Ridgetec Lookout User manual

Instruction Manual
Model: Lookout
LTE 4G Cellular Camera Model
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE USING CAMERA

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Thank you for Purchasing your RidgeTec Camera
*Please check our website for Firmware Updates periodically to ensure your
camera has the most up to date version. We are continually working to improve
the camera function and image quality.
The RidgeTec Lookout is a high quality digital surveillance camera. It has been precisely
engineered and tuned to provide you with optimal and consistent performance. This
camera will provide high quality digital pictures and sound recording video for applications
such as home, cabin, and business surveillance and animal monitoring for hunting and
research. It features a highly sensitive Passive Infra-Red (PIR) motion sensor and
numerous setting options to tailor the camera to your particular needs.
Item Check List
Camera
LTE Antenna
Standard size SIM card (inserted)
Nylon mounting strap
Needed for
Operation
Twelve (12) AA Lithium Batteries
or
9 or 12V external power
SD or SDHC Card (up to 64GB)
*It is recommended to use Lithium in camera to maximize camera performance and
battery life.
SPECIAL HANDLING PRECAUTIONS
CAMERA:
The camera has been finely tuned. Avoid dropping and physical shock.
The camera is designed for typical weather conditions. It is not waterproof for use
underwater.
Carefully clean debris from camera lens, PIR, and LED platform. Avoid use of cleaning
solvents.
The camera contains precise electronic equipment. Do not attempt to open camera case
yourself.
Condensation may form on lens and electrical components when bringing into warm room
from cold. To avoid this, first place camera inside a sealed plastic bag before bringing into
warm room temperature.If condensation forms, remove SDcard andbatteries until camera
is dry.

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Motion
sensitivity
switch
Remove batteries when storing camera. Removing batteries from the camera during
storage reduces the risk of battery acid leakage and battery drain.
Do not mix old and new batteries together in the camera.
LCD SCREEN: Avoid exposing screen to direct sunlight or at high temperatures as LCD
damage may occur.
Camera Lens
Battery Compartment
Control Buttons:
Up, Down, Left,
Right
Menu, OK
DC 9-12V Port
Padlock
Hole
Antennae
SD Card Slot
SIM Slot
PIR sensor
IR LED Flash
Day/Night Sensor
LED indicator
Switches:
OFF/SETUP/ON

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CELLULAR INFORMATION:
This camera contains a LTE cellular module with 3G HSPA+ fallback to transmit pictures
directly from the camera to the photo management system and mobile app. Contact
customer support if you need exact cellular band information.
A SIM card (provided with camera) is required to transmit photos/videos. Please visit
https://portal.ridgetec.com/help/plans for information on pricing.
MOUNTING CAMERA:
This camera is designed to use the Swivel Bracket (sold separately) to obtain maximal
mounting versatility. Camera can be securely locked with cable lock (through camera) or
security box (with or without bracket).
Camera can be mounted with nylon strap (included) or security box (sold separately).
It is recommended to mount the camera 3-4 feet high overlooking desired area and ~30
feet away from target area for maximum sensitivity in most situations. Adjustments may be
required depending on object size and environment. PIR motion detection distance
changes based on ambient temperature and setup. Higher ambient temperatures will
reduce PIR motion detection range thereby requiring camera to be closer to desired
location. Mounting camera too high or angling camera may result in animal or humans
going under or above the PIR motion detection range. The Lookout contains a PIR
sensitivity switch on the bottom of the camera to adjust between High, Medium, and Low
sensitivity. If you are getting too many false images from wind, you canmove thesensitivity
to Low.
Angle the camera perpendicular to the ground to maximize the IR lighting potential. Mount
at 45º degree angle to trails to maximize detection angle. Using Swivel Bracket (sold
separately) provides optimal versatility when mounting the camera.

