Reconyx RapidFire User manual

RapidFire™,
Security Series Camera
Instruction Manual
Table of Contents
I. Camera Overview ................................................................... 2
II. Battery & Memory Card Installation ..................................... 5
III. Initial Setup & Programming............................................... 10
IV. Mounting & Aiming Your Camera....................................... 16
V. General Information ............................................................. 20
VI. Troubleshooting................................................................... 21
VII. Warranty, FCC, and Safety Information ............................. 25
VIII. Copyright & Trademark Information................................... 28
Copyright: July 2009

Camera Overview
Congratulations on purchasing a RECONYX Security camera. RECONYX
has been the leader in portable automatic motion sensing cameras since
2003. Your RapidFire™ camera includes a state-of-the-art digital camera,
an integrated Passive Infrared (PIR) motion detector, and a night time
infrared illuminator all contained in a secure, rugged, and weather-resistant
case. Our high-output covert infrared illuminator makes our cameras ideal
for security applications.
The SM70 is a monochrome only camera that is optimized for capturing
license plates during both daytime and nighttime.
The SC95 is a general purpose surveillance camera that takes high
resolution color images by day and covert infrared by night.
Thank you for putting your trust in us!
Contents of Package:
1) RapidFireTM Security Series Camera
2) CD with: MapView Image Management Software and Security
Camera Scheduling Software
3) Adjustable bungee cord for mounting camera.
4) AA->C-Cell adapters.
5) This instruction manual.

Camera Comparison
Security Series Cameras*
Cameras &
Specifications
SM70 Monochrome
day & Covert IR
night
SC95 Color day &
Covert IR night
Purpose
License Plate Capture
General Surveillance
Images
Day and Night:
1.3 MP or 720p
monochrome images
Day: 3.1 MP or 1080p
color images
Night: 3.1 MP or 1080p
monochrome images
InstaOn™
Trigger Speed
1/10 second
1/5 second
RapidFire™
NearVideo™
Up to 2 frames per
second
Up to 1 frame per
second
Capacity with
4 GB card
15,000 to 30,000
images
6,000 to 10,000 images
Range at night
Up to 35 feet: Covert
Up to 50 feet: Covert
*All Security Series cameras are High Output and must be run on either
NiMH rechargable batteries or Energizer® 1.5V AA Ultimate Lithium
batteries.
Note: CF cards up to 32GB may be used, but under normal use 2GB and
4GB cards are more than adequate.

MapView Professional
Included with your Security Series camera is MapView Professional - Image
Management Software that offers you the ability to geographically organize
and access your images. It also supports data analysis with user-defined
metadata and export capabilities. The Scheduling Software (included on
your CD) allows you to schedule when your Security Series Camera is active
and when it is not. MapView requires a personal computer running either
Windows XP® or Windows Vista®.

Battery & Memory Card Installation
Removing and Replacing the Camera’s Cover
Before installing batteries or a memory card, you need to remove the
camera’s cover. To do this, open the clasp at the bottom of the camera using
the thumb grip in the middle of the bottom edge. Then, lift the cover from the
bottom, rotating it upward until you can remove it from the camera.
To replace the camera’s cover, insert the cover along the bottom edge of the
camera’s faceplate and rotate it downward until it’s flush with the camera.
Snap the clasp, pressing firmly in the middle of the clasp, to secure the
cover.
It’s good practice to make sure the gasket and camera lenses are clean
each time you open and close your camera.

Battery Specifications and Installation
Your RECONYX RapidFireTM camera runs on six C-cell batteries or 6 AA
batteries (when used with AA to C Cell adapters). You can run Nickel Metal
Hydride (NiMH rechargeable) or 1.5V Lithium batteries. Batteries load
vertically (three on each side) into the two battery trays. Note: Be sure to
load batteries in the proper orientation (positive end in first).
Warning!Do not mix battery types! Damage to the camera can result and
your warranty will be voided if you mix battery types.
Your Security Camera includes a Covert High Output (HO) infrared
illuminator. You must run with either NiMH rechargeable batteries or AA
1.5V Lithium batteries (using adapters). NiMH will run at temperatures down
to -20°F or colder. Lithium batteries will run to -40°F.
Note: You can purchase 1.5V Lithium batteries and adapters as well as
NiMH rechargeable batteries and chargers at www.reconyx.com.

Because camera settings, activity, and temperature all vary, it is difficult 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.
Battery Type
Operating
Temperature
Run Time
Number of
Images
C-Cell Nickel-Metal
Hydride
(rechargeable)
-20º F (-29º C)
and above
*4 –8 weeks
*7,500 to
10,000
AA Energizer
Ultimate Lithium
(1.5V)
-40º F (-40º C)
and above
8 –12 weeks
12,500 to
17,500
*High temperatures can reduce the run time of NiMH batteries by 50% or
more.
TIP: AA batteries can also be used in your RapidFire camera –provided
you use AA to C-Cell battery adapters (available at www.reconyx.com).

