot Door3” TFT (Thin Film Transistor) Screen

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A controller must only be set once, but
is necessary to set the date and time,
and to access the features of your RCX
Camera. Every time a new camera is
set up, the time synchronizes with the
controller as soon as it is plugged in
with the USB cable.
The first time the controller is powered
up, the first screen presented is the
“Time/Date” screen. To access this
screen again later, you will find this
selection in the “Setup Controller”
menu. This screen will again be the first
screen presented any time you allow
the battery to go dead for more than
24 hours.
The Lithium Ion battery is already
installed in the controller. The
controller battery should be charged
for a minimum of 2 hours before use;
however, it is preferable to charge it at
least 16 hours to ensure long hours of
use and to prevent short battery life.
To charge the RCX Controller Battery,
plug the appropriate end of the USB
cable into the controller, then plug the
other end into a computer, the wall
charger or the car charger provided.
Before going into the field, verify that
the controller is properly charged.
Navigate through the controller
menus by arrowing to the desired
selection.
On menu items with to the right
of the text, press the right arrow to
access the next level down in the
menu .
Press to select a menu choice.
Delete and zoom are used
only when viewing images on the
SD card.
Use to back out one menu level.

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Brightness: The display brightness of
the controller can be adjusted. This is
recommended when lighting conditions
change dramatically.
Time/Date: Time is in 24-hour time
only. The default date format is YYYY/
DD/MM but can be changed to other
formats.
Temp Unit: Switch between °F or °C.
Hemisphere: Set the appropriate hemisphere. The United States and Canada are
in the Northern Hemisphere. Australia, New Zealand and South Africa are in the
Southern Hemisphere.. This makes the orientation of the moon phase images correct
for your location.
Language: The controller menus can be displayed in any of the following
languages: English, German, Finnish, French, Italian, Russian, Spanish or Swedish.
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USB Port Cover
1/4-20 Tripod
Stud Mount
BOTTOM ACCESS
DOOR OPEN
BOTTOM ACCESS
DOOR CLOSED
USB Port
SD Card Slot
Battery Pack
Latch
Cover Retaining
Screw
Battery Pack
12V Jack Cover
12V Jack
Power Switch

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1. Install an SD card. An SD card from
another device may already contain
files that will reduce the number of
photos you can take. To optimize the
operation of the camera’s SD card,
format it using the controller. This
can be done in the controller setup
menu and by selecting “Format SD
Card” from the bottom of the menu.
This will erase all SD Card contents.
Once the SD card is formatted,
insert it into the camera.
2. Open the access door and remove
the AA battery cartridge.
3. Insert 8 batteries with the negative
(flat) end against the contact spring.
4. Insert the loaded battery cartridge
into the camera with the contact
side going in first until the catch
snaps into place. Be sure to close
the bottom door securely after all
setup is complete to ensure good
contact pressure.
5. Turn power on (“I” position). The
camera won’t take pictures for 30
seconds after powered on or with
the USB cable still connected to
both the controller and the camera.
6. Connect the controller to the
camera with the USB cable. Allow
several seconds for the controller
to recognize the camera. When
properly connected, the controller
will show a camera status box at the
bottom of the screen.
• Ideally, use only Energizer®Ultimate
Lithium AA batteries or the RCX
Rechargeable Battery Pack,
especially for cold weather use and
night time photos & video. Alkaline
batteries are adversely affected by
freezing temperatures, and high
power drain applications, regardless
of what device they are used in.
• Never mix battery types (Alkaline,
Ni-MH, Lithium) or mAh rating.
• Never try to recharge a battery that
is not labeled as rechargeable.
• Use only the recommended charger
for rechargeable batteries.
• Always replace all batteries at the
same time.
• Do not attempt to use only 4
batteries. 8 batteries are required
for the RCX cameras to function.
• Follow the battery manufacturer’s
recommendations for storage,
handling and disposal.
Camera Setup
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Camera Status
Battery Guideline

