• My source doesn’t appear in the Source list!
• • Check to make sure you’re on the same wireless network as your source. The iDevice’s current Wi-Fi network is shown at the top of the Source screen (on iOS 13 or higher, FieldMonitor needs Location permission to show the network name: in iOS/iPadOS Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > FieldMonitor, set it to “While Using the App”).
  • Make sure iOS/iPadOS Settings > Privacy & Security > Local Network > FieldMonitor is turned ON. If it is off, your source will not appear.
  • Make sure your source has its Wi-Fi remote control function turned on, and not its Wi-Fi image-transfer function.
  • Tap Refresh to rescan the network.
  • On iPhone or iPad with cellular, turn Airplane Mode on, then re-enable Wi-Fi and reconnect.
  • Try turning Wi-Fi off, then on again.
  • If your source restarts or its network has changed, FieldMonitor may get confused. Try tapping Refresh, force-quitting and restarting FieldMonitor, or turning Wi-Fi off and then on again.
  • Fujifilm cameras: if your camera last connected to a different app or a different iDevice, it won't appear in FieldMonitor until you press (OK)CHANGE on the WIRELESS COMMUNICATION screen. Whenever you switch apps or iDevices with a Fujifilm, you need to press (OK)CHANGE before the new app or iDevice will connect, tap Refresh in FieldMonitor, then press (OK)TRANSMIT to confirm the new connection. Fujifilm’s communications are fragile, and you may need to repeat these steps and/or restart the camera before you’ll be able to connect successfully.
    
    Fujifilm cameras can sometimes take several seconds to appear in the Source list, too.
  • Teradek: iOS 10 or later is required to monitor Teradeks. Only Teradek’s H.264 and HEVC Wi-Fi encoders can be used. FieldMonitor can’t decode uncompressed video from Bolt transmitters. If your Teradek has just been turned on or reconfigured, it may take a minute or more for it to fully start up and appear in the Source list.
  • If all else fails with a Teradek, try factory-resetting it.
  • If all else fails with a camera, try turning it off, removing and reapplying its power source, and restarting it.
• I can’t connect / no picture ever appears!
• • If you see “unable to connect” when using the QR Scanner, you may have a profile installed. Either switch to the camera’s network manually, or delete the profile and try again.
  • Tap < Source to return to the Source Screen, then tap the source again to reload the Monitor Screen.
  • Any camera: if the camera is in playback mode, switch it back to live mode.
  • Any camera: try restarting its Wi-Fi. If all else fails, power down the camera and remove its battery or disconnect its AC adapter. Then supply power, restart the camera, and try again.
  • Canon: if FieldMonitor says “camera refused connection”, the camera is expecting a different app or iDevice. Set up or register a new connection in the camera for FieldMonitor running on this iDevice.
  • Fujifilm: if the camera is expecting a different app or iDevice, it won't show up in FieldMonitor. Try pressing MENU / OK on the camera.
  • Panasonic GH6 (and possibly other Panasonics): if you see “GH6 refused connection”, turn the camera’s Wi-Fi off and on again. If you see a black screen on the camera, no picture on FieldMonitor, and FieldMonitor can’t control the camera, half-press the camera’s shutter release or press the camera’s Play button twice to recover (see GH6 Forced Reset for details).
  • Sony: cameras that use Creator’s App for remote control instead of Imaging Edge Mobile need to have Access Authentication turned off.
  • Teradek: Only Teradek H.264 and HEVC images can be displayed, and only Quickview, RTP/RTSP, Live:Air, Airmix, and TDS streams can be decoded. FieldMonitor can’t show uncompressed video from Bolt transmitters. HEVC decoding only works with RTP/RTSP streams. Quickview decoding only works with RTSP streams, not Airmix (when the option is available).
  • Teradek: some iPads won’t display or update Teradek pictures when FieldMonitor is in Slide Over or Split View modes. Try running FieldMonitor full-screen with no slide-over app on top.
  • Teradek: If UDP Multicast is turned on, turn on Quickview on the Teradek and turn on Quickview in the app, or the app will never connect.
  • Teradek: stream is password-protected. FieldMonitor can’t receive a password-protected stream. Either turn off authentication, set the password to “Admin”, or turn on Quickview on the Cube in the app.
  • Teradek TDS streams don’t play: make sure your Cube or Clip firmware is up to date (some older firmware versions no longer detect when updates are available; check the Teradek website directly). TDS streams are tricky; it sometimes takes many attempts before they’ll play, and sometimes you need to reboot the Teradek before it’ll connect. If you can use RTP/RTSP or Quickview, those tend to connect more reliably.
  • If all else fails with a Teradek, try factory-resetting it.
• There are no camera controls / controls are missing / controls don't work!
• • Make sure Camera Controls are turned on in the Settings menu.
  • If Camera Controls are set to be hidden on a screen tap, try tapping the screen to make them reappear.
  • If your camera is in full or intelligent AUTO mode, you won't be able to control exposure or white balance. Change the camera’s mode to P, A, S, or M instead.
  • Some Panasonics won’t show all their controls, and some controls won’t work, if Wi-Fi is turned on while the camera is connected to an HDMI monitor. Connect to Wi-Fi first, then plug in your HDMI monitor.
  • If you are connected to a Sony using PC Remote mode, and Still Img. Save Dest. is set to PC Only, you won’t see a PHOTO button in FieldMonitor and won’t be able to take pictures.
  • Using a Sony with FieldMonitor version 4.4 or earlier? Please update FieldMonitor to the latest version.
  • If you are connected to a Teradek source, there aren't any camera controls.
• Sonys only let me adjust exposure compensation!
• • Smart Remote Sonys ship with a very limited "Smart Remote Embedded" remote control capability. You'll need to install the “Smart Remote Control” app on the camera from the PlayMemories store before you get access to all the controls you're expecting.
  • Movie mode defaults to P (programmed exposure) mode. You can change it to another exposure mode that offers more controls:
    