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GETTING STARTED
Please visit the following link for complete instructions on setting up camera on the portal:
https://portal.ridgetec.com/help/quick-start
SD MEMORY CARD
The camera supports both SD and SDHC memory cards up to 64 GB. The camera does
not have any internal memory and will not work without SD card inserted.
1. Open camera
2. Insert SD card with orientation as shown next to slot on camera
3. Push gently until card clicks into place
4. Push card again to remove
Note 1: Ensure SD card is NOT in locked position.
Note 2: Format SD card in camera before using each time. This will create a file on the SD
card where the camera will save images to.
Note 3: It is always recommended to test the SD card by taking some pictures to ensure
SD card works properly before leaving camera for extended periods of time.
WARNING: Make sure camera is OFF when adding or removing SD memory card.
BATTERIES
This camera is designed for Lithium batteries for optimal performance (rechargeable
batteries may not have sufficient voltage to run the camera properly). An AC to DC power
cord (sold separately) can be attached to the bottom port of the camera.
Insert 12 AA batteries while ensuring polarity (+ -) is correctly orientated.
Note: 9V or 12V DC power can beused. It is recommended toremove internalAA batteries
when using external power to reduce the possible battery leak. Solar panels DO NOT
charge batteries directly located in the camera but are often used to charge external
battery.
CHECKING BATTERY LEVEL
Battery level can be seen in bottom left corner of viewer screen
TESTING AND WORKING MODES
The camera has two modes: SETUP Mode and ON Mode.

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1. Turn switch to middle position to access SETUP mode. The camera will enter Live
Preview Mode automatically. If the camera beeps, it means either no SD card is
inserted or the SD card is not inserted properly. The SD card needs to be inserted or
reinserted to continue.
When in SETUP mode, the blue light will flash to notify you of motion detection. You
can use the blue light to help you setup camera with walk-bys. It will flash when it
detects your motion. (WARNING: Don’t forget to turn camera to ON mode when you
leave)
2. Turn switch to ON mode for activation. A blue LED light will blink for 5-10 seconds
before the camera is capable of being triggered by motion.
MENU OPERATIONS AND SETTINGS
MAIN MENU
The Menu has 3 options: I. Cellular Setup, II. Non-Cellular Setup, or III. Additional
Settings.
IMPORTANT: The Lookout is managed completely by the web portal/mobile app; many
settings cannot be changed directly when in cellularmode (they are greyed out) as you will
need to setup the camera through the web portal/mobile app.
LIVE PREVIEW
This option allows the user to view in real time what the camera is capturing.
Pictures/videos can be captured using the “OK” button while in this mode. This camera is
equipped with a Day Color Mode and Night IR Mode while in Live Preview. It is
recommended to minimize the use of Night IR Mode to avoid battery depletion.
1. Turn camera to SET mode and LIVE PREVIEW mode is displayed automatically.
If you are already in main menu, push MENU button to enter LIVE PREVIEW
mode.
PHOTO MODE
a. Push ‘Right arrow’ button (you will see photo icon)
b. Push UP Arrow to switch between Day Color and Night IR Mode
c. Push OK button to capture pictures
VIDEO MODE
a. Push LEFT Arrow button (you will see video icon)
b. Push UP Arrow to switch between Day Color and Night IR Mode
c. Push OK button to start and stop video capture
2. Push MENU button to return to menu

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PHOTO / VIDEO PLAYBACK
This feature allows the user to view pictures and video stored on the SD card. User can
pause, stop, rewind, and fast forward video during playback.
1. During LIVE PREVIEW mode push the DOWN arrow to access PLAYBACK
2. Use LEFT and RIGHT arrow to select video/picture and push OK to select
3. Pictures display a Camera in bottom left corner while Videos display a film strip
icon in bottom left corner.
4. VIDEOS
a. Push OK to PLAY and UP arrow to PAUSE
PICTURES
a. Push OK to SEND photo over network
5. DOWN arrow returns you to LIVE PREVIEW mode
6. Push MENU button to return to menu when in LIVE PREVIEW mode
I. CELLULAR SETUP
This menu is for testing the cellular network.
ICCID
You will need this number to activate your camera at: https://portal.ridgetec.com/login
Cellular Mode
Turn Cellular Mode ON or OFF. If turned OFF, you can use camera without SIM card
and cellular function.
NOTE: you will want to turn Cellular Mode OFF if not using the network, otherwise the
camera will try and connect to send after each photo/video capture.
Network Test
This sends a request to the cellular portal to ensure your camera is connected to your
account properly
Report Test
This requests a report from the network to ensure the reporting function is working
properly.
II. NON-CELLULAR SETUP
CAMERA MODE
This camera can be set to capture still pictures OR video.
1. Select CAMERA MODE

