FAQ
TL;DR: 62% of HC-300M faults disappear after updating to matching firmware; “copy, switch to TEST, wait for the LED” is the golden rule [Suntek Support, 2023; Elektroda, gradek83, #19996181]. The FAQ details firmware sources, safe flashing, and proven MMS/SMTP fixes.
Why it matters: A five-minute update can restore night vision, email alerts, and extend battery life.
Quick Facts
• Latest stable firmware tags: 20210909-2053-V33 (2 G), 20200717-2053-V31 (2 G) [Elektroda, #20142400 #20196068]
• Main PCB variants: HC220-2G-V2.6, V2.7, V31; flash only matching code [Elektroda, #20103863 #21072444]
• Typical BIN size: 0.5–1 MB [Suntek Manual, 2022]
• IR night capture draws ≈350 mA; day capture ≈150 mA [TrailCamLab, 2021]
• Backup cell: CR1220 3 V; replace if < 2.8 V [Elektroda, 20098008]
Where can I download official HC-300M firmware from 2019–2024?
Email support@cnsuntek.com with your PCB number; Suntek supplies the correct BIN within 48 h [Elektroda, 20142422] If they delay, the TopHunt mirror still hosts three public files (FWF900.bin, etc.) [Elektroda, 21220706]
How do I flash the firmware safely?
- Copy the .bin to a FAT32-formatted SD card.
- Insert card, set switch to TEST; the red LED blinks until flashing ends.
- Power off, remove card, delete the .bin, re-insert, then restore defaults and re-format the card [Elektroda, gradek83, post #19996181]
What if the screen turns white or black after flashing?
Wrong firmware was installed. Match the PCB code (e.g., HC220-2G-V31) and re-flash; mismatched code causes white screens and SD detection loss [Elektroda, kamilski85, post #20088078]
Why are night photos just grey “porridge”?
Some 2018 builds over-drive IR gain. Upgrading to 2019-03-08 firmware restores proper exposure [Elektroda, Maykel86, post #18323707]
The camera sends empty MMS in daylight but none at night—fix?
Faulty MMSCFG or weak coin cell. Re-create MMSCFG with correct APN, then check the CR1220 voltage (>2.8 V) [Elektroda, flipus94, #18624402 ; gradek83, #20098008].
Exact MMS settings for the PLAY (Poland) network?
SMTP email won’t send—what works today?
Use SSL port 465 with smtp.wp.pl or Gmail. For Gmail you must enable 2-step verification and create an App-Password after May 2022 policy changes [Elektroda, #20196490 ; Google Help, 2022].
LCD shows dashes instead of the operator name—cause?
SIM is registered only when AT +CREG returns 0,1 or 0,5. Dashes (0,0) mean APN file not copied or antenna loose. Reload parameter file and reseat the SMA lead [Elektroda, 20102406]
Can a dead 3 V coin cell stop MMS/SMTP?
Yes. GSM module fails to attach once main batteries dip below 6 V unless the 3 V backup holds 2.8–3 V [Elektroda, 20098008]
Is HC-550M or HC-330M firmware compatible?
Only if the PCB code matches. Otherwise the camera may boot but the LCD stays black. Treat cross-model flashing as last resort [Elektroda, 20088093]
Minimum SD card spec for trouble-free flashing?
Use Class 10, 4–32 GB, formatted FAT32. Larger or exFAT cards often fail to mount in bootloader mode [Suntek Manual, 2022].
How do I factory-reset settings?
Menu → “Default” → OK, then format SD. This clears hidden MMSCFG files that often block new APN data [Suntek Manual, 2022].
Who answers fastest—forum or Suntek support?
Forum replies average 4 h for common issues, but official support is required for firmware binaries. “Only the vendor can email the current build,” notes user gradek83 [Elektroda, 20142422]
Edge case: camera bricks and LED never lights—any recovery?
Hold MENU while switching to TEST; if bootloader survives, it will re-flash from card. If not, a serial UART re-flash is needed—success rate about 35 % [TrailCamLab, 2021].