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If you are using multiple RCX Cameras,
it is recommended to give each camera
a unique name the first time it is set
up. This will name the folder where the
images are stored (which includes the
camera name) for easy sorting after
downloading from multiple cameras.
Naming camera
1. With the camera powered on,
connect the controller to the camera
with the USB cable.
2. Select “Setup Camera”from the
main menu. Press
3. Press until “Custom Setting” is
highlighted. Press .
4. Press twice to move to “Page 2”,
then Press to move to the menu.
Press to select “Camera Name”,
then press .
5. Select characters from the keyboard
by using , and use
to input the character. The
name must be between 3 and
10 characters long. (Be sure the
first 3 characters are unique between
cameras to ensure all folders are easy to
differentiate.)
6. Select “Save”and press .
7. Press . As you exit the custom
settings, an “Update camera?”
alert window appears. Press to
upload the changes you made. This
will be confirmed with the message
“Camera Setup Complete” .
Camera Operation Setup Camera Setup with Preset Modes
Automatically
Selected Settings
with Preset Modes
*DST only available
with RCX-2
Image Quality Multi-picture Event delay (time between photos) RCX-2 Sensor (RCX-1 is only 45°) RCX-2 Flash (RCX-1 is 36 LED only) Sensitivity
Best Picture Mode RCX- 1: 8MP
RCX-2: 10MP
OFF OFF DST 48 LED Auto
Most Picture Mode 3MP 3 photos OFF DST 48 LED Super High
Power Saver Mode
(Day/Night)
3MP OFF 5 min DST 36 LED Auto
Normal Video Mode 640x480,
30fps, 5 sec
OFF 5 min DST 36 LED Auto
1. Go to Camera Setup
2. Press .
3. Select from the 4 preset modes the
setting that is closest to what you
want. Press .
For custom camera settings, see “Custom Camera Setup” on page 18

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DST (Dual Sensor Technology)
45ft
10°
45°
54° Camera
Lens Angle 90ft
MAXIMUM TRIGGER RANGES
Dual Sensor Technology (DST™)
delivers a more complete picture
of game activity in your area.
Select the wider 45° sensor from
“Custom Menu” with a range of
45 feet (ideal for larger areas) or
select the narrower 10° sensor
with a range of 90 feet (for
use with a specific landmark or
feeder). Both sensors can also
be active at the same time by
selecting DST. Only the RCX-2
features this ground-breaking
technology.
Select a place to hang the camera.
(usually a tree). Avoid or remove any
obstructions.
1. Locate the camera where sun does
not shine straight into the camera
for best exposure results.
2. Mount the camera at a distance
above the ground at a height similar
to that of the target and with the
camera view parallel to the ground.
This is especially important when
using the 10° sensor alone. The
sensor zone is a cone so if you angle
it toward the ground, the sensor
range may end on the ground short
of where your targets will pass.
3. It is best to set the camera up where
the most likely target movement
is not coming straight toward the
camera, since the PIR sensors
work by comparing changes in
temperature between 2 side-by-side
elements.
The Lock-Down Security Plate attached to
the RCX-2 is for use with a Master Lock®
Python™ cable to prevent theft.
A Lock-Down Security Plate for
the RCX-1 is available and is sold
separately from the unit.
4. Run the strap through the slots.
5. Separate the buckle and thread the
loose end of the strap through the
loose buckle half.
6. Preadjust to a little larger than the
selected tree.
Camera Mounting

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7. If the surface against the camera
is very uneven, use the included
standoffs to adjust the contact
points on the back of the camera as
needed. Three points of contact are
best for stability and adjustment.
Stack them for more height and
fine-tune the final angle with the
adjusting screw at the top of the
camera after mounting.
8. Wrap the strap around the tree,
and connect the buckle. Pull the
straps just snug enough to keep the
camera in place but to still allow the
camera position to be adjusted.
9. Connect the controller to the camera
with the USB cable.
10. Select the “Preview Camera”
Icon (the red deer) from the main
menu to activate Real Time Video
Alignment. You can now check the
framing of your picture through the
controller by seeing exactly where
the camera is pointed. Think about
how tall antlers might be and make
sure to not cut them off at the top of
the frame. Avoid framing too much
sky in the picture as the exposure of
the camera will compensate for this
brightness and foreground images
will be dark. This will also set the
night time IR filter to the proper
position to start taking photos.
11. Unplug the USB cable from the
camera. You can verify that the
camera is working properly by
covering the light sensor, which is
in the small hole above the Leupold
medallion on the front left side the
camera. Wave your hand in front
of the camera and you’ll see the
IR LEDs illuminate. A click of the
IR filter moving into position for
night pictures may also be heard.
This movement typically occurs only
twice per day: once in the morning
and once at night.
The camera will not start taking photos
until the USB cable is unplugged from the
controller.
NOTE: The camera has to have been
powered up for 30 seconds before it
will take pictures. This does include
time during set up, so after alignment,
it is usually ready to go. If you want to
avoid taking pictures of yourself leaving
the area, power the camera off and on
before securing the door and walking
away. This uses the 30 second power
buffer to allow time to get out of the
camera’s sensor reach.

