Troubleshooting Sricam: Can't Save Video Locally
One of the most important features of a Sricam security camera is its ability to save recordings directly to a local microSD card. This provides a secure, offline backup of your footage without relying on cloud services. If your camera fails to save these local recordings, it creates a significant gap in your security coverage.
This issue is typically caused by problems with the microSD card itself or incorrect configuration in the SriHome mobile app. This guide will provide clear, step-by-step instructions to diagnose and resolve the problem, ensuring your important moments are always saved.
Common Reasons for Failing to Save Locally
When your Sricam isn't recording to the SD card, it's almost always due to one of these four reasons.
1. Incompatible or Faulty SD Card
The market is flooded with counterfeit and low-quality microSD cards. These cards often report a false capacity and fail when the camera tries to write video data to them. The card must also be of a sufficient speed class (Class 10 is recommended) to handle video recording.
2. Incorrect File System Format
For the camera to be able to read and write data, the microSD card must be formatted with the correct file system, which is typically FAT32 for Sricam devices. If the card is formatted as exFAT or NTFS, the camera will not be able to use it.
3. No Recording Schedule Configured
The camera will not record anything unless you have specifically instructed it to do so. The recording settings in the SriHome app might be disabled or set to a schedule that doesn't match when you expect it to be recording.
4. Physical Seating or Hardware Issue
Less commonly, the SD card may not be inserted correctly into the camera's slot, or the slot itself may have a hardware fault.
Step-by-Step Guide to Fix Local Recording
Follow these methodical steps to get your Sricam camera saving footage properly.
Step 1: Verify and Format the MicroSD Card
This is the most critical step.
- Use a Genuine, High-Quality Card: Ensure you are using a microSD card from a reputable brand (like SanDisk, Samsung, or Kingston) and that it is at least Class 10. Avoid unbranded or suspiciously cheap cards.
- Insert the Card Correctly: Make sure the camera is powered off. Insert the microSD card into the slot until it clicks into place. The orientation matters, so check the diagram near the slot.
- Format the Card in the App: Power the camera back on. Open the SriHome app, go to your camera's 'Settings', then 'Record Settings'. You should see the SD card information here. Tap on 'Format SD Card'. This is the most reliable way to format it, as the camera will use the exact FAT32 format it requires. This will erase all data on the card.
Step 2: Configure the Recording Settings
Once the card is formatted and recognised, you need to tell the camera when to record.
- Navigate to Record Settings: In the SriHome app, go back to the 'Record Settings' menu.
- Enable Recording: Make sure the main recording toggle is switched on.
- Choose a Recording Mode:
- Alarm Recording (Motion Detection): This mode only saves clips when motion is detected. This is the most common and space-saving option.
- Normal Recording (Continuous): This mode will record 24/7. Be aware that this will use up storage space much more quickly.
- Set the Stream Quality: You can choose between HD and SD. HD will provide better detail but will result in larger file sizes.
Step 3: Test the Recording
After setting everything up, trigger a test recording.
- Create Motion: Walk in front of the camera to trigger a motion event.
- Check Playback: Wait a minute or two, then go to the 'Playback' or 'Replay' section in the app. You should now see a timeline with coloured bars indicating the recorded events. Try to play one of the clips to confirm it was saved correctly.
If you have followed all these steps with a genuine SD card and the camera still fails to record, try testing the card in a computer to ensure it's not faulty. If the card works elsewhere, there may be a hardware issue with the camera itself, and you should contact Sricam support.