ive had some whiteout issues with my 3.1 around the same times. The direction does make a difference but north does help. This is the direction i have my three 3.1 cams set and will with this new one. I just purchaced some fiber optic cable off of ebay and have a pretty good idea on how to catch some more light. I will be documenting along the way so i can pass the trick on if it works. it looks like it will be a pretty cheap fix....if it works that is.