CompactFlash®(CF) Card Specifications and Installation
The CompactFlash (CF) 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 image management
software.
Inserting and Removing the CompactFlash Card
Insert CF card as shown. Make sure the orientation is correct and that
the card is aligned properly. Then press gently to seat the card in the
holder.
To change CF cards in the field:
1. Press <OK> to disarm (the camera will then show status –i.e.
battery status and number of pictures since last armed)
2. Turn the power off.
3. Remove the card by pulling it straight out of the receiver port.
4. Insert the new CompactFlash card into the receiver slot under the
control buttons as shown.
5. The card must be inserted face up with the connecting ports in
first.
Note: Always disarm (by pressing OK) and turn the power off before
removing or inserting the CompactFlash card.

CompactFlash cards have various speeds and capacities. Larger capacity
cards are capable of storing more images. The following table shows
approximate number of images for a 4GB CF card. Your RapidFire camera
will take cards up to 32GB, but most users will find 2GB and 4GB cards to be
more than adequate for normal use.
Camera / Capacity
SM70
SC95
Capacity with
4 GB card
15,000 to 30,000
images
6,000 to 10,000
images
TIP: We recommend that you purchase two CF cards per camera so that
you can swap cards in the field. SanDisk cards have worked well for us. You
can purchase RECONYX certified CF cards at www.reconyx.com.
Cards with higher speed ratings are capable of reading and writing images
faster. This is advantageous when taking RapidFireTM NearVideoTM
sequences of images.
When running your SM70 Security Camera for license plate capture, it is
best to use SanDisk Extreme III CF cards. This added speed gives you
more images of each vehicle passing by the camera.
CompactFlash Card - File System Requirements
If you have a new card that does not seem to work, or you formatted the
card in another device, you may have to re-format your CF Card. This can
be done with the included BuckView/MapView software or with any Windows
Operating System. Your RapidFire Camera uses the FAT32 File System
Note: Cards under 2GB may also be formatted using the FAT File System)
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 4: Right-click on the drive and choose 'Format'.
Step 5: Under "File system" select the "FAT32"option then click on 'Start'.
Step 6: Once the process is completed, take the memory card out and
insert it into your Camera.

Initial Setup & Programming
With the CF card inserted in the camera, turn your camera on using the
On/Off switch. 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 set the date (year, month, and day) and time
(hour and minute); press the OK button after each part of the date and time
are correct.
Your RECONYX RapidFireTM camera comes pre-programmed with factory
default settings. By default the SM70 camera runs in license plate capture
mode, taking 3 pictures per trigger in RapidFire mode with no delay between
triggers and exposure settings optimized for license plate capture. The
SC95 defaults to 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. Changes are made using the control buttons and display that are
located under the Removable Cover. 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. If you want to schedule when your security camera is
on and off, you do this using the Scheduling Software included on your CD.

RAPIDFIRE™PROGRAMMING MENU

Your camera includes two major levels of options: Main menus and
Selection options. As with the date and time, you can move through any of
these menus and options by pressing the << and >> buttons; the >> button
displays menus and options in order, and the << button reverses the order.
When the menu or option you want to select is displayed, press the OK
button.
The display area above the <<, >>, and OK buttons includes two lines of
information. The top line generally displays the menu, setting, or option you
are currently accessing; after you make a selection, it may also display
additional information. The bottom line displays the available selections for
the menu, setting, or option displayed in the top line. Selections you can
choose from are always displayed in highlighted text, within single brackets.
You can change your camera settings any time you like, either prior to using
the camera or in the field. Likewise, you can switch CompactFlash cards as
needed, and check the remaining space on your CF card as well as your
remaining battery power.
Main Menu
Arm Camera –When you select this option, your camera arms in ten
seconds, unless you cancel it before the countdown is complete. If you
forget to arm the camera it will automatically arm itself after 2 minutes.
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. The camera will arm itself if left in
WalkTest mode (after 2 minutes with no triggering 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
CF 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 percent of space remaining on your CF
card, and the percent of battery power remaining.
Camera Info –When you select this option, your camera displays its
firmware version number (V) and serial number (S). You may need this
information when contacting RECONYX with questions about your camera.
Change Setup –Allows you to change the way your camera functions.
Note: default settings are shown in RED CAPITAL letters. Security series
cameras can also be scheduled using the Scheduling Software on your PC
(see additional notes below).
Security –Use this option to turn Loop Recording on and OFF. Loop
Recording allows you to run perpetually without ever filling a memory card.
The camera will overwrite the oldest images once it reaches the point where
it either getting close to 9,999 images or it is filling the card, whichever
comes first.
Note: 2GB or larger cards are required when using loop recording. The
camera will not arm with Loop Recording “ON” unless you have at least 2GB
free.
Trigger –Use this option to 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, or
VERY HIGH
3. Pics Per Trigger –1, 2, 3, 5, or 10
4. Picture Interval –RapidFire, 1 SEC, 3 sec, 5 sec, or 10 sec
(SM70 defaults to RapidFire interval)
5. Quiet Period –NO DELAY, 15 sec, 30 sec, 1 min, or 5 min
Note: You can use the Scheduling Software to schedule which days of the
week and times of day when you want the camera to respond to trigger
events. Refer to the Scheduling Software Help file for more information.
Time Lapse –Use this option to control your cameras time lapse
photography, select the starting and ending times, and the interval between
pictures taken.
1. AM Period –on, OFF
2. PM Period –on, OFF
3. Time Lapse starting and ending times –one hour increments
4. Interval between pictures –1, 5, 15, or 30 minutes, 1 hour
Note: Time Lapse functionality can also be scheduled using the Scheduling
Software.
Images –Use this option to adjust the night time exposure, set the
resolution, and the temperature scale.
Night Mode –DEFAULT, high quality, fast shutter, Max Range
(Do not change this setting when using for license plate capture)
i. Default - best combination to balance image quality, shutter
speed and flash range
ii. High Quality - higher quality images, reduced flash range
iii. Fast Shutter - reduced motion blur, reduced flash range
iv. Max Range –increased range, reduced image quality

