Troubleshooting Fermax Pet Detection Issues
The pet detection feature on Fermax cameras is a fantastic tool for staying informed about important events while ignoring the frequent movements of your furry companions. However, when it doesn't work as expected, it can lead to a flood of unnecessary notifications or, worse, missed alerts. This guide will walk you through the steps to diagnose and fix common problems with Fermax's pet detection.
Step 1: Verify Your Settings in the Fermax App
The first port of call is always the software settings. An incorrect configuration is often the reason for detection issues.
Enable Smart Detection:
- Open the Fermax mobile app and select the camera you wish to configure.
- Navigate to the device's Settings menu.
- Look for an option labelled "Smart Detection," "AI Detection," or similar.
- Ensure that this feature is toggled ON. Inside this menu, you should see separate toggles for different types of detection.
- Make sure that "Pet Detection" or an equivalent like "Animal Detection" is specifically enabled. At the same time, ensure that general "Motion Detection" is configured how you want it, as sometimes these settings can conflict.
Adjust Motion Sensitivity:
- Within the motion detection settings, you will likely find a sensitivity slider. If you are getting too many false alerts from pets, try lowering the sensitivity.
- If your system is failing to detect your pets at all, try increasing the sensitivity. Be aware that a higher setting may also trigger alerts from other moving objects like swaying trees or shadows.
Step 2: Optimise Your Camera's Positioning
The physical placement of your Fermax camera plays a crucial role in its ability to accurately distinguish between people, pets, and other objects.
Angle and Height:
- The camera should be mounted at a height and angle that provides a clear, unobstructed view of the area you want to monitor.
- Avoid pointing the camera directly at busy streets or rustling trees, as this constant motion can confuse the detection algorithm.
- The ideal position is often looking slightly down, which allows the software to better judge the size and shape of an object. A camera looking straight out may misjudge the size of an object in the distance.
Create Activity Zones:
- Use the "Activity Zones" or "Detection Zones" feature in the app. This allows you to draw specific areas on the screen where you want the camera to look for motion.
- By excluding areas with constant, irrelevant movement (like a busy pavement or a neighbour's garden), you help the system focus only on the areas that matter, which significantly improves the accuracy of pet detection.
Step 3: Ensure Clear Vision and Adequate Lighting
For the AI to work correctly, it needs a clear picture.
Clean the Camera Lens:
- A smudged, dirty, or dusty lens can distort the image, making it difficult for the software to analyse shapes correctly.
- Gently wipe the lens with a clean, soft microfibre cloth to ensure the view is as sharp as possible.
Check Lighting Conditions:
- Pet detection algorithms work best in good lighting. During the day, ensure there isn't a strong backlight (like the sun shining directly into the lens) that could turn your pet into a silhouette.
- At night, verify that the camera's infrared (IR) night vision is functioning correctly. A weak or failing IR illuminator will result in a dark, grainy image that is impossible for the AI to analyse, leading to missed detections.
Step 4: Update Firmware and App Version
Fermax periodically releases updates for both the camera's firmware and the mobile app. These updates often contain crucial improvements to the AI detection algorithms.
- Update the App: Go to your phone's app store (Google Play Store or Apple App Store) and check for any available updates for the Fermax app.
- Update the Firmware: Within the Fermax app, go to your camera's settings and look for a "Firmware Update" or "Device Information" section. If a new version is available, follow the on-screen instructions to install it. This is one of the most effective ways to improve detection accuracy.
By carefully checking your settings, optimising camera placement, and keeping your software up to date, you can resolve most pet detection issues and ensure your Fermax system operates intelligently and effectively.