Knowledge Base

Problem

The IR supplementary light used with EthoVision or animal tracking setups flashes once and then turns off automatically after being connected to power, regardless of the power source used.

Details

This behavior is caused by the IR light's built-in ambient light sensor, which detects sufficient visible light in the environment and automatically switches the IR light off. This is by design — the sensor prevents the IR light from running unnecessarily in lit conditions. Occurs in any environment with strong ambient lighting (e.g., fluorescent overhead lights). Affects IR supplementary lights with integrated light sensors.

Solution

**Option 1 — Reposition the IR light:**
1. Adjust the direction or placement of the IR light so that the built-in light sensor is not facing strong light sources (e.g., fluorescent ceiling lights, windows).
2. Test whether the IR light stays on in the new position.

**Option 2 — Cover the light sensor:**
1. Use black electrical tape or opaque tape to cover the light sensor on the IR light unit.
2. This keeps the IR light on continuously regardless of ambient light levels.

**Additional — Adjust camera gain settings (if image quality is affected):**
1. In EthoVision, go to **Experiment Settings > Camera Icon > General > Gain**.
2. Adjust the gain value as needed to optimize the camera image in your lighting conditions.