Solving Merkury Continuous Recording Problems
One of the most valuable features of a security camera is its ability to record continuously, ensuring that you never miss a moment. If your Merkury camera is only recording short clips of motion, it can be frustrating. This guide will walk you through the common reasons for this issue and how to fix them.
Typically, the problem lies with either the camera's settings in the Geeni app or the microSD card being used.
Understanding Merkury Recording Modes
Merkury cameras, which are managed through the Geeni app, have two primary recording modes:
- Event Recording: This is the default mode. The camera only records when it detects motion. These are short clips, and without a cloud subscription, you may only get still images.
- Continuous Recording: This mode records 24/7, saving all footage to a local microSD card. This is the mode you want for complete coverage.
If you don't have a microSD card installed, your camera cannot perform continuous recording.
Step-by-Step Troubleshooting Guide
Follow these steps to enable 24/7 recording on your Merkury camera.
### Step 1: Install a Compatible MicroSD Card
First and foremost, you must have a microSD card physically inserted into your camera.
- Get the Right Card: Use a reputable brand (like SanDisk, Samsung, or Kingston) and choose a 'High Endurance' card if possible, as these are designed for the constant writing of a security camera. A Class 10 card is recommended.
- Capacity: Merkury cameras typically support cards up to 128GB. Check your specific model's specifications.
- Insert Correctly: Power off your camera before inserting or removing the SD card to prevent corruption. Ensure it clicks into place.
### Step 2: Format the MicroSD Card in the App
Once the card is installed, you must format it using the Geeni app. This ensures it has the correct file system and is ready to be used by the camera.
- Open the Geeni app and select your Merkury camera.
- Tap the settings icon (usually a gear or '...') in the top-right corner.
- Scroll down and find 'SD Card Settings' or a similar option.
- You should see the card's capacity. Tap on the 'Format SD Card' option.
- Wait for the process to complete.
### Step 3: Enable Continuous Recording Mode
After formatting the card, you need to switch the camera from event recording to continuous recording.
- In the camera's main settings menu within the Geeni app, look for an option called 'Recording Mode' or 'General Settings'.
- You will likely see two choices: 'Event Recording' and 'Continuous Recording'.
- Select 'Continuous Recording'.
- Save your changes.
The camera should now begin recording 24/7 to the SD card. It will automatically overwrite the oldest footage when the card becomes full.
How to Verify It's Working
To check that continuous recording is active, go to the live view of your camera in the Geeni app and tap on the 'Playback' or 'Replay' button. You should see a timeline at the bottom of the screen. If continuous recording is working, this timeline will be filled in, allowing you to scroll back through time, rather than just showing you specific motion event clips.