The takeaway: Your REVEAL camera’s firmware controls how the device operates–and sometimes you may find that it needs to be updated. Here’s how.

Your REVEAL trail cameras contain firmware, which is software that is built into the device’s hardware and controls how it works.

What Is Firmware?

Firmware tells your camera what to do and how to do it. It is a set of instructions in the camera that is stored on internal memory so it runs without internet or external software.

Speaking generally, the firmware in your REVEAL trail cam controls how the camera wakes up and detects motion, connects to cellular networks, and sends photos to your app. It also has a say in power management, and photo and video processing, and dictates what menus and buttons do when you press them.

Why Is New Firmware Released?

While your REVEAL game cam comes from the factory ready to rock and roll, we release new firmware on occasion to fix bugs, improve performance, add new features, improve reliability, and ensure that the device can work on new networks and any updates to the app.

Are Firmware Updates Required?

Firmware updates are not always required, but sometimes they are necessary depending on the camera model and situation.

They may be required if:

  • You have a Gen 1 camera, in which case updates are needed so they can continue to connect to the network and send photos

  • Your camera has issues such as not connecting, freezing, not sending pictures, or overall acting buggy

  • You want the newest features on an older camera, including better detection and bug fixes

A firmware update may not be required if:

  • Your trail cam works perfectly

  • You are happy with it as it is

  • Tactacam has not issued a mandatory update for your model

  • The update is labeled as “optional”

How to Update REVEAL Firmware

The process to update your camera’s firmware depends on which camera model you have.

REVEAL Pro 3.0, REVEAL X 3.0, and REVEAL Ultra cameras feature Firmware Over the Air update capabilities. When a new firmware version is available for one of these cameras, you will receive a notification in the REVEAL app. Through the app, all it takes is a few taps for the firmware to update as long as the cameras are connected to a network. Once downloaded, the installation process begins automatically and camera operation is minimal.

Older models of REVEAL cameras require a manual firmware update and a REVEAL SD card. Instructions for this are based on which model camera you have.

Find firmware updates for Gen 2 and older cameras by searching here.

Important: Your camera battery should be at 40% or higher before conducting any firmware update.

When to Contact Tactacam Customer Support

In most cases you don’t need to contact Tactacam customer support. However, customer help may be needed if:

  • You aren’t sure which firmware version your model needs

  • Your camera won’t update or gets stuck

  • NOrmal troubleshooting doesn’t fix the problems with your camera

  • You aren’t sure which model you have

  • The camera has hardware problems like with buttons or the screen or antenna

Access Tactacam manuals here. Have questions not covered in this blog? Check out FAQs here. Still need help? Customer service is just a call away. Contact Tactacam customer service here.