How to Update Your Tactacam Reveal Trail Camera
Wondering how to update your Tactacam Reveal trail camera? Whether you’re working with an older model or a newer one, the process can differ.
You’ll learn how to identify your camera, prepare the necessary files or apps, and complete the update successfully.
Keep reading to get all the steps you need to keep your camera running smoothly.
Find Your Tactacam Reveal Model Number
To find your Tactacam Reveal model number, look for it on the product label or housing sticker attached directly to the camera body. This label verification step is essential for accurate model identification. Common versions like REVEAL X 2.0 (RV-TC-XG2), X 3.0 (RV-TC-XGEN3), or Pro 3.0 (RV-TC-XPRO3) each require specific firmware updates. If the physical label is worn or missing, check your camera’s packaging or the user manual for the model information. Additionally, opening the REVEAL app allows you to view your device’s model family under camera details. For certainty, contact official support at support@tactacam.com or call (218) 282-5650 to verify your exact version. Skipping this step and loading the incorrect firmware can cause your camera to become non-functional or bricked. For the 2024 release, this camera model signifies the latest technology in trail cameras. Using thermal imaging components in a build requires careful calibration to avoid misidentifying heat sources. Unlike the Spypoint Flex-M, the Tactacam Reveal does not feature a dedicated instant mode for immediate photo transmission. Always adjust the focus and temperature range settings before mounting the device to ensure accurate detection of wildlife.
AUTO-CONNECT MULTI-CARRIER LTE — AT&T AND VERIZON — An integrated SIM automatically locks onto whichever carrier has the stronger signal at your exact location. No SIM swapping. No carrier lock-in. No dead zones from a single-network camera. Just signal
SETUP IN MINUTES — Pre-installed antenna and pre-activated SIM card get your Reveal Pro 3.0 sending photos within minutes, no technical experience required.
AUTO-CONNECT MULTI-CARRIER LTE — AT&T AND VERIZON — An integrated SIM automatically locks onto whichever carrier has the stronger signal at your exact location. No SIM swapping. No carrier lock-in. No dead zones from a single-network camera. Just signal
Prepare Batteries and an SD Card for Manual Updates
You need to prepare both your camera’s power source and SD card for a manual firmware update. Start with battery maintenance by using 12 fresh, matching batteries. Tactacam recommends Energizer lithium, Duracell Max alkaline, or Rayovac UltraPro alkaline batteries. Never mix old batteries with new ones or different types, as this can cause inconsistent power supply. Lithium batteries perform especially well in cold weather and can deliver over 4000 pictures before needing replacement. Always check that batteries are inserted with the correct polarity and fully charge any rechargeable batteries beforehand. Compared to thermal cameras, night vision technology relies on ambient light, so consistent battery power is critical for clear images. This is why the green display is standard in these devices, as it exploits the human eye’s sensitivity to green wavelengths for better visibility in low light. Strategic camera placement also ensures you capture the clearest images possible when lighting conditions are not ideal.
Next, format your SD card properly. Use a full-size, Class 10 U3 SD card between 16GB and 32GB. Popular brands like SanDisk, Lexar, or Tactacam produce reliable cards suitable for this purpose. Format the SD card inside your powered camera before starting the update. This ensures the card is optimized and reduces the risk of read errors during the process. Skipping this step can lead to firmware update failures, so double-check that the card is formatted correctly before proceeding.
For extended field use, consider an external 12V battery system in a weatherproof ammo box to maintain consistent power during cold weather, as this prevents power drops that can interrupt the update. Positioning this box at the correct height and angle away from direct sun exposure minimizes temperature swings that affect battery life.
Install Firmware Manually via SD Card (Older Models)
To manually install firmware on older REVEAL models, you need to prepare your SD card with the correct files. Start by downloading the compatible firmware files—SPHOST.BRN and SPHOST.CFG—for your Gen 1 camera. These files must be copied directly to the root of the SD card; do not place them inside any folders. Proper formatting of the SD card is essential: it clears previous data and prevents conflicts during the update. Format the SD card using a standard method to ensure all old files are erased. For older models starting with “4” or “5,” different update procedures or versions may be necessary, so verify the camera’s model number before selecting firmware. Familiarizing yourself with basic wiring diagrams can help you understand how the internal components interact during the update process. A trail camera like this uses a passive infrared sensor to detect motion and trigger the update sequence. Using a secure cantilever scope mount can also help stabilize the camera during field setup.
