Detection Tips - Master Your FieldNode

When it comes to scouting, detection is everything. The right setup means more deer in the frame and fewer wasted shots on wind or brush. A few small tweaks can be the difference between catching that buck or missing him completely.

1.Match Your Camera Angle to the Terrain

• Mount 3–4 feet high and match camera angle to terrain. 
• Trigger a test image and picture a line across the frame.
• That line should hit a deer at mid-shoulder,
• If not, adjust until it does.

For cameras with Live Aim, you’ll now see a visual band that shows the ideal mounting angle to maximize triggers.

• Helps prevent missed detections caused by pointing the camera too far upward

• Ensures your PIR sensor is aligned with the movement zone

• Live now on: Edge Pro, Edge 2 Pro, Edge 3, and Edge 3 Pro

Use Live Aim as a real-time guide, then confirm with a test image.

2. Set the Right Distance to Target

• 15–30 feet from the trail or feeder is the sweet spot.
• Too close = blurry close-ups. Too far = grainy silhouettes.
• Take a test pic and adjust until the shot looks crisp.
• Distance to target is key to Ensure clear, high quality images

3. Clear Your Lanes

• Mount the camera and snap a test pic.
• Remove brush, tall grass, or branches that could trip false triggers in wind or harsh light.

4. Fine-Tune PIR Sensitivity

• In the app, adjust PIR sensitivity.
• Too many empty frames? → Lower it.
• Missing deer in a busy spot? → Raise it.
• Test until it’s dialed for your setup.

5. Mount Your Camera the Right Way

• Avoid aiming into sunrise/sunset, glare and shadows cause false triggers.
• Face north or south and confirm with a test pic before leaving.
• Avoid frames split between skyline and tree-line, the lighting contrast will wash out part of the photo.

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Detection FAQs 

“Why is my camera taking photos of nothing?”

This usually comes down to how sensitive your camera is to movement. Wind, sunlight, shadows, or brush can all cause false triggers.

• Adjust PIR sensitivity in the FieldNode app:
  • Too many empty pics? → Lower sensitivity.
  • Not getting enough pics in a high-traffic spot? → Raise sensitivity.
• If you’re not sure what set it off, check the FieldNode app, pull up your gallery, and flip frame-to-frame , you’ll often catch a squirrel, bird, or shadow that caused it.
• Every spot is different. Fine-tuning sensitivity to your setup will give you the best results.

“What’s the best detection range setting?” 

There isn’t a magic number that works everywhere, it depends on where you hang your camera.

• Start with medium PIR sensitivity when you first mount it.
• Then dial it in based on what you’re seeing:
  • False alarms (sun, brush, wind)? → Turn it down.
  • Missing deer in a busy area? → Turn it up.
• Think of it like sighting in your bow or rifle, start standard, then adjust for your hunting ground.

“How can I improve my signal?” 

Most of us hunt way out where cell service is spotty. That’s normal, here’s how to make it work:

• Move the camera around until you hit the strongest signal, sometimes a few feet makes all the difference.
• Always set up in the best signal zone you can find, even if it’s not your first-choice tree.
• If signal is still weak, switch your camera to a 24-hour upload schedule instead of immediate. It’ll connect more reliably and save your battery.
• Keep in mind: cell tower traffic changes all day, so even if it looks good when you set it up, it can dip later. Strong placement helps cover those dips.

“Why is my camera taking fewer pictures than I believe it should be?” 

This often happens when your camera is busy sending photos instead of taking them.

• On immediate upload, every time the camera snaps a pic, it pauses to send it. In weak signal areas, that can take minutes. While it’s busy, it won’t capture new activity.
• To fix it:
  • Change your upload setting to a delayed schedule (every hour, 6 hours, or daily).
  • This lets your camera keep snapping pics without waiting on a cell tower.
  • Plus, delayed uploads save a lot of battery.