Leupold RCX Manual

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USER MANUAL


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Contents

Introduction.......................................................................................................... 3

Thingsyouneedtogetstarted............................................................................4

ControllerSetup...................................................................................................5

CameraSetup..................................................................................................... 10

BatteryGuideline............................................................................................... 11

CameraOperationSetup.................................................................................... 12CameraSetupwithPresetModes...................................................................... 13

DST(DualSensorTechnology)...........................................................................14

CameraMounting.............................................................................................. 15

CustomCameraSetup........................................................................................ 18

UsinganExternalPowerSource........................................................................21

DownloadingImages.........................................................................................22

Troubleshooting.................................................................................................24


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IntroductionThe RCX Trail Camera System is

designed to support the use o manycameras and a single controller. Thecamera is simple, high quality anddurable so you can place many camerasin the feld, and quickly and easilyaccess them to change setups, use Real

Time Video Alignment and to downloadimages. The system works by thecamera capturing images and storingthem on an SD card that you install.The controller also takes an SD card upto 32 GB.

When you connect the controller to thecamera with the USB cable, you candownload images rom the camera tothe controller with just a couple o quick

menu selections. You are then able

view the images right there in the feldand make any changes to the setup youwant. The controller also allows you toview photos rom other trail cameraswhen the SD cards are inserted. Thecamera can be aligned using Real TimeVideo Alignment that permits you tosee what the camera sees. Settings

can also be changed to get more or lesspictures by selecting one o 4 presetmodes, or you may access the powerulcustom menu or settings such asmultipicture, event delay, time lapse,etc. See Custom Camera Setup on

page 18 or more inormation.


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Things you need to get started

1. Camera

2. Controller (Included in RCX Kit. Li-Ion

battery included.)

3. 8 AA Batteries (Leupold strongly

recommends Energizer Ultimate Lithium

AA batteries, especially for use in below

freezing temperatures.)*

4. 2 SD or SDHC cards: one or thecontroller, one or the camera, up to32 GB capacity.

Accessories:5. Mounting strap (Comes with camera

or kit.)

6. USB Cable (Included with kits and with

controllers.)

7. Standos (Included with cameras and

kits. These are used to solidly positionthe camera on uneven surfaces.)

Optional: RCX Lockdown Security Plate

(Comes installed on RCX-2 only; for use with

Master Lock Python cable or for mounting

with a single nail. Available separately forRCX-1.)

*Alkaline batteries can leak and damage

the camera if left unattended for extended

periods, especially during below freezing

temperatures. The RCX Trail CameraWarranty does not cover damage from battery

leakage.


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Controller Set-Up

Lanyard Hole

Battery Door

Battery DoorScrew

Mini USB Port Cover Power Button

SD Card Slot Door3 TFT (Thin Film Transistor) Screen


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A controller must only be set once, butis necessary to set date and time, and toaccess the eatures o your RCX Camera.Every time a new camera is set up, thetime synchronizes with the controlleras soon as it is plugged in with the USBcable.

The frst time the controller is poweredup, the frst screen presented is theTime/Datescreen. To access thisscreen again later, you will fnd thisselection in the Setup ControllerMenu. This screen will again be the frst

screen presented any time you allowthe battery to go dead or more than24 hours.

The Lithium Ion battery is alreadyinstalled in the controller. Thecontroller battery should be chargedor a minimum o 2 hours beore use;however, it is preerable to charge it atleast 16 hours to ensure long hours ouse and to prevent short battery lie.

To charge the RCX Controller Battery,plug the Mini USB end o the USB cableinto the controller, then plug the otherend into a computer, the wall charger orthe car charger provided. Beore goinginto the feld, veriy that the controller is

properly charged.


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Navigate through the controllermenus by arrowing to the desiredselection.

On menu items with to the righto the text, press the right arrow toaccess the next level down in themenu .

Press to select a menu choice.

Delete and zoom are usedonly when viewing images on theSD card.

Use to back out one menu level.


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Brightness: The display brightness othe controller can be adjusted. This isrecommended when lighting conditionchange dramatically.

Time/Date: Time is in 24-hour timeonly. The deault date ormat is YYYY/DD/MM but can be changed to other

ormats.

