UWAY Vigilant Hunter MB500 User manual

Vigilant Hunter®
Instruction Manual
Model: MB500
GSM Cellular Camera Model
PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE USING CAMERA

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Thank you for Purchasing your UWAY Camera
The UWAY Vigilant Hunter 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
USB cable
Nylon mounting strap
Warranty Card
Needed for
Operation
Twelve (12) AA Lithium/Alkaline or NiMH
Rechargeable Batteries
SD or SDHC Card (up to 32G)
GSM Cellular SIM Card (for cellular mode)
*It is recommended to use Lithium or High Quality NiMH in MB500 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 SD card and
batteries until camera is dry.
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.

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CELLULAR INFORMATION:
This camera contains a GSM cellular module to transmit pictures directly from the
camera to your cellular phone and/or email address. It supports MMS/SMS/E-mail via
GSM network. It supports four network bands: 850MHz, 900MHz, 1800MHz, and
1900MHz.
A SIM card from a GSM provider is required to transmit photos. Photos are transmitted
via MMS or GPRS. Cellular charges will apply for sending photos and potentially
receiving photos/emails.
Photos are compressed to 640 x 480 resolution to transmit over the network, while the
full mega-pixel photo is saved to the SD card for future viewing.
SIM Slot
Padlock
Hole
Snap
Lock
Control Buttons:
Up, Down, Left, Right
Menu, OK
ON/OFF/SETUP
Battery Compartment
Padlock
Hole
Ports & Slots:
DC 6V Port
USB Port
Snap
Lock
SD Card Slot
Color Display
Antennae

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MOUNTING CAMERA:
This camera is designed to use the UWAY Bracket (sold separately) to obtain maximal
mounting versatility. Camera can be securely locked with cable lock (through camera,
bracket, or both) 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 feet high overlooking desired area and ~30
feet away from target area for maximum sensitivity in most situations. Adjustments may
be required depending on animal 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.
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 UWAY Bracket
(sold separately) provides optimal versatility when mounting the camera. UWAY XtendIR
(sold separately) will significantly increase night IR lighting distances out to 60-100 feet.
GETTING STARTED
SD MEMORY CARD
The camera supports both SD and SDHC memory cards up to 32 GB. The camera does
not have any internal memory and will not turn ON without SD card inserted.
1. Open camera
2. Insert SD card with marked side facing front of 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.

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BATTERIES
This camera is designed for Lithium/Alkaline or Nickel Metal-Hydride (NiMH) batteries.
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: 6V or 9V DC power can be used with or without batteries inserted. External power
bypasses the batteries when 6V or 9V power is connected. Solar panels DO NOT charge
batteries directly located in the camera.
WARNING: Do not use 12V external battery power as camera damage will occur.
CHECKING BATTERY LEVEL
Battery level can be seen in bottom left corner of viewer screen
TESTING AND WORKING MODES
The camera has two modes: Set Mode and Work Mode.
1. Turn switch to middle position to access SET 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.
2. Turn switch to far right to access WORKING mode. A blue LED light will blink for 5-
10 seconds before the camera is capable of being triggered by motion.
Note: The LCD screen has a built in sleep mode to save power. If LCD screen turns off,
you must turn camera OFF and back to SET mode to reset.
MENU OPERATIONS AND SETTINGS
MAIN MENU
The Main Menu has 4 menu options: I. Camera Settings, II. GSM Setup, III. GPS Input
and VI. Camera Information. Camera Settings will allow you to setup parameters on how
you want the camera to function. GSM Setup will assist you in setting up the camera on
the network, GPS Input will allow you to tag GPS coordinates to the pictures, and
Camera Information will provide a summary of firmware version, photos, and video.

