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Q:
The Quad processor sounds nice, but what happens if I only want 2 or 3 cameras? Also, can I watch the cameras on my home TV?
A:
The Quad processor is a very versatile unit allowing any combination of cameras to be attached. If you only need 3 cameras, the 4th input will show blank on the 4 camera split screen. In auto rotate mode, the input without a camera will be ignored in rotation. The quad may be programmed to display each camera for different durations from 1 to 9 seconds before switching. You also may display the quad split picture in rotation if you like. You can also adjust each cameras brightness and contrast etc... individually for situations where you have a combination of indoor and outdoor cameras; although there is little need as the cameras will adjust very well to different lighting conditions.
Yes! You can output the display to your home TV or VCR. The quad will supply power to the cameras and/or Ranch Hand receivers, and there are standard RCA jacks on the back for output to a VCR or TV. You may also output the quad signal to a single transmitter for viewing up to 4 cameras on your home TV on one receiver. This requires programming the quad in your house where you can see the display, then simply move it out to barn or other building. It will remember your setting. If you want the quad to alternate cameras, you will only have to press the auto button once it is in place.
Q:
I see you offer an audio adaptor. Will that work with my cables, or do I have to use the Ranch Hand?
A:
The cables that come with the AgCam system are not audio enabled. However, the Ranch Hand can wirelessly transmit audio directly to the monitor. If you would like an audio enabled cable, we sell them as an option, available in 60' lengths.
Q:
What happens when the lens gets lots of dust on it?
A:
The lens is made of the same materials as glasses, and is very easy to wipe clean with a cloth (the corner of a shirt works nicely for this). We have noticed that the lens has to get VERY dirty to even make the image fuzzy on the monitor. The reason for this is twofold. 1) The camera is a 0 LUX camera, which means that it will compensate for lighting conditions down to almost zero light (this is referring to the color circuit board inside of the camera, not referring to the Infrared LED's or the black & white board associated). So, as the lens becomes dirtier, the camera will compensate accordingly. 2) The area that the camera lens needs to be free of debris is very small and in the center. Debris and dust tends to gather around the edge of the camera first, so this also results in the image remaining clear for a longer period of time. An example: the camera was used to look back at the nozzles of a sprayer spraying Glyphosate. After a full quarter, the image was unaffected even though when you went and physically looked at the camera, you couldn't even tell by looking at the lens what was behind it.
Q:
When the systems break down, what is the most common problem?
A:
Our warranty return rates are quite low (.05% on cameras) so most repairs are caused by wear and tear. The most common problem we experienced was the camera tail getting damaged in use. Since that was our #1 repair, we decided to add the feature of a replaceable camera tail so that customers could simply purchase a replacement tail should anythign happen to it.
Q:
What is the warranty like?
A:
We have recently decided to extend the warranty on the units to 2 years for the monitor and 3 years for the camera. Originally, when we first introduced the product line in 2002, we had a 1 year warranty on the cameras and 3 months on the monitors, but felt very confident in the quality of our product and wanted to extend that confidence to the customers. We understand that farm equipment can sit for months unused, so we wanted to make sure that an entire season would be covered under our warranty.
Q:
Can you have more than two cameras on one monitor?
A:
Yes you can. With the addition of our Quad, you can view up to 4 cameras at once on the same screen. The Quad also offers the option of Picture in Picture and motion detect.
Q:
What do you use for power when you are using the wireless transmitters?
A:
The wireless transmitters come in pairs; a sending unit and a receiving unit. Each unit comes with an AC adaptor, and the pair comes with one 12v hardwire adaptor. The reason for only one hardwire adaptor is that when you hook the receiver up to the monitor, it receives it's power from the monitor. So, you would only theoretically need to power the sending unit and the camera (they hook together so they only require one power source for the both of them) with either the hardwire adaptor or the AC adaptor. We have included the AC adaptor for the receiving unit in the event you would like to hook the receiver directly to a standard television set. (A pair of AV cables are also included with the Ranch Hand).
Q:
Can the Ranch Hand be used in a vehicle such as a truck or combine?
A:
YES, the Ranch Hand is able to be used on a vehicle. An example of this would be what one custom combiner is using the AgCam/Ranch Hand combination for. While transporting equipment, this outfit will use the Wireless Ranch Hand to communicate his rear view from the camera to the Monitor in the cab of the truck. It only requires that the Ranch Hand Transmitter be powered by the combine battery. No other cables are required. When in the field, the truck driver will monitor the hopper level of the combine from any location in the field. This is done using the 8dbi omni-directional antenna mounted on each vehicle.
Q:
How stable is the image on a moving piece of equipment? Will I be able to see anything worthwhile when moving down a rough road or in the field?
A:
The image is amazingly stable. Even on the roughest road, the image you see appears steady. We have road tested this camera system on some of the roughest roads we could find. We even did some things that were possibly stupid in an attempt to knock the camera loose from the hood of an old 4x4 pickup. The camera stayed in place and the image it produced was clear and sharp. Other tests were done on machines with high movement. We mounted a camera on one row unit of a JD corn planter. The view of the next row unit was excellent, even at night in total darkness.
Q:
Can I use my AgCam system for fishing?
A:
Of course you can, the camera is 100% waterproof and can be submerged in the water up to 300 feet. Although, keep in mind that the monitor is NOT. Never get the monitor wet. Also, if you are going to throw your camera in the water, make sure that all twist lock connectors are secure and will not come apart. You may want to even secure the cable connectors with electrical tape or some other means of safety. Dakota Micro does not warrantee the cameras against loss in this situation. The warranty does provide for damage in case the camera takes in water for a period of three years.
Have fun!
Q:
How Important is Line of Site with the Wireless System? I have a calving barn 200 feet away that I would like to monitor from my house. Both buildings are constructed of wood. Do I need any external antennas?
A:
You will probably not have a problem within 200 feet using the Ranch Hand with the standard antennas. The signal is able to penetrate walls to a certain degree depending on the distance and other local factors such as interferance, electrical lines, trees and in some cases weather. You should give it a try without any external antennas. If possible, locate the transmitter in a window to reduce the amount of signal loss. If all else fails, you should be able to acheive good results using the 5dbi magnetic mount antenna.
Good Luck
If you have any questions that are not answered here, please E-Mail them to us.
Many Questions may be answered by reading the users manuals available in the downloads section.
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