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QUESTION & ANSWERS
ATTACHING TO YOUR BOW
Q: What type/style of bow will provide the best footage for my Roscoby?
A: Compound bows with parallel limbs will provide you with the best footage. This is because these newer style of bows have less recoil once the shot is released and are much smoother then older conventional limb bows. This is an important consideration if you are looking to capture the highest level of footage with the least amount of ‘shake’.
Q: How do I best put The Roscoby Riser Cam on my bow so that it stays tight?
A: Before attaching the camera to your bow, be sure to have a fresh SD card and batteries installed. Make sure the End Cap is properly attached to the Main Camera Housing.
Begin by tightening the Jam Nut into the Rubber Isolator. This compresses the Isolator and allows the user the opportunity to adjust the Jam Nut for fine tuning the camera position on the bow. Each bow is unique and will require a bit of “fit and feel” testing to get the camera properly oriented on the bow.
Thread the Mounting Stud into the Stabilizer bushing on the bow until it comes tight against the Riser. It is unlikely that the camera will be properly oriented on your bow. This is where the Jam Nut needs to be adjusted slightly (loosened or tightened) and the camera re-tightened back to the Riser. It may take a few attempts to adjust the Jam Nut just enough to bring the camera to almost vertical alignment on your bow.
With the camera almost vertical, use ONLY the Jam Nut to firmly tighten and secure the camera into place. DO NOT hold the camera body to tighten the unit to your bow or damage to the Mounting Stud and Isolator will occur.
Proper installation of the Roscoby Riser Cam to a bow will find the controls on top of the camera, the camera vertically aligned with the string and the Jam Nut tight against both the Riser and the Rubber Isolator.
With the camera properly positioned and secured you are ready to get out and use your Roscoby Riser Cam in the field.
Q: The Roscoby does not fit flush to my riser, what do I do?
A: A few select bows have their risers manufactured preventing the bumper and jam nut of the Roscoby from fitting ‘out of the box’. This is usually solved by adding a washer or two (metal or rubber) between the jam nut and the riser. In extreme cases a very small stabilizer extension may be required. Please note that if you choose to add a stabilizer extension (for example a TRUGLOW Stabilizer® Quick Connect) make sure that there is a ‘female’ adapter on the end for you to attach the Roscoby to.
Q: The Roscoby squeaks when I remove the camcorder from the isolator cap?
A: Periodically lubricating the O-Rings with a silicone lubricant will prevent the Roscoby from squeaking in the field. If necessary using a small dash of Vaseline or some ChapStick will work in a pinch.
Q: What is the weight of the Roscoby Riser Cam?
A: The Roscoby is just over 13oz with batteries. |
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BATTERIES
Q: Why Lithium batteries and not Alkaline batteries?
A: Energizer e2 Lithium Batteries have, in our extensive testing, proven to be constant and reliable.
Note: Lithium Batteries will allow for consistent operation. However when lithium batteries start to loose their power, the power will drop quickly so please don’t ignore the power indicator light and be sure to change the batteries when the Roscoby begins to notify you that the power is running low.
- Safety precautions when using lithium batteries: Lithium batteries, when not properly stored or inserted into the battery tray, can overheat and may cause a fire. Please store and use the batteries properly.
Additional info on Lithium Batteries is available here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lithium_battery
Q: Can I use rechargeable batteries?
A: Rechargeable batteries have not been fully tested in the RiserCam, LLC labs. Until further notice use rechargeable batteries at your own risk as we cannot assure if they will perform under field conditions.
Q: How long will the batteries last?
A: You should receive approximately 5 hours of run and standby time with fresh Energizer e2 Lithium Batteries.
Q: When will I know if the batteries are low or need o be replaced?
A: The ‘Green’ power light on your Roscoby will blink every second when the power in the batteries has dropped to a level that may not provide enough power to properly record and cycle down the file.
Q: What happens if my batteries run out of power when I’m recording?
A: When the Rosocby senses that you are almost out of battery power it will automatically cycle down the recording file and save what has been recorded up until that time. |
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WARNING LIGHTS
Q: What are the green and red warning lights telling me?
A: The ‘Green” power light is for power and if it is blinking it is time to replace your batteries
The ‘Red’ power light is for recording or memory. When the camera detects 30 minutes of record time remaining, the LED will blink once every 10 seconds. When the camera detects 15 minutes of record time remaining, the LED will blink once every 5 seconds. When the camera detects 5 minutes of record time remaining, the LED will blink once every 2 seconds. These indicators are the same for all capacities of SD cards. |
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IN FIELD USE
Q: Can the Roscoby get wet?
A: The Roscoby is highly water resistant, but not waterproof. The camera can be used in the rain and can get wet while being used in the field. Depending on the weather you may choose not to insert the microphone so that you can close and seal the microphone port to help keep moisture out of the camera housing. If moisture does get inside the camera, please bring it indoors to a dry location, remove the batteries and let the camera air dry. Do not use a heat source to dry the camera as this could damage the electronics.
