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01. Introduction

Before starting up your HORSE PROTECTOR and STABLE GUARD, please read the complete user manual carefully. To ensure proper and safe operation, you must follow all operating, safety, and privacy instructions! All company names and product names are trademarks of their respective owners. All rights reserved. If you have any questions or issues, please contact our customer service (info@acaris.net).

 

02. Safety Instructions

Please note the following safety instructions to ensure the smooth and safe operation of the HORSE PROTECTOR and STABLE GUARD.

Safe operation of the HORSE PROTECTOR, STABLE GUARD, and the IR light source.
  • The HORSE PROTECTOR, STABLE GUARD, and the associated IR light source are electronic devices.
  • Please ensure that none of the devices are exposed to water, moisture, sunlight, or heat. If you do not intend to use the units for a longer period, they must be stored in a dry and cool place.
  • Do not leave the units hanging in the box/stable aisle when not in use, as this could damage the electronics.
  • Every electrical component used is CE certified.
  • Ensure that both the guardian unit and the IR light source are powered only with the supplied power cable. Using other power sources may lead to system instability and damage to your HORSE PROTECTOR, STABLE GUARD unit, or IR light source.
  • For further information on safe installation, please refer to the chapter “Installation of HORSE PROTECTOR, STABLE GUARD, and the IR light source.”
Security of your user account
  • Always ensure that only you know the password for your ACARiS user account.
  • Choose a password that is at least 10 characters long, includes numbers, uppercase and lowercase letters, as well as special characters to protect yourself from misuse.
  • If your user account or password is lost or stolen, please contact ACARiS Support at info@acaris.net with the subject “Account Security.” If you’re unsure whether your password is still secure, we recommend resetting your password immediately at https://acaris.net/reset-password/. If you no longer have access to your registered email address, please contact ACARiS Customer Support at info@acaris.net with the subject “Account Security” as soon as possible. You will then need to provide an alternative email address to regain access to your account.

03. Guard Installation

For HORSE PROTECTOR to provide optimal protection for your horse, proper positioning of the HORSE PROTECTOR unit and the IR light source is very important. As a general rule, HORSE PROTECTOR should always have a clear view of the entire horse stall. Particularly important areas – such as the places where concentrate feed and hay are given, as well as the water trough – should, if possible, remain clearly visible, even when your horse is in the stall. Below, we describe ideal positions using sketches.

CAUTION: You are legally required to only record areas that either belong to you or where the owner has explicitly granted you permission. Filming publicly accessible or other private areas is generally not allowed in Germany. Please familiarize yourself with the regulations in your country. Always ensure that only areas visible within the frame comply with these conditions. In the section “Choosing the Camera’s Field of View,” we explain how you can limit the camera’s view to exclude unwanted or unauthorized areas.

The correct position in the horse stable

Make sure that the HORSE PROTECTOR and the IR light source have a clear, direct view of the entire horse stall. It is best to mount the HORSE PROTECTOR above the water or feeding area.
Avoid direct light exposure to the HORSE PROTECTOR camera.
It is particularly recommended to position the HORSE PROTECTOR unit slightly in front of or directly next to the IR light source.

Side view into the horse stall

For evenly lit day and night images, it is recommended not to position the HORSE PROTECTOR camera directly opposite windows or other bright light sources. Mount the HORSE PROTECTOR and the IR light source at a height of 3.5 to 4.0 meters for stalls that are approximately 4 meters long, and 4.0 to 4.5 meters for stalls that are approximately 8 meters long. Higher heights are possible, but they may reduce image quality and affect the lighting of the stall at night.

Side view into the horse stall

Safety Instructions
Ensure that your horse cannot reach the HORSE PROTECTOR camera, the IR light source, or the power supply.

CAUTION: If your horse can reach the camera and nibble on it, there is a risk that parts may break off and cause injury to your animal! Therefore, it is crucial to install the units at the proper position and height. Ensure that the HORSE PROTECTOR unit and IR light source are only operated indoors. In particular, make sure that no water or direct sunlight comes into contact with the HORSE PROTECTOR unit, IR light source, power supply, or cables. Be sure that no flammable objects come into direct contact with the technical devices. The HORSE PROTECTOR unit, IR light source, and power supply must be installed in a way that allows heat dissipation. Do not add insulation or any other insulating materials around the units.

Configuration of the camera and app for Android & PC

It is recommended to use the app from the Google Play Store for the best possible results. You can install the app on either your smartphone or tablet. The Android app can be found by searching for “ACARiS – HORSE PROTECTOR” or through the direct link.

