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Cold weather

Guidelines for operating OcuTrap in cold weather, winter conditions, and freezing temperatures.

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Applies to OcuTrap R1 and R2

Cold weather affects your trap and battery. Use these guidelines during winter deployments.

Temperature Ranges

Operating Temperature

  • Supported operating range: 0°C (32°F) to 40°C (104°F). 0°C is the published operating floor. The trap is not rated or supported below it.
  • Below 0°C: The trap may still power on, but operation below freezing is outside the supported range and is not recommended. Prolonged sub-freezing exposure can impact performance and battery longevity, with issues such as door and motor sticking, icing, and motor seizing.

Charging Temperature

  • Recommended Range: 0°C (32°F) to 45°C (113°F)
  • Important: Charging outside this range can affect battery efficiency and lifespan. Bring the battery indoors to charge if ambient temperatures are below freezing.

Temperature Alerts

Temperature alerts watch the outdoor weather at the trap's location. They do not use the trap's own temperature sensor.

  • Off until you turn them on. Outdoor temperature alerts are set on each trap, and every trap starts with them off. Turning on your other alert switches does not turn them on.
  • Where to turn them on: on the web app, open the trap's Settings tab and turn on Send outdoor temperature alerts under Outdoor temperature alerts. In the mobile app, open the trap's Overview tab and tap Outdoor temperature alerts.
  • Low limit: -10°C (14°F) by default. Change it under Alert if below.
  • Check interval: every 6 hours by default. Change it under Check every (1 to 24 hours).

The alerts need a location for the trap, from its GPS or one you set yourself. See Settings reference.

The low limit default (-10°C) sits below the 0°C operating floor on purpose: it is an early warning that the weather at the trap is now colder than its supported range, not a sign that -10°C is safe. Treat the alert as a prompt to retrieve or warm the trap. You can raise Alert if below if you want to be warned before conditions reach freezing.

Battery Performance in Cold Weather

Cold temperatures significantly affect lithium-ion battery performance:

  • Reduced Capacity: Battery capacity decreases in cold temperatures, sometimes dramatically
  • Shorter Runtime: Expect shorter runtime during winter deployments
  • Recommended Solution: Consider the 10,000 mAh battery (shipped with US R1 units; the R2 ships with the 5,200 mAh pack) for extended cold-weather deployments to compensate for reduced capacity

Battery Care Tips

  • Store batteries in a cool, dry place when not in use
  • Avoid leaving batteries in freezing conditions for extended periods
  • If possible, swap batteries more frequently during cold weather operations
  • Charge batteries at room temperature for best results

Ice and Freezing Conditions

Door Mechanism

In freezing weather, the door mechanism may be affected:

  • Frozen Door: The moving door mechanism (which opens and closes) may freeze shut
  • Motor Seizing: In icing conditions, the door motor may seize if the arm becomes frozen, preventing the motor from moving
  • Recommendation: Avoid operating OcuTrap in conditions where icing is likely
  • Check weather forecasts before deployment
  • If ice formation is expected, consider temporarily retrieving the trap
  • After ice events, inspect the door mechanism before resuming operation
  • Allow frozen components to thaw naturally. Do not force the door open

Condensation

Temperature swings common in cold weather (such as morning/evening transitions) can cause condensation issues:

Symptoms

  • Foggy or "milky" images that typically clear after a few minutes
  • This is caused by external condensation from temperature changes

Solutions

  • Immediate Fix: Place a fresh silica gel pack inside the trap pod before closing
  • Deep-Dry Procedure: Leave the POD cracked open in a warm, ventilated spot for 24 hours, or seal in a zipper bag with desiccant packs for 12 to 18 hours

Seasonal Deployment Tips

Before Winter

  • Fully charge batteries and consider having spares ready
  • Inspect door mechanism and ensure it moves freely
  • Add fresh silica gel packs to prevent condensation
  • Test the trap to confirm all systems function properly

During Winter

  • Monitor battery levels more frequently
  • Check for ice buildup after freezing rain or sleet events
  • Be prepared for reduced check-in frequency if battery is depleted faster
  • Review temperature alerts in the app

End of Winter

  • Perform a full inspection of the trap
  • Check for any moisture intrusion or corrosion
  • Replace silica gel packs
  • Verify door mechanism operates smoothly after the cold season