Q: Does the Roscoby in cold temps?
A: The Roscoby will work in cold temperatures as long as the unit receives power. Energizer e2 Lithium batteries should work in temperature as cold as -20F.
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SD CARDS
Q: Why do you recommend SanDisk SD Cards?
A: SanDisk SD Cards have in our extensive testing proven to be constant and reliable. We have seen inconsistent recording result and occasional recording failures with generic SD cards.
Q: How long will my Roscoby record?
A: Each 1 gigabyte of memory will provide approximately 50 minutes of record time.
Q: What is the life expectancy of a Sandisk SD Card?
A: The life of a SanDisk brand SD card under the extreme conditions of being on a compound bow will vary depending on the individual bow. In our testing we have had the life (number of shots before a recoding failure) be as few as 250 shots. We have had the SanDisk brand SD card last over 800 shots on other bows. Again this will ultimately depend on the individual bow. * Please note that we recommend that you use a new (fresh) Scandisk brand SD card for each hunt, this is the best way to insure that your SD cards do not have any fatigue already ‘shot’ into it.
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TURNING ON AND OFF
Q: My Roscoby will not power down, but the LED’s are lit.
A: You are experiencing a problem related to your SD card. It is likely that your LCD screen is also displaying characters unrelated to the time clock. We have seen various error signs such as “rrrrr” on the LCD screen when this “freezing” or “locking-up” occurs.
You must reset the Roscoby by removing the batteries from the main housing.
Examine the SD card and be sure you are using SanDisk brand SD cards. Our testing has shown that non-SanDisk cards are prone to this type of error. We cannot explain why this happens. We can only confirm that cards from other manufacturers are not able to consistently withstand the forces produced when shooting a bow. However please note that all brands of SD cards have a limited life especially when used under the conditions that of the sport archery creates.
If you do see this error develop on a SanDisk brand card, please notify our offices so we may arrange to retrieve this card for further testing.
Q: Why does it take 3 seconds for the Roscoby to turn on and turn off?
A: This is by design so as to prevent accidental shut off of the Roscoby camera.
Q: Why do I need to cycle the file down. Can’t I just power the camera off?
A: This is a requirement of a digital camcorder that saves to a ‘passive’ memory system such as a SD card. Once the file is cycled down to the SD card power is not required to maintain the files on the SD cards. This is an advantage for a device that uses a limited life power source such as batteries, thus preventing the loss of files already recorded.
Q: My digital camera beeps when I turn it on, but my Roscoby doesn't, Why?
A: This is a design feature of the Roscoby. Noises and beeps may alert game. Roscoby is quiet and will not alert your prey.
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LIGHT CONDITIONS
Q: How well does the camera work in low light conditions?
A: The Rosocby can record footage in lighting conditions as low as 5 Lux.
More Information on Lux is available at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lux
Q: What is LUX?
A: In short, LUX is an abbreviation for Lumens per square meter. You have now opened a can of worms that involves detailed physics and terminology made more confusing by virtue of the battle between the English and Metric Systems.
For the application of shooting video in the field, we’ll try to keep it simple. The Roscoby Riser Cam is equipped with a lens, sensor board and processor that will capture video in light conditions as low as 5 LUX. This is not to say that you will have good video or be hunting legally under these conditions. Strictly speaking, the camera will record video. Video quality is very subjective.
Q: Can I record hunting footage at 5 LUX?
A: The simple answer is yes, as explained in the paragraph above. But, many factors will come in to play and dim lighting works against all cameras. Lighting conditions in the field will vary in too many ways to mention, but here are a few:
Time of day
Clear skies or overcast skies
Sun in front or behind camera and/or target
In the open or in shadows
At sunset, on an evening with clear skies, you may get good video close to the end of legal hunting. On an evening with thick cloud cover, you may not have sufficient lighting 15 minutes prior to sundown. Remember, your first function as a hunter in the field is to execute a legal, successful hunt. Do not take your focus off of the job at hand. Let the Roscoby do its job while you complete yours. When you get back home to view your video, if there was sufficient light you will have captured the hunt. Even poor quality is priceless if it is a harvest of a lifetime.
Do not be discouraged by video taken in low light conditions. No camera is going to give you better quality if there is not enough light. What you will have is video that you have never seen before; footage of your hunt and your harvest taken by you alone with a camera designed to be on a bow in any weather condition.
Q: How does lighting affect my footage?
A: Lighting will affect your footage much in the same way lighting affects a still photograph. However with the Roscoby Riser Cam you will have less control over the ability to control or alter your lighting source. The Roscoby does not come with a ‘flash’ and it is unlikely you will be in the field with an external lighting source. Is there enough ambient light entering the lens of the Roscoby? This will depend on the time of day, and other conditions.