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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
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 or
select PLAYBACK from CAMERA MODE in Camera Settings Menu
2. Use LEFT and RIGHT arrow to select video or picture and push OK to select
3. Pictures display JPG in top right corner while Videos display a film strip icon in
top right corner.
4. Follow prompts on bottom of LCD screen while in PLAYBACK mode
VIDEOS
a. Push OK to PLAY and PAUSE
b. Push UP arrow to delete
PICTURES
a. Push OK to SEND photo over network
b. Push UP arrow to delete
5. DOWN arrow returns you to LIVE PREVIEW mode
6. Push MENU button to return to menu when in LIVE PREVIEW mode

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I. CAMERA SETTINGS MENU
CAMERA MODE
This camera can be set to capture still pictures OR video.
1. Select CAMERA MODE
2. Select Capture Image for PHOTO mode, Video Record for VIDEO mode, or
Playback using UP or DOWN arrow and push OK to set
PHOTO FORMAT
Picture formatting can be either Normal 4:3 or Wide Screen 16:9.
1. Select PHOTO FORMAT
2. Select NORMAL or WIDE VISION and push OK to set
PHOTO RESOLUTION
Photo resolution can be set at 8MP, 5MP or 3MP.
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
VIDEO RESOLUTION
Video mode includes High Definition HD 1280 x 720 or VGA 640 x 480.
1. Select VIDEO RESOLUTION
2. Select HD or VGA mode and push OK to set
VIDEO LENGTH
Video length can be set in 1 sec increments from (5s –60s). 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
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

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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 5 seconds to 60 minutes.
1. Select QUIET TIME
2. Select desired ‘quiet time’ and push OK to set
ILLUMINATION
This feature allows the user to use external lighting (XtendIR-B) or turn off IR lights if no
lights are required in the night. User selects Internal when they want the IR lights of
camera to work normally; select External if connecting XtendIR-B (sold separately) to the
camera OR to turn IR lights OFF at night, and Int + Ext if both the XtendIR-B and camera
IR lights are desired.
1. Select ILLUMINATION
2. Select Internal, External, or Internal + External and push OK to set
DATE / TIME STAMP
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
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

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ACCESS CONTROL
This feature allows the user to set a 4-digit password to deter theft and render the
camera unusable without the password.
Select ACCESS CONTROL
SET PASSWORD
Select desired password using ARROWS and push OK to set
DISABLE PASSWORD
Select and push OK to disable password
POWER TYPE
This camera is a precisely tuned instrument. It is recommended to use high quality
Alkaline, Lithium or high quality NiMH batteries. Programming which batteries are present
increases accuracy of battery level meter. This camera can also be connected to a 6V or
9V external battery pack (sold separately).
1. Select POWER TYPE
2. Select Lithium/Alkaline, NiMH batteries, DC 6V or DC 9V 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
3. Push OK to proceed with formatting SD card
TEMPERATURE
Allows the user to select either Fahrenheit or Celsius temperature settings.
1. Select TEMPERATURE
2. Select Fahrenheit or Celsius and push OK to set
DUTY TIME
This feature allows the user to program the camera to turn ON and OFF at a specified
time.1. Select DUTY TIME
SET START TIME
Set camera START time using arrows and push OK to set
SET STOP TIME

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Set camera STOP time using arrows and push OK to set
2. Push LEFT arrow button to return to menu
Note: For 24 hour activity: START: 00:00 and STOP 23:59
TIME LAPSE
This feature allows the camera to take pictures at a pre-set time interval (10 seconds to
60 minutes) and record or send them over the network.
1. Select TIME LAPSE
2. Select ENABLE to set up time lapse or DISABLE to cancel time lapse
3. Set START TIME and push OK to set
4. Set END TIME and push OK to set
5. Set DELAY TIME and push OK to set
6. Push LEFT arrow button to return to menu
DEFAULT SET
This feature resets the camera to factory default settings.
II. GSM SETUP
This menu is for setting up the cellular network. GSM setup can be accomplished either
by using the Download Tool on a computer (for comprehensive settings) or by direct
setup on camera (for quick and basic settings).
Using Download Tool to set up GSM
1. Insert a SD card and a SIM card into camera
2. Access GSM SETUP from Main Menu and select DOWNLOAD TOOL
3. Press OK to download the "Uway_GSM_SETUP.zip" onto the SD card
4. Use a computer to unzip the ZIP file, and then edit the "GSM_SETUP.exe" file

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See the graphics below for reference
A. Send Mode:
OFF: turns off the GSM cellular function; camera functions without cellular
functionality.
INSTANT: to send a picture instantly when the camera captures a picture.

