Videos

Introduction to Cellular Trail Cameras

Manually Installing Firmware

Differences Between R4G & R4G Lite

General How-To

Manually Updating Firmware

Downloading the Firmware

Firmware is available on the portal at https://blackgatemobile.com. Under the firmware menu. Be sure to download the correct firmware for the given device. All firmware on the firmware page is the latest stable version unless otherwise noted. 

  1. Download the appropriate firmware to their computer. 
  2. Unzip the archive file containing two files for the firmware update.
  3. Delete all files off of the SD card and copy the two firmware files.
  4. Paste the two files onto the SD card. There must be not other files or folders on the SD card.

Installing Firmware on the R4G

Ensure the device is turned off and insert the SD card into the device. Turn on the device and follow the prompts to update the firmware. If there is no prompt, ensure the SD have the two files and there are not other files or directories on the SD card. 

DO NOT turn off the device during the firmware update. Once the update is complete, a message display saying to restart the device. Turn off the device and remove the SD card. Clear the SD card of all files and re-insert it into the device.

Confirm the device has the latest firmware by navigating to the menu -> Advanced -> Firmware

Installing Firmware on the R4G LITE

Ensure the device is turned off and insert the SD card into the device. Turn on the device. All LED lights should start flashing

DO NOT turn off the device during the firmware update. Once the update is complete, the LEDs will stop flashing and turn off. Turn off the device and remove the SD card. Clear the SD card of all files and re-insert it into the device.

Confirm the device has the latest firmware once it connects to the server and check-in.

How To Format the SD Card - R4G

To format the SD card.

  1. Turn of the device.
  2. Press the menu button.
  3. Navigate the menu and go to ADV -> "Format". Select it.
  4. Select yes

Once the card is formatted, the "busy" message will disappear.

How To Format the SD Card - R4G Lite

To format the R4G Lite SD card, ensure the device has at least 068 firmware. 

  1. Turn on the device and immediately press and hold the format button until the format LED blinks.
  2. Once the format is complete, the device will begin to start up as normal.

Older Firmware

If the device is on older version below 068, formatting manually can be an issue. If the device starts up, formatting can be done but waiting for the signal light to come on and then pressing and holding the format button down until the format LED starts to flashes.

Troubleshooting

Device is not sending media to the app
  1. Ensure there is a data plan activated for the device.
  2. Ensure the device is on the latest firmware for the device.
  3. Ensure that the antenna is tight and that the batteries are good.
  4. It is IMPORTANT that you move to an area that you know has signal and is outside away from buildings and other electronics.
  5. Format the SD Card manually on the device.
  6. If the device does not connect still, try a new SD card and ensure to format the card before trying again.

If the device still does not work, try manually updating the firmware. If you are on the latest firmware, reflash the device with the latest firmware.

4G Init Failed

This message indicates that there is no cell signal available. Move to another area and try again. 

Same image over and over

Attempt to format the SD card. If this does not work, exchange the SD card with a new one. 

Android Not Compatible Message

Google Play has recently put in place restrictions for devices that use Android OS older than one year of age. 

We highly recommend updating your OS Software to the latest version available.

If you see a message that your phone is not compatible with the app on the Google Play Store, you can visit https://www.blackgatehunting.com/android-mobile-application-download/ to download the app directly from our website.

FAQ

What SD card should I use?

All devices require an SD card to startup and operate correctly. You MUST user a 16-64 GB Class 10 U3 SD card in all Black Gate Devices.

Cheap SD cards are not supported. Most issues with trail cameras revolve around the SD card.

How many batteries does the trail camera take?

It is important to not use cheap batteries in your devices. Do not mix lithium and alkaline batteries internally.

  • The R4G takes 12 AA Batteries.
  • The R4G Lite takes 8 AA Batteries
Do I need to purchase a firmware card with my new camera?

No.  Camera's come pre-loaded with the most up to date firmware and do not require a separate firmware card. If you want, you can request a firmware card by emailing orders@blackgatehunting.com

How to choose the right trail camera cover image

CHECKLIST BEFORE CALLING SUPPORT

  • Have the device you are having issues with in-hand.
  • Ensure you have new batteries in the device.
  • Be sure to have a proper Class 10 U3 16-64GB SD card that is formatted.
  • You have read through the support documentation.
Call Support (937) 900-7195