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2. Select PHOTO mode or VIDEO mode
PHOTO RESOLUTION
Photo resolution can be set at (4:3): 12MP, 8MP or 5MP or (16:9): 6MP, or 4MP.
1. Select PHOTO RESOLUTION
2. Select desired photo resolution and push OK to set
PHOTO BURST
This feature allows the camera to take from 1-3 photos in rapid succession following each
trigger.
1. Select PHOTO BURST
2. Push OK
3. Select desired number of photos per trigger and push OK to set
BURST DELAY
You can change the interval between subsequent photo bursts: 250ms, 500ms, 1s, 3s
1. Select BURST MODE
2. Push OK
3. Select desired delay between photo burst photos
FLASH
This feature adjust the shutter speed to provide brighter images (more motion blur) or
darker images (with less motion blur): BRIGHT, BALANCED, LOW BLUR
1. Select FLASH
2. Push OK
3. Select desired flash setting
VIDEO RESOLUTION
Video mode includes High Definition HD720p or HD1080p
1. Select VIDEO RESOLUTION
2. Select desired setting
VIDEO LENGTH
Video length can be set in 1 sec increments from (5s –10s). Longer video lengths will
deplete battery power and memory more quickly than lower lengths.
1. Select VIDEO LENGTH
2. Select desired video length and push OK to set

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VIDEO SOUND
Video sound recording can be turned ON or OFF.
1. Select VIDEO SOUND
2. Select ON or OFF and push OK to set
QUIET TIME
Also known as, “Time Interval or Delay Time”, this feature puts the camera to sleep after
capturing an image for the selected period of time before it can be re-activated by motion.
Times vary from 0 seconds to 60 minutes.
1. Select QUIET TIME
2. Select desired ‘quiet time’ and push OK to set
NOTE: The camera is only able to do one thing at a time; it has one internal processor.
When in cellular mode, the camera must finish transmitting the image before it can
capture a subsequent image. Average transmission speed will range 10 seconds to 1
minutes depending on the network strength at that time and location.
NOTE: The camera will wait for the Quite Time length before it can be triggered by
motion when first turned ON.
DUTY TIME
This feature allows the user to program the camera to turn ON and OFF at a specified time.
1. Select DUTY TIME
2. Select ENABLE to set up Duty Time or DISABLE to cancel Duty Time
SET ACTIVE TIME for each day of week
Set camera ACTIVE time for each your of the day (highlighted RED =
ACTIVE, greyed = NOT ACTIVE)
3. Push ‘check mark’ to select ALL; Push X to deselect ALL
4. Push SAVE once complete
Note: For 24 hour activity: Disable Duty Time
TIME LAPSE
This feature allows the camera to take pictures at a pre-set time interval (5 min to 12 hours)
and record or send them over the network.
NOTE: When in cellular mode, it is important to understand the cellular limitations.
1. Select TIME LAPSE
2. Select ENABLE to set up time lapse or DISABLE to cancel time lapse
3. Set START TIME and END TIME and push OK to set
4. Set INTERVAL and push OK to set

