Software and Documentation

Software Update – new version 2.1.1 (11/09/2025)

Important notes:

If ARNI is updated from 2.0.9 to 2.1.1, the update overwrites the LEPMON code and the GPS coordinates. Please note down the coordinates before the update and re-enter them in the menu after the update. When updating from 2.0.10 or newer to 2.1.1, this information is retained, but should still be checked.

Users whose district code contains an umlaut (Ä, Ö, Ü) and is three characters long should update from 2.1.0 to 2.1.1.
ARNIs with older software versions can be updated directly to 2.1.1.

What’s new

  • Fixes an issue where ARNI does not correctly read the district code when it consists of 3 letters and one of these letters is an umlaut (Ä, Ö, or Ü)
  • Replaces the term “Trap” in the CSV file, the log file, and other parts of the interface

Hardware Update

ARNI can be retrofitted with a modified USB cable to switch the camera on and off and thus save power. We will inform users about the replacement. All ARNIs delivered from September 2025 onward already have this cable installed.

Please note: The manual for the ARNI hadware upgrade is currently available in german only. Please refer to the german version of this page to access the documents

Software Update

Operating Manual

The operating manual for the third generation of ARNI includes step-by-step instructions on safety notes, camera setup, and operation with the latest software. In case of errors, it provides first aid on site. We recommend downloading the manual and carrying it with you during ARNI field maintenance, for example on your smartphone.

ARNI can be operated with PV modules. For this purpose, we provide charge controllers from Victron Energy. A detailed manual is available on the product website. For maintenance, the load output should be set to 24H. During normal operation, L (“Dusk2Dawn”) is sufficient to save power.

Please note: The manual for ARNI is currently available in german only. Please refer to the german version of this page to access the documents

Archive

Instructions for earlier firmware versions of ARNI

for earlier versions of the firmware, pleaser refer to the german version of this archive.

Firmware Release History

ARNI Generation 3 (black model)

Version 2.1.0 (05.09.2025)

Important note

When ARNI is updated from 2.0.9 to 2.1.0, it overwrites the LEPMON code and GPS coordinates. Please note the coordinates before the update and re-enter them in the menu after the update. When updating from 2.0.10 to 2.1.0, this information is retained but should be checked.

New features

  • “City” renamed to “District”
  • Districts/their vehicle registration codes added according to the ADAC reference list
  • Sunrise and sunset are calculated for the local time zone
  • The ARNI’s windshield heater can be activated via the input menu if required
  • ARNI learns to save power: The camera can be switched on and off via a separate USB Y-cable
  • Power supply type specified in the CSV table head
  • Illumination LED set to high during image capture to prevent flickering
  • Compatibility with first-generation ARNI

Version 2.0.10 (07.23.2025)

Important note

When updating from 2.0.9 to 2.0.10, the Lepmon code data (abbreviation for state and district code) and GPS coordinates will be overwritten. Please note the coordinates before updating and re-enter them in the menu after updating. (This step will not be necessary for future updates).
If the update is interrupted, i.e. ARNI does not restart automatically, please switch it off and switch it back on again after one minute. If “Version 2.0.10” is displayed in the start menu, the update has been successful. If 2.0.9 is displayed or ARNI no longer starts, please contact Dennis Böttger.

New features

  • A software error has been fixed that caused ARNI to restart before nightfall, creating two folders per night.
  • ARNI writes only one file per folder containing all checksums.
  • The images are saved as JPGs.
  • Sunrise and sunset times are calculated more accurately.
  • The Lepmon code can now be re-entered in the menu each time the GPS coordinates change. The hidden menu for this has been removed.
  • The power supply must be specified in the menu.
  • A bug has been fixed that caused the location selection to abort if Enter was pressed too early.
  • The USB stick can be irrevocably deleted on ARNI. This will permanently delete all folders, images, and files from previous recording runs that are still stored on the USB stick. Please do not delete the stick if the Lepmon code has been changed beforehand (i.e., the coding of the state and district).
  • After future updates (when updating from version 2.0.10 or higher), the coordinates and Lepmon code (abbreviation for federal state and district) do not need to be re-entered.
  • ARNI displays error 3 at startup if there is an error with the USB stick and allows it to be reinserted without forcing a restart.
  • District codes GAP, R, and MR have been added.

All generations of ARNI are compatible with LepmonOS 2.1.1 and can be updated by the user. From March 2026, we will be supplying ARNI with the latest version of the software and hardware retrofit. If you encounter any problems during operation, please contact us.