Reconyx HC500 User manual

Instruction Manual
Copyright: October 2013

1 ©RECONYX, Inc.
Table of Contents
I. Table of Contents ................................................................... 1
II. Camera Overview ................................................................... 2
III. HyperFireTM Specifications..................................................... 3
IV. HyperFireTM Controls & Parts Diagram.................................. 5
V. Batteries & Memory Cards .................................................... 6
VI. Setup & Programming ......................................................... 11
VII. Mounting Your Camera........................................................ 18
VIII. Locking & Securing Your Camera ...................................... 19
IX. Aiming Your Camera............................................................ 20
X. Image Data Information ....................................................... 22
XI. Additional Camera Options ................................................. 23
XII. Troubleshooting ................................................................... 25
XIII. Warranty, FCC, and Safety Information ............................. 28
XIV. Your Information and Camera Warranty Registration ...... 30
XV. Copyright & Trademark Information................................... 31

www.reconyx.com 2
Camera Overview
Congratulations on purchasing a RECONYX™camera. RECONYX™has been
the leader in digital wildlife cameras since 2002. Your HyperFire™ camera is a
state-of-the-art digital camera, Passive Infrared (PIR) motion detector, and a
night time infrared illuminator all contained in a secure, rugged, and weather-
resistant case.
Whether you are using the camera for scouting deer or studying wildlife, you will
find that using the HyperFire™camera in conjunction with MapView™
Professional or BuckView™Advanced software will be one of your most valuable
tools in gathering and analyzing data.
Thank you for putting your trust in us!
Contents of this package:
HyperFire™Camera
BuckView™Advanced or MapView™Professional software (CD-ROM)
Adjustable bungee cord for mounting camera.
This instruction manual.
Moisture absorbing desiccant system (Professional cameras only)
Other things you will need:
Secure Digital® (SD or SDHC) Memory Card
12 AA Batteries
NOTE: The HC600 & PC900 cameras will only operate on either NiMH
rechargeable batteries or Energizer® 1.5V AA Ultimate Lithium™batteries.
A computer, television, digital picture frame or other device to view your
pictures
Optional:
Windows® PC to install BuckView™or MapView™software
NOTE: If you have any questions or concerns relating to the operation or
functionality of your camera, please contact our Technical Service
Department by email at suppo[email protected] or by calling toll free
866-493-6064.

3 ©RECONYX, Inc.
HyperFire™Specifications
HC500
HC600
PC800
PC900
Illumination Range
at night
Lo-glow
Infrared up
to 50 feet
No-glow
Covert
Infrared up
to 60 feet
Lo-glow
Infrared up
to 70 feet
No-glow
Covert
Infrared up to
60 feet
Images
1080P HD or 3.1 MP color images by day;
monochrome by night
InstaOn™
Trigger Speed
1/5 second
RapidFire™
NearVideo™
Up to 2 frames per second
SD Card Capacity
Up to 32GB: (4GB = approx 10,000 pictures)
NOTE: under normal use 2GB or 4GB cards are adequate.
Software Included
BuckView™Advanced
MapView™Professional
Moisture Absorbing
Desiccant System
Available for purchase
Included
Time-Lapse
Surveillance
1, 5, 15, 30,
or 60 minute intervals
Virtually any number of
seconds, minutes, or hours
Motion Sensor
Scheduling
ON or OFF
15 minute increments within all
24 hour periods
Start Delay
n/a
Up to 12 weeks
Conformal Coated
Electronics
n/a
Included
Customization
Options
(additional charges may
apply)
n/a
Wireless Trigger and IR
Illumination Extender, External
Power and Trigger Jacks,
Focal Distance, Telephoto
lens, Custom Motion Detector
Lens, Custom Colors,
other modifications available
Warranty
1 year
2 years

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BuckView™ADVANCED
The HC500 and HC600 HyperFire™Cameras include the new BuckView™
Advanced mapping and image management software with Google Maps®
technology. This allows you to geographically organize and access your images,
and helps you to pattern and understand animal movements and behaviors. In
addition to camera locations, you can add food plots, tree stands and more. Our
exclusive "quick tag" will allow you to tag specific bucks and add them to your
"Hit List". BuckView™Advanced also enables you to easily upload and share
your RECONYX™photos to Facebook® and Twitter®.
Refer to the BuckView User Guide, accessible within the software, for more
information. BuckView™requires a personal computer running Windows XP®,
Windows Vista®, or Windows 7®.
MapView™Professional
The PC800 and PC900 HyperFire™Cameras include the latest MapView™
Professional mapping and image management software with Google Maps®
technology; allowing you to geographically organize and access your images,
and helping you to pattern and understand animal movements and behaviors. In
addition to camera locations, you can add nesting sites, bait stations, food
sources and more. Our exclusive "power tagging" will allow you to easily define
metadata and tag your images with data specific to your research project. Once
your image data is specified you can easily export your data for further analysis
using other software systems. In addition, the “RECONYX™Professional
Configuration software” allows advanced programming of your Professional
Series camera, with a near infinite combination of settings available.
For more information, refer to the MapView™Professional User Guide,
accessible within the software. MapView™Professional requires a personal
computer running Windows XP®, Windows Vista®, or Windows 7®.