Temp Unit: Switch between F or C.

Hemisphere: Set the appropriate hemisphere. The United States and Canada arein the Northern Hemisphere. Australia, New Zealand and South Arica are in the

Southern Hemisphere.. This makes the orientation o the moon phase images corrector your location.

Language: The controller menus can be displayed in any o the ollowinglanguages: English, German, Finnish, French, Italian, Russian, Spanish or Swedish.


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USB Port Cover

1/4-20 Tripod

Stud Mount

BOTTOM ACCESS

DOOR OPEN

BOTTOM ACCESS

DOOR CLOSED

USB Port

SD Card Slot

Battery PackLatch

Cover RetainingScrew

Battery Pack

12V Jack Cover

12V Jack

Power Switch


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1. Install an SD card. An SD card romanother device may already containfles that will reduce the number ophotos you can take. To optimize theoperation o the cameras SD card,ormat it using the controller. This

can be done in the controller setupmenu and by selecting Format SDCardrom the bottom o the menu.This will erase all SD Card contents.Once the SD card is ormatted,insert it into the camera.

2. Open the access door and removethe AA battery cartridge.

3. Insert 8 batteries with the negative(at) end against the contact spring.

4. Insert the loaded battery cartridgeinto the camera with the contactside going in frst until the catchsnaps into place. Be sure to closethe bottom door securely ater allsetup is complete to ensure goodcontact pressure.

Camera Setup

Camera Status


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5. Turn power on (I position). Thecamera wont take pictures or 30seconds ater powered on or withthe USB cable still connected toboth the controller and the camera.

6. Connect the controller to thecamera with the USB cable. Allowseveral seconds or the controller

to recognize the camera. Whenproperly connected, the controllerwill show a camera status box at thebottom o the screen.

Ideally, use only Energizer UltimateLithium AA batteries or the RCXRechargeable Battery Pack,especially or cold weather use andnight time photos & video. Alkalinebatteries are adversely aected by

reezing temperatures, and highpower drain applications, regardlesso what device they are used in.

Never mix battery types (Alkaline,Ni-MH, Lithium) or mAh rating.

Never try to recharge a battery thatis not labeled as rechargeable.

Use only the recommended chargeror rechargeable batteries.

Always replace all batteries at thesame time.

Do not attempt to use only 4

batteries. 8 batteries are requiredor the RCX Cameras to unction.

Follow the battery manuacturersrecommendations or storage,handling and disposal.

Battery Guideline


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I you are using multiple RCX Cameras,

it is recommended to give each cameraa unique name the frst time it is setup. This will name the older wherethe photos are stored (which includesthe camera name) or easy sorting aterdownloading rom multiple cameras.

Naming camera

1. With the camera powered on,connect the controller to the camerawith the USB cable.

2. Select Setup Camerarom themain menu. Press

3. Press until Custom Setting ishighlighted. Press .

4. Press twice to move to Page

2, then Press to move to menu.

Press to select Camera Name,

then press .5. Select characters rom the keyboard

by using , and useto input the character. Thename must be between 3 and

10 characters long. (Be sure therst 3 characters are unique between

cameras to ensure all folders are easy to

differentiate.)

6. Select Saveand press .

7. Press . As you exit the customsettings, anUpdate camera?alert window appears. Press toupload the changes you made. Thiswill be confrmed with the messageCamera Setup Complete.

Camera Operation Setup


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Camera Setup with Preset Modes

AutomaticallySelected Settingswith Preset Modes

*DST only available

with RCX-2

ImageQuality

Multipicture

Eventdelay

(timebetwe

enphotos)

RCX-2Sensor

(RCX-1is45

only)

RCX-2Flash

(RCX-1is36

LED

only)

Sensitivity

Best Picture Mode RCX- 1: 8MPRCX-2: 10MP

OFF OFF DST 48 LED Auto

Most Picture Mode 3MP 3 photos OFF DST 48 LED Super High

Power Saver Mode(Day/Night)

3MP OFF 5 min DST 36 LED Auto

Normal Video Mode 640x480,30ps, 5 sec

OFF 5 min DST 36 LED Auto

1. Go to Camera Setup

2. Press .

3. Select rom the 4 preset modes the

setting that is closest to what youwant. Press .

