Home/Guide/Flash software

Guide · Camera software

Flash the Modernhunter
software.

The manufacturer calls this widely used 4G model the 4.0CG – it is sold under many brand names. Here you will learn how to safely check whether you have the right 4.0CG in front of you (two antennas, without “Pro”), and how to flash our firmware. This immediately preconfigures the camera for the Modernhunter SIM card – with no tedious typing on the display.

Reading timeapprox. 6 min

DifficultyMedium

Only for4.0CG without “Pro”

As ofJuly 2026

What this is about

The 4.0CG – many names.

The Chinese manufacturer calls this 4G model the 4.0CG. It is especially widespread and is sold under a wide range of brand names – the hardware, menu and firmware are identical; only the label on the housing is different.

For the 4.0CG, Modernhunter offers its own firmware. It already contains all the required access data – the APN, the APN username and password, and our SMTP server. Instead of laboriously typing all of that in via the buttons and the small display, the camera is preconfigured for the Modernhunter SIM card as soon as the firmware is flashed. All you add afterwards is your personal receiving address.

For the 4.0CG model only (without “Pro”)

This firmware is intended exclusively for the 4.0CG without the “Pro” marking and may only be flashed onto this model. On any other model – in particular the Pro version – the camera can be permanently damaged. Before flashing, therefore always make sure you have the right 4.0CG in front of you (see Part 1). Flashing is done at your own risk.

The manufacturer makes several models that look almost identical on the outside. Whether your camera is suitable does not depend on the brand name – you can recognize the right 4.0CG by two simple features.

Identify it on the housing

Two antennas, no “Pro”.

The most reliable check – no menu needed.

The camera must have two antennas.
Open up the camera and look at the area to the right of the display.
If nothing is printed there, it is the right camera – the firmware is allowed.
If it says “Pro”, it is the Pro version – the firmware must not be flashed.

Additional · optional

Read the firmware version.

For the exact version or to coordinate with us.

Set the camera to SETUP and open the menu.
In the camera menu, open the “About” page.
On the About page, press and hold the right button (arrow pointing right; “right button” in the original) for 10 seconds.
The camera then displays the exact firmware version – make a note of it so you can coordinate with us.

Not sure whether it is the right 4.0CG?

Send us a photo of the opened camera (the area to the right of the display) or the firmware version – we will confirm whether the firmware is suitable. If you are unsure, do not flash it: on another model it can damage the camera.

Preparation

What you need.

Before you flash the software, get everything ready and ensure a reliable power supply.

Requirements

a trail camera of the 4.0CG model (verified in Part 1)
the Modernhunter firmware (download below: SPHOST.BRN + SPHOST.CFG)
an SD card and a card reader
a power adapter or fully charged batteries
an active Modernhunter SIM card
a Modernhunter account

For the 4.0CG model only (without “Pro”)

Download · FirmwareModernhunter firmware · 4.0CG

ZIP · contains SPHOST.BRN + SPHOST.CFG

→ Download

Secure the power supply

Never flash the software with a low battery, and do not switch the camera off while it is running. If the power supply fails during the update, the camera can be permanently damaged. Use a power adapter or fully charged batteries (100%).

SD card & camera menu

Update via SD card.

You will find the program and files in the download above.

Format the SD card on your computer so that no old files interfere with the update.
Copy the two files SPHOST.BRN and SPHOST.CFG from the download into the root directory of the SD card – not into a subfolder. Do not change the file names.
Both files into the root directory – do not change the names
Ensure a reliable power supply: connect a power adapter or insert batteries at a full charge (100%).
Insert the SD card into the camera and set the switch to SETUP.
In the menu, select Other → FW Update → Software and confirm with OK.
Other → FW Update → Software → OK
Wait about 1–2 minutes – the camera shows “Please wait” and updates by itself. No further action is needed.
Wait 1–2 minutes – do not switch off
When it is finished, the camera automatically returns to the home screen. The software is now flashed and preconfigured for the Modernhunter SIM.
Back on the home screen – done

Camera won’t start or forgotten the password?

If the camera no longer starts or you have forgotten the password: put the files onto the SD card as described above, press and hold the UP button and set the switch to SETUP. The update then starts automatically – keep the button held down until it is finished.

Modernhunter account

Store the address.

This address is unique to each camera.

Add a new camera in the Modernhunter app or the portal.
Note down or copy the individual email address that is generated – it is the recipient of your captures.
In the camera menu, enter this address under Send To → Email and save it.
All other values (APN, SMTP) are already correctly stored by the software – there is nothing else you need to enter.

Reference

The stored SIM values.

The software applies these values automatically. If, in exceptional cases, they have to be checked or entered by hand, the following data applies:

Setting	Value
APN	`mhsim`
User	leave empty
Password (APN)	leave empty
Sender	`hunter@mh-cam.de`
Account	`hunter@mh-cam.de`
Password	`hunter`
SMTP server	`mx0.mh-cam.de`
SMTP port	`25` (without SSL)
Recipient email	generated in Modernhunter when adding the camera

Only to the Modernhunter server

The Modernhunter SIM card sends exclusively to the Modernhunter server. As the recipient, therefore always enter the address generated in Modernhunter – not a private or external address.

Detailed setup without the software: Set up a camera without SIM lock using the Modernhunter SIM.

After the setup

Test once – then it runs.

With this short procedure you make sure that your captures arrive reliably in your Modernhunter account.

If nothing arrives – check

Is the Modernhunter SIM inserted correctly and are the antennas fitted?
Was exactly the address generated in Modernhunter entered under Send To → Email?
Does the camera offer SMTP or FTP at all? Without that, it is not suitable.
Is the APN mhsim stored (user and password empty)?
Does the camera have sufficient mobile reception at its location?

Switch the camera to operating mode and trigger a test capture.
Wait a moment until the camera has transferred the image.
Check in your Modernhunter account whether the capture has arrived.
If nothing arrives, work through the checklist – especially the exact spelling of the recipient address.

Done

Flashed – ready to go.

Your 4.0CG now runs on the Modernhunter firmware and is preconfigured for the Modernhunter SIM card. From now on, it automatically sends its captures to your Modernhunter account – together with those of your other cameras, in a single system regardless of manufacturer. And should you want to use the camera with a different SIM later on: the APN can be overwritten at any time – the 4.0CG stays SIM-lock-free.

Flash the Modernhuntersoftware.

The 4.0CG – many names.

Two antennas, no “Pro”.

Read the firmware version.

What you need.

Update via SD card.

Store the address.

The stored SIM values.

Test once – then it runs.

Flashed – ready to go.

Flash the Modernhunter
software.