5 ©RECONYX, Inc.
HyperFire™Controls & Parts Diagram
Infrared
Array
Handle
PIR Motion
Detector
Padlock
Loop
Padlock
Loop
IR Mask
WalkTest Light
Camera Lens
Latch
Backlit LCD
Status/Menu Panel
Battery
Bays
Weatherproof
Gasket
- Card In Use (Status Light)
- Left/Right Menu Buttons
- OK Button
- Low Battery (Status Light)
SD Card Slot
WARRANTY
SEAL
On/Off Power
Switch
Weather-Resistant Case
Light
Meter

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Batteries & Memory Cards
Accessing Batteries, Memory Card & Camera Controls
To install the batteries and memory card, your HyperFire™camera is easily
opened using the latch on the right side of the camera. Grasp behind the latch
and flip it toward the front. The camera will open like a book, allowing access to
the batteries, memory card and settings.
Step 1
Step 2
Step 3
Breathable Vent
There is a breathable vent underneath the latch of the camera, which will allow
the air pressure inside the camera case to equalize while keeping water out.
NOTE: The breathable vent is vital to keeping the camera weatherproof and
should NOT be removed or tampered with.
TIP: Each time you open your camera it’s a good practice to:
Make sure the main gasket is seated properly and is clear of debris.
Check that the breathable vent underneath the latch has not been
damaged.
Be sure that the windows on the front of your camera are clean.
Also be sure the latch is fully seated when closing your camera to ensure a
weather-tight seal.

7 ©RECONYX, Inc.
Battery Specifications and Installation
Your RECONYXTM HyperFire™camera runs on twelve AA-cell batteries. We
highly recommend using either Energizer®Ultimate Lithium™batteries or high-
quality NiMH Rechargeable batteries in your camera. Alkaline batteries do not
provide as much power as Lithium or NiMH batteries and they are adversely
affected by both hot and cold weather, so we do not recommend alkaline
batteries.
NiMH will operate at temperatures down to -20°F or colder. Lithium batteries will
operate to -40°F.
Alkaline batteries may be used in the HC500 and PC800 camera models.
However, they will not provide the performance that the Lithium or NiMH
batteries do, in terms of nighttime consistency or number of pictures taken.
NOTE: We strongly advise that you not attempt to run alkaline batteries in the
HC600 or PC900, as the performance will be very poor.
NOTE: Be sure to load batteries in the proper orientation (alternating
positive/negative, six in each battery bay).
Warning!Do not mix battery types! Damage to the camera can result and your
warranty will be voided if you mix battery types.

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Battery Performance
Because camera settings, animal activity, individual battery performance and
temperature all vary, there is no way to precisely predict a camera’s run time, the
total number of images that can be taken, or the temperature at which the
camera will operate on any given set of batteries. Therefore the following table
shows approximate values to be used as a guide in determining what type of
batteries will best suit your needs.
NOTE:The values in the chart below were based on tests using 12 batteries;
taking 50% daytime photos and 50% nighttime photos at 70ºF.
Battery Type
Operating
Temperature
Number of Images
PC900 &
HC600
PC800
HC500
AA Energizer®Ultimate
Lithium™(1.5V)
-40º F (-40ºC)
and above
30,000 to
40,000
40,000 to
50,000
40,000 to
50,000
AA Rechargeable
Nickel-Metal Hydride
(1.2V, 2600MaH)
0º F (-18ºC)
and above
*20,000
to 30,000
*20,000 to
30,000
*20,000 to
30,000
AA Alkaline (1.5V)
(HC500, PC800 Only)
20º F (-7ºC)
and above
n/a
* 20,000 to
30,000
*20,000 to
30,000
* High temperatures can reduce run time with Alkaline and NiMH batteries by 50% or
more.
TIP: You can purchase 1.5V Lithium batteries as well as RECONYXTM certified
NiMH rechargeable batteries and chargers at www.reconyx.com.
Your camera will display the status of
multiple battery types; be sure that the
display is showing the same type of battery
that you are using. You can change the battery type in the main menu, including
Lithium (LITH), Nickel-Metal Hydride (NIMH), or Alkaline (ALK).
NOTE:The option to use alkaline batteries is only available on PC800 and
HC500 camera models. Alkaline batteries are NOT to be used with the
covert (PC900, HC600) cameras.