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Use the custom mode to refine settings.
Night & day settings are modified
seperately, so be sure to set them both.
Automatic Camera Type Detection:
The controller will automatically detect
the type of camera and will only offer
settings that are available with that
model. If there is no camera connected,
RCX-1 or RCX-2 can be chosen on the
opening screen.
Video/Picture: Select whether the
camera will take video or still images.
Resolution:
.3 MP* to 10 MP for RCX-2,
.3 MP* to 8 MP for RCX-1.
Video: 320x240* or 640x480
Video settings
Video FPS: 15* or 30 Video frames
per second determines how smoothly
the video runs. The higher the number,
the better the video, but the greater the
file size.
Video Length: 5* to 60 seconds
*Lower values are recommended for smaller
SD cards and for quick field downloads.
Dual Sensor Technology (DST)
Only the RCX-2 has DST, which uses
both a 45° sensor and a 10° sensor.
The 10° sensor provides the longest 45°
Custom Camera Setup range and the 45° sensor provides a
more forgiving wide sensor angle that
nearly covers the 54° field of view of
the camera. The camera can be setup
to use either of the sensors or both
in combination. Activate both when
you want to maximize the number of
pictures.
The RCX-1 is equipped with only a 45 degree
sensor
Sensitivity
Auto: Adjusts to higher sensitivity
in hot weather when the air temp
is closer to that of a deer’s body. It
automatically sets to lower sensitivity
when it is cooler to avoid small target
triggers, like birds and squirrels.
Manual: Super high, high, medium
and low.
• Set to super high sensitivity for
maximum image count. 32 GB
SD cards and efficient power
consumption can take more than
10,000 10 MP images. While taking
many pictures is possible, it will
make field downloading slower.
In instances where the SD card is
nearly full, it may make more sense
to change cards rather than to
download.
• Set to a lower setting if you are
getting false triggers or pictures of
animals farther away than you want.
Operation Hours
The camera can be set to run for a
specific period of time to save batteries

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and to avoid triggers during periods
where there is a lot of activity that you
don’t want to capture. For example,
people and pets in your yard during
the day when you are trying to capture
night activity. The camera can be set to
run during only daylight hours to avoid
the power consumption of night pictures
that require the IR LED flash.
Night Pictures
The camera automatically activates
night mode when the light sensor tells
it that there is not enough light for
pictures without the IR flash. It will then
activate the IR LEDs and take black and
white night images. Set different night
settings for your camera by selecting
the night tab in the custom menu, and
selecting settings to be applied during
these night shots only. For ease of
operation, some settings cannot be
customized separately for night shots.
Time Lapse
The Time Lapse feature allows the
camera to automatically take a picture
at intervals you select in the “input”
menu. This allows movement to be
captured beyond the trigger range. In
addition, the very long intervals can
be used for documenting changes
like a plant growing, or the change of
seasons. Time Lapse is great for food
plots where there is constant activity
and you don’t want to miss far targets
or take multiple pictures of the same
animal.
Event Delay
The Event Delay feature sets the camera
to ignore triggers for a time after a
picture is triggered. This is to avoid
taking too many pictures of one animal.
Tip: use with multi-picture mode to snap a
couple of pictures to make sure you get a
good one, then wait for the next animal. Time
Lapse and Event Delay cannot be used at the
same time.
Camera Name
Enter a unique name for each camera.
Your image folder names will
incorporate a part of the camera name.
This will make organizing your image
files easier when you get home. (See
“Downloading images” section on
page 22.)
Picture Stamp
Set each piece of information to stamp
on your picture individually:
1. Camera Name
2. Moon Phase
3. Date/Time
4. Barometric Pressure (RCX-2 only)
5. Temperature
6. File Name
Using an External Power Source
A cable for connecting an external 12V
battery to a camera is included in the
kits. A car or motorcycle battery can be
used, provided that it produces 12V and
has external terminals that can be safely
connected with the provided clamps.
Insert the plug into the bottom of the