For custom camera settings, see Custom Camera Setup on page 18.


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DST (Dual Sensor Technology)

45ft

10

45

54 CameraLens Angle

90ft

MAXIMUM TRIGGER RANGES

Dual Sensor Technology (DST)delivers a more complete picture

o game activity in your area.Select the wider 45 sensor romCustom Menu with a range o45 eet (ideal or larger areas) orselect the narrower 10 sensorwith a range o 90 eet (oruse with a specifc landmark oreeder). Both sensors can alsobe active at the same time byselecting DST. Only the RCX-2eatures this ground-breaking

technology.


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Select a place to mount the camera

(usually a tree). Avoid or remove anyobstructions.1. Locate the camera where sun does

not shine directly into the cameraor best exposure results.

2. Mount the camera at a distanceabove the ground at a height similarto that o the target and with thecamera view parallel to the ground.This is especially important whenusing the 10 sensor alone. The

sensor zone is a cone so i you angleit toward the ground, the sensorrange may end on the ground shorto where your targets will pass.

3. It is best to set the camera up where

the most likely target movement

is not coming straight toward thecamera, since the PIR sensorswork by comparing changes intemperature between 2 side-by-sideelements.

The Lock-Down Security Plate attached

to the RCX-2 is for use with a Master

Lock Python cable to prevent theft.

A Lock-Down Security Plate for

the RCX-1 is available and is sold

separately from the unit.

4. Run the strap through the slots.

5. Separate the buckle and thread theloose end o the strap through theloose buckle hal.

6. Preadjust to a little larger than the

Camera Mounting


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selected tree.

7. I the surace against the camera

is very uneven, use the includedstandos to adjust the contactpoints on the back o the camera asneeded. Three points o contact arebest or stability and adjustment.Stack them or more height and

fne-tune the fnal angle with theadjusting screw at the top o thecamera ater mounting.

8. Wrap the strap around the tree,and connect the buckle. Pull the

straps just snug enough to keep thecamera in place but to still allow thecamera position to be adjusted.

9. Connect the controller to the camerawith the USB cable.

10. Select the Preview Camera

Icon (the red deer) rom the mainmenu to activate Real Time VideoAlignment. You can now check theraming o your picture through thecontroller by seeing exactly wherethe camera is pointed. Think abouthow tall antlers might be and makesure to not cut them o at the top o

the rame. Avoid raming too muchsky in the picture as the exposure othe camera will compensate or thisbrightness and oreground imageswill be dark. This will also set thenight time IR flter to the proper

position to start taking photos.

11. Unplug the USB cable rom thecamera. You can veriy that thecamera is working properly bycovering the light sensor, which is

in the small hole above the Leupold


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medallion on the ront let side thecamera. Wave your hand in ronto the camera and youll see the IR

LEDs illuminate. A click o the IRflter moving into position or nightpictures may also be heard. Thismovement typically occurs onlytwice per day: once in the morning

and once at night.The camera will not start taking photos

until the USB cable is unplugged from

the controller.

NOTE: The camera has to have been

powered up or 30 seconds beore itwill take pictures. This does includetime during set up, so ater alignment,it is usually ready to go. I you want toavoid taking pictures o yoursel leavingthe area, power the camera o and on

beore securing the door and walkingaway. This uses the 30 second powerbuer to allow time to get out o the

cameras sensor reach.


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Use the custom mode to refne settings.

Night & day settings are modifedseperately, so be sure to set them both.

Automatic Camera Type Detection:The controller will automatically detectthe type o camera and will only oer

settings that are available with thatmodel. I there is no camera connected,RCX-1 or RCX-2 can be chosen on theopening screen.Video/Picture: Select whether thecamera will take video or still pictures.Resolution:.3MP* to 10 MP or RCX-2,.3MP* to 8 MP or RCX-1.

Video: 320x240* or 640x480

Video settingsVideo FPS: 15* or 30 Video ramesper second determines how smoothlythe video runs. The higher the number,the better the video, but the greater the

fle size.

Video Length: 5* to 30 seconds

*Lower values are recommended for smaller

SD cards and for quick eld downloads.

