My brother sells spypoint on line, I’ve one coming with antennae so thanks for this, however I’m concerned about all the bad reviews spypoint gets about their customer service or lack of it , comes with a 2yr warranty , I may need it.
Dave, Spypoint Customer service is difficult for sure... Since you're buying from your brother I hope that means you get a good return policy? haha. Just kidding. The only way I've been successful dealing with Spypoint customer service is through their online Chat. I have had pretty good luck with mine so far and if you watch some of my videos on setting them up (firmware updates, etc) that will save you a lot of headaches. The other main issue is poor cell signal strength. It's good to have an idea of what that might be in the area where you'll be deploying these. Good luck and i'm happy to help troubleshoot where I can if you run into problems.
I bet if you started to see a drop in battery life you could change your image transmission setting for a while to let the solar charge catch up. Just a thought. Great review.
Yes, I agree. You could also change the trigger speed to be longer between shots. I'm doing testing right now with the solar panel covered up and it's still going strong on just the LIT-10.... more to come.
I'm not sure about the solar panel itself. I have seen a few comments about water getting into the camera. I don't think I've had the problem with either of the 2 of mine.
Hey, man. I’m looking forward to the follow up video... I would like to know (and maybe you already know this from using the “link s”) how long the battery lasts in the field... at ATA they said that it didn’t need direct sunlight and that ambient light would charge it sufficiently. Is this true? They also said that this is a kind of camera that you never have to go change batteries.. the battery life is “unlimited”. Would love to get your thoughts on this or else proof in the follow up video 👊 thanks
Thanks for the comment Abram. I'm working on testing that now. I'm curious about the statement regarding ambient light.... i didn't think that was how solar panels worked... BUT, given the lithium battery pack the micro-S is running on I think it can go for a long time without any power from the solar panel at all. Some observations from the other cameras: Link-S - the solar panel kept the internal battery (i don't know how big it is) charged all of last deer season. It went down to "yellow" status a few times but would come back to green readily. However, it did drain the AA batteries that are "back-up" over the course of the 4 months I had it out in the field. The Solar camera (no cell signal) looks identical to the Link-S, I've run 2 of those cameras for 2 years non stop and the solar panel kept the internal battery charged and the AA were fine. I don't think it ever pulled from the AA but they do naturally discharge over time. So, I don't know what's going on with the AA batteries in the Link-S.
Strix Outdoors thanks! Yeah, you can see in some ATA videos where they say ambient light haha.. I did t think so either, but none the less.. I’m looking forward to the full review. I’ve used Spartan & now Browning cell cams. Both have been great!! But if I can find a camera like this that I can leave out all year and not worry about changing the batteries, GAME ON!! Please keep me updated.
It's looking pretty good so far. I have the camera outside taking pics with the solar panel covered with a piece of cardboard. According to the app, internal battery is still at 100%. Only 1 week in though.
Yup, that's the plan. Since it doesn't have timelapse, I can't force it to take that many pictures so I'm trying to find a good spot that has high activity but won't invite someone walking through the neighborhood to grab it.... hahaha. I'm trying to run down the battery to see where it will turn off and then how well the solar panel recharges the battery on it's own.
I assume you mean a buddy instead of "body"? Yes, I don't see why not BUT, your buddy would need to be sure to use your email address and your Cell number during the activation process in order for you to receive pictures. Also, not sure if you intend to do this or not, but you can't access the pictures on multiple cell phones as the Spypoint account will only be associated with one. You can however also access pictures via the Spypoint Web portal with the same username and password you used in the phone app.
Sweet! I've got mine setup and taking pictures. Will see how it does and will report back in a video. Hit me up if you want the referral email via Facebook or Instagram. I can't post the email in UA-cam.