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When this option is selected, you need to set a Max Num. Max Number defines
the maximum pictures that will be sent within 24 hours. For instance, 20 means
the camera will only send the first 20 pictures within 24 hours regardless of the
actual number of pictures captured that day.
Note: The Max Num. cannot exceed 199 in Instant mode.
CUSTOM: to send the pictures at a user-defined time in one day.
When this option is selected, you need to set Max Num. (same as above in
'Instant') and Send Time. For example, Max Num. 10 and Send Time 18:30,
the camera will send the first 10 pictures taken in that day at 18:30.
Note: The Max Num. cannot exceed 50 in Custom mode.
DAILY REPORT: to send a SMS (text message) report at a user-defined
time. The report includes total picture/video number captured during the
past 24 hours, the battery level and remaining storage space.

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B. Send Via:
The camera provides two solutions, i.e. MMS or GPRS, to send the pictures to the
desired phone numbers and email addresses.
MMS: uses MMS cellular plan
If MMS is selected, pictures will be sent to the preset phone numbers
(maximum 4 numbers allowed) and email addresses (maximum 4 addresses
allowed) or both phone number and email address (use semicolon ";" between
each phone number and email address).
GPRS: uses Data cellular plan
If GPRS is selected, pictures will be sent from one preset sending email
address to one or multiple email addresses via GPRS network using the SIM
card data plan.

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When GPRS is chosen, there is a reminder to ask the user to set the Sending
Email. Click the "Sending Email" button; there would be another pop-up dialog
box as shown below:
Complete the above information and click "OK" to save. This email address will
be the "Sender" email.
Note 1: the "Email" needs to be the full email address, "Account" only needs
the account name, domain name is not needed.
Note 2: DO NOT use email addresses that have SSL or TSL restriction in
order to send emails, this kind of email server will block the camera GPRS
function from sending pictures through their server.
C. Send To:
This is to set the destination where the MMS/GPRS goes to.
Phone: pictures to phone numbers (maximum 4 numbers)
Email: pictures to email addresses (maximum 4 numbers)
Both: pictures to both phone numbers and email addresses.
NOTE: the ‘Both’ and ‘Phone’ options are only possible for MMS, not for GPRS.
GPRS pictures can only be sent to email addresses (not phone numbers).

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D. Operator Parameter:
The manufacturer has pre-set the parameters of some operators worldwide into the
camera; user needs to select one of the operators as shown below:
For instance, if the user uses an USA AT&T SIM card, choose "USA" in the "Country"
drop down dialog, then choose "AT&T" in the "Operator" drop down dialog.
If user cannot find the country or operator information in the preset software, the user
needs to do custom settings and contact local operators to fill in the operator information.
Choose "Other" in the "Country" drop down dialog; choose "Other" in the "Operator" drop
down dialog, then click the "Custom" button to access a pop-up dialog box.

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Complete the following information (please confirm the accurate information with your
local operator), and click OK to save the settings. Take Germany T-Mobile for example
as shown below.
E. Recipients:
Recipients are where the pictures are transmitted to: phone number or email address.
The recipients allow 4 phone numbers and 4 email addresses, use semicolon ";" between
each phone number and email address.

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F. Remote Control:
This feature allows the user to send a text message command to change the Send Mode.
Once this function is enabled, user needs to input a Receive Time as shown below.
The camera GSM module will boot up automatically every day at the ‘Receive Time’to
check if there is any text message commands. After processing the text message
command, the camera will send a confirmation text message to the sender phone
number. If multiple commands are received, the camera will only process the last text
message command.
Note: Avoid sending multiple text message commands to camera in one day.
The camera will accept text message commands in the following protocols shown in the
table:
Send Mode
Text Message Command Protocol
Example
Off
C#00#E
C#00#E
Instant
C#01#NNN#E
C#01#008#E
Customized
C#02#HHMM#NN#E
C#02#0930#05#E
Daily Report
C#03#HHMM#E
C#03#1230#E
HH means hour, MM means minute, NN or NNN mean Max Number. Taking
"C#02#0930#05#E" for example, this command will change the Send Mode to "Custom"
with receiving time at 9:30 and Max Num. 5.