Dual Sensor Technology (DST)Only the RCX-2 has DST, which usesboth a 45 sensor and a 10 sensor.The 10 sensor provides the longest

Custom Camera Setup


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range and the 45 sensor provides amore orgiving wide sensor angle thatnearly covers the 54 feld o view o

the camera. The camera can be setupto use either o the sensors or bothin combination. Activate both whenyou want to maximize the number opictures.

The RCX-1 is equipped with only a 45 sensor

SensitivityAuto: Adjusts to higher sensitivity inhot weather when the air temperatureis closer to that o a deers body. Itautomatically sets to lower sensitivitywhen it is cooler to avoid small targettriggers, like birds and squirrels.

Manual: Super high, high, medium

and low. Set to super high sensitivity or

maximum picture count. 32GB

SD cards and efcient powerconsumption can take more than10,000 10MP images. While takingmany pictures is possible, it willmake feld downloading slower.

In instances where the SD card isnearly ull, it may make more senseto change cards rather than todownload.

Set to a lower setting i you aregetting alse triggers or pictures oanimals arther away than you want.

Operation HoursThe camera can be set to run or aspecifc period o time to save batteriesand to avoid triggers during periods


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where there is a lot o activity that youdont want to capture. For example,people and pets in your yard during

the day when you are trying to capturenight activity. The camera can be set torun during only daylight hours to avoidthe power consumption o night picturesthat require the IR LED ash.

Night PicturesThe camera automatically activatesnight mode when the light sensor tellsit that there is not enough light orpictures without the IR ash. It will

then activate the IR LEDs and take blackand white night images. Set dierentnight settings or your camera byselecting the night tab in the custommenu, and selecting settings to beapplied during these night shots only.

For ease o operation, some settingscannot be customized separately ornight shots.

Time LapseThe Time Lapse eature allows thecamera to automatically take a pictureat intervals you select in the input

menu. This allows movement to becaptured beyond the trigger range. Inaddition, the very long intervals canbe used or documenting changeslike a plant growing, or the change oseasons. Time Lapse is great or ood

plots where there is constant activityand you dont want to miss ar targetsor take multiple pictures o the sameanimal.


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Event DelayThe Event Delay eature sets the camerato ignore triggers or a time ater a

picture is triggered. This is to avoidtaking too many pictures o one animal.

Tip: use with multipicture mode to snap a

couple of pictures to make sure you get a

good one, then wait for the next animal. Time

Lapse and Event Delay cannot be used at thesame time.

Camera NameEnter a unique name or each camera.Your picture older names will

incorporate a part o the camera name.This will make organizing your picturefles easier when you get home. (SeeDownload section on page 22)

Picture StampSet each piece o inormation to stampon your picture individually:

1. Camera Name

2. Moon Phase

3. Date/Time

4. Barometric Pressure (RCX-2 only)

5. Temperature6. File Name

Using an External Power SourceA cable or connecting an external 12Vbattery to a camera is included in the

kits. A car or motorcycle battery can beused, provided that produces 12V andhas external terminals that can be saelyconnected with the provided clamps.Insert the plug into the bottom o thecamera by opening the rubber sealed


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12V jack cover. Be sure to connect thered clamp to the positive (+) terminaland the black clamp to the negative (-)

terminal.

Downloading Images

Camera to Controller

Connect the controller to the camerawith the USB cable. Select theDownload Images rom Camera iconand press . The next menu will showyou two options: Download which

downloads the photos and leaves themon the camera, or Download andDelete which downloads the photosand deletes them rom the camera.Once one o the options is selected,press . The controller will begin

downloading and will show a counto how many pictures there are todownload and the percent complete. I

it appears downloading is going to takelonger than you want to wait, open thebottom door and remove the SD card.Insert it into the controller or viewingand sorting the pictures, or change SD

cards and wait until you get home toview pictures. Select the View SD iconto view pictures stored on the SD cardinstalled in the controller.

Controller to Computer

Plug the USB into a computer andview the pictures taken on a computerscreen. The controller acts as anexternal drive and allows you to movefles rom the controller to a computer inthe same way.


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Viewing Images on a TVPlug the USB cable into a TV or anyother device with a USB port that

supports mass storage devices and usethe TV controls to navigate throughpictures to view them on the TV.

