Your Sricam Camera Shows Wrong Timestamps? Here's How to Fix It
Incorrect timestamps on Sricam recordings can make footage unreliable for evidence or review. This issue often stems from misconfigured NTP (Network Time Protocol) settings, outdated firmware, or daylight saving time (DST) misalignment. Fortunately, most problems can be resolved with straightforward steps tailored to Sricam models and the Sricam App. This guide provides a structured approach to restore accurate time synchronisation on your camera.
Quick Fixes for Sricam Timestamp Errors
Before diving into detailed troubleshooting, try these fast checks that address the most common causes:
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Power cycle your camera: Unplug the transformer (or disconnect the battery for battery-powered models) for 10 seconds, then reconnect. This resets the camera's internal clock and may resolve temporary sync issues.
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Check the Sricam App for time settings: Open the app, go to Device Health → Time & Date, and ensure Auto Time Sync is enabled. If disabled, manually input the correct timezone (e.g. 'Europe/London') and enable Daylight Saving Time if applicable.
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Verify LED status: A blinking red LED on the camera may indicate a power or connectivity issue. Ensure the camera is firmly connected to a stable 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network (Sricam models like SP012 and SP013 do not support 5GHz bands). If the LED is unresponsive, try re-pairing the camera via the app.
Detailed Sricam Troubleshooting Guide for Sricam Timestamp Issues
Check Your Sricam Camera's Wi-Fi Band Settings
Sricam models such as the SP013 and SH042 support only the 2.4GHz Wi-Fi band (802.11b/g/n). Ensure your router is broadcasting a single SSID for the 2.4GHz band (some UK ISP routers merge 2.4GHz and 5GHz under one SSID). If your router uses separate SSIDs, rename the 2.4GHz network to something unique (e.g. 'Sricam_2.4GHz') and connect the camera to it via the app. Avoid 5GHz bands entirely, as Sricam cameras cannot connect to them.
Verify Signal Strength and Router Configuration
Weak Wi-Fi signals can disrupt NTP synchronisation. In the Sricam App, go to Device Health → Network diagnostics and check the RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator). A value below -70dBm indicates poor connectivity. To improve signal strength:
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Place the camera within 15–20 metres of the router (or within range of a Wi-Fi extender).
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For models like the SP012 (hardwired), ensure the transformer is connected to a wall socket with no interference from metal objects or thick walls.
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If using a Virgin Media Hub 5x or similar router, enable modem mode or configure a DMZ setting for the camera's IP address to prevent double NAT issues.
Update Your Sricam Camera's Firmware
Outdated firmware can cause time sync failures. In the Sricam App, navigate to Settings → Firmware Update and check for available updates. If an update is available, follow the on-screen instructions to install it. This process may take 2–5 minutes, and the camera will restart automatically. After the update, the camera should re-sync with the NTP server. For models like the SP013, ensure the firmware is updated to the latest version to support ONVIF compliance and improved time synchronisation.
Reset Sricam Camera Time Settings
If auto-sync fails, manually adjust the time. In the Sricam App, go to Device Health → Time & Date and disable Auto Time Sync. Input the correct time manually (e.g. '14:30' for 2:30 PM) and set the timezone to Europe/London. Enable Daylight Saving Time if applicable. Save the changes and wait 5 minutes for the camera to apply the settings. If the timestamp remains incorrect, proceed to the next step.
Factory Reset for Persistent Issues
If the timestamp error persists, perform a factory reset on your Sricam camera. The method varies by model:
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Sricam SP012 (hardwired): Insert a pin into the recessed reset button on the back of the camera and hold for 10–15 seconds until the LED flashes rapidly.
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Sricam SH042 (hardwired): Press and hold the RESET button for 15 seconds until you hear a beep or voice prompt confirming the reset.
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Sricam SP013 (hardwired): Use a paperclip or pin to press the recessed reset button for 10–15 seconds.
After resetting, re-pair the camera via the Sricam App and reconfigure the time settings as outlined earlier.
Sricam Technical Deep Dive
Use Diagnostic Logs to Identify Issues
If the timestamp error persists after a factory reset, generate diagnostic logs for further analysis. In the Sricam App, go to Device Health → Diagnostic logs and export the file. These logs can reveal if the camera is failing to connect to the NTP server or if there are firmware-specific errors. Share the logs with Sricam support via https://www.sricam.com/service_support.html for targeted assistance.
When to Contact Sricam Support
If all troubleshooting steps fail, contact Sricam support directly. Provide them with:
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The model number of your camera (e.g. SP012, SH042, SP013).
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A copy of the diagnostic logs from the Sricam App.
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Screenshots of the timestamp error in recordings.
Sricam's support team can determine if the issue is hardware-related (e.g. a faulty internal clock) or software-based (e.g. a corrupted NTP configuration). In rare cases, the camera may require replacement.
Understanding the Root Causes of Sricam Timestamp Errors
Incorrect timestamps on Sricam cameras often result from three main causes:
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NTP Server Misconfiguration: The camera relies on an external NTP server (e.g. 'pool.ntp.org') to synchronise time. If the server is unreachable or the camera is connected to a faulty Wi-Fi network, the clock may drift.
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Daylight Saving Time (DST) Errors: If DST settings are disabled or incorrectly configured, the camera may display the wrong time during the transition period (e.g. 2:00 AM to 3:00 AM on the last Sunday in October).
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Hardware Faults: A failing internal clock or corrupted firmware can cause persistent timestamp errors. This is more common in older models like the SP012 or SP013 after several years of use.
UK-specific challenges, such as double NAT issues with Virgin Media routers or CGNAT with mobile broadband, can also disrupt NTP synchronisation. Always ensure your camera is connected to a stable 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network and that the router is configured correctly.
Keeping Your Sricam System Running Smoothly for Sricam Cameras
To avoid future timestamp errors, follow these best practices:
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Regularly update firmware: Check for updates in the Sricam App under Settings → Firmware Update. Ensure the camera is connected to a stable power source during the update process.
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Use a dedicated Wi-Fi network: If your router supports it, create a separate SSID for the 2.4GHz band and connect your Sricam camera to it. This minimises interference from other devices.
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Monitor battery levels: For battery-powered models like the SP013, ensure the battery is charged to at least 20% before relying on the camera for critical footage. Replace the battery if it fails to hold a charge after 300–500 cycles.
Full disclosure: we built scOS to address exactly this—the frustration of cameras that depend on Wi-Fi to function reliably. scOS uses permanently powered cameras connected via Ethernet, eliminating the risk of timestamp errors caused by intermittent connectivity or battery degradation.
When to Replace Your Sricam Camera
If your Sricam camera continues to show incorrect timestamps despite all troubleshooting steps, it may be time to replace it. Consider the following:
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Battery-powered models (e.g. SP013): Battery life typically lasts 3–5 years. If the camera fails to sync time after multiple resets, it may be hardware-related.
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Wired models (e.g. SP012): These last 5–8 years but may require replacement if the internal clock or firmware becomes corrupted.
Under the Consumer Rights Act 2015, UK consumers have up to 6 years (5 years in Scotland) to claim faulty goods. If your camera is less than 6 years old and the issue is hardware-related, contact Sricam support for a replacement or repair.
For professional installation of new cameras, UK prices range from £150–£300 per camera for single installations and £450–£1200 for 4-camera systems. Always use surveillance-rated HDDs (e.g. WD Purple) for NVR systems to ensure long-term reliability.