Troubleshooting guide for your scoutlabs mini insect traps 🔍

Even with regular maintenance, occasional issues may pop up with your scoutlabs minis. Here's a quick troubleshooting guide to help you resolve common problems and keep your traps working efficiently.

1. My device is not powering on

Power Button Check: Press the power button. If it doesn’t light up:
- Check if it’s already on: The trap might be running without the LED lighting up right away. If it was already on, you won’t see the button light up again.
- Inspect the Battery: Ensure the external battery is fully charged and properly connected via the USB-C or USB-A ports. Look for any signs of loose or damaged cables. When fully charged, the status LED on the bottom of the battery should light up blue.
- Solar Panel Connection: Confirm the solar panel is plugged into the battery and positioned to receive direct sunlight. The LED on the battery lights up red when the solar cell is turned towards sunlight and is charging. If the trap isn't charging, this could be the issue.
- Backup Power Check: Plug the trap into a cigarette lighter USB socket to test if the device powers up. If it works, the solar panel or battery may need attention.

2. I can’t see any new images on my dashboard

Weak Signal: Check if the trap is placed in an area with good network coverage. A weak signal can prevent the trap from sending images to the dashboard. Try relocating the trap to a better spot.
Device Power: Make sure the trap is powered on. If it’s not on, follow the steps under "Device Not Powering On" to troubleshoot power issues.
App Update: Ensure the app is up to date and that your dashboard is properly synced with the trap. Sometimes a simple app update or refresh resolves syncing issues.

3. The image quality is poor

Lens Cleaning: If the images are blurry or unclear, check the lens. It may need cleaning—use isopropyl alcohol or window cleaner and a soft cloth to gently wipe it. Dust or smudges can affect image clarity.
Trap Placement: Make sure the trap is in a well-lit area. Poor lighting can result in unclear or low-quality images. Adjust the trap’s position if necessary to allow more sunlight or open space around it.

4. My trap is not charging

Solar Panel Alignment: Ensure the solar panel is facing the sun and is free from dust or debris. Clean the panel regularly to ensure efficient charging.
Battery Connection: Double-check that the solar panel is properly plugged into the external battery. Look for any signs of damage to the cables or connectors.
LED Indicator: The blue or red LED on the back should indicate whether the trap is charging. If the light doesn’t come on, test the battery by connecting the trap to an alternative power source (like a USB charger or cigarette lighter socket).

5. The sticky sheet is not filling properly

Sticky Sheet Placement: Ensure that the sticky sheet is properly placed and flat inside the trap. If it’s misaligned or bunched up, it won’t capture insects effectively.
Check Notifications: If the scoutlabs team hasn’t notified you but you suspect the sheet is full, inspect it manually to ensure it’s still functional. Replace it if it looks clogged with insects or debris.

6. Trap is twisting too much or moving in the wind

Trap Securing: If the trap is twisting or swinging in the wind, check that it is secured at two points. This adds stability and prevents movement that could blur images or displace the trap.

By following these troubleshooting tips, you can quickly resolve most issues with your scoutlabs Mini traps and get back to monitoring insect activity without any delays.