Resolution –On SM70 (LOW, High); On SC95 (3.1MP, 1080p)
(Do not change this setting when using for license plate capture)
Temperature Scale –FAHRENHEIT, Celsius
Date/Time –Used to set date and time.
CodeLoc™–Use this option to add a four-digit security code to prevent
unauthorized use of your camera, or change or remove an existing code.
User Label –Use this option to 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 –Use this option to 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 –Use this option to switch back to the Main menu options; see
preceding page for more information.
Scheduling RapidFire Security Series Cameras
You can schedule your security camera to be “On” and “Off” during different
times of the day on different days of the week. These settings are available
through the Scheduling Software that is included on the CD you received
with your camera. The Help file, accessible with the (?), in the Scheduling
Software explains your options for scheduling in more detail.
When you schedule your Security camera using your PC, the camera will
display “SAVED SCHEDULE” when you switch the camera on with CF card
that contains the Scheduling file inserted. 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.
Note: If you have scheduled your camera from your PC it will say “USING
SCHEDULE” when you turn it on. If you go back to Default settings in the
Change Setup menu, your schedule will be wiped out and the camera will be
“On” all the time. If you want to re-schedule, you will need to do this again
on your PC.

Mounting & Aiming Your Camera
Your RECONYX RapidFireTM camera can be mounted to a RECONYX
VersaMount™(see www.reconyx.com for more information) or a camera
tripod by utilizing the threaded insert on the back of the camera housing.
It may also be mounted to a tree by using the included adjustable bungee
cord (shown below). It is highly recommended that you use a theft
deterrent device such as a cable and lock to help secure your camera
against possible theft when it is in the field. Theft deterrent cables and locks
are available from RECONYX (see www.reconyx.com to order).
Mounting Camera with Adjustable Bungee Cord (included)
TIP: For general surveillance we recommend that you mount your camera
about chest height. This is optimal for detecting people within the field of
view of the camera as well as for accessing the camera’s card, batteries,
and controls. If you are concerned about someone seeing the camera
during daylight hours, you can mount the camera a bit higher and angle it
down a little more. Most people do not often look up and therefore are less
likely to notice the camera if it is mounted a few feet higher.

Aiming the Camera
Walktest Mode
Learning to use the Walktest mode is critical to being as successful as
possible with your RECONYX camera. The Walktest mode allows you to
precisely determine your camera’s active motion detection zones – insuring
your camera is aimed exactly where you want to capture human activity.
All RECONYX cameras will self-arm from Walktest mode after a 2 minute
period during which they do not detect motion.
Aiming your SM70 Security Camera for License Plate Capture
The SM70 is designed to capture license plates effectively during both
daytime and nighttime when run in default mode.
For best results you want to position the camera close to the edge of a road
looking down-stream (i.e. the camera will be looking at the back end of cars

passing in the close lane). Cars should be travelling at no more than 25
miles per hour if you want to reliably capture plates.
For best results the camera should be mounted about 24-30 inches high and
have it aimed approximately 30 degrees off of parallel. The diagram below
shows how you should set-up your camera. After setting your camera up, it
is best to drive by yourself at various speeds to see how your camera will
react to a moving vehicle. You may find that you need to adjust your aim
slightly after testing.
We also offer a modified Cable Box for use in camouflaging your camera in
urban/suburban settings when setting up to capture license plates.

Locking & Securing your Camera (Accessories not included)
Python™ style lock RapidFire Cable Box
Heavy Duty Bear Box RapidFire Utility Box
RECONYX sells an array of accessories for securing your camera and
protecting your investment. From Heavy Duty bear boxes to Python locks.
Please see www.reconyx.com for more on security accessories.

General Information
Image Data
Your RECONYX RapidFireTM camera stores Image Data along with every
picture it takes. Some of this information is displayed in Image Data bands
above and below the image.
An Mor T in the top data band indicates a “motion” or “time-lapse” event.
“1/3” indicates the first in a sequence of three pictures for that event.
Moon Phases displayed include: (new moon), (waxing crescent),
(first quarter), (waxing gibbous), (full moon), (waning gibbous),
(last quarter), and (waning crescent).
A “flash” indicator appears in the Image Data bands, when the infrared
illuminator is used.
There is additional image data accessible using MapView. The additional
image data includes serial number, firmware version info, illuminator status,
battery voltage and so on.