Of course, you can also use your computer (in this case, skip the chapter “Installing the ACARiS – HORSE PROTECTOR App”). If you do not use the app, you will not receive notifications on your smartphone. In this case, you will be notified by phone or email in case of any issues with your horse.

Configuration of the camera and app for iOS & PC

It is recommended to use the app from the Apple App Store for the best possible results. You can install the app on your smartphone or tablet. The iOS app can be found by searching for “ACARiS – HORSE PROTECTOR” or through the direct link.

Of course, you can also use your computer (in this case, skip the section “Installing the ACARiS – HORSE PROTECTOR App”). If you do not use the app, you will not receive notifications on your smartphone. In this case, you will be notified by phone or email in case of any issues with your horse.

Installation of the ACARiS - HORSE PROTECTOR App

The installation of the associated app is very simple:

  1. Search for “ACARiS – HORSE PROTECTOR” in the App Store or Play Store.
  2. Install the ACARiS – HORSE PROTECTOR app on your smartphone or tablet.
  3. Log in with your ACARiS account (use the registered email address and the password you selected).

04. Configuration of the Guard

For HORSE PROTECTOR to provide you with images, videos, alerts, and analyses anywhere, an internet connection is required. If you have purchased the HORSE PROTECTOR LTE version, simply insert a SIM card (without SIM lock) into the included LTE stick. The unit will automatically connect to the internet. If you have chosen the Wi-Fi version, the following steps describe how to configure it.

To set up Wi-Fi access, you will need the Wi-Fi network name and password. The access data will be transmitted to your HORSE PROTECTOR unit via QR code.
Follow the steps below:

Step 1:

Open the ACARiS – HORSE PROTECTOR App.

Step 2:

Under “Cameras,” select the camera you wish to configure.

Step 3:

In the section “Generate Wi-Fi QR Code,” enter the Wi-Fi network name (SSID) and the Wi-Fi password. Be sure to pay attention to uppercase and lowercase letters, as well as any spaces. Review your entries and click on “Generate QR Code” (the SSID and Wi-Fi password are never stored on our servers – they are only used to generate the QR code).

Step 4:

Once the page has reloaded, click on “Show QR Code” at the top under “The QR Code has been generated.”

Step 5:

A QR code will now appear on your smartphone/tablet display. (If you are configuring via PC or experience issues during the scanning process, print the QR code as large as possible on an A4 sheet of paper).

Now connect the HORSE PROTECTOR unit you want to configure to the power supply.

  • HORSE PROTECTOR will begin the startup process (this takes approximately 1 to 3 minutes).
  • Once the device is ready to scan the QR code, the red LED will blink for about 60 seconds, alternating 2 seconds on and 2 seconds off.
  • Hold your smartphone/tablet with the QR code displayed (or the printed QR code) centrally in front of the camera at a distance of 10 to 40 centimeters. Slowly adjust the distance between the QR code and the camera. The recognition process typically takes a few seconds to up to 1 minute.Continue on the next slide.

Complete configuration

  • Once HORSE PROTECTOR has read the Wi-Fi password, both LED lights will briefly turn off. You can now remove your smartphone/tablet.
  • HORSE PROTECTOR will now complete the configuration and connect to the Wi-Fi (this may take 2 to 10 minutes).
  • Check the successful connection by trying to open the live stream or view the first images after about 15 minutes.
  • If you encounter any issues with the Wi-Fi configuration, please contact ACARiS Customer Support at info@acaris.net with the subject “Installation Issues.” Please provide your registration email and a phone number where we can reach you.

04.1 Choosing the field of view

HORSE PROTECTOR has been designed to protect one horse in a stable. Therefore, it is very important that HORSE PROTECTOR only has the stall within its field of view to provide reliable results. By selecting the correct field of view, you can easily eliminate distracting influences. It is important to exclude other stalls, the aisle, and brightly lit walls (see example images below). However, make sure that feeding and drinking areas are not excluded. In the following steps, you can easily adjust the field of view. It is recommended to perform the configuration on a computer or laptop:

Step 1:

Open the ACARiS app and select the camera you want to configure under “Cameras.”

Step 2:

Under the menu item “Change Field of View,” click on the image. If no image is visible yet, you will need to wait until the first image from your HORSE PROTECTOR has been transmitted.

Step 3a:

You can now adjust the field of view step by step for the top, bottom, left, and right.

To restrict the upper field of view, click on the desired area. A red line will be drawn to indicate the adjustment.

Step 3b:

Once you are satisfied with the position, click on “Apply.” If you want to correct the point, click on “Reset.” The hidden area will be displayed.

  • You now have the option to either adjust the upper field of view by clicking on the image again – followed by “Apply” – or, by clicking “Save Upper Edge,” you can confirm the adjustment and proceed to the next step.

