Article Overview
Now that you have your SAMi connected to a WiFi source and positioned where you want it, it's time to customize your settings in the SAMi App. Some of these settings can take time to get right! You may get some false alarms when you start using SAMi - this is normal! Everyone is unique in the motion they are trying to detect. Luckily, we made the SAMi camera and app highly customizable so you can tune your device to detect, record, and alert you to your unique events.
IMPORTANT (Please read!): Please note that the SAMi App settings are unique to the Apple device you are using. If you plan to monitor one SAMi Camera from multiple different Apple iOS devices, the settings you set on one Apple iOS device will NOT carry over to the other device. This means you must adjust the settings on each device to match what you want.
However, the "Camera Settings" that you set in the app WILL CARRY OVER to all Apple Devices. Camera settings are the settings you adjust by clicking on the gear icon in the bottom right of the SAMi App home screen and then by clicking on "Camera Settings" under your devices. Anything adjusted on the "Camera Settings" will be the same for all settings.
Customizing Your SAMi App & Camera Settings
Change Camera Password
When you set up your camera, you should change the default camera password to something you will remember. This password can be helpful in the future if you need to reset your camera for any reason.
You can find and edit your camera password under Settings -> Camera Settings -> Camera Password. Select "Edit" to update the password. Clear the existing password and replace it with your own.
Border
The first thing that you are going to want to set up in your SAMi App settings is the Border. The Border allows you to adjust the monitoring area within the field of view of the camera, ignoring objects, pets, or people that you don't want to trigger an alarm. This setting is not required but it may be helpful for several reasons:
- Co-sleeping: If you are co-sleeping with the person being monitored in the same bed or close to their bed where your motion is in the camera view, use the border feature to mask the area that should not contribute to the motion processed by the alarm.
- Pets: Maybe you have pets that sleep nearby or enter the room often. Setting a border to ignore potential areas where the pet might trigger an alarm can prevent false alarms.
- Fans & Moving Objects: If you have a fan in the room or other moving objects that might move around and trigger an alarm, it can be helpful to create a border to omit those objects from the monitoring region.
From the home screen of the SAMi App, the Border button turns on and off the border display. The border is shown as a green overlay and can be adjusted by touching the screen and sliding your finger from side to side. Any motion in the green border area will be ignored and will not trigger an alarm.
Beep on Camera Fault or App Not Active
The next two settings you will want to adjust are the Beep on Camera Fault and Beep on App Not Active settings. You can access these features by clicking the gear icon in the bottom right of the SAMi App home screen.
When these features are turned on, the SAMi App will make a beeping sound that is different from the normal alarm and will alert you to one of these two occurrences:
Beep on Camera Fault: This setting causes a periodic beep alert to sound if the SAMi camera is not working properly. The normal setting is ON. This also enables the beep if you get an iOS notification that pauses the SAMi app, for example, a low battery warning.
Note: This alert will only beep on your iOS device if the alarm is enabled or if the Mic is turned on.
Recommendation: Keep the default setting turned ON
Beep on App Not Active: When 'Beep on App Not Active' is on, you will get an alert if the SAMi App stops running. If you touch the alert the SAMi app will restart.
Important: To use this feature make sure that you have turned notifications on for the SAMi App in the Apple settings!
Note: If you immediately exit the SAMi app, you will not get another alert. The app must be running for a while for this alert to re-arm.
Recommendation: Leave this alarm turned OFF. Instead, use “Guided Access Mode” instead of this alert because "Guided Access Mode" on an iOS device will automatically restart the app if it has stopped. To learn how to turn on "Guided Access Mode" on an Apple iOS device, visit their help center article here: Use Guided Access on Apple Device.
Recording Scheduling
Another powerful tool in the SAMi App is the Recording Scheduling tool. By default, the SAMi camera is set to record all day, every day - even when the SAMi App is closed. Since there is no way to power off the SAMi camera without unplugging the camera itself, you will have recordings for times outside of the time you want to monitor. Using the recording schedule will eliminate recording during the times you do not expect to be using the SAMi app. You can set up to 4 different schedules, but make sure that they do not overlap and therefore conflict. If you prefer to have SAMi record at all times you can skip this step
To access the Alarm Scheduling feature, click the gear icon from the SAMi App home screen. From the main settings page, you will see a section called "Devices". From there, you should see your SAMi camera selected. If you don't make sure you're connected to your camera.