    Smart Remote Sonys: when you set the mode dial to Movie, wait a few seconds. The "Movie mode" screen appears on the camera. Press •OK, not the shutter button. You’ll get a screen where you can choose the exposure mode.
    
    When you’re already in Movie Mode, press MENU, go to page 5, press Movie, and choose the exposure mode you want.
    
    Other Sonys: Press Fn, select Exposure Mode, and choose the exposure mode you want.
  • If you are connected to a Sony using PC Remote mode, and Still Img. Save Dest. is set to PC Only, you won’t see a PHOTO button in FieldMonitor and won’t be able to take pictures.
• AF button doesn't work (Sony cameras): With Sonys, the AF button is really a “half-press shutter” button as there isn't a direct “autofocus” command. This has two side effects:
• • FieldMonitor may show an AF button when in MF mode because some Sonys don't report when they're in MF mode. Make sure the camera is not in MF mode if you want to use the AF button. If you tap AF in MF mode, other controls may be disabled until you tap AF again.
  • Make sure the camera’s AF w/ shutter setting is On. If AF w/ shutter is off, the lens will not focus when AF is tapped (and on some cameras, other controls may be disabled until you tap AF again). Only manual focus will be possible.
• Sony Face Detection AF doesn’t work: many Ctrl w/ Smartphone Sonys cannot perform Face Detection when high frame rates are used, or in 4K mode when:
• • “Ctrl w/ Smartphone” is On,
  • proxy recording is enabled, and/or
  • when HDMI is connected.
• Picture is frozen:
• • Wi-Fi connection to the source is lost or weak. Go back to the Source screen and re-select your source to restart the video.
  • If the screen says “camera in play mode”, switch the camera back to live mode.
  • Teradek: You’ll see “Paused” or “Reconnect to source” if you slide Control Center or Notification Center over the app, or use Slide Over or Split Screen on iPad, or turn your iDevice off and on again while FieldMonitor is running. The feed will restart automatically if it can. If it doesn’t restart, return to the Source screen and start the Teradek monitor again.
• Picture freezes every few seconds: radio interference can cause periodic freezing of the video stream. Some Sony cameras freeze every few seconds if your iDevice's Bluetooth radio is enabled.
• • Turn your iDevice’s Airplane Mode on, then turn Wi-Fi on. This disables both Bluetooth and cellular radios, and is recommended at all times for best performance.
  • Troubleshoot other Wi-Fi issues.
    
