So I have a theory

[Diamond S]

Just trying to figure this out. I have 3 covert cameras all bought within a month of each other all work great, but it seems the one at the lease will stop working every 3 to 4 months and I will have to update it again and it works fine for 3 to 4 months before it stops again.

So here is my theory, I don't know why or how but it seems that these cameras can/will only take X amount of pics (maybe internal memory ) then stop until you " update " them. I think what you are doing is erasing the internal memory. I know there are some valid updates you need for the cameras and I am good with that.

For example: lease camera on average 100 pics/day (24hours) times 120 days so 12,000 pics and it stops working until "updated"

other 2 cameras 5 pics/day times 120 days 600 pics still working no update needed, same run time and same settings as the lease camera.

I know first world problems, but this is the 3rd time it has happened and just got me to thinking. Any one else have this problem?

My solution or test of the theory will be to switch out the camera and see if it happens to the "new" lease camera.

****** All numbers are an estimate, I have no actual number. *****

Am I just over thinking this??

[bigjohntex]

Do your swap and see what happens. It may prove/disprove your theory?

[BernieH]

or try a memory card with more storage space

[Diamond S]

or try a memory card with more storage space

I have the camera set to overwrite.

[Deer Tracks]

Are you talking about firmware updates? You shouldn’t need those that often.
I used to have similar problems with my coverts. They would randomly stop working after a few weeks. I was so fed up with the cameras I was about to buy a different brand.
Then tech support advised to do a factory reset every time I change the settings on the cam.
Since I’ve been doing that I haven’t had a problem in almost 2 years.

Try this - from the menu, go to format card
Then go to Upload settings, select it.
Take a test pic and send it to verify camera is working.

If the upload settings fails you have another issue going on. It could be a bad card or a problem with your service.

[Smart]

Yes I think you are overthinking it.


I haven't touched my two cams out west in a year and that was to do updates...still clicking off pics and sending commandoes and HD pics when I ask. I just recently touched my two here at my local pig place to do updates because it had been as long as the ones out west since I updated the firmware. Top one clicks off pics like the ones out west. The lower one goes in and out of signal between 0% and 20% because the signal is so bad in the hole it sits in. Top camera does the same in that same hole.(need to add another 8-10 foot to it i guess to get up and grab some). It sends pics for the most part but when I get a zero percent it will sometimes skip a few hours. Then out of the blue starting taking them again. I have not experienced your theory at all. My only issues have been signal issue where I chose to set them or a bad SD card.

[Diamond S]

Are you talking about firmware updates? You shouldn’t need those that often.
I used to have similar problems with my coverts. They would randomly stop working after a few weeks. I was so fed up with the cameras I was about to buy a different brand.
Then tech support advised to do a factory reset every time I change the settings on the cam.
Since I’ve been doing that I haven’t had a problem in almost 2 years.

Try this - from the menu, go to format card
Then go to Upload settings, select it.
Take a test pic and send it to verify camera is working.

If the upload settings fails you have another issue going on. It could be a bad card or a problem with your service.

Thanks I will try that. Oh and by the way, just say it is a firmware update. Well the other two should need the update as well....correct? The last firmware update all 3 were done the same day all 3 had the same revision number, so to me I would think it one needs it, they all need it......maybe I am wrong.

[Diamond S]

Yes I think you are overthinking it.


I haven't touched my two cams out west in a year and that was to do updates...still clicking off pics and sending commandoes and HD pics when I ask. I just recently touched my two here at my local pig place to do updates because it had been as long as the ones out west since I updated the firmware. Top one clicks off pics like the ones out west. The lower one goes in and out of signal between 0% and 20% because the signal is so bad in the hole it sits in. Top camera does the same in that same hole.(need to add another 8-10 foot to it i guess to get up and grab some). It sends pics for the most part but when I get a zero percent it will sometimes skip a few hours. Then out of the blue starting taking them again. I have not experienced your theory at all. My only issues have been signal issue where I chose to set them or a bad SD card.

While chatting with Covert they said the camera is active and everything looks good from what they can see from their end. I know normally I have great signal. it has been 4 days since my last PIR pic was taken, and from here it appears dead in the water because it will not send me a pic on request. I guess it could be a SD card issue, it could have somehow glitched/locked up or something.

[Throwin Darts]

If I have to go mess with a feeder, I usually go to the Cover that is there and 1) format the SD card and 2) update the firmware. If you just periodically do that when you are near the camera you should be good to go.

[Deer Tracks]

it has been 4 days since my last PIR pic was taken, and from here it appears dead in the water because it will not send me a pic on request. I guess it could be a SD card issue, it could have somehow glitched/locked up or something.

I think your manual firmware updates are screwing up your camera settings. I was under the impression firmware updates were automatically pushed to the cam when needed but regardless, ANYTIME you make changes directly to the camera you have to upload the settings to sync the changes directly to the web portal. It sounds like you’re doing all these updates without syncing the settings.

Mine used to stop sending images all the time, especially with the older models. Do that format card and upload settings procedure. I guarantee it will fix your issue.

[Deer Tracks]

I also do this if I have to change the batteries. I’ve had the cameras stop sending pics after replacing the batteries. Now the first thing I do after replacing batteries is card format and upload settings. Have not had a problem since.

[Diamond S]

I think your manual firmware updates are screwing up your camera settings. I was under the impression firmware updates were automatically pushed to the cam when needed but regardless, ANYTIME you make changes directly to the camera you have to upload the settings to sync the changes directly to the web portal. It sounds like you’re doing all these updates without syncing the settings.

Mine used to stop sending images all the time, especially with the older models. Do that format card and upload settings procedure. I guarantee it will fix your issue.

I actually perform the whole 9 yards when I am doing a firmware update like this.

1. Turn camera into setup mode
2. Let it fully connect to the network
3. Hit menu
4. Go over to your NET tab
5. Go down to FW update and press OK then YES
6. Let it reach 100% and follow the remaining steps that will show on the camera display screen.
7. Once that's done you will need to upload and download your settings under the SYS tab.

How to upload and download your settings

1. Press menu
2. Go over to your SYS tab.
3. Go down to upload settings and press OK
4. Wait until it says 100% synchronized successfully.
5. Press your menu button to exit.
6. Tab down once to Download settings and press OK
7. Wait till it says 100% synchronized successfully.
8. Now press your menu button twice to take you back out to the main viewing screen.

To take a manual photo to make sure it is sending successfully to you APP.
1. Press your SHOT button
2. Press the OK button
3. Hit menu
4. Go down to send
5. Wait the send progress hits 100% and check the App to see if the photo came through...If so, go ahead and turn your camera to the ON position and you should be good to go!

However, I will be formatting the card also even with it being set to overwrite just to be sure.

[Diamond S]

If I have to go mess with a feeder, I usually go to the Cover that is there and 1) format the SD card and 2) update the firmware. If you just periodically do that when you are near the camera you should be good to go.

I guess that is what I will have to start doing, I usually make a feed run every 5 to 6 weeks so this will only add 5 minutes and maybe keep me trouble free.