> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.ocutrap.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.ocutrap.com/getting-started/trap-settings/distance-safety-and-alerts.md).

# Distance Limits, Sensor Alerts & Errors

Quick reference for capture distance settings and arming errors you may see in the app.

***

## Capture distance setting

Choose how far inside the trap an animal must be before the door closes. In the app, pick a preset from **6 in to 18 in**.

| Preset              | When to use it                                                          |
| ------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **8 in (default)**  | Good starting point for most setups                                     |
| **6–7 in**          | Animal must be closer — helps reduce false triggers from rain or debris |
| **10 in and above** | Animal can trigger from farther inside the cage                         |

Smaller values mean the animal must be deeper in the trap before the door closes.

***

## Sensor blocked or dirty

### Error — arming blocked

`Sensor blocked or dirty: Reading at 4.02 in` (or `102 mm` in metric mode)

**What to do:** Clean the POD lens, clear anything in front of the sensor, then try arming again.

### Warning — arms anyway (temporary override)

If you try again **within 5 minutes** of the error above, the trap may arm but show a warning:

* Arm: `Armed but sensor may be blocked or dirty`
* Scout: `Scouting but sensor may be blocked or dirty`

You should still clean the lens when you see this warning. After **5 minutes**, the trap blocks arming again until the sensor reads normally.

### Real obstruction

**Error:** `Object at …` — something is blocking the trap interior. Remove it and try again. This error cannot be overridden by retrying.

***

## Other arm errors

| Message                        | Cause                                                                      |
| ------------------------------ | -------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Sensor error**               | Sensor self-check failed — clean the lens, power-cycle, or contact support |
| **Door not open**              | Door not fully open                                                        |
| **Cannot arm - trap captured** | Trap in captured state — open the door and unarm first                     |

See [Common Issues — Trap Won't Arm](/troubleshooting/common-issues.md#trap-wont-arm).


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