Q: Things to consider if lighting is a concern:
A: This consideration will be most important as the sun starts to set. If you are pointing the Roscoby into the sunset you will be extending the available light that is entering the camera. If you are facing the Roscoby away from the sunset the light source will drop off sooner. This consideration may need to taken when you set up your hunt location, food plot, etc.
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FILE TYPES
Q: What is MPEG-4 and why might I need to install and update the codec?
A: MPEG-4 is one of many standard formats that may be used audio and video recoding
More information on MPEG-4 is available at: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MPEG-4
Q: Where can I find the codec file to install on my PC?
A: The MPEG-4 codec is available in a few different locations
On-Board Memory:
There is a copy of it on the on-board memory of your Roscoby Riser Cam. This is how you can install it on to your PC: You MUST remove the SD card from the camera to execute this file transfer. Properly connect the camera to the PC and turn the camera “ON”.
1. Go to “My Computer” (Windows XP) or “Computer” (Vista)
2. Double click on the “Removable Disk” icon.
3. Double click on the “XviD-CODEC” file.
4. Double click on the “XviD-1.1.3” file.
(In Windows Vista, click “Allow Access to the Program”)
5. The “Set up Wizard” will appear, click “Next”.
6. Read & Accept the License Agreement, click “Next”.
7. Read XviD information and click “Next”.
RiserCam, LLC. Recommends that you allow XviD to select the default locations, names and Decoding Options to complete this installation.
8. Allow the default “Destination Location”. Click “Next”.
9. Allow the default “Menu Folder” destination. Click “Next”.
10. Allow the default “Decoding Options”. Click “Next”.
11. At “Ready to Install”, click “Install”.
12. Click on “Finish” to complete and close the XviD Setup Wizard.
This method of installing the XviD codec should be performed without the camera connected to the PC.
1. On your PC, connect to the Internet and go to www.Roscoby.com <http://www.roscoby.com/> .
2. Click on “XviD Codec for your Media Player”.
3. Click on “XviD.exe file”.
4. Click on “Save File” button and save the file to your Desktop.
5. From your Desktop, Double Click on the “XviD Icon”.
(In Windows Vista, click “Allow Access to the Program”)
6. The “Set up Wizard” will appear, click “Next”.
7. Read & Accept the License Agreement, click “Next”.
8. Read XviD information and click “Next”.
RiserCam, LLC. Recommends that you allow XviD to select the default locations, names and Decoding Options to complete this installation.
9. Allow the default “Destination Location”. Click “Next”.
10. Allow the default “Menu Folder” destination. Click “Next”.
11. Allow the default “Decoding Options”. Click “Next”.
12. At “Ready to Install”, click “Install”.
13. Click on “Finish” to complete and close the XviD Setup Wizard.
It is also available from XviD.org and their web site: http://www.xvid.org/.
Q: Can I view files on my Mac?
A: Yes, using 3rd party freeware viewers and codecs such as found on DivXmovies.com:
http://www.divxmovies.com/codec/
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VIEWING FOOTAGE
Q: How do I watch the footage I took on a TV?
A: 1. Turn off your camera and TV. Remove the End Cap.
2. Connect the camera to your TV using the A/V cable.
3. Turn on the camera and TV.
4. “TV” will appear on the LCD screen indicating proper connection.
Viewing Files on a TV: The “Clip View” mode is automatically activated when connected to a TV. In this mode you cannot record.
With the camera properly connected to your TV you will see up to 9 thumbnail images. Each image is the first frame of each clip taken with the camera. By default, the first frame of the first clip will be highlighted in bold blue.
The 3rd “Function” button on the top of The Roscoby allows you to scroll through the thumbnails. When the blue highlight surrounds the clip you wish to view, press the Record Button, “R”, on the top of The Roscoby and your clip will begin to play. Pressing “R” repeatedly will pause and restart the video clips. Once the clip is finished playing, the thumbnail images will reappear on the TV screen.
If you have more than 9 clips, continue to press the “Function” button to scroll through the clips. Pressing the “Function” button while viewing a clip will take you back to the Thumbnail images.
Viewing Files from a PC:
Complete Steps 1 – 3 as shown above.
4. Drag and drop the “100RSCBY” folder to your Desktop.
5. Double click on the “100RSCBY” folder.
6. Double click on any “RSBY” file and the media viewer will open a new window and play the video clip
Q: Can I view files on my Mac?
A: Yes, using 3rd party freeware viewers and codecs such as found on DivXmovies.com:
http://www.divxmovies.com/codec/
Q: Can I watch a live feed of the footage in the field?
A: You can not watch live footage from the Roscoby Riser Cam. In order to watch footage you will need to be connected to an external viewing device such as a TV or PC.
