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Just a warning to all of you out there, it appears Wildgame innovations cameras are designed to fail shortly after the warranty expires. I can't speak for all models (I have an IR-4) but just wanted everyone in on what I have found. I used my camera with good sucess for about two seasons, at the end of last season (2nd season in use) I put new batteries in it which were dead the next day, no pictures were taken.
Since the camera is out of warranty I decided to take it apart, when I did I found an obvious issue with the wiring, where the insulation was gone, which I repaired. Put new batteries in it and the programming screen will come on but it will not take a picture even though the sensor light comes on when you move in front of it. Did some more looking and found another "secret" battery compartment on the back which had a shrink wrapped "cell" of LR44 (three) which had corroded. Cleaned the connections and replaced the batteries and it still doesn't work. So not sure what to do next other that throw it in the trash.
(here comes the interesting part)
My dad who purchased the camera for me as a Christmas present also bought one for himself. I told him what I found on the camera, so he also took his apart and found that the "secret" cell of batteries (in his case 3.6v) was soldered in on the inside of the camera (same model as mine, purchased at the same time). I thought the whole point of batteries were to be replaced when the run out, so why would the be soldered in?
Of the 5-7 Wildgame cameras we have only one (I think) is still working after 2 seasons of use. Dont get me wrong there are alot of cameras that don't work well (My dad has been through Bushnell, Wildgame, and Predator) its just the fact it appears Wildgame intended for the camera to die with the "secret" batteries.
Sorry for the long post just wanted to let everyone know.
By the way I am going to purchase a new camera soon and would be happy to hear opinions on what or what not to buy.
Thanks,
D
Since the camera is out of warranty I decided to take it apart, when I did I found an obvious issue with the wiring, where the insulation was gone, which I repaired. Put new batteries in it and the programming screen will come on but it will not take a picture even though the sensor light comes on when you move in front of it. Did some more looking and found another "secret" battery compartment on the back which had a shrink wrapped "cell" of LR44 (three) which had corroded. Cleaned the connections and replaced the batteries and it still doesn't work. So not sure what to do next other that throw it in the trash.
(here comes the interesting part)
My dad who purchased the camera for me as a Christmas present also bought one for himself. I told him what I found on the camera, so he also took his apart and found that the "secret" cell of batteries (in his case 3.6v) was soldered in on the inside of the camera (same model as mine, purchased at the same time). I thought the whole point of batteries were to be replaced when the run out, so why would the be soldered in?
Of the 5-7 Wildgame cameras we have only one (I think) is still working after 2 seasons of use. Dont get me wrong there are alot of cameras that don't work well (My dad has been through Bushnell, Wildgame, and Predator) its just the fact it appears Wildgame intended for the camera to die with the "secret" batteries.
Sorry for the long post just wanted to let everyone know.
By the way I am going to purchase a new camera soon and would be happy to hear opinions on what or what not to buy.
Thanks,
D
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