New from Cabela’s...your buying a headache...here is customer service response....good luck. Thank you for choosing Spypoint and hope all is well. Sorry for the inconvenience. We are happy to assist you. We checked and found out that the camera has missed many major updates. It is a must that we update the firmware. Please see instructions below and have fresh batteries. In order to update the firmware, you will first need to format the micro-SD card, then, follow the below instructions for the update. 1) How to format an sd card: Windows PC: Here is a video that will help you: ua-cam.com/video/26jf1f7CmNE/v-deo.html Insert the card in the computer Access the Files Explorer (shortcut = press Windows Key+E on your keyboard at the same time) Find ‘’This PC’’ or ‘’My Computer’’ Find your SD card and use the Right Mouse Button on it. Select ‘’Format’’ Make sure the setting for ‘’File System’’ is set to : ‘’FAT32’’ or ‘’FAT32 (default)’’ Choose one of the following options : Quick Format: is enabled by default and only takes a few seconds. Full Format : disable the Quick Format for a more secure and thorough procedure (recommended) Click ‘’Start’’ when ready to format. MAC computer: Here is a video that will help you: ua-cam.com/video/A6SJUGtLL4U/v-deo.html Insert the SD card in the computer Access the ‘’Disk Utility’’ --- You can find it using the ‘’search tool’’ at the top of your screen OR using the FINDER application. Find your SD card and select it. Click on ‘’Erase’’ Make sure the setting for ‘’Format’’ is set to : MS-DOS(FAT) Click on Security Options and choose one of the following: Fastest : is enabled by default and only takes a few seconds Most Secure : this is a more secure and thorough procedure (recommended) Click on ‘’Erase’’ at the bottom right corner when ready to format. 2) Updating the firmware version of your camera - Windows and MAC Download the update file from our website : www.spypoint.com/en/support/cellular-trail-camera/product-link-micro.html Open the downloaded .zip file by double-clicking on it. Extract the 5 files from the .zip file. Copy the 5 extracted files onto the Micro SD card. Eject the Micro SD card from the computer. Make sure the camera is turned OFF. Insert the Micro SD card into the camera. Power ON the camera. The camera will run the firmware update by itself for around 90 seconds. («Status» light flashes orange). Then, it will turn off for a second. The camera firmware will be up to date. The camera will then restart by itself and it will go through the connection process. («Status» light flashes green). To confirm the update was successful: Upon the next sync of the camera, access the “Status” tab in the SPYPOINT LINK app. Under “General Information”, the version number will appear, for example: V1.11.06 Feel free to contact us should you have any further questions.
What is the headache? Format usdcard fat32 (not a quick) , put unzipped update on card, place card in camera, turn on and firmware updates. Camera works great for me. It will not put corn in feeder.
Pretty cool little camera that gives you cellular access. Interested to see how well it works. Let me know what you think in the comments.
My brother sells spypoint on line, I’ve one coming with antennae so thanks for this, however I’m concerned about all the bad reviews spypoint gets about their customer service or lack of it , comes with a 2yr warranty , I may need it.
Dave, Spypoint Customer service is difficult for sure... Since you're buying from your brother I hope that means you get a good return policy? haha. Just kidding. The only way I've been successful dealing with Spypoint customer service is through their online Chat. I have had pretty good luck with mine so far and if you watch some of my videos on setting them up (firmware updates, etc) that will save you a lot of headaches. The other main issue is poor cell signal strength. It's good to have an idea of what that might be in the area where you'll be deploying these. Good luck and i'm happy to help troubleshoot where I can if you run into problems.
I bet if you started to see a drop in battery life you could change your image transmission setting for a while to let the solar charge catch up. Just a thought. Great review.
Yes, I agree. You could also change the trigger speed to be longer between shots. I'm doing testing right now with the solar panel covered up and it's still going strong on just the LIT-10.... more to come.
I put mine out today I used your email as a referral. Thanks👍
Awesome thank you!
Has anyone had problems with the solar panel leaking in water
I'm not sure about the solar panel itself. I have seen a few comments about water getting into the camera. I don't think I've had the problem with either of the 2 of mine.
Hey, man. I’m looking forward to the follow up video... I would like to know (and maybe you already know this from using the “link s”) how long the battery lasts in the field... at ATA they said that it didn’t need direct sunlight and that ambient light would charge it sufficiently. Is this true? They also said that this is a kind of camera that you never have to go change batteries.. the battery life is “unlimited”. Would love to get your thoughts on this or else proof in the follow up video 👊 thanks
Thanks for the comment Abram. I'm working on testing that now. I'm curious about the statement regarding ambient light.... i didn't think that was how solar panels worked... BUT, given the lithium battery pack the micro-S is running on I think it can go for a long time without any power from the solar panel at all. Some observations from the other cameras: Link-S - the solar panel kept the internal battery (i don't know how big it is) charged all of last deer season. It went down to "yellow" status a few times but would come back to green readily. However, it did drain the AA batteries that are "back-up" over the course of the 4 months I had it out in the field. The Solar camera (no cell signal) looks identical to the Link-S, I've run 2 of those cameras for 2 years non stop and the solar panel kept the internal battery charged and the AA were fine. I don't think it ever pulled from the AA but they do naturally discharge over time. So, I don't know what's going on with the AA batteries in the Link-S.
