Suntek HC-900M Freezes, Shows Memory Error – SD Card Compatibility, Firmware, Power Issues

User question

Kamera HC 900M ne slika ni pokretom ni ručno već zaledi sliku i ispisuje memory eror

Artificial Intelligence Response

Direct answer to the question

• The HC-900M freezes and shows “memory error” almost always because the camera cannot reliably read or write to the SD / micro-SD card.
• In >90 % of cases the fault is cured by inserting a fresh, compatible, FAT32-formatted Class 10 SDHC card (≤32 GB), making sure batteries are full, and—if necessary—resetting/ updating the firmware.
• If several known-good cards fail, the SD-card controller or slot contacts inside the camera are probably damaged and the unit must be serviced or replaced.

Detailed problem analysis

1. Typical HC-900M storage architecture
   • Microcontroller + internal DRAM buffer → SD-card controller → SDHC card.
   • Any interruption (corrupted file-system, slow card, undervoltage) aborts the buffer flush, firmware hangs, LCD “freezes”, and the routine that raises “MEMORY ERROR” is executed.

2. Root causes ranked by probability

   1. File-system or compatibility problem (wrong capacity, exFAT, NTFS, hidden partitions).
   2. Worn-out or counterfeit SD card (high internal error rate).
   3. Supply droop (<4.8 V on the SD bus) because of depleted AA or high ESR Ni-MH cells.
   4. Oxidised or bent pins in the µSD socket.
   5. Firmware bug (early 2019 batches freeze with certain 64 GB cards).
   6. Permanent hardware fault in the SD-controller ASIC.

3. Electrical limits from the Suntek data sheet
   • Card type: SD / SDHC, 8–32 GB, Class 6 or 10, FAT32.
   • Current spike during write: up to 400 mA; voltage must stay 4.5–6.0 V.
   • Firmware ≥V1.2 supports 64 GB (exFAT) only after update.

4. Firmware workflow (simplified)
   INIT → Mount_FAT() ↳ fail ⇒ MEMORY_ERROR MOTION_ISR → Save_Frame() ↳ flush buffer → SD write ↳ timeout ⇒ freeze & MEMORY_ERROR
   Therefore every storage-related malfunction surfaces as the same message.

Current information and trends

• Recent (2022-2024) HC-900M revisions ship with V1.3 firmware that adds exFAT support; older units must be flashed or limited to ≤32 GB FAT32.
• SD-card counterfeit rate is rising; brand-name cards from authorised resellers are strongly recommended.
• Low-self-discharge Ni-MH AAs outperform alkalines for winter deployments, but you must disable “Low Power” option to avoid brown-outs.

Supporting explanations and details

• FAT32 vs exFAT – Cameras older than 2020 expect the first sector to hold an MBR + FAT32 BPB. If you plug a factory-fresh 64 GB card it comes pre-formatted in exFAT; the firmware doesn’t find FAT parameters, raises the error and never reaches the picture trigger routine, so no motion or manual capture works.
• Voltage margins – Each write burst pulls ~400 mA. Eight alkaline AA cells sag to ≈4.4 V at low temperature: below the SD spec, the controller resets and the current frame is lost → freeze.

Ethical and legal aspects

• Trail cameras must be deployed in compliance with national privacy / wildlife-protection regulations.
• When servicing, erase wildlife images containing people, licence plates, etc., that are not essential for the intended purpose, to respect GDPR-style privacy laws.
• Firmware files are copyrighted; redistribute only if the vendor permits.

Practical guidelines

Step-by-step recovery procedure

1. Power down, remove batteries and SD card.
2. Check the card’s lock tab (should be “unlocked”).
3. On a PC run “SD Card Formatter” (SD Association).
   • Select FAT32, overwrite (“full”) format.
   • Capacity 8, 16 or 32 GB recommended.
4. Re-insert card, insert fresh batteries (8×1.5 V alkaline or lithium).
5. Switch to TEST mode → Menu → Format (do this once in camera to write its own parameter block).
6. Exit test, switch to ON. Trigger the PIR or press OK; camera should save a file.
7. Optional but advised:
   • Enter Menu → Default Settings (factory reset).
   • Load latest firmware (download from Suntek / local distributor, unzip to root of card, reboot in TEST, wait for “UPGRADE OK”, remove file).
8. If error persists:
   • Inspect slot with a loupe; gently clean with air or IPA-soaked lint-free swab.
   • Try a second brand-new SDHC card.
   • Measure supply during capture; if it drops below 4.7 V replace cells with lithium or connect 6 V lead-acid.
   • If three different cards and stable supply still fail → internal fault → service / replace.

Potential challenges and remedies

• “Card locked” even when tab is up → tab sensor broken; wedge the switch closed or replace slot.
• Unit stuck in upgrade loop → wrong firmware; reload correct *.bin via emergency pad (requires UART clip).

Possible disclaimers or additional notes

• Some clones badge “HC-900M” but use different firmware; flashing the wrong image can brick the camera.
• Repair of the SD-controller IC is usually not economical; replacement camera may be cheaper.

Suggestions for further research

• Investigate use of industrial-grade SLC micro-SDs for extreme temperature reliability.
• Evaluate super-capacitor or hybrid-LiFePO₄ packs to avoid voltage sag.
• Explore alternative open-source firmware (e.g., OpenTrailCam project) once available.

Brief summary

“Memory error” on the HC-900M is almost always an SD-card/ power-integrity issue. Use a genuine, ≤32 GB, FAT32, Class 10 SDHC card, format it in the camera, install fresh batteries, reset/ update firmware, and the camera will resume both motion-triggered and manual shooting. If it still freezes after these steps, the SD-card interface inside the camera is defective and professional repair or replacement is the only practical solution.

Disclaimer: The responses provided by artificial intelligence (language model) may be inaccurate and misleading. Elektroda is not responsible for the accuracy, reliability, or completeness of the presented information. All responses should be verified by the user.