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Note 1: The command protocol must be followed accurately; otherwise, the camera will
not accept the command.
Note 2: Once the Send Mode is changed to OFF, the GSM module will be turned off and
will not receive any further text message commands; you will need to retrieve the camera
to turn cellular mode back ON.
G. Camera Name:
User can input a camera name; the camera name will be shown on the top-right corner of
each picture taken.
Note: only "A-Z, 0~9, /, _, -, #" are allowed, DO NOT use Space between words. For
example, "Camera 01" is not eligible, "Camera_01" is eligible.
H. GPS Input:
User can input a GPS coordinate read from a third-party device such as a cellphone or a
GPS device. Once a GPS coordinate is input, the GPS information will be written in the
exif data of each picture taken. User can organize pictures using a third-party software to
track the picture locations.
I. PATH
Save the edited "GSM_SETUP.exe" after completing all information above. Click the
"Save" button and a file named "GSM.bin" will be generated in the designated location.
Copy the "GSM.bin" file onto the ROOT directory of a SD card (not in DCIM) and insert
the SD card into the camera.
NOTE: Switch the camera to "SETUP" and after a few seconds, the camera will display
"GSM update success".
Testing the GSM network using “manually send mode”:
1. Switch camera to "SET UP"

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2. After the camera boots up into Live Preview, it will search for the GSM network if a
SIM card is inserted and the GSM module is NOT turned Off in "Send Mode". The
user will see "Searching network....." on the screen. Once the camera is connected
to the network, the ISP name will show on the bottom right corner of the screen. If
the connection fails, it will show "Login fail". Press the "Right" key to search for
network again.
Note: continuously Login fail generally means the network signal is poor or the SIM card
is not compatible (DO NOT use CDMA or 3G SIM card plan for this GSM camera)
3. While in Live Preview, press 'Down' arrow to switch to Playback mode, choose a
picture using the "Right" or "Left" arrows and press OK. The camera will send the
selected picture to the preset phone number(s) and email addresse(s). After
sending successfully, the LCD screen will show ‘Send over’. If reception is poor or
network is busy, it will show ‘Send Fail’.
Sending a picture takes 20s-60s depending on the network signal strength. GPRS
generally takes longer time than MMS.
Using camera only to setup GSM network
1. Select GSM SETUP from Main Menu
2. Set SEND MODE: Off, Instant, Customized, or Daily Report
3. Set SEND VIA: MMS or GPRS
4. Set SEND TO: Phone, Email, or Both
5. Set NETWORK SETUP:
NOTE: Push the OK button to select each letter/number. The disk icon is for saving
settings; the large left arrow button is for deleting, and the small right arrow is to
return to previous menu.
a. Phone: enter phone number using arrows

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b. Email: enter email address using arrows
c. Cellular Provider: select your provider from the menu. If your provider is
not present, you will need to use the ‘Download Tool’ explained
previously.
6. Set REMOTE CONTROL: Enable (set receiving time) or Disable
NOTE: Explanations of the above settings are explained in greater detail previously in
manual (pg. 9 –18).
Additional Notes:
Be sure your SIM card works on the GSM GPRS service. This device supports four
bands: 850MHz, 900MHz, 1800MHz and 1900MHz.
If sending photos by MMS, you will want an MMS picture messaging plan. If
sending photos by GPRS account, you will want a Data plan on the SIM card.
There is a max limit on the number of pictures sent daily to your phone. Please
check the MAX number in "Instant" and "Custom" modes to set the desired number
of pictures.
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 GSM
network coverage.
III. GPS INPUT
User can input a GPS coordinate read from a third-party device such as a cellphone or a
GPS device. Once a GPS coordinate is input, the GPS information will be written in the
exif data of each picture taken. User can organize pictures using a third-party software to
track the picture locations.
1. Select GPS Input from Main Menu
2. Select YES (input proper coordinates) or NO