Description
- Code Black Review +
- Specifications +
- 2-Year Warranty +
- Free Shipping +
- Accessories +
- Customer Reviews +
2016 Covert Code Black 12.0 Review
- The Code Black 12.0 is an AT&T cellular trail camera that sends photos instantly to a website or smartphone app. Programming and setup are stellar, but night pictures are very dark. Make sure you set the "Remote Control" setting to 4 hours so it doesn't kill the battery life prematurely. - TCP Staff
Model # 5144 | Code Black Owner's Manual
Pros
- Very easy to setup and maintain
- Affordable cellular plans
- Great case design
- 2" internal viewer
Cons
- Slow trigger speed
- Dark night photos
Trailcampro Analysis
The Covert Code Black 12.0 is a certified AT&T cellular trail camera. This camera can take and send pictures to a website or smartphone app. With this, you can access the photos anywhere. The only difference between this model and the Covert Blackhawk is the cellular carrier used. The Code Black 12.0 is AT&T and will need 3 or more bars of AT&T reception. The Blackhawk is Verizon based and will need 3 or more bars of reception for it.
There is a monthly cost associated with the subscription plans. Here are the monthly plans:
| 100 pictures | 1,000 pictures | 5,000 pictures | 34,000 pictures |
| $3.99 monthly | $9.99 monthly | $14.99 monthly | $34.99 (every 3 months) |
Photo resolution: 12 mpxl | Flash Type: No Glow Infrared
Pictures transmitted will not be full resolution, they are compressed to 640x480. Along with the smaller size, they will not have maximum picture quality. These images end up being distorted or a bit grainy. If you want the full resolution, higher quality images, get the pictures directly from the SD card.
Day pictures have good color and stop motion well. It would have been nice to have a larger photo option for the transmission because these pictures are particularly distorted. The pictures saved to the SD card are nice, though.
Night pictures lack flash range and make face recognition extremely difficult for security surveillance. Overall, the night pictures are below average.
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Resting Power (on): 2.61 mW | Daytime Power Consumption: 47.89 Ws | Nighttime Power Consumption: 37.54 Ws
The Code Black 12.0 works on 12 AA batteries just like the Covert Code Black Select camera. As you can see, cellular cameras take a large amount of power to send pictures over the cellular network.
Make sure you set the "Remote Control" setting to 4 hours so it doesn't kill the battery life prematurely. Otherwise it is constantly connected to the network and will burn through batteries in a week or two.
If this camera were to take 15-day pictures and 15-night pictures every 24 hour period, this camera would last 3.6 months in the field on a set of lithium batteries. Alkaline batteries are not recommended for any cellular trailcam.
Picture Trigger & Recovery Speed: 1.25 s. / 50.2 s. | Detection Range: 60 ft.
Trigger speed is very slow. We were surprised that this wasn't updated for the 2016 model. 1.25-second trigger speed is slow by today's standards.
Detection range was 60 ft. This is average by today's standards.
Overall, the trigger speed could use a boost.
Dimensions: 5.75" x 4.5" x 3" | Battery Type: 12 AA Batteries | External Battery Jack: 6 Volt
Covert absolutely hit a home run with the programming. Gone are the days of complicated cell camera setup, the Code Black sets up in a few minutes with access to the internet and Covert wireless support.
How to setup a Covert Code Black 12.0 (AT&T)
- Go to Covert-Wireless.com
- Sign up as a new customer (unless you already have an account and are adding a camera
- Enter your Covert wireless account info, billing info and select a plan
- Enter your IMEI number (on the camera) and the ICCID number from the SIM card. This identifies your specific camera with your account.
- Your account will show up with your camera info. You can name the camera, which is especially helpful if you end up with multiple cameras.
That's it for setup. Picture the camera takes will now be sent to your account, which you can access from the website, or you can download the Covert Wireless App to your smartphone (Android or iPhone).
Most common question we get is, "Can I use an old sim card I have for this camera?" Absolutely Not. The camera comes with a specific sim card for this camera (this is the answer to that question regardless of what camera you purchase - they never use old sim cards). The ONLY way to setup this camera is the method described above. Also, if you have 3 of these cameras, you will need to add a line for each of them to your Covert-Wireless.com account.
To view pictures the camera has taken, simply go to Covert-Wireless.com and log in, or access them through the app on your phone. On the app, you can set the app to audibly notify you when a picture is taken (this is handy for security operations).
From either the app or the website, you can change the settings on the camera with the click of your mouse. This "remote control" can be either instant (real-time) or set to specific intervals that the camera changes settings on. This is the last option on the menu below.
Many of you will find the "Real-Time Photo" useful. Click that button, with real-time selected, and within 30-60 seconds you will have a picture from the camera.
The app works identically to this, just on your phone. Covert Scouting Cameras did an outstanding job building this website and making the programming simple.
The only internal setup needed for this camera is the typical stuff. Set the time, date, delay (use 1 minute or greater), resolution, etc. This camera does have start/stop time if you only want it on during certain time periods.
Case design is also a strength. The large, over-sized latch is easy to manipulate and strong. There is a 1/4" x 20 threaded insert on the bottom for a Slate River Mount, along with a built-in python cable lock bracket on the back.
Durability has always been good with the Code Black cameras. Most problems associated with earlier models of the Code Black were programming or sim card issues. With the easier setup, the Code Black 12.0 has, those issues should be eliminated.
Covert Code Black 12.0 Conclusion
The night pictures and detection speed are the only things holding this camera back. The programming and setup is a dream come true, though. If the first two things aren't important to you, this is a good Covert Code Black 12.0 cellular trail camera.
Enjoy our reviews? Please consider purchasing your next trail camera from us.
