1. SeaLife Micro 3+ Android App WiFi disconnects when downloading files
The SeaLife Micro 3+ Android app version V1.04 may drop the WiFi connection when downloading many files from the Micro 3.0 camera to your Android phone. Software engineers have released a BETA firmware version V0.44 that corrects this issue. The official firmware update will be released in middle September.
Here are instructions for downloading and installing BETA firmware version V0.44:
- Click the following Dropbox link using your PC or MAC computer: https://www.dropbox.com/s/3k66vf5ppkq2f6n/sealife_fw.bin?dl=0
- Connect your Micro 3.0 camera to the computer using the provided USB cable and adapter.
- Locate the downloaded file called “sealife_fw.bin” and copy it to your camera.
- Disconnect the camera from the computer.
- Power on the camera – the firmware will update automatically. It takes about 1 minute to fully install.
After the beta firmware V0.44 has been successfully installed to your camera and you connect to the Micro 3+ app, you will see a “Firmware update is available” message appear. Please dismiss that message and don’t update the firmware through the app. That will restore the firmware to the previous firmware V1.04. In September, when the official update is released to Google Playstore, you can update the firmware through the app.
Note: The firmware file name must be “sealife_fw.bin” without any extra characters. Sometimes, your computer may change the file name when downloading. For example, sealife_fw(1).bin. If that happens, rename the file to “sealife_fw.bin”
Please email quality@sealife-cameras.com if you experience any issues with this BETA firmware version.
What does BETA mean? Beta refers to the phase in software development between the alpha phase and the release phase where the app is released to the public. Beta apps are considered “complete” by the software developer but still requires some real-world testing before it’s officially released.
Back to Index
2. Lens fogging or water visible inside camera
The Micro 3.0 is permanently-sealed and depth tested to ensure the camera is waterproof. Here are two known causes for the camera to take on water:
a) Spray-on sunscreen damaging to reefs and plastics
It’s a known fact that many sunscreens contain chemicals harmful to reefs and marine life. These same chemicals are also damaging to some plastics, including polycarbonate commonly used to manufacture underwater camera housings and diving equipment. Test results confirm that spray-on sunscreens are particularly aggressive causing a chemical reaction that can make the material become brittle and crack.
SeaLife UW cameras/lights and some accessories are manufactured from a high-quality grade of polycarbonate. Polycarbonate is used in many products where high impact resistance and/or optical transparency is important. Such products include sports safety equipment, medical devices, automotive parts and electronic device housings, to name only a few. Despite polycarbonate’s impressive engineering characteristics and expansive presence in modern life, it is unfortunately susceptible to damage from some sunscreens.
We highly recommend using sunscreens that are advertised as safe for oceans and reefs. If you use a spray-on sunscreen, never apply it around your diving equipment or UW cameras/lights. Always wash your hands after applying sunscreen to avoid contaminating plastic material when handling it. Soak and rinse your cameras, lenses and lights for 20 minutes and allow to completely dry before storage.
b) Caution when connecting accessory to tripod mount
Do not connect any accessory to the camera’s ¼-20 tripod mount where the screw length exceeds 0.3” (7.5mm). Using a ¼-20 screw that is too long will bottom out in the tripod hole and create a high degree of stress to the camera housing material that may result in cracks and consequential flooding.
Also, never apply thread-locking compound or any chemicals to the tripod mount area. These compounds may cause chemical reaction that permanently damages the camera housing material and consequential flooding.
Back to Index
3. Deleting Pictures and Videos
In Playback mode, single view or thumbnail view, you can delete the selected photo or video by pushing and holding shutter button. The camera will display “Delete this file” or “Delete all files”. Select the desired option using the up or down buttons. The camera will display “No” or “Yes”. Select Yes to delete or select No if you do not want to delete the file.
Note: You may also format the camera to delete all files.
Back to Index
4. Camera won’t connect to computer and/or charge
If the camera does not respond when connecting to your computer or wall charger, do this in order:
- Thoroughly clean the gold-plated USB contacts on the camera and USB adapter using a cotton swab or cloth moistened with isopropyl alcohol. Do not use pencil eraser or other abrasives to clean the contacts as that will remove some of the gold plating. If you see any sign of corrosion on the gold contacts of the camera, notify your local service center for repairs. If you see any sign of corrosion on the gold contacts of the USB adapter, replace the adapter (item # SL50103). Note: The USB adapter is not waterproof and needs to be replaced if it got wet.
