Trail Cam Thread

[Hirschkopf]

This is only my 2nd year dealing with game cameras. I opted for Reconyx due to them being largely made in the USA. Each takes 12 AA batteries and Reconxy highly recommends either Energizer Ultimate Lithium or a particular rechargeable battery. Based on my experience with the first camera, the Ultimate Lithium batteries might last 6 months. I recently bought an 18-pack from Sam's for roughly $2 per battery. So, I theoretically might be able to get by with $48 per year/camera.

But, I live 1050ish miles away in the Phoenix area. Therefore, I opted for external solar with Ultimate Lithium batteries installed as backups. The external power will not charge them or any other type of battery. For the last year, the Reconyx solar panels have kept a lead-acid battery (part of the big-azz panel sitting on a T-post) charged to 99%.

As I develop more faith in my setups, I may pull the batteries and stuff that compartment with a big desiccant package to ward off moisture from the bottom land I'm on. I'll take my tester and either leave the backup batteries installed, or swap for new and run them down on things less critical.

In November, I'm going to 3 cameras, from 1, with external solar and lithium backups. I already bought everything. If the Herd360 panels RM is trying work well for him, I'll eventually switch to those vs ocassionally having to replace a lead-acid battery.

 

[tynyphil]

This year I bought my first 2 cell cameras. Tactacam. I purchased the rechargeable lithium battery pack for them. This has worked well with a full charge lasting 3-4 months.

 

[dennishoddy]

Why yes, bear sausage does sound good View attachment 411141

Remember me telling you that feeder needs to be tall and anchored so pigs can't tip it over, and now a bear? Great pics on your buck and that bear!

 

[dennishoddy]

You should put in for the Oklahoma draw hunt

I have more points than anybody in the state, and still can't draw, but you knew that.

 

[dennishoddy]

This year I bought my first 2 cell cameras. Tactacam. I purchased the rechargeable lithium battery pack for them. This has worked well with a full charge lasting 3-4 months.

My tacticams with the tacticam solar panels have been running for over a year now without any battery replacement. The cams have battery packs, and the solar panels have built in batteries. As long as they get enough sun, they show a 100% charge.

 

[hunter966]

We’re running panels on two of the four tactacams. I estimate that I’ll save at least a few hundred in batteries and fuel. The plan is to have them all on panels by next year

What solar panels are you using? Reason I ask is, I bought my 1st Tacticam and the panel system I’ve been using, the plug in on it fit my my other cameras but not the Tacticam.

Does the Tacticam have proprietary plug ins/receptacles?

 

[Toothpick]

My tacticams with the tacticam solar panels have been running for over a year now without any battery replacement. The cams have battery packs, and the solar panels have built in batteries. As long as they get enough sun, they show a 100% charge.

Dennis, I assume that you purchased the tactacam rechargeable battery packs. I have been debating whether to buy them or some rechargeable AA’s. Sounds like the solar panel should be all I need and batteries in the Tactacam are just for “backup”?

 

[BobbyV]

What solar panels are you using? Reason I ask is, I bought my 1st Tacticam and the panel system I’ve been using, the plug in on it fit my my other cameras but not the Tacticam.

Does the Tacticam have proprietary plug ins/receptacles?

Yes they do. You'll need to get something like this . . .

https://www.cabelas.com/shop/en/tactacam-external-solar-panel

 

[BobbyV]

 

[dlbleak]

What solar panels are you using? Reason I ask is, I bought my 1st Tacticam and the panel system I’ve been using, the plug in on it fit my my other cameras but not the Tacticam.

Does the Tacticam have proprietary plug ins/receptacles?

We’re using the factory panels. My son said some guys are using the HME panels from tractor supply. They are half the price so I may give it a try.