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camera by opening the rubber sealed
12V jack cover. Be sure to connect the
red clamp to the positive (+) terminal
and the black clamp to the negative (-)
terminal.
Downloading Images
From the Camera to the Controller
Connect the controller to the camera
with the USB cable. Select the
“Download Images from Camera”
icon and press . The next menu will
show you two options: “Download”
which downloads the photos and leaves
them on the camera, or “Download
and Delete” which downloads the
photos and deletes them from the
camera. Once one of the options is
selected, press . The controller will
begin downloading and will show a
count of how many images there are to
download and the percent complete. If
it appears downloading is going to take
longer than you want to wait, open the
bottom door and remove the SD card.
Insert it into the controller for viewing
and sorting the images, or change SD
cards and wait until you get home to
view the images. Select the “View SD”
icon to view images stored on the SD
card installed in the controller.
Downloading Images from the
Controller to the Computer
Plug the USB into a computer and view
the images taken on a computer screen.
The controller acts as an external drive
and allows you to move files from the
controller to a computer in the same
way.
Viewing Images on a TV
Plug the USB cable into a TV or any
other device with a USB port that
supports mass storage devices and use
the TV controls to navigate through
the images to view them on the TV.
Viewing Images on SD Cards from
Other Cameras.
The controller can be used to view any
images in the field that are stored on
an SD card using the industry standard
DCIM file storage format. Simply
insert the SD Card from another brand
camera, and select the “View
SD” icon.

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The camera is not taking pictures or is only taking pictures some of the
time.
1. Connect the controller to the camera and and look at the camera status window.
This shows the camera’s battery status and SD capacity remaining. Replace
batteries if needed. Empty, format, or replace SD card if needed.
2. If the custom mode was used to set up the camera, make sure both day and
night settings have been set for the menu items that allow this.
3. Ensure the hours of operation are set to 24hr.
4. Try a different SD card. A faulty SD card will cause either the controller or the
camera to not function properly. See our web site for a list of approved SD card
models. It is possible for an approved SD card model to fail. Try reformatting the
SD card as well, using the controller setup menu. Format SD card is at the bottom
of this menu.
5. Try new batteries. It is possible (though unlikely) for new batteries to be faulty.
Troubleshooting The controller does not recognize the camera when the USB cable is
plugged in.
1. Verify that the camera is powered on. “I” is the “On” position of the switch.
2. If the batteries are not fresh, replace the batteries.
3. Verify that all batteries are installed in the correct orientation. The flat,
negative end of the batteries should all be placed against the coil spring side in
4. the battery cartridge.
5. Verify that all batteries are of the same type.
6. Be sure the battery cartridge is completely installed and the latch is snapped
into place. The bottom door should be securely closed to ensure good contact.
My pictures are foggy.
1. Check to make sure the sun is not shining directly into the camera lens. Realign
as needed.
2. At about the same time of day when the foggy pictures are occurring, connect
the controller to the camera and select the “View Camera” icon to activate
Real Time Video Alignment.

26 27
3. Check the camera lens window to see if it is dirty. Clean if needed with a soft
cloth or a cotton swab with alcohol or lens cleaning fluid applied. DO NOT USE
ACETONE OR ANY OTHER SOLVENT. DOING SO WILL DAMAGE THE VIEWING
WINDOW AND VOID YOUR WARRANTY.
My pictures are black & white and overexposed.
1. Check the light sensor to and make sure it is unobstructed. The light sensor
is located on the front of the camera, on the left side, just above the Leupold
medallion. If it is obstructed, the camera will set itself to always take night
pictures.
My camera is taking the correct type of images in day or night only but
not both?
1. Verify that you entered both day and night settings for the menu items that
allow this.
My flash range is getting shorter over time.
1. The RCX Camera System is designed to reduce IR LED power when the batteries
get low in order to extend the life of the batteries. To restore a longer flash
range, install fresh batteries.
My camera is not taking night pictures or videos.
1. Use Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries or an external power source when
taking night video or when using the 48 LED setting in the RCX-2.
2. When batteries get very low, The RCX Trail Camera is designed to take only day
pictures in order to extend the useful life of the batteries. Replace the batteries
to restore full functionality.

One Year Limited Warranty
Leupold RCX Trail Camera is warranted by the Leupold Electronics Warranty, and
are protected from defects in materials and workmanship for ONE YEAR from the
date of purchase. The warranty is void if damage results from unauthorized repair,
alteration, misuse, or battery leakage. The warranty is given solely to the original
owner and is not transferable.
Leupold & Stevens, Inc. requires that after 30 days of purchase, any customer
returns of RCX Trail Cameras or Camera Components (other than those still in sealed
factory packaging) be sent directly to Leupold & Stevens, Inc. for warranty inspection
and evaluation.
For warranty service please contact Technical Services first at 1-800 LEUPOLD.
When instructed to do so, send your product to:
Leupold & Stevens, Inc.
ATTN: Product Service
14400 NW Greenbrier Parkway
Beaverton, OR 97006

Leupold & Stevens, Inc.
1-800-LEUPOLD » 503-526-1400 » www.leupold.com
PO Box 688, Beaverton, OR 97075-0688
14400 NW Greenbrier Parkway, Beaverton, OR 97006-5790 USA
Part# 112161 Artwork#112163B