9 ©RECONYX, Inc.
Secure Digital®(SD or SDHC) Card Specifications
A Secure Digital (SD/SDHC) card is used to store the pictures your camera
captures. These images may be transferred to your computer using standard
image viewing software or RECONYX™ MapView™ or BuckView™mapping
and image management software.
TIP: Many digital cameras, GPS units, and cell phones can be used to view
images taken by your HyperFire™ camera. No need to purchase a special
purpose viewer!
Inserting and Removing the memory card
Make sure the orientation is correct and that the card is aligned properly. Push
gently on the memory card as shown below until it clicks into place.
Warning: Inserting the memory card upside down or backwards could
damage the camera or the memory card. Damage resulting from inserting
the card incorrectly is not covered under warranty.
To remove memory cards:
1. Press <OK> to disarm the camera (the battery status and number of
pictures taken since last armed will be displayed on the LCD).
2. Switch the power OFF.
3. Press and release the card to partially eject the memory card.
4. The card can then be removed by grasping it with your fingers.
NOTE: Always disarm the camera (by pressing OK) and switch the power off
before removing or inserting the memory card.

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Memory Card - File System Requirements
Secure Digital cards have various speeds and capacities. Larger capacity cards
are capable of storing more images. Your HyperFire™ camera can accept cards
up to 32GB, but most users will find 2GB and 4GB cards to be more than
adequate for normal use.
Cards with higher speed ratings are capable of reading and writing images faster.
This is advantageous when taking RapidFire™NearVideo™sequences of
images.
NOTE:A 4GB memory card will store approximately 10,000 images.
Troubleshooting your memory card
If you have a memory card that does not seem to work, or you used the card in
another device, you may have to re-format your memory card. This can be done
with the included BuckView™/MapView™software under the “Tools” menu item
or with any Windows® Operating System.
Windows® –Steps to format memory card
Step 1: Insert your memory card into your computer's card reader.
Step 2: Click "Start -> My Computer”. You should see your memory card under
the list of available drives. Be sure to check its contents first to make sure that
you have the right drive.
Step 3: Right-click on the drive and choose 'Format'.
Step 4: Under "File system" select the "FAT32"option then click on 'Start'.
Step 5: Once the process is completed, take the memory card out and insert it
into your Camera.
TIP: We recommend that you purchase two memory cards per camera so that
you can swap cards in the field.
You can purchase RECONYX™certified memory cards at
www.reconyx.com

11 ©RECONYX, Inc.
Setup & Programming
With the SD card inserted in the camera,
turn your camera on using the On/Off
switch.
NOTE: If this is the first time you’ve used
your camera, it will automatically display the
Date/Time setup change option, beginning
with Enter Year.
Press the << and >> buttons to scroll through settings for each step (year, month,
day, hour, minute, temperature type and battery type); pressing the OK button
after each step is entered correctly.
TIP: After the initial setup options are set, your camera is ready to take pictures.
All you need to do is make sure your camera has a card and batteries installed,
mount it to a tree, turn it on, close it up, and walk away. The camera will
automatically arm and start taking pictures (with default settings) in two minutes.
Default Settings
Your RECONYX™HyperFire™camera comes pre-programmed with factory
default settings. By default the camera will take 3 pictures per trigger with a 1
second pause between pictures and no delay between triggers.
If you wish to change your camera’s settings you can do so easily in the field at
any time. Changes are easily made using the control buttons and the LCD
display. Once you make selections, they are retained by the camera –even
when the camera is off and the batteries are removed –so that you don’t need to
make selections again unless you want to change something.
NOTE: Throughout the manual, default camera settings are shown in RED
CAPITAL letters.
NOTE: Many additional features are available on the Professional cameras.
These are set using the Configuration software that is included with
Professional cameras. See the Configuration software help file in the
software for more information.