Next to your camera in the app, click on "Camera Settings". Scroll down a bit until you see the setting called "Record Schedule". Click "Edit" and you will be taken to a scheduling tool.
The recording schedule allows you to set up to four individual recording stop and start times, including different days of the week for each schedule. The recordings will still only be made based on the record mode criteria, but recordings will not be made during the scheduled off times. This is commonly used to stop recordings from being made during the day. The multiple schedules allow you to accommodate differences like weekend versus weekday schedules, or nap times. See example below:
In this example, Schedule 1 is set to record Monday - Friday starting at 8:00PM and ending at 6:00AM. Schedule 2 is set differently for the weekends and will start recordings on Saturdays and Sundays at 9:00PM and 7:00AM, adjusted for a slightly different sleep schedule on weekends. Schedule 3 is set for nap times that occur Monday - Friday between 12:00PM - 1:00PM.
To set your schedule, simply tap on one of the four schedules to be taken to this screen:
Select the days you want to set a schedule for and adjust the times you want recordings to start and end. Repeat these steps for any variation in your schedule like weekends or nap times.
Record Mode
Once you decide on whether or not you want to set a recording schedule, there is another important feature in the SAMi App that helps you reduce the number of recordings that SAMi will create each night. This setting is called the "Record Mode" and can be accessed by clicking on the gear icon from the SAMi Apps home page and then clicking on "Camera Settings". Scroll down to "Record Mode"
The SAMi App allows you to choose from three different recording options that will impact the number of recordings you get:
Never: Although rarely used, the recording mode "Never" will prevent SAMi from making any recordings at all. We do not suggest using this mode unless you have a very specific use case for it!
Motion Only: When "Motion Only" is selected, recordings will only be made if motion is detected on the SAMi Camera. This works with the recording threshold setting. If motion exceeds the recording threshold then a recording will start. If motion does not continue the recording will close after 10 seconds of no movement above the movement threshold. If you do not have a recording schedule set up, this setting will reduce or eliminate the possibility of recordings created during a period of no activity.
Everything: This will continuously record whenever the camera is on unless you have a recording schedule set. Back-to-back recordings of 5 minutes in length will be recorded, even if motion is not detected.
Note: If the recording schedules vary, set the alarm schedule (details in next section) to equal the schedule with the longest range. If you want to record at times that you do not want an alarm, take that into consideration.
Alarm Scheduling
Unlike recordings, alarms in the SAMi App will only sound if the SAMi App is open and running. You can enable the alarm from the SAMi App home screen located in the top right. To learn more about the Alarm Status Indicators and how to enable, pause, or disable the alarm, read our article here: SAMi Alarm Status Indicators.
If you have a recording schedule set and simply want to have the alarm on at all times during the recording schedule, leave the "Enable Alarm Schedule" setting disabled. However, if for whatever reason, you want to capture recordings and disable the alarm, you can either set an Alarm Schedule or disable the alarm from the SAMi App home screen using the Alarm Status Indicator in the top right.
The alarm schedule should be set for the usual hours but can be modified easily day by day. If the bedtime is earlier or later than usual simply touch the alarm button in the live video screen to start or stop the alarm function. This edit will not have an impact on the schedule itself.
Audio Settings
The Audio Settings allow you to customize different audio aspects of your alarm and microphone. You can leave them on their default settings or adjust them to your liking.
Note: Having your Apple iOS settings on silent or "Do Not Disturb" will not impact whether or not you can hear the alarm.
Alarm Volume: This sets how loud the alarm sounds from the SAMi App. If you're a light sleeper, feel free to keep it low. If you're a heavy sleeper, you should consider using a louder setting!
IMPORTANT: If you set the Alarm Volume to zero, the alarm WILL NOT sound, and you will not see the alarm mute button. However, recordings will still be marked in your recordings section of the SAMi App. This is useful if you don’t want to be disturbed but still want help finding the potentially important recordings that are marked as "Alarmed."
Alarm Sound: This gives you a choice of six different sounds. Try the different sounds to find one that works best for you.
Vibrate on Alarm (Only Available on iPhones!): This enables and disables the vibrate function of your phone. When an alarm sounds on an iPhone, the device will also vibrate. This is a great feature for those who are hearing impaired.
