Lag between triggering and actual photo
My camera seems to trigger but then takes time to actually take the photo...and there is nothing in the frame. I have tested this myself walking back and forth, and get mostly blank frames. Any ideas?
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Camera Spartan GOCAM 4G/LTE
I am planning to use this inside my cabin when I am away to alert to intruders. The cabin is only 600 square feet and the furthest away I can get to test the camera is about 15-18 feet, so I am dealing with a short range of view and suspect that may be part of my problem. I wonder if there is anything I can do to maximize the effectiveness given the realities of my situation.
Thanks for your input.
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We are looking for GC-something, which indicates carrier. All the carrier models are 4G/LTE. However, for this, since we know it’s 4G, it doesn’t matter. Your particular problem is not carrier-related.
I don’t know what the layout of your cabin is, but might it be possible to mount the camera up in a corner of the main room aimed somewhat at the door (assuming they will come in through the door rather than a window?), with the door to one side of the picture frame so they are likely to stay within the frame as they enter?
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I think you're right about location and will work on that and experiment a bit.
My one remaining question is about recovery time. It seems slow. I'll get one photo or a burst, and then some considerable (like 90 seconds) before another photo is taken. Is it possible that the camera does not reset to take it's next photo or burst or video until it has transmitted the one(s) just taken? As I keep experimenting, that's beginning to seem like the answer. Any wisdom in this regard.
Sure appreciate you interest in my problem. Thanks.
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The camera does not take another picture until it's done sending the previous one. You might want to use the photo + video setting and set it to transmit the smaller 640 thumbnails. This will get the picture sent the fastest and as long as they don't steal the camera you can request a 10 second video that was taken after the picture. You'll also want a zero delay between pics
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When you get an interesting picture, you request the video and it will come after the next time the camera contacts the server. With iOS, there’s a video camera icon below the picture. With Android, tap the three dot menu in the upper right corner and choose Request video. Videos aren’t sent automatically. Most pics you get aren’t interesting enough that you want the video.
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I seem to be getting on top of this new machine, but I have two more question.
1) When I get a notification that a "status update" has arrived, where do I go to read it? I can't seem to figure this out.
2) If you want a three photo series taken if the camera is tripped by an intruder and a photo taken once a day just as a check, is there any manner to avoid the daily check being three photos?
Cheers,
Bob
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Are you sure you want three photos? All three photos will be within about a second and a half and then it will take time to send all three, which means that it will take longer before the camera can take more pics if the intruder is still there. Those three photos will be nearly identical.
Photo + video may be a better option. It will take/send the photo and two seconds after the photo is taken, video recording starts. If there’s a good chance the intruder would be moving around where the camera could catch him/her, you would get 5 or 10 seconds of video. The camera will still be ready to take another picture within a minute, give or take.
Just something to think about.
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It doesn’t matter when you check it, instantly or not. Even if you request the video the moment the notification comes in, unless the camera checks in again after you request the video, you won’t get it until/unless the camera checks in again and has time to send it.
If the intruder disables the camera before it has gotten a chance to send the photo, you’re in the same boat. The camera has to have time to send the photo. To send the video, it has to contact the server after you’ve requested the video and have time to send it before the camera is disabled.
Even though I know how these cameras work, I had to read Johnny’s message a couple of times. It could be read to mean that once the video is sent, it’s no longer on the SD card but that’s not what he meant. The video is stored on the SD card and is there until you format the card again. After you request it, it’s sent to the portal so it’s there and on the app, as well as on the SD card.
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Friends,
Sorry to keep asking, what must seem to you to be, stupid questions, but I have a feeling, while the folks at the US Cellular Store are very pleasant and try to be helpful, that they do not know anywhere near as much about this camera as you do.
I have been thinking that, since I am going to be overseas for some time this Winter without access to my US mobile number, a whole new set of variables enters the picture (so to speak). Do you know:
1) If US cellular can link this camera to my buddy's phone so he would get photos/status updates? He's out here a good bit trapping and hunting and has said he'd be happy to be linked up in case a need arose for attention at my place.
2) If the email link option (if activated with my email) on the camera management/settings panel will send photos as well as status updates? That seems a manner by which I could stay in touch with things also, for my email will work overseas.
Thanks again for you help and patience with a complete techno-idiot.
Cheers,
Bob
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Bob,
Those are not stupid questions at all. We actually use these cameras, the folks at US Cellular probably don’t.
There are a couple of ways that you can give your buddy access to your camera and US Cellular won’t be involved at all!
First, if this is someone you really, really, really trust, have them install that app and use your email address and logon, just as it he is you with the app. (I have the app installed on several devices, including my fiancé’s phone, using my account login info.) You want to be careful with this because you won’t be able to get him off very easily if y’all have a parting of ways. However, if he has your email and password, he will also be able to contact Spartan Camera if he needs tech support help and they can access your account.
If you’re not so sure, instead of having him login as you, share the camera to him. On the home page, tap the menu button to the right of the camera and Share Camera. You will enter his name and email address. If you want him to be able to control the camera, give him Admin access.
The email address on the portal, when checked for delivery options, will send a photo. In order to send the status report, there’s a text box at the bottom of the page where you type your email address. If you have access to the portal, you can also just view the photos and the current status on the portal.
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