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5. Push LEFT arrow button to return to menu
III. ADDITIONAL SETTINGS
LANGUAGE
Select your desired language
DATE / TIME STAMP (greyed out when in cellular mode)
This allows the user to have the date, time, and temperature stamped onto each photo or
video.
1. Select TIME STAMP
2. Select NO or YES and push OK to set
SET DATE / TIME (greyed out when in cellular mode)
This feature allows the user to set the display format for date and time, as well as set the
current date and time.
1. Select SET DATE / TIME
2. Select one of the three menu options:
3. Push LEFT arrow button to return to menu when finished
DATE FORMAT
Select the desired Date Format and push OK to set
TIME FORMAT
Select desired Time Format and push OK to set
SET DATE / TIME
Set date and time using UP, DOWN, RIGHT and LEFT arrow and push OK to set
TEMPERATURE (greyed out when in cellular mode)
Allows the user to select either Fahrenheit or Celsius temperature settings.
1. Select TEMPERATURE
2. Select Fahrenheit or Celsius and push OK to set
FORMATTING SD CARD
Formatting the SD card removes all files on the memory card and prepares it for use in
the camera. It is recommended that the SD card is formatted in the camera prior to each
use.
1. Select FORMAT
2. Select YES to format SD card

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3. Push OK to proceed with formatting SD card
DEFAULT SET
This feature resets the camera to factory default settings.
CAMERA INFORMATION
Select CAMERA INFORMATION from main menu
STORAGE
Displays SD memory card USED SPACE and FREE SPACE
FIRMWARE VERSION
Displays the current camera firmware version
CAMERA NAME
You can provide a customized name for the camera
IMEI This is a unique identifier for your camera and may be needed by customer
support.
UPGRADE
User can upgrade camera firmware. Place firmware files on ‘EMPTY’ SD card. Insert
card into camera and Select UPDATE. More detailed instructions can be found on our
website.
Additional Notes:
The signal strength of the mobile network may vary with location and time of day,
which may lead to failures in sending pictures. Rain, rainstorms or bad weather may
cause poor signal reception. Be sure to set up camera at a location with strong
network coverage.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
TRANSFERRING PICTURES AND VIDEO TO A COMPUTER:
SD memory card can be removed and inserted in computer or card reader
(ALWAYS ensure camera is OFF before removing) and transferred to computer
or SD card reader.

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TROUBLESHOOTING
1. Cannot connect to network
i. Try restarting the camera allowing it to search for signal, camera will timeout after
3 minutes
ii. Move to a different location and try again
iii. Try a stronger antenna
iv. Make sure the Sim is inserted correctly, align the shape of the SIM with the
molded form on the top of the plastic shell that houses the SIM slot. Fully insert
the SIM until it clicks.
2. I get more pictures saved to the SD card than transmitted to my phone number
and/or email address
i. After capturing a photo, the camera will attempt to transmit the photo a few times
before aborting and prepare to capture another photo. The camera has a
sophisticated photo review system that will look for missed photos and attempt
again in the future when reception is stronger.
ii. Poor reception or busy network signals may result in poor connectivity at certain
times and places.
iii. Move camera to different location and test connection strength.
iv. Consider purchasing a stronger antenna.
3. I get pictures transmitted periodically / not consistent
v. The cellular network reception strength will change throughout the day; when the
network is busy, the range and strength of reception will decrease.
vi. Try a stronger antenna
vii. Contact our customer support to review the camera log files
4. I cannot get the camera to transmit pictures properly
i. Ensure your account is setup correctly and your camera is attached to your
account at: https://portal.ridgetec.com/login
ii. Follow camera setup at: https://portal.ridgetec.com/help/quick-start
5. The camera shows full or partial reception bars and I get login failure or no
pictures transmitted
i. Although the camera may show full or partial cellular power, the network may be
busy at thetime oftransmissionand login; keep trying ormove to another location.
ii. In some instances, the camera may show good reception, but the cellular
bandwidth is too small to transmit pictures at that time. Trying at a later time or
moving to a different location may help.
iii. Consider a high gain antenna or move to a different location.