Q: Can I plug my SD card into the same viewer that I use with my trail cam?
A: As of this printing most of the field viewers that are available from trail cam companies do not have the MPEG-4 codec installed, so this option most likely will not work.
Q: How can I watch my footage in the field?
A: If you cannot wait to view your footage back at home or the lodge with a TV or PC you may bring with you into the filed a portable battery operated TV that has AV jacks so that with the provide AV cables you may watch your raw movie footage.
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COPY/DELETING FILES
Q: How do I delete files from the camera?
A: Deleting the files from the Roscoby Riser Cam is really deleting the files off the SD card. The process is similar to copying the files to your PC. First be sure that you have copied the files to your PC as a back-up.
With the Roscoby connected to your PC via the cable or the SD card in a ‘card reader’ on your PC:
1. Go to “My Computer” (Windows XP) or “Computer” (Vista)
2. Double click on the “Removable Disc” icon.
3. Double click on the “DCIM” folder.
4. Double click on the “100RSCBY” folder.
5. Right click on any “RSBY” file and delete it or drop and drag it to your recycle bin.
Q: Why can’t I delete files via my TV?
A: This is a safety feature designed into the Roscoby Riser Cam. Once a file is deleted it is gone forever. Saving the .avi movie files to your PC allow you to have a back-up of the movies and determine at that time if you want to delete them forever. This is designed to avoid accidental deletion of desired video clips.
Q: How do I copy the movie files to my PC?
A: 1. Go to “My Computer” (Windows XP) or “Computer” (Vista)
2. Double click on the “Removable Disc” icon.
3. Double click on the “DCIM” folder.
4. Double click on the “100RSCBY” folder.
5. Double click on any “RSBY” file and the media viewer will open a new window and play the video clip.
Q: The movie (avi) files are too large to email as an attachment, what do I do?
A: There are a variety of ways to share your video files. The list below is just a few examples
- Edit the files to make it a smaller video clip. At this time you may also save it as a .wmv or another file so it is easier to share as the recipient of the file may not have updated their PC with the MPEG-4 codec.
- Burn it to a DVD with you editing software and a DVD burner if your PC is equipped with one.
- Post it on a Video Sharing site.
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SOUND
Q: How does the Roscoby microphone work?
A: The microphone is a mono microphone. The Roscoby will not record in stereo sound.
Q: Is the microphone on the camera? Or is there a cord and a clip?
A: The Roscoby Riser Cam comes with a microphone and has a 3.5mm jack located directly under the front lens of the camera. Gently pull down on the leading edge of the Rain Flap to expose the port and insert the microphone to record sound. When removing the microphone from the camera, be sure to re-insert the plug of the Rain Flap to properly seal the opening. No sound is recorded unless the microphone is plugged into the camera.
Q: Do I need the microphone to record sound?
A: Yes, see previous FAQ.
Q: Can I use any microphone or just the one that comes with the Roscoby Riser Cam?
A: You may use any microphone that fits into a 3.5mm audio jack. Please note that the sound, regardless of the microphone, will record only in mono.
Q: Why is there a solder ball on the microphone included with the RiserCam?
A: Although you can use any 3.5mm microphone, the recoil of the bow will eventually loosen and could possibly eject the microphone from the audio jack. We have added the solder ball to create additional friction to help the microphone stay snug. Even with the solder ball the microphone will eventually come loose, so please check to make sure the microphone is firmly inserted into the mic jack if you are using it to record. It may also be beneficial to check that the microphone is firmly in place after your shot in the filed so that you do not miss any important commentary that you are recoding after your shot.
Q: Is the sound recording mono or stereo?
A: The sound that is recorded on the Roscoby when the microphone I properly attached in mono.
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EDITING
Q: How can I edit the footage I have?
A: In order to edit Roscoby footage you will need to use separate video editing software. Please note that your computer will also need to have the MPEG-4 codec to properly edit the .avi files.
Q: Is there a free editing tool or software available?
A: Microsoft provides free editing software for Windows PC’s. This program is called Microsoft Movie Maker. If your PC does not have this pre-installed you can also download it from the Microsoft web site: http://www.microsoft.com/. In their search box enter in “movie maker” to be directed to the version for your Windows PC. Additional editing software is also available free or for purchase. A quick search in your favorite search engine will provide you with many products to choose from. |
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OTHER USES
Q: Where else can I use my Roscoby Riser Cam?
A: The Roscoby Riser Cam is designed foe use on a bow; however it may be used in other places. The following are just a few examples:
- Tracking and scouting in the field
- As a spectator for soccer games, little league, etc.
- Birthday parties.
- Please note that the Roscoby has not been tested for use in other extreme sports (for example gun hunting) and is not warranted under these circumstances.
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WARRANTY
Q: What is the warranty on the camera?
A: The Warranty is 90 days from date of purchase from manufacturer defects under normal use.
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