Charging Your Bird Buddy Camera: A Quick Guide

To charge your Bird Buddy camera, you should start by charging the camera module for 2-4 hours using the provided USB-C cable. Remove the cap from the USB charging port at the top to reveal the USB port. Note that the charging indicator light may not illuminate immediately. Allow some time for the device to start charging. The device will start blinking blue (faintly) in most cases, indicating that it has entered Bluetooth pairing mode. During the initial charging phase, you may also observe a brief green light followed immediately by a faint blinking blue light. This indicates that the device has immediately entered Bluetooth pairing mode. Regardless, continue to let the device charge. Allow the device to charge uninterrupted for at least 2 hours. This duration is necessary to ensure the device is adequately charged for other parts of the pairing process.

Charging time: 2-4 hours

Charging your Bird Buddy camera is simple. First, make sure you have the USB-C to USB-C cable that comes included with your Bird Buddy. You can also use an extension cord to run the cable to a power adapter if you wish to charge your Bird Buddy outside, but be mindful of safety.

Remove the cap from the USB charging port located on the top of the camera module to reveal the USB port. Begin charging the device. Note that the charging indicator light may not illuminate immediately, so allow some time for the device to start charging. The device will start blinking blue faintly in most cases, indicating that it has entered Bluetooth pairing mode.

During the initial charging phase, you may also observe a brief green light followed immediately by a faint blinking blue light. This indicates that the device has immediately entered Bluetooth pairing mode. Regardless, continue to let the device charge. Allow the device to charge uninterrupted for at least 2 hours. This duration is necessary to ensure the device is adequately charged for other parts of the pairing process (the firmware update).

Please note that on the initial charge, the LED might not illuminate right away, so let it charge for a while. You should then soon notice a faint blue blinking LED, especially if you cup the area between the button and the charging port with your hands. The blue light will turn on automatically after a few hours of charging, which also means you can download the app, create an account, and proceed with the pairing process. If your camera blinks red every few seconds on the first charge, a factory reset will be necessary for it to enter the blue light pairing mode.

Charging via an outlet adapter will be faster than charging via a computer port. It takes about 2-4 hours for the module to be fully charged if you use a wall adapter (you should see a faint red blinking light that indicates it's charging). Once the module is fully charged, you should see a faint solid green light on the module. If this is your first time charging Bird Buddy, it might enter pairing mode automatically so you will see a blue blinking light.

Charging cable: USB-C to USB-C

To charge your Bird Buddy camera, you will need a USB-C to USB-C cable, which is included in every new order.

The Bird Buddy camera module is powered by a 3800 mAh rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery. The module that houses the battery is detachable, so you can easily remove it and charge it inside your home.

To charge your Bird Buddy, first, remove the cap from the USB charging port located on the top of the camera module to reveal the USB-C port. Then, simply plug in the USB-C to USB-C cable, connecting your camera to a power source. It is recommended to use a reputable USB-C charging brick and cable and to plug it into a wall adapter for faster charging. You can also plug it into a computer port, but this will increase the charging time.

Let the device charge for 2-4 hours. The charging indicator light may not illuminate immediately, so give it some time to start charging. In most cases, the device will start blinking a faint blue light, indicating that it has entered Bluetooth pairing mode. During the initial charging phase, you may also observe a brief green light followed by a faint blinking blue light. This indicates that the device has immediately entered Bluetooth pairing mode. Regardless, continue to let the device charge for at least 2 hours to ensure it is adequately charged for the pairing process and firmware update.

Once fully charged, the camera module will display a faint solid green light. If this is your first time charging, it may enter pairing mode automatically, indicated by a blinking blue light.

Charging indicator: blinking blue light

A blinking blue light on your Bird Buddy camera means that the device has entered Bluetooth pairing mode. This is normal if it is your first time charging the device, and you can proceed with the in-app pairing flow.

If you are charging your Bird Buddy for the first time, it will take 2-4 hours to fully charge the module if you are using a wall adapter. During the initial charging phase, you may observe a brief green light followed by a blinking blue light, which indicates that the device has entered Bluetooth pairing mode. Allow the device to charge for at least 2 hours to ensure it is adequately charged for the pairing process and the firmware update.

If you are experiencing issues with the charging, such as a missing blinking blue light, there are a few troubleshooting steps you can take. First, ensure that you are using the correct charging cable and adapter. You can test the functionality of the charging cable by using it to charge a different device. Next, check that the charging port is clean and free of any dirt, debris, or bird food. Also, inspect the port to ensure that the central plastic "tongue" is undamaged and clean. Finally, plug the charging cable in gently, ensuring that it clicks into place easily without force.

Charging port: check for dirt/debris

When charging your Bird Buddy camera, it is important to ensure that the charging port is clean and clear of any dirt or debris. This is because dirt or debris in the charging port can prevent the device from charging properly.

Before charging your Bird Buddy, it is recommended that you check the charging port for any dirt or debris. Pay particular attention to any bird food that may be stuck inside the port, as this could interfere with the charging process. Use a gentle touch to remove any debris, being careful not to damage the charging port. A soft, dry cloth or brush can be used to clean the port gently.

In addition to cleaning the charging port, it is also important to inspect the port for any damage. The central plastic "tongue" inside the port should be undamaged and clean. If the port appears damaged, do not attempt to charge the device, as this could be dangerous. Instead, contact customer support for further assistance.

By regularly cleaning and inspecting the charging port of your Bird Buddy camera, you can help ensure that your device charges properly and maintain its optimal performance. Remember to be gentle when cleaning and always use a soft, dry cloth or brush to avoid damaging the charging port.

Battery life: 5-15 days

The Bird Buddy camera module is powered by a 3800 mAh rechargeable Lithium-Ion battery. The battery life of the Bird Buddy camera ranges from 5 to 15 days on a full charge. However, several factors can influence the battery's performance and duration.

Firstly, low temperatures can significantly impact the battery life. The camera module should not be exposed to temperatures below -20°C/-4°F. Therefore, it is recommended to store the camera indoors if the temperature drops to extreme levels.

Secondly, the number of bird visitors and the frequency of postcard creation will affect the battery life. The more birds that visit and the more postcards the Bird Buddy creates, the faster the battery will drain.

Additionally, the frequency with which you access the live stream will also have an impact. Each time you enter the stream, the battery is used to transmit real-time data and images.

To maximise battery life, Bird Buddy offers a solar roof add-on that provides a continuous charge during daylight hours. This accessory can significantly extend the battery life between charges.

By following these tips and regularly charging your Bird Buddy camera module, you can ensure that it remains operational and captures all the exciting moments of your feathered friends.

Frequently asked questions