• Picture updates slowly, or the image is delayed by more than a fraction of a second: Try reconnecting to the source; exiting and re-opening the app; restarting your source; moving your iDevice closer to the source; reconfiguring the Wi-Fi network to minimize congestion (try switching between 2.4 and 5 GHz bands; however most cameras and iPhone 4S can’t use 5GHz Wi-Fi) or to increase range (usually better with 2.4 GHz channels). On older, slower iDevices, try selecting a lower Scope Refresh Rate or turn ’scopes OFF, to free up more time for image decoding and display.
• • If you're using a Panasonic or Sony camera, try turning Max Resolution off. Higher resolution streams have more latency and lower frame rates.
  • Sony Wi-Fi normally updates slowly for the first few seconds while the camera transmits initial status information. Once that transmission is completed, the update rate improves.
  • Teradek feeds: if Convert Images to RGB is on, turn it off, especially on iDevices using A8 or older CPUs. Try reducing the Teradek’s video resolution or increasing its bit rate. Use RTP/RTSP or Quickview streams instead of TDS, Live:Air, or Airmix feeds.
  • Troubleshoot other Wi-Fi issues.
• ’Scopes update slowly: Try selecting a higher Refresh Rate (but note that faster refreshing uses more power and may cause the picture to break up or displayed frame rate to suffer, depending on your iDevice).
• Picture quality is poor (pixellated, torn, blocky, intermittent freezes, etc.): Poor signal quality, overloaded Wi-Fi network, distance between source and receiver too great, and/or overworked iDevice.
• • FieldMonitor’s Wi-Fi connection has to compete with any other Wi-Fi signals in the area. Try these Wi-Fi troubleshooting tips.
  • Older, slower iDevices may not be able to handle a high workload: when the ’scopes take too much time, picture quality suffers and image decoding can fail or fall behind realtime updates. Use Quickview or RTP/RTSP streaming and turn off Convert Images to RGB (for Teradeks) or turn off Max Resolution (for cameras); set Refresh Rate to its minimum value (about 2 fps); and show only a single ’scope, or none, instead of all three. If you’re then able to receive a clean picture, try gradually increasing Refresh Rate. With Quickview ON and Convert Images to RGB OFF (Teradeks) or Max Resolution OFF (cameras), a slow refresh rate, and a single ’scope or none at all, FieldMonitor can be used successfully on an iPod touch 5G, iPhone 4S, or iPad 3. Newer, more powerful iDevices will work better, show more ’scopes without problems, and update their displays faster.
• There's no false-color settings button : You need an iDevice with an A7 or later processor to show false color: iPhone 5S or later, iPod touch 6G or later, iPad Air or later, iPad mini 2 or later, or iPad Pro. False color can’t be used on an M1 Mac. When false color isn’t available, consider using a false-color LUT instead.
• Picture levels and ’scopes change when I start recording: If you're monitoring a Panasonic Wi-Fi camera, make sure the Level settings match those on the camera. (If the camera’s setup is such that exposure changes when the camera goes into record mode, levels and ’scopes will change, of course!)
  