Microphone Boost: This increases the microphone volume level for both the live view and video recordings. This increases the microphone sensitivity so you can hear quieter sounds but also may cause distortion with louder sounds.
Microphone Noise Reduction: This will reduce the background noise you hear when the room is quiet.
Alarm Settings
IMPORTANT: To get an alarm notification, the SAMi App MUST be open and running. If you are using your Apple device for other apps, you WILL NOT receive an alarm if one is triggered. We highly suggest using a dedicated Apple device if you can't have the SAMi App open and running during the times you want to be alarmed. Below, we will explain a feature we call "Clock Mode" that will allow you to dim your Apple screen to black and keep the SAMi App open and running so you don't miss an alarm.
Finally, the most important settings of the SAMi App are the ones that dictate how and when an alarm is sounded. In most cases, the default settings are sufficient for most people and do not need to be changed. However, we understand there are many different use cases so we've made these settings highly customizable so you can adjust them as needed.
In the beginning, it is normal to get false alarms. By reviewing the videos that triggered these alarms, you will get valuable insights into why those alarms were triggered and make adjustments to these settings over time.
Motion Threshold and Alert Threshold Meters
The green bar on the right above the Mic icon is the motion activity meter. The height of the green bar indicates the current amount of motion. The pointer (black arrow) to the right of the motion activity meter indicates the motion threshold, which can be adjusted at any time by clicking the settings icon and scrolling down to the Alarms section. Anytime the green motion meter is above the motion threshold, the (red) alarm meter (to the right) slowly rises. When the motion meter is below the motion threshold pointer, the alarm meter drops, first slowly, and then more rapidly the longer the motion meter remains below its threshold.
The red bar to the right of the motion activity meter is the alarm meter. The pointer (black arrow) on the alert meter indicates the level (number of seconds) necessary to trigger the alarm. If the alarm is enabled and the alert meter passes the alert threshold, the alarm will sound. The alert threshold is specified as the number of seconds of continuous motion with the motion meter above the motion threshold required to sound the alarm. You can adjust the alarm threshold in the settings under the alarm section (see image below).
The out-of-the-box default settings for both the Motion Threshold and Alarm Threshold are:
Motion Threshold: 25%
Alarm Threshold: 20 seconds
Enable Alarm: On (if this is turned off, you will not get an alarm!)
In many cases, the default alarm settings will work appropriately, but, for example, if you have a very active sleeper that is moving around a lot, it might make sense to increase the Alarm Threshold to a longer amount of time. This will give the individual being monitored time to roll over or move around before settling back into deep sleep.
Another example, let's say you have an individual who is making slight adjustments in their sleep. However, it's taking them almost 45 seconds to adjust. In this case, the movement was very subtle so keeping the Alarm Threshold at 20 seconds is fine but by adjusting the Motion Threshold in this case, it will effectively ignore the more subtle movements and only alert you if there is much more prominent movement seen in the frame.
You might have to play around with these settings to get them right for your specific use case but it will pay dividends in the hours of sleep you save once they're right.
Clock Mode
One of the most important features of the SAMi App is the Clock Mode. Since the SAMi App MUST BE OPEN and running in order for you to receive an alarm, the Clock Mode will allow you to dim your Apple screen to black so you can have a dark screen for sleeping but still get alarms if one is triggered.
From the home screen of the SAMi App, you can clock on the "Clock" button to enable Clock Mode.
Once you click the Clock button, you will be taken to the Clock Mode (image below). When you are in clock mode, the SAMi App is running and will still work, even if you have "Do not disturb" on your Apple device turned on.
The clock mode will show your WiFi signal in the top right corner, verifying that the camera is properly connected. If you see an image of a camera with a red circle and a line through it, your camera is NOT functioning! Head back to the home screen to ensure a stable connection before entering Clock Mode.
To dim the screen of clock mode to black, simply slide your finger across the screen left or right to adjust the brightness. If an alarm is triggered, the SAMi App will automatically leave Clock Mode and a live view will be shown so you can determine if you need to take action or not.
Sensitivity Boost
The last setting that will impact the way your SAMi sounds an alarm is the Sensitivity Boost, which can be located in the settings of the SAMi App under the Alarms section.