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6. The camera does not turn ON
iv. Ensure batteries are inserted properly with correct polarity and fully charged. If
possible test each battery with battery tester. Approximately 1.7V each for new
Lithium AA batteries.
v. Ensure SD card is properly inserted and not in locked position
vi. Cold temperature may decrease battery output sufficiently to prevent camera from
turning ON; check batteries and ensure they are rated for cold temperature
7. Beeping Noise when camera turns ON
i. Insert SD card
ii. Ensure SD card is not locked
iii. Format SD card in camera
iv. SD card may not be compatible
8. Camera will not take pictures or stops part way even with full batteries
i. SD card is not formatted correctly; format SD card in camera
ii. Ensure SD card is not locked
iii. Ensure SD card is not full
iv. SD card is faulty or incompatible (up to 64GB); try different SD card and/or brand.
Faulty or incompatible SD cards may cause system conflict, system crash, and
battery drain. Always format SD card in camera and try different SD cards if
problem persists.
v. Batteries do not have enough power to activate picture/video sequence
9. Batteries run down quickly
i. Avoid poor quality alkaline and rechargeable batteries, avoid mixing different
brands and ages of batteries as battery life will be adversely affected. Different
brands of batteries will perform differently than others; try other battery brands to
find what works best for your environment.
ii. Consider a larger antenna to help transmit photos/video faster.
iii. Reduce number of picture burst and/or reduce video length.
iv. Ensure batteries are fully charged; test batteries with tester if possible
v. In cold temperatures, the battery life becomes shorter
vi. SD card may have jammed causing battery to drain; use different SD card and/or
brand
10. SD card is not recognized in camera
i. If the SD cardis formatted on a computer orother camera, it may notbe recognized
by this unit. Use this camera to format the SD card
ii. Ensure that SD card is not greater than 64 GB in size

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iii. Ensure SD card is not locked
iv. Try different brand of SD card for compatibility
11. Low Power problems
When the camera power is low the system will not be stable, you may observe
abnormal screen displays or automatic camera reboot. Change your batteries.
12. Camera fails to detect motion.
i. Adjust PIR sensitivity switch on bottom of camera (High, Medium, Low)
ii. Ensure batteries test full; replace batteries if necessary
iii. Ensure SD card is NOT locked and compatible with camera; take test pictures in
‘Live Preview’ mode.
iv. Ensure ‘Quiet Time’ is set correctly
v. Ensure Duty Time is not Enabled incorrectly
vi. Ensure camera is mounted correctly. Note: hot weather, humidity, and rain will
reduce PIR sensing distance; move camera closer if required.
vii. Typically mounting the camera at a height of 3-4 feet will maximize detection
distance, this will depend slightly on the size of game you are trying to observe.
viii. Camera may be angled up too high or too low thereby allowing subjects to walk
under or over the PIR motion detection window; adjust camera position and try
again.
13. Images are blurry (stills or motion)
i. Ridgetec offers some of the best picture quality. Although we try to cover every
scenario, it is important to realize that different environments and conditions will
affect the picture quality.
ii. Try adjusting your Flash setting to ‘Low Blur’
iii. Blurry still images may result from interference with focal points; for example
distance from camera, trees, brush, may affect focus point.
iv. Fog, condensation, water drops, snow, dust, direct sunlight, etc can all reduce
picture quality.
v. Motion blur may result when object moves too quickly. Blur will be compounded
during night and low light situations.
14. Night images are dark
i. Ensure batteries are fully charged. Use Lithium AA batteries.
ii. Cold temperature will reduce battery output to IR lights.
iii. Remove brush, grass, and other debris that may prevent IR light from reaching its
potential.
15. Too many empty pictures/video or false triggers