Step 3c:

You can now sequentially select the lower, left, and then right fields of view in the same way as described earlier.

Step 4a:

Finally, you have the option to hide as many corners as needed by marking three points on the image. These points will then be connected and hidden. Use this feature to hide areas such as aisles, neighboring stalls, or bright spots on the walls.

  • To do this, click on three points on the image to select a triangle that should be hidden:

Step 4b:

After the third click, a red triangle will appear.

  • If you are satisfied with the selection, click on “Apply.” The red triangle will then turn black and be extended to the edge of the image.

Step 4c:

Draw as many triangles in the image as needed until all unwanted areas are hidden. As shown in this example, it is necessary to hide neighboring stalls.

Step 5:

Once you are done with the changes, click on “Close” to save the new field of view.

Step 6:

The final step is to restart your HORSE PROTECTOR unit. To do this, click on “Restart Unit” under “Camera Control.” Your HORSE PROTECTOR unit is now fully configured. Our artificial intelligence has already started learning about your horse.

Read more about this in the next slide.

Step 6: What's next?

In the next 3 to 6 weeks, HORSE PROTECTOR will study your horse’s behavior. The duration may vary from animal to animal. Once the learning phase is complete, you will receive a notification upon your next login. For more information about the features of the ACARiS – HORSE PROTECTOR app, please refer to the section with the same name in this manual.

05. Maintenance and upkeep

Ensure that the lens of the HORSE PROTECTOR and STABLE GUARD is always free of dust and dirt. The cleaner the lens, the better the images/videos and analysis results will be. It is also important to keep the IR light source clean to achieve optimal illumination.

HORSE PROTECTOR and the IR light source are electrical devices that must be kept away from water. Always make sure that no rain or other water comes into contact with the devices, cables, or power supply. Additionally, ensure that no dirt or dust accumulates on the devices. To ensure safe operation, the following must also be observed:

Ensure proper ventilation for the device, the IR light source, and the power supply. These are technical devices that generate heat. To prevent overheating, do not place the devices near heat sources, and avoid direct sunlight or strong artificial light. Make sure there is no open flame nearby and that no water can come into direct contact with the devices.

Furthermore, ensure that the devices, cables, and power supply do not overheat due to insulation or poor ventilation. Inadequate heat dissipation can cause damage to the devices. ACARiS is not liable for damages resulting from improper use of HORSE PROTECTOR, STABLE GUARD, or the associated IR light sources or power supply.

LED Status

The following table describes the different configurations of the red and green LED lights. This helps to determine whether HORSE PROTECTOR and STABLE GUARD are operating normally or if there is an error.

Red LED Green LED Meaning Action
Off Steady light Normal operation None
Steady light Off Offline No internet connection, either wait, or set a new WIFI key by restarting if the WIFI is unstable.
Steady light Irregular blinking Startup process Wait
Regular blinking (approximately 2-second intervals) Off Startphase complete WiFi QR code scanning possible
Off Off WiFi QR code successfully scanned. Restart will occur automatically within 5 seconds. This happens only immediately after a successful QR code scan. Otherwise, the device is offline. Wait until the restart is completed after the QR code scan or check the power supply.

This is how the Horse Protector works.

01. Download free App

Download the free app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and activate your HORSE PROTECTOR.

02. Mount Camera

Mount your HORSE PROTECTOR at the desired location and adjust it using the livestream so that the entire box is within the field of view.

03. Set up functions

Nutzen Sie nun die Vielzahl an Funktionen, die der HORSE PROTECTOR bietet. Gesundheits- und Sicherheitsüberwachung – alles auf einen Blick.

The all-in-one tool for protecting your horses

The best innovations are created together. That’s why, for over twenty years, we have been creating special places where people come together—and to which they love to return. As individual and versatile as the users themselves.

Kontaktieren Sie uns

Unsere Ansprechpartner stehen Ihnen jederzeit gerne zur Verfügung. Haben Sie Fragen oder benötigen Sie weitere Informationen? Zögern Sie nicht, uns zu kontaktieren. Wir freuen uns darauf, von Ihnen zu hören und Ihnen bei Ihren Anliegen zu helfen.

Dr. Arne Rasmus Dräger
CEO und Gründer von ACARiS

Häufig gestellte Fragen

What does the overview in the app provide?

The overview shows various information about your horse’s behavior, including movement, drinking, and standing. You can also check the status of the birth alert.

Why is the HORSE PROTECTOR important?

Horses are often left unattended, especially at night. During this time, critical events such as colic or births can occur. The HORSE PROTECTOR detects symptoms early and alerts horse owners, allowing them to respond quickly. This can significantly improve the survival chances and well-being of the horses.

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