  If you're looking at a Teradek feed from a hybrid camera (one that shoots both stills and video), level changes reflect what the camera is actually putting out over HDMI or SDI. Often the signal is full-range (0–255 in 8-bit terms, or -7% to 109% on the WFM) when in standby, and legal (16–235, or 0% to 100%) or extended (16–255, 0% to 109%) while recording. Check your camera’s operating instructions for more details.
• There are no Level, LUT, or Focus Assist controls: These controls do not appear for Teradek sources unless Convert Images to RGB is ON.
• Picture levels and ’scopes don’t change when I change my camera’s exposure settings: your camera needs to be set to show the effect of exposure controls on the preview image. For most cameras the setting is found here:
• • Canons: MENU > camera menu > Expo. simulation > Enable
  • Fujifilms: MENU > Set-up (wrench) > Screen Setting (or Screen Set-Up) > Preview Exp. in Manual Mode > On (or Preview Exp./WB)
  • Panasonics: MENU > Custom (wrench + C) > Monitor / Display (if available, e.g., on GH5) > Constant Preview > ON
  • Sonys: Look for “Live View Display Set.”, “Live View Display Setting Effect”, or a similar option in the camera‘s menu, and turn it ON. This option may only appear when the camera is in photo mode, not video mode.
• There’s no audio! Camera sources don't transmit audio. Teradek sources send audio: make sure the Teradek is set to transmit audio, that it is receiving an audio signal, that your iDevice isn't muted, and that your iDevice’s volume isn't all the way down.
• Camera’s EVF and LCD go dark when Wi-Fi is used!
• • Many cameras turn off the EVF and LCD when HDMI or A/V Out is connected and active. Disconnect external monitors, or monitor using the attached device.
  • Fujifilm cameras turn off the EVF and LCD and ignore on-camera controls other than Power Zoom when Wi-Fi remote control is used; you must monitor and control the camera entirely with the app, whether it’s FieldMonitor, Fujifilm Camera Remote, or anything else.
  • GH4: The DMW-YAGH Interface Unit acts as a connected HDMI device and turns off the EVF / LCD when Wi-Fi is used. Remove the DMW-YAGH Unit, or monitor using its SDI output instead.
  • Some Panasonics: Wi-Fi is set to “Smartphone priority”. Go into the camera’s menus: Settings > Wi-Fi > Wi-Fi Setup > Priority of Recording Device, and select “Camera” if you want the camera‘s EVF/LCD and controls to stay active (not all Panasonics have this setting).
  • Some Panasonics blank the display after 30 seconds of recording. Connecting an HDMI monitor or a dummy plug prevents this on an S1H; it may work on other Panasonics, too.
    
• I can’t use Panasonic Wi-Fi with 10-bit recording or output! The GH4 does not allow 10-bit output and Wi-Fi connection at the same time (the GH5 does allow 10-bit recording or output with Wi-Fi running). Other cameras may differ. If 10-bit is disabled in the camera’s menus when Wi-Fi is on (or vice versa), then it can't be done. Sorry!
• I see “camera busy”, “live view timeout”, or “network timeout” messages: 
• • “camera busy” means the camera is being operated directly, or a menu is open. Make sure the camera is in normal operating mode (try half-pressing the shutter release).
  • Panasonics can get stuck in “camera busy” mode with image magnification turned on when an electronically-coupled lens’s focus ring is turned in manual focus mode. The only way to free up the camera is to press a button on the camera itself.
    
    To prevent this, turn Panasonic Image Mag off in FieldMonitor, and  set the camera’s MF Assist to "off" or "AF Mode" only, so that it is not triggered by turning the focus ring.
  • “live view timeout” and “network timeout” messages appear when communications fail or are delayed more than a second due to low signal strength, network congestion, or interference — or the camera or Teradek gets turned off. These are warnings that the picture isn't up-to-date, or that controls may not work. Often the timeout clears up by itself; other times you may need to switch Wi-Fi networks, move away from microwave ovens and cordless phones, or make sure other network users aren't hogging bandwidth. Try returning to the Source Source screen and tapping Refresh to reconnect to the camera; network timeouts can get the camera out of sync with FieldMonitor, and reconnecting often restores sync.
    