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Additional Resources:
Trail Cameras that Send Pictures to Your Phone
Manufacturer Specifications
- Setup Guide
- AT&T Cellular Camera
- 12 Mpxl photo resolution (interpolated)
- No glow IR flash
- 1-10 image burst
- Time, temperature, date, and moon phase stamp on each image
- 2" internal color viewer
- 1/4" x 20 threaded insert on the bottom of the camera
- Built in python cable bracket
- Requires 12 AA batteries
- Accepts up to 32 gig SD card
Buy your next trail camera or accessory from us and we will protect your purchase with our 90-day return policy and our exclusive 2-year warranty.
Most manufacturer warranties are only one year. In our opinion, that isn't good enough. Our customers get a two-year warranty, directly from us.
Trailcampro's 2 Year Warranty
If the trail camera you purchase from us goes defective within two years of your purchase, we will quickly replace it.
We strive to make the warranty process as quick and easy as possible. Simply fill out our warranty form.
Trailcampro's 90 Day Return Policy
We believe you have the right to return any game camera that does not meet your expectations within 90 days.
Our return policy lets you field test products, at no risk to you!
- Buyer's remorse? Return the camera to us for a full refund (minus shipping).
- Purchased the wrong camera? We will ship you the right camera.
- Something wrong with the camera you received? We will replace it at no cost to you.
Want to talk to a trail camera expert? Contact our friendly staff.
Read our Customer Testimonials to find out what our customers have been saying about us!
Domestic Shipping Options - Free UPS Economy Shipping on all orders over $99
- Free shipping applies only to the lower 48 states and will be shipped via the most economical method.
- Orders placed before 3 p.m Central Standard Time are usually shipped the same day
- We are happy to offer expedited shipping options. Prices are shown during checkout.
Dear International Customer:
International rates vary by country and postal code. Please click here for detailed international rates.
Trailcampro L.L.C.
3048 S. Clifton Ave
Suite 108
Springfield, MO 65807
1-800-791-0660
Code Black 12.0 Accessories
Here are a few of the accessories we like to use in the 2016 Code Black.
Energizer Ultimate Lithiums | 12 Pack
$19.95
- There is no downside to using lithium batteries. Long battery life, extreme durability and better night pictures. You will be happy you did.
$19.95
- Use this with the security case, or just the camera itself. The Code Black 12.0 has brackets on the back specifically for this lock.
Start at $5.95
- SD cards store your pictures and videos for easy removal. We give you a free SD card with the Code Black 12.0, but most people use a second card. If you have two cards, you can swap them out when you retrieve the pictures.
Verified Customer Reviews
We ensure that every customer review comes from one of our real customers and not someone who works for the competing trail camera manufacturer. These are verified customer trail camera reviews that you can trust.
We would love your feedback if you purchased this trail camera from us. We want your honest feedback, these reviews are a vital part in helping consumers choose the right game camera.
Trailcampro's 2 Year Warranty | 90 day Return Policy
Trailcampro 90 Day Return | 2 Year Exclusive Warranty Details
If you purchased your trail camera from us (Trailcampro.com), here are the following warranty stipulations. If you purchased from another retailer, we recommend contacting that retailer or the manufacturer of that product for their warranty details.
If You Purchase From Trailcampro.com
We attempted to make our return policy and 2-year exclusive warranty as simple as possible. However, there are a few stipulations.
90 Day Returns
You may return or exchange anything purchased from Trailcampro for a full 90 days from the date of purchase. Please use the items as you normally would and much as you like subject to the rules below.
Our return policy lets you field test products, at no risk to you!
- Buyer's remorse? Return the camera to us for a full refund (minus shipping).
- Purchased the wrong camera? We will ship you the right camera.
- Something wrong with the camera you received? We will replace it at no cost to you.
90 Day Return Policy Rules:
- 90 days from date of purchase.
- In order to receive a full refund, items must be returned with their original packaging (including UPC code) and all contents
- Cameras or products must be returned in their original condition. You cannot write on the cameras, paint them or deface them in any way. This completely voids the warranty with both us and the specific manufacturer.
- If you purchased one of our "Package Deals" and only return part of the package, we will refund the items full price minus the package discount.
- Orders with quantities of 5 or more are not eligible for a refund or exchange. They are still eligible for warranty replacement.
- There are no returns on used cameras or cameras that clearly state "No Returns"
- If you are returning for a refund, you are responsible for return shipping. Your refund amount will be minus the cost of the initial shipping to you.
2 Year Warranty
We strive to make our customer experience superior to anything available. Traditional warranties only last a year and must be processed directly through the manufacturer. This process usually involves frustrating minutes on hold with call centers and oftentimes weeks, if not months of down time waiting for your replacement product. We process our warranties in-house and expedite the replacement process. When you call Trailcampro you'll speak directly with an expert who will immediately identify the problem and offer a solution.
2 Year Exclusive Warranty Details:
- Warranty starts from the time of purchase and continues for a full 2 years.
- Replacement cameras receive the remainder of the 2-year warranty leftover from the original purchase.
- Warranty is only valid for full retail priced orders (quantity discounts void our 2-year warranty). Discounted items still receive the manufacturer warranty. Price matches void the 2-year warranty as well.
- If your defective camera has been discontinued, we will exchange it for a similarly priced item to your liking.
- If you have a 3G cellular trail camera, it is not considered manufacturer defect if you lose 3G reception in your area.
- Used cameras do not apply for our 2-year warranty
- Cameras cannot be marked on, damaged, or defaced in any way. Warranty is for manufacturer defect only. Defect does not include damage, whether intentional or not.
If you have any questions that were not answered here please feel free to contact us.
To warranty a camera please use the form below. Upon receipt of an RMA number, you will need to ship the camera back to us. You will be responsible for the shipping charges of the defective camera back to us. We will ship the replacement back to you for free.
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