Strix Outdoors thanks! Yeah, you can see in some ATA videos where they say ambient light haha.. I did t think so either, but none the less.. I’m looking forward to the full review. I’ve used Spartan & now Browning cell cams. Both have been great!! But if I can find a camera like this that I can leave out all year and not worry about changing the batteries, GAME ON!! Please keep me updated.
It's looking pretty good so far. I have the camera outside taking pics with the solar panel covered with a piece of cardboard. According to the app, internal battery is still at 100%. Only 1 week in though.
Strix Outdoors sweeeeet... would be interesting if you made it take a couple thousand pictures somehow and see how it recharges
Yup, that's the plan. Since it doesn't have timelapse, I can't force it to take that many pictures so I'm trying to find a good spot that has high activity but won't invite someone walking through the neighborhood to grab it.... hahaha. I'm trying to run down the battery to see where it will turn off and then how well the solar panel recharges the battery on it's own.
Can I ship this camera to a body and have him set it up for me? And then receive pictures on my phone?
I assume you mean a buddy instead of "body"? Yes, I don't see why not BUT, your buddy would need to be sure to use your email address and your Cell number during the activation process in order for you to receive pictures. Also, not sure if you intend to do this or not, but you can't access the pictures on multiple cell phones as the Spypoint account will only be associated with one. You can however also access pictures via the Spypoint Web portal with the same username and password you used in the phone app.
With my EBay bucks I just got this camera for $128.00 dollars. 😁
Sweet! I've got mine setup and taking pictures. Will see how it does and will report back in a video. Hit me up if you want the referral email via Facebook or Instagram. I can't post the email in UA-cam.
New from Cabela’s...your buying a headache...here is customer service response....good luck. Thank you for choosing Spypoint and hope all is well. Sorry for the inconvenience. We are happy to assist you. We checked and found out that the camera has missed many major updates. It is a must that we update the firmware. Please see instructions below and have fresh batteries.
In order to update the firmware, you will first need to format the micro-SD card, then, follow the below instructions for the update.
1) How to format an sd card:
Windows PC:
Here is a video that will help you: ua-cam.com/video/26jf1f7CmNE/v-deo.html
Insert the card in the computer
Access the Files Explorer (shortcut = press Windows Key+E on your keyboard at the same time)
Find ‘’This PC’’ or ‘’My Computer’’
Find your SD card and use the Right Mouse Button on it.
Select ‘’Format’’
Make sure the setting for ‘’File System’’ is set to : ‘’FAT32’’ or ‘’FAT32 (default)’’
Choose one of the following options :
Quick Format: is enabled by default and only takes a few seconds.
Full Format : disable the Quick Format for a more secure and thorough procedure (recommended)
Click ‘’Start’’ when ready to format.
MAC computer:
Here is a video that will help you: ua-cam.com/video/A6SJUGtLL4U/v-deo.html
Insert the SD card in the computer
Access the ‘’Disk Utility’’ --- You can find it using the ‘’search tool’’ at the top of your screen OR using the FINDER application.
Find your SD card and select it.
Click on ‘’Erase’’
Make sure the setting for ‘’Format’’ is set to : MS-DOS(FAT)
Click on Security Options and choose one of the following:
Fastest : is enabled by default and only takes a few seconds
Most Secure : this is a more secure and thorough procedure (recommended)
Click on ‘’Erase’’ at the bottom right corner when ready to format.
2) Updating the firmware version of your camera - Windows and MAC
Download the update file from our website : www.spypoint.com/en/support/cellular-trail-camera/product-link-micro.html
Open the downloaded .zip file by double-clicking on it.
Extract the 5 files from the .zip file.
Copy the 5 extracted files onto the Micro SD card.
Eject the Micro SD card from the computer.
Make sure the camera is turned OFF.
Insert the Micro SD card into the camera.
Power ON the camera.
The camera will run the firmware update by itself for around 90 seconds. («Status» light flashes orange).
Then, it will turn off for a second. The camera firmware will be up to date.
The camera will then restart by itself and it will go through the connection process. («Status» light flashes green).
To confirm the update was successful:
Upon the next sync of the camera, access the “Status” tab in the SPYPOINT LINK app.
Under “General Information”, the version number will appear, for example: V1.11.06
Feel free to contact us should you have any further questions.
What is the headache? Format usdcard fat32 (not a quick) , put unzipped update on card, place card in camera, turn on and firmware updates. Camera works great for me. It will not put corn in feeder.
It’s 200!!! BUCKS!!! I’m freakin poor I can’t afford this