- Make sure to only use the USB cable provided with your SeaLife Micro camera. Other micro-B type USB cables may not be compatible because of insufficient conductivity or lack of proper shielding. Replace the USB cable (item # SL51004) if you see any signs of corrosion or damage.
Back to Index
5. Camera locks up
We are not aware of any problems that would cause the camera to lock-up. In the unlikely event you experience a camera lock-up, push and hold the shutter and power buttons for 5 seconds to force-off the camera. Please report any lock-ups to SeaLife service center at service@sealife-cameras.com. Include camera serial # and any details about when the lock-up occurred.
Back to Index
6. Low audio volume when playing back video
The camera includes a microphone located inside the waterproof enclosure, which may be turned ON or OFF. When the microphone is turned ON, the volume is preset to the highest possible setting, however the video recording audio is minimal because of the waterproof design. Underwater, you will hear the diver breathing. Above water only loud sounds will be recorded. We recommend using Windows Movie Maker, Apple iMovie, YouTube or video editing software to add music or narrations to your final video production.
Back to Index
7. Replacing internal battery
The camera maintains 85% of its original power after 500 recharge cycles and 70% after 1000 recharge cycles. If the battery life becomes noticeably shorter, considering having it replaced by an authorized SeaLife service center for a cost of $75. The service includes a new Li-ion battery and waterproof depth testing to 200ft to ensure reliable waterproof seal. For more information, contact the USA SeaLife Service Center at service@sealife-cameras.com or contact the SeaLife distributor in your country by clicking here: https://www.sealife-cameras.com/dealer-locator/
Back to Index
8. Connecting Micro 3.0 to smart phone or tablet with USB cable
You may also use a USB cable to make wired connection directly from the Micro 3.0 camera to an Apple or Android smart phone/tablet. A wired connection results in faster downloading compared to wireless connection.
For Android, you need to purchase a USB adapter that plugs into the bottom of your phone, converting it to a standard USB-A port. Then, insert the camera’s standard USB cable in the phone’s USB port, power on the camera and select “PC”. On your Android phone, open the “My Files” app and select USB Storage. There you will find a folder called DCIM containing all the photos and videos saved in the camera’s memory.
For iPhones/iPads, you need to purchase a Lightning USB adapter and a USB Power Y-Cable, which are available online or some electronic stores.
Here is a video that demonstrates how to connect any SeaLife Micro camera to an iPad using a USB y-Cable. CLICK HERE to view video.
Back to Index
9. Can’t make WiFi connection to laptop or desktop computer
The SeaLife Micro HD+, 2.0 or 3.0 cameras only support wireless connection with Android or Apple smart phones / tablets, not with laptop or desktop computers.
Back to Index
10. Battery life when using camera in extreme cold temperatures
The camera is designed to be operated at temperatures of 0°F to 120°F (-18°C to 50°C) on land and +33°F to +110°F(.5 °C to 44°C) underwater. When using the camera in extreme cold temperatures, the battery life at full charge will be less than when operating at normal room temperatures.
Back to Index
11. Recording continuous video
The Micro 3.0 camera is capable of recording continuous video as long as there is sufficient memory space and battery power available. The continuous video will be saved as individual files about 6 minute in length (approximately 430MB) to make transferring and managing video files easier.
Back to Index
12. Pictures / videos not sharp or out of focus
There are many factors that may contribute to pictures or videos not being sharp. Most common is shooting in low light conditions, which can cause a grainy image or motion blur. Consider purchasing a Sea Dragon external photo-video light ideal for capturing sharp, colorful pictures and videos underwater or in low light conditions.
The camera uses a fixed focus lens that is sharp from 15” (38cm) to infinity. Make sure to maintain at least 15” (38cm) distance between the camera and the subject. For closer shooting distances consider purchasing the SeaLife Super Macro Lens (SL571) or SeaLife +10 Close Up lens (SL572) at your local SeaLife dealer. To find a dealer near you, click here: https://www.sealife-cameras.com/dealer-locator/
Back to Index