Viewing Pictures on SD Cards from

Other Cameras.The controller can be used to view anypictures in the feld that are stored onan SD card using the industry standardDCIM fle storage ormat. Simplyinsert the SD Card rom another brand

camera, and select select the ViewSD icon.


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The camera is not taking pictures or is only taking pictures some of the

time.1. Connect the controller to the camera and and look at the camera status window.This shows the cameras battery status and SD capacity remaining. Replacebatteries i needed. Empty, ormat, or replace SD card i needed.

2. I the custom mode was used to set up the camera, make sure you entered bothday and night settings have been set or the menu items that allow this.

3. Ensure the hours o operation are set to 24hr.

4. Try a dierent SD card. A aulty SD card will cause either the controller or thecamera to not unction properly. See our web site or a list o approved SD cardmodels. It is possible or an approved SD card model to ail. Try reormattingthe SD card as well, using the controller setup menu. Format SD card is at thebottom o this menu.

5. Try new batteries. It is possible (though unlikely) or new batteries to be aulty.

Troubleshooting


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The controller does not recognize the camera when the USB cable isplugged in.1. Veriy that the camera is powered on. I is the On position o the switch.

2. I the batteries are not resh, replace the batteries.

3. Veriy that all batteries are installed in the correct orientation. The at,negative end o the batteries should all be placed against the coil spring side inthe battery cartridge.

4. Veriy that all batteries are o the same type.

5. Be sure the battery cartridge is completely installed and the latch is snappedinto place. The bottom door should be securely closed to ensure good contact.

My pictures are foggy.

1. Check to make sure the sun is not shining directly into the camera lens. Re-align as needed.

2. At about the same time o day when the oggy pictures are occurring, connectthe controller to the camera and select the View Camera icon to activateReal Time Video Alignment.


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3. Check the camera lens window to see i it is dirty. Clean i needed with a sotcloth or a cotton swab with alcohol or lens cleaning uid applied. DO NOT USEACETONE OR ANY OTHER SOLVENT. DOING SO WILL DAMAGE THE VIEWING

WINDOW AND VOID YOUR WARRANTY.

My pictures are black & white and overexposed.

1. Check the light sensor to and make sure it is unobstructed. The light sensoris located on the ront o the camera, on the let side, just above the Leupoldmedallion. I it is obstructed, the camera will set itsel to always take night

pictures.

My camera is taking the correct type of pictures in day or night onlybut not both?1. Veriy that you entered both day and night settings or the menu items that

allow this.


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My ash range is getting shorter over time.

1. The RCX Camera System is designed to reduce IR LED power when the batteriesget low in order to extend the lie o the batteries. To restore a longer ashrange, install resh batteries.

My camera is not taking night pictures or videos.

1. Use Energizer Ultimate Lithium batteries or an external power source whentaking night video or when using the 48 LED setting in the RCX-2.

2. When batteries get very low, The RCX Trail Camera is designed to take only daypictures in order to extend the useul lie o the batteries. Replace the batteriesto restore ull unctionality.


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One Year Limited Warranty

Leupold RCX Trail Camera is warranted by the Leupold Electronics Warranty, and

are protected rom deects in materials and workmanship or ONE YEAR rom thedate o purchase. The warranty is void i damage results rom unauthorized repair,alteration, misuse, or battery leakage. The warranty is given solely to the originalowner and is not transerable.

Leupold & Stevens, Inc. requires that ater 30 days o purchase, any customerreturns o RCX Trail Cameras or Camera Components (other than those still in sealed

factory packaging) be sent directly to Leupold & Stevens, Inc. or warranty inspectionand evaluation.

For warranty service please contact Technical Services frst at 1-800 LEUPOLD.

When instructed to do so, send your product to:Leupold & Stevens, Inc.ATTN: Product Service14400 NW Greenbrier Parkway

Beaverton, OR 97006


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Leupold & Stevens, Inc.1-800-LEUPOLD 1-503-646-9171 www.leupold.com

PO Box 688, Beaverton, OR 97075-068814400 NW Greenbrier Parkway, Beaverton, OR 97006-5790 USA

Part# 112161 Artwork#112163

Documents

Leupold RCX Manual