The Sensitivity Boost allows you to adjust your alarm by choosing to look for either continuous motion or discontinuous, more subtle motion. For example, sometimes, you will have abnormal movement that starts and then stops for some time before starting again. This would be called discontinuous motion. Whereas continuous motion will not have any breaks in between the movements.
Sensitivity Boost allows you to adjust for these different starts and stops between motions and plays a crucial role in how fast the motion threshold meter drops when motion is no longer present. Since having the green motion meter above your motion threshold (black arrow pointer) for a certain amount of time is what triggers the alarm, you can have control over how quickly the green and red meters drop with sensitivity boost. Ultimately, it also allows for some time gaps in movement to prevent the alarm meter from reducing too quickly.
IMPORTANT: The out-of-the-box default settings for Sensitivity Bosot is 0%, meaning it's looking for continuous motion. We highly suggest that you do not adjust this setting until you have fully tried to tune your alarm with the motion and alarm threshold settings!
If after a few nights of adjustments, you continue to get false alarms, schedule a call with a SAMi expert here. We'll help you make adjustments to get your SAMi working so you can get a good night's rest!
Adjusting Alarm Settings
Now that you have a clear understanding of the three important settings that control your SAMi Alarm, you can begin to adjust it as needed. Remember, in most cases, the default alarm settings are sufficient for your monitoring needs. If you find that you are getting too many false alarms or aren't getting alarms to events you want to be alerted to, here are the steps we suggest taking to adjust your SAMi Alarm settings:
Mimic The Movement
The first thing we suggest you do to adjust your alarm settings is to get in front of the camera yourself and attempt to mimic the motion you are attempting to be alerted to. Make sure that your camera is placed in a location that can easily see the motion you want to be alerted to.
For example, if you are looking to detect full body motion, then having a clear image of the entire body is important. If you are only looking to be alerted to motion occurring in a specific part of the body, then have the camera's field of view centered there. Consider using our floor stand to position the camera more specifically.
With your Apple device in hand and the SAMi App open, get in front of the camera and start mimicking the motion. Look at how that impacts both the motion and alarm meters. As the motion is present, you will notice the green motion meter increase. As the motion continues, you will notice the red alarm meter begin to climb towards your threshold.
If you can trigger the alarm by mimicking the motion you want to be alerted to, then you can leave your settings as is!
Join The SAMi Facebook Community
There are thousands of SAMi users with years of experience using SAMi. Join our SAMi Facebook Community to connect with other parents and caregivers and learn from their experience adjusting their settings. Click here to join now!
Schedule A Call With A SAMi Expert
If you still get false alarms or aren't getting the alerts you want, you can always schedule time with one of our SAMi Experts who will gladly jump on a call with you to adjust your settings. To schedule a video or phone call, click this link and select a time from the calendar that works for you: https://calendly.com/matt-samialert/15-min-with-a-sami-expert
For a comprehensive guide on all the different SAMi App Settings and features, please review the SAMi Manual.
Disclaimer: SAMi is a nocturnal movement monitor and will detect all types of movement regardless of the movement’s origin. HiPass Design LLC. does not guarantee the effectiveness of SAMi for any particular application and use of SAMi is solely at your own risk. SAMi has not been evaluated or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or any other government agency for any purpose. SAMi is not a medical device and is not intended for use in the prevention, diagnosis, mitigation, treatment, or cure of any disease or other conditions. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Additional SAMi Resources:
- Overview of SAMi App Settings & Features
- Configuring SAMi's Alarm
- Emailing Recordings (easiest)
- Saving Recordings
- Troubleshooting Articles
- Español
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* Important safety information: if you are using SAMi with a young child or baby visit www.babymonitorsafety.org.
* Strangulation Hazard: Keep the cord out of the baby's reach. Never place the camera or cords within three feet (one meter) of a crib.
* Overheating Risk: Keep the camera clear of curtains and bed coverings. Only use the SAMi-3 Camera with the supplied AC power adapter.
Disclaimer
SAMi is a nocturnal movement monitor and will detect all types of movement regardless of the movement’s origin. HiPass Design LLC. does not guarantee the effectiveness of SAMi for any particular application and use of SAMi is solely at your own risk. SAMi has not been evaluated or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration or any other government agency for any purpose. SAMi is not a medical device and is not intended for use in the prevention, diagnosis, mitigation, treatment, or cure of any disease or other conditions. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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