www.reconyx.com 12
HYPERFIRE™Programming Menu
Your camera includes three major levels of options:
Level 1: Main menu
Level 2: QuickSet options
Level 3: Advanced settings
The programming menus are set up so that the most commonly used items are
at the top level. Other camera settings that are not as frequently accessed do
not show up every time you are setting up or moving your camera.
NOTE: As with the date and time, you can move through and select any of the
menu options by pressing the << and >> buttons to scroll, and the OK
button when the menu or option you want to select is displayed.
TIP: Use the “Programming Diagram” on the next page for a better
understanding of how the options are accessed on your HyperFire™camera.
The backlit LCD includes two lines of
information. The top line displays the
menu, option, or setting you are currently
accessing; after you make a selection, it may also display additional information.
The bottom line displays the available options/settings. Selections you can
choose from are always displayed between < > brackets on the bottom line.
You can change your camera settings
any time you like, either prior to using the
camera, or in the field. Likewise, you can
switch memory cards as needed, and check the remaining space on your
memory card as well as your remaining battery power.
NOTE: The camera will remember the settings even when shut off, so you do
not need to reconfigure the camera unless you want to change its
behavior.

13 ©RECONYX, Inc.
HYPERFIRE™Programming Diagram

www.reconyx.com 14
Level 1: Main Menu Items
NOTE: Main Menu Items are shown in Yellow on the Programming Diagram
(Page 13).
Arm Camera –When you select this option, your camera arms in ten seconds,
unless you cancel it before the countdown is complete by pressing the “OK”
button.
WalkTest –When you select this option, your camera flashes an indicator light
so that you can test its aim by walking in front of it. The WalkTest mode shows
you exactly where the camera’s active motion detection zones are located. The
tilt of the camera is critical, as slight changes are magnified at greater distances
from the camera.
TIP: If left in WalkTest mode, the camera will automatically arm itself after 2
minutes with no motion events. This allows you to set the camera up,
check its aim using WalkTest, and then just walk away.
Erase Card –When you select this option, your camera wipes your entire
memory card clean, removing all images and other information from the card.
You should not select Erase Card unless you are absolutely certain you want to
remove everything from the card.
Check Status –When you select this option, your camera displays the number
of pictures it has taken, the amount of space used on your memory card, and the
amount of battery power remaining.
NOTE:The battery status shows the level for different types of batteries. If you
change battery types be sure to change the “Battery Type” setting.
Change Setup –Allows you to change the way your camera functions.
Battery Type –Allows you to select what type of batteries you are using to
accurately display the amount of power remaining.
Camera Info –The camera will display its firmware version number (V) and
serial number (S). You may need this information when contacting RECONYX™
with questions about your camera.
NOTE: Professional Series cameras have many additional settings that can be
programmed using the Configuration Software on your PC, included with
MapView™Professional Software (see additional notes below).

15 ©RECONYX, Inc.
Level 2: Quickset Options
NOTE: “Quickset Options” are shown in Blue on the “Programming Diagram”
(Page 13).
When Change Setup is selected the QuickSet options are displayed
(NORMAL/TRAIL, Aggressive/Scrape, Conservative/Feeder, and Advanced).
This allows you to quickly select pre-programmed settings that are optimized for
particular situations. Selecting “Advanced”takes you to the settings listed below.
Professional
Series
Outdoor
Series
Pictures per
Trigger
Picture
Interval
Quiet
Period
NORMAL
TRAIL
3 pictures
1 second
None
Aggressive
Scrape
5 pictures
RapidFire™
None
Conservative
Feeder
3 pictures
5 seconds
15 secs
Level 3: Advanced Settings
NOTE: “Advanced Settings” are shown in Grey on the “Programming Diagram”
(Page 13).
Trigger –Turn your camera’s motion sensor on or off, select the sensitivity level
of the PIR motion detector, set how many photos you want your camera to take
per trigger, the interval between pictures, and the quiet period (the time period
after a trigger during which the camera will not respond to motion events).
1. Motion Sensor –ON, off
2. Sensitivity - low, low/medium, medium, medium/high, HIGH.
3. Pictures Per Trigger –1, 2, 3, 5, or 10
4. Picture Interval –RapidFire™, 1 SEC, 3 sec, 5 sec, or 10 sec
5. Quiet Period –NO DELAY, 15 sec, 30 sec, 1 min, 3 min or 5 min
Time Lapse –To control your camera’s time lapse photography, select the
starting and ending times, and the interval between pictures taken.