    Generally speaking, two cameras can be actively transmitting 640x360 streams on the same Wi-Fi network at the same time, but three will cause timeouts to occur on some or all of the streams.
• I see “focusing...” for four seconds whenever I tap PHOTO or AF: If you are using a Sony* camera (a camera with * after its name), that camera has “AF w/ Shutter” turned OFF, and FieldMonitor’s “Sony* AF w/ Shutter” is turned ON. The camera doesn’t tell FieldMonitor that it won’t focus, so FieldMonitor tries for four seconds and then gives up. And yes, that setting affects both the PHOTO and AF buttons.
• • Turn the camera’s “AF w/ Shutter” ON, and use FieldMonitor’s “Sony* AF w/ Shutter” setting to control how the camera works.
• Fujifilm issues: Fujifilm cameras have very limited functionality when using Wi-Fi remote control:
• • Only X-T3 and X-T100 cameras are supported.
  • The camera itself “goes dead”: the EVF and LCD shut off, and no on-camera controls can be used, except for power zoom.
  • Video recording is limited to 1080p, 29.97 fps (X-T3) or 720p, 24 fps (X-T100). High Speed recording can’t be used. Even if you set High Speed on, or choose a different format in the menus, the camera ignores those settings in remote mode.
  • X-T100 is always in full auto-exposure mode when recording video.
    
  • HDMI cannot be used at the same time as Wi-Fi remote control, so you can’t record externally when using remote control.
  • Camera doesn't appear in Source list: if your camera last connected to a different app or a different iDevice, it won't appear in FieldMonitor until you press (OK)CHANGE on the WIRELESS COMMUNICATION screen, and then tap Refresh. Whenever you switch apps or iDevices with a Fujifilm, you need to press (OK)CHANGE before the camera will connect with the new app or iDevice, then press (OK)TRANSMIT when the camera asks for confirmation of the new connection.
  • Focus-by-wire lenses, including most XF and XC lenses, can’t be focused manually when the camera is in remote mode. Leave the camera in AF mode, or use mechanical-focus lenses like MKX zooms for manual focus work.
  • Breaking the Wi-Fi connection (force-quitting the app, turning off the iDevice, or letting iOS terminate FieldMonitor in the background) turns off the camera.
  • Focus areas can’t be set in video mode. Face- and eye-detection AF do not work.
  • The exposure compensation rocker may appear blank in some conditions on Fujifilm cameras, and may or may not function depending on other settings. For example, using non-electronic lenses on an X-T3 in video shutter-priority video mode, it will work when auto ISO is selected, but not with fixed ISO settings.
  • If the camera is set to manual focus mode, it doesn't tell FieldMonitor what its photo aspect ratio is. You can set it manually in Settings > Fujifilm Display Defaults. Tip: if you’re using a mechanical-focus manual lens, like an MKX zoom, a Micro Prime, or a manual lens with a mount adapter, leave the camera in AF mode. You’ll see a useless focus area box onscreen in photo mode, but FieldMonitor automatically detects the photo aspect ratio.
  • Tip: use Fujifilms under Wi-Fi remote control for taking still photos, and for setting up a video shoot — but not for shooting video. Fujifilms are too limited when in remote mode — one format only, no focus control, no direct camera control, no HDMI output — to be usable in most video shooting situations. Instead, operate the camera directly, without using Wi-Fi.
• Something else is wrong / broken / puzzling! Contact me so I can fix the problem and/or answer your questions! (If your email isn’t answered within a day or two, it may have fallen into a spam-trap; please try again a day or two later.)

Need more help?

• Controls shows you FieldMonitor's buttons, gestures, and settings, and explains how they work.
• How To... describes how to use FieldMonitor and shows some examples.
• FAQ lists some frequently asked questions and their answers.
• About has details on how FieldMonitor works and what its limitations are, and lists the open-source libraries used and where to find them.

If none of these solve your problem, please contact me!

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© 2024 Adam J. Wilt.  Last updated 2025-01-16