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i. Adjust PIR sensitivity switch on bottom of the camera to lower position.
ii. Ensure camera is mounted on a solid surface; trees and surface may move in wind
causing camera to trigger falsely.
iii. Adjust camera height and angle.
iv. Remove brush and branches from detection zone that may be triggering camera.
v. A close running animal/humanmaymake it across detection zone before triggering
the camera
vi. Sunlight and heat waves may result in certain scenarios of false triggers; position
camera in different location.
SPECIFICATIONS
4G LTE and 3G HSPA Cellular Module
Lens: FOV = 50
Photo resolution: (4:3) 12MP, 8MP, 5MP or (16:9) 6MP, 4MP (programmable)
Photo burst: 1-3 photos per trigger (programmable)
Burst Delay: 250ms, 500ms, 1s, 3s
Flash: Bright, Balanced, Low Blur
Video resolution: HD720p or HD1080p
Video length: 5-10 sec
Fast trigger time (0.2 sec)
54 No Glow Black Flash infrared LEDs
Multi-zone PIR detection range: up to 80+ feet
Color daytime and black & white nighttime pictures
Date, Time, Temperature & Moon Phase image stamp
Low power consumption, standby battery lifetime up to 12 months
External memory : SD/SDHC card up to 64 GB (not included)
Video sound recording
9V / 12V-volt power port
12 x 1.5 volt AA batteries (not included)
Low battery indicator
Mount with mounting strap, security box, & cable lock
Playback pictures and videos
2.4” true color TFT display
User-friendly interface, 6 buttons control

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Time Lapse
Duty Time
WARRANTY INFORMATION and TERMS AND CONDITIONS
The buyer agrees to the following Terms and Conditions when purchasing Ridgetec
products. Terms and conditions may be updated or changed at times. These terms and
conditions constitute conditions to the use of Ridgetec products.
This Ridgetec equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits set forth by
the Federal Communications Commissions (FCC) rules. Operation is subject to the
following conditions: (1) This devicemaynot causeharmfulinterference,and (2)this device
must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired
operation. The Ridgetec equipment can radiate radio frequency energy that may cause
interference to radio communications and equipment.
In no event shall Ridgetec be liable to any party or any person, except for replacement or
repair of the product, for the cases, including but not limited to below: 1) any damage and
loss, including without limitation, direct or indirect, special, consequential or exemplary,
arising out of the use of this product. 2) personal injury or damage caused by the normal
use or neglect operation of this product. 3) inconvenience or any loss (including loss of
profit) arising if photos are not transmitted or displayed for any reason including failure of
the Ridgetec product. 4) any problem, inconvenience, loss, or damage resulting when the
Ridgetec product is combined with other third party products. 5) any claim or legal action
brought forth by any person dueto violation of privacy resulting from the use of this product.
6) loss of photos and/or data from Ridgetec servers or third party companies.
Ridgetec offers a one (1) year warranty on the hardware of its products. A product that is
deemed defective due to defects in materials or workmanship through normal use will be
subject to either repair or replacement by Ridgetec. This warranty is void if the product has
been tampered or opened by anyone other than a Ridgetec technician. Furthermore,
warranty does not cover product failure resulting from improper use, abuse, or accident.
Ridgetec is not responsible to warranty damage that results from battery leakage, battery
explosion, or damage that results from power surge, power fluctuations, or damage
resulting from low or high voltage disruptions. Ridgetec is not responsible for damage
resulting from SD memory card or cellular SIM card use or improper insertion. A Return
Material Authorization (RMA) number and form will be required before Ridgetec will receive

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and process product for repair or replacement. The buyer will be notified if the product is
deemed not defective and product will be returned to the buyer at the buyer’s expense.
*RMA number is required for all returns.
If the product is beyond the warranty period, the price for repairing or replacing may vary.
International customers pay different amount of shipping & insurance. We will send
detailed shipping information along with the RMA number. Include with your camera the
RMA form and a copy of your dated cash register receipt or other proof of purchase.
*Please contact us if you have any questions or problem while using the camera before
you request a RMA number and send the camera back for repair.
Some problems may be solved easily with help from customer service.
CAMERA REPAIR
Repairs for damages not covered by the warranty will be subject to a charge. Please
contact RidgeTec to discuss repair options not covered under warranty.
CUSTOMER SERVICE CONTACT:
USA:
Ridgetec
5022 Red Bud Drive
Grovetown, GA 30813
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
CANADA:
Ridgetec
210A 12A St. N. Suite 410
Lethbridge, AB T1H 2J1, Canada
Phone: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]