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1. AM Period –on, OFF
2. PM Period –on, OFF
3. Time Lapse starting and ending times –one hour increments
4. Picture Interval –1min, 5min, 15min, 30min, 1 hour
Resolution –Set image size to 1080p or 3.1MP. (Professional cameras default
to 3.1MP).
TIP: The 1080p setting is ideal for viewing images on widescreen monitors, or
HD television sets.
Night Mode - Adjust the nighttime exposure.
NOTE: These settings will NOT affect daytime images.
BALANCED - best combination to balance image quality, shutter
speed and flash range
High Quality - higher quality images, reduced flash range
Fast Shutter - reduced motion blur, reduced flash range
Max Range –increased range, reduced image quality
NOTE: Professional cameras have option of turning illuminator off.
Date/Time/Temp –Set date, time and temp. (FAHRENHEIT, Celsius).
CodeLoc™–Use CodeLoc™to add a four-digit security code to your camera to
prevent unauthorized use of your camera in the event of tampering or theft. You
can also change or remove an existing code.
TIP: Write your four-digit CodeLoc™code on the last page of this manual.
User Label –Add a label (up to 16 characters) that will be included with all
photos taken by your camera. You can also view, change, or clear an existing
label.
Use Defaults –Remove any changes you’ve made to your camera’s settings
and restore the factory default settings (shown above in RED CAPITAL letters).
Main Menu –Go back to the Main menu.
Programming Professional Series Camera Traps

17 ©RECONYX, Inc.
All of the settings detailed above are available on your Professional Series
Camera Trap. In addition, there are many more set-up options available for
Professional Series cameras by using the Configuration Software.
The Configuration Software saves your specified settings to the memory card.
When you insert the memory card into the camera and then power it ON, the
camera will automatically program itself with your specified settings.
The camera will display “SAVED CONFIG” after the settings have been
successfully saved. The file is then erased from the card and is ready to operate
with the new settings.
NOTE: The camera will remember these settings even when shut off, so you do
not need to reconfigure the camera unless you want to change its
behavior.
If you have configured your camera from your PC and you go into the Change
Setup option using the camera’s menu, it will prompt you with “USING CONFIG”
–your options will be <GO BACK> or <CONTINUE>. If you continue, the
settings previously set from the CONFIG software will be overwritten with the
settings you select on the camera.
NOTE: Your new MapView™software is fully compatible with older
RECONYX™RapidFire™Professional and Silent Image series
cameras.
You can program old and new cameras as well as import, view, tag, and export
image data from all RECONYX™brand cameras.
TIP: Setting the date and time on the new HyperFire™Professional cameras is
easier to do right on the camera than it is through the Configuration
software.

www.reconyx.com 18
Mounting Your Camera
Your RECONYX™HyperFire™camera can be mounted to a RECONYX™
VersaMount™, ThunderBolt™, or camera tripod by utilizing the threaded insert
on the back of the camera housing.
The camera may also be mounted to a tree by using the included adjustable
bungee cord (shown below). Simply thread the end without the loop through the
“Lock Tunnel” on the camera and then install the included adjustable bungee
hook to the length needed and fasten to the tree.
Mounting Camera with Adjustable Bungee Cord (included)
We recommend that you mount your camera about chest height and angle it
slightly downward (using a camera mount or stick if needed). This is optimal for
detecting animals in the field of view of the camera as well as for accessing the
camera’s card, batteries, and controls.
NOTE: It is highly recommended that you use a theft deterrent device such as a
security box and/or a Master Python Lock™to help secure your camera
against possible theft when it is in the field.
You can purchase HyperFire™compatible mounts, theft deterrent cables, locks
and security enclosures at www.reconyx.com
TIP: If you are concerned about the slight red glow of the illuminator on the lo-
glow camera models (HC500 or PC800) spooking animals, you can mount
the camera a bit higher and angle it down. Most animals do not often look up
and therefore are less likely to notice the camera if it’s mounted above eye
level.

19 ©RECONYX, Inc.
Locking & Securing Your Camera
There are a number of options to securely mount your camera.
1) Use a Master Python Lock™ by threading it through the Lock Tunnel in the
camera to secure it to a tree or another object. This will prevent the camera
from being easily removed.
2) If you would like to secure the camera from being opened, you can use a
small padlock in the “Padlock Loop” near the latch. For increased security,
there are two different security enclosures available: The standard
“HyperFire™ Security Enclosure” made from 16 gauge steel; or the “Heavy
Duty HyperFire™Security Enclosure”, made from 1/8” steel.
NOTE: Both security enclosures feature a weather-resistant powder coated
finish, and are able to be lag bolted to an object and/or can be used with a
Python Lock™through the enclosure as well as the camera.
(Accessories not included)
HyperFire™Security Enclosure Master Python Lock™w/padlock
TIP: RECONYX™sells an array of accessories for mounting, securing and
disguising your camera to protect your investment; including Heavy Duty
Security Enclosures, Padlocks, Python Locks™and more.
Go to www.reconyx.com for more information on accessories.
TIP: Be sure to enable the Codeloc™feature on your camera for additional
security.