After a long winter, we recommend checking your remote monitoring system for signs of wear and tear from the elements. Keep your system is in good working order for the summer by completing the following these simple tips for managing and getting the most out of your remote monitoring system.
Managing Your System Remotely:
Before venturing out in the field, the first step is to familiarize yourself with all the features Barn Owl has introduced and to confirm that all alerts are set up correctly for your busy summer season.
New Features for 2023:
- Battery Alerts:
- Your camera now offers battery alert settings. When Activated, you will receive an alert anytime your batteries drain below 25%.
- Map Your Locations:
- With the recent Barn Owl Maps update, you can now easily see all your cameras in a single view. Barn Owl Maps make it much easier to navigate images and videos by camera.
- Protect your camera(s) from Theft:
- Turn on the newly introduced “relocation alerts” and receive an alert each time your camera moves more than 100 meters from its current position.
Systems Check:
- Confirm Image Settings:
- Review your image quality settings for each camera. Confirm that your image transmission settings are at the size and quality that fits your needs. Remember, all Barn Owl cameras have a default image setting of “small.” To increase your image quailty, update your settings to "large" from within your Barn Owl HQ account.
- Configure Your Alert Trigger Settings:
- Within your Barn Owl HQ account, double-check that all image and video triggers are configured correctly including Motion and Periodic Triggers. are configured correctly so that you do not miss anything happening.
Onsite Maintenance:
- Cables and Connectors:
- Confirm that your wires are still in good working order and that there are no signs of damage or loose connections.
- Solar Panel Positioning:
- From high winds to snow loading, there is a chance that your solar panels may have shifted a bit during the winter months. You'll want to confirm that your solar panels are positioned and optimized for maximum sun exposure.
- Replace Old Batteries:
- If your cameras have been inactive for several months, we recommend replacing the old batteries with new ones.
- Clean Lens:
- Lenses can get dirty, resulting in reduced in image quality. While conducting system checks, take a moment to clean your camera lens with a clean cloth, towel, or rag.
- Remove insects, nests, and webs:
- Critters love to cozy up to almost anything in the field. Spend a moment and remove any insects or webbings. Insects attract creatures that feed on them and have been known to chew through camera and solar panel cables.
- Fully Charge Solar Panel:
- If possible, you should attempt to charge your solar panels. You can do this with the AC or USB adapters.
Following these simple tips will ensure you are getting the most out of your remote monitoring system and that the system is functioning as intended.