Make sure your batteries are fully charged before proceeding. Power off the camera and insert the prepared SD card. Hold the UP ARROW button then switch the camera to setup mode. Keep holding the button until the display indicates that the update has begun. This process takes approximately 5 minutes. Do not turn off or interrupt the power during the update, as doing so may corrupt the firmware. Once the update completes, the camera will automatically shut down and restart. Remove the SD card, power the camera back on, and test it in setup mode by sending a test photo to confirm the firmware update was successful.
AMPLE STORAGE CAPACITY - HME SD Cards come in various storage capacities, ranging from 8 GB to 32 GB; This variety allows to choose the card size that best suits your specific needs, ensuring enough storage space for their trail camera images and videos
HIGH-SPEED DATA TRANSFERRING - The Stealth Cam SD Cards redefine efficiency with its high-speed data transfer capabilities; Offering a class 10 speed rating, this SD memory card ensures seamless recording of videos & capturing high-resolution pictures
Optimized for Trail Cameras – The HuntEmUp 32GB SD Ultimate delivers fast, reliable storage for trail cameras, ensuring quick writes for photos and video without lag or missed shots.
Update Over the Air Using the Reveal App (Pro 3.0, X 3.0, Ultra)
You can update the firmware on REVEAL Pro 3.0, X 3.0, and Ultra models using Over the Air (FOTA) updates through the Reveal app. When a new firmware version is available, a notification appears in the app. To update, go to your camera’s device info page, tap UPDATE AVAILABLE, then select UPDATE FIRMWARE. The camera needs at least 40% internal battery, even if externally powered, and must be connected to a Wi-Fi or cellular network. The update process begins automatically as soon as connectivity permits and can take up to 12 hours to complete. Make sure your app version is 4.0.3 or newer to ensure compatibility with storage. This method avoids dealing with SD cards and maintains security through remote verification. During the update, the status shows FIRMWARE UPDATE REQUESTED, and once finished, the device page will display the new firmware version. No physical access to the camera is necessary. For capturing video after updating, you can adjust settings like video mode and length through the same app interface.
TWO FLEXPACK R5 BATTERIES, ONE BUNDLE — Stock up and save on the rechargeable power system built exclusively for REVEAL 4.0 cameras, giving you a spare battery ready to swap in seconds.
ALL-IN-ONE SOLAR POWER – SET IT AND FORGET IT: This cellular trail camera includes a solar panel and the rechargeable REVEAL FlexPack R5 5,000mAh battery, so it runs continuously season after season — no more hiking in to swap AA batteries or missing a buck because your game camera died. True maintenance-free scouting.
TWO SOLAR-POWERED CAMERAS – COVER MORE GROUND: This 2-pack gives you two complete self-powered cellular trail cameras, each with its own solar panel and rechargeable REVEAL FlexPack R5 5,000mAh battery — set up on two stands or food plots and run all season with no battery swaps and no missed bucks.
Confirm the Firmware Update: Test Photo and Reboot
After the firmware update completes, your camera should power off and then restart automatically. This automatic reboot is the clearest sign that the update was successful. If your camera doesn’t restart on its own, the update may have failed, and you will need to perform the firmware reinstallation. Unlike cameras that rely on active infrared illumination, night vision goggles require some ambient light to function in complete darkness.
Once the camera is back on, enter setup mode and press OK to take a test photo. This step confirms that the camera operates correctly after the firmware update. A successful test photo indicates the update was successful. Do not skip this step; if the test photo fails, consider the update incomplete. Use fresh batteries to prevent power loss during the process. After confirming that the test photo works, your camera is ready for field deployment. For a more ambitious project, you could explore building your own thermal imaging scope from scratch. Note that to avoid interference, you should also consider disabling infrared illumination if your camera has a related setting.
