Trail Cam Solar Panel DIY
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 23 ก.ค. 2024
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DIY trail camera solar panel! In this video I will show you how to hook up a solar panel to a trail camera for extended battery life or maintenance free operation. I will discuss two different options for utilizing solar with game cameras. First, I will show you how to safely connect a 12 volt solar panel directly to your trail camera so that it runs on solar during the day and switches to internal batteries at night (doubling or tripling your battery life). I know that the Strikeforce line of Browning trail cameras will automatically switch but I can't speak for all 12volt cameras in the market.
Second, I will show you how to connect a game camera solar panel to a 12volt external battery pack to maintain a full charge of your extended battery setup for your game camera.
For my trail camera solar panels I use either a 1.5 watt or 2 watt solar panel found online or at major retail stores. They range in price from $12-$25 for this size solar panel.
When hooking up your solar panel to your game camera remember to test the voltage first using a voltage tester before plugging it into your trail camera. It is normal for the inline voltage regulator to range from 12-13.5 volts (this is normal operating range for 12volt cameras).
Thanks for watching!
Contact me:
HHSteve@protonmail.com
Nice video! I love DIY money saving tips. At first I was confused by you jacking 12V into a camera that holds SIX 1.5 V AA batteries (9 V). But I see that these Browning Strike Force Game cams have a 12V external power port. The camera must have an internal voltage regulator built in. Nice!
I have the BTC-5PXD and the BTC-5HDP cams. I'm going to convert a couple over to 12V external . Great cameras so far. I really like the very small size of these cams. Thanks!
Bud you have some of the best vids thanks again for sharing
I appreciate that!
Another awesome video it looks like you like running trail cameras as much as I do thanks for the tips
swamp squirrel you are welcome brother! Thanks for watching! Keep in touch.
Very nice presentation. I watched intently because I have done something similar, even using the plastic ammo box. However, I used an inexpensive 12V solar controller which takes care of regulating the voltage to the camera and stops charging the battery when it is full. I had to use 10watt solar panels because of the loss in the controller and, for 6V cameras, adding a 12V to 6V converter. However, the panel, even the larger capacity, costs the same or less than the ones you use. Got them on Amazon. I also used those red/black quick connect wires. I made camera mounts out of PVC pipes, easily adjustable to aim easily. Bottom line: It is GREAT just leaving those regular or cellular cameras out there indefinitely working on their own. No more buying loads of AA batteries.
Thanks Travis...great info! I hear ya...I hate buying batteries all the time and a little solar panel can extend battery life for months. I went through the same dilemma with the solar controllers and found comments about the draw taking away from the solar charge so I don't use them on my cameras or feeders. I always love pulling up to these solar cameras and seeing the battery life barely changed over months of time! Happy hunting and hope you get a big one!
Very true, dont expect long battery life when charging it at 19 v. Please use a solar charge controller. I have use the solar panel/charge controler/recargable battery/step dow converter combo with great sucess.
Thanks! Great video and tips! Got some regulators on order. My feeder and cams are all 6v so i think i may try running everything off one battery and having solar charge the single 6v battery with the 12v solar charger. I only get a fraction of an amp from the solar panel in full sun at like 18v. Don't think that's enough current to damage anything. Still don't want the excessive volts hitting the cams though.
Just make sure you install those 6v regulators before your cameras. You may want to go 6v solar panel because 18v is a lot for a 6 volt battery. You can surely try it just need thise regs to protect. Good luck and hope you find success!
Interesting video! Thank you for sharing.
Super neat idea, I really like your stuff and looking to do something similar because I have two leases I help manage that are both an hour away. I do have a suggestion regarding the electronics. I have a EE background and design a lot of power-related circuits. The 7812 is a linear device. Be careful driving that off of a panel pulling 19 volts in full sun like that (and wrapped in tape). The larger the voltage difference, the more heat it's going to generate when the charge demand is high (which would typically be right after sunrise). You're not going to cause a fire or anything but it will really shorten the life of it running it that hard and that tape will fail when the adhesive gets warm. The good thing about this is that running the regulator guarantees that you're not going to back feed out of the battery during a lull on the panel. Consider adding a switching regulator instead of the 7812. Murata makes them (among others) . They're a little more, like 5 bucks instead of a dollar, but they're more efficient so you're not turning the excess into heat, and you're getting much more charge from the panel. That's about as good as you're gonna do without going crazy with a charge controller.
Awesome advice! Thank you! I am by no means an EE so I appreciate the suggestions! I’ll have to look up the regs you are recommending. Thanks for commenting.
@@TheHandyHunter You're very welcome. The ones I like for 12 volt start with OKI-78SR-12 in the model number. OKI-78SR-12/1.0-W36-C is the exact model I favor because the orientation and pinout mimics a 7812 exactly.
👍great idea. Going to try it for myself.
Hi Nicholas, glad you like it. This setup will really extend your battery life. Let us know if we can help. Good luck!
Man, I'm happy this video is around. I have the same camera and batteries are starting to get expensive. Then again it takes over 2000 photos a day.
Tristriam Bane Wow, that's a lot of pictures! Are you going with just the solar panel or the panel plus the 12 volt battery pack? Thanks for your comments!
We have had a lot of deer this year due to adding in a small food plot.
I'm going to add in the 12 volt battery pack. I've been replacing batteries often enough for the young deer to stay in the plot with me.
Tristriam Bane Sounds like you are doing something right! Good luck and thanks for stopping by.
Great ideas! thanks!
You are welcome!
Hey man just wanted to say ur channel is going to blow up I swear!! You are such a great entertainer 👍🏼I just watched all your videos. P.S 37th subscriber
Wow, thanks for the kinds words and I'm so glad you find it entertaining! We just decided to film our fun one day and weren't really sure if others would watch it...LOL. Thanks for your comment!
GREAT video. Thanks.
You are welcome!
Can you recommend the proper solar panel, 18 v battery or batteries (12+6) and voltage regulator for an 18 volts trailcam?
I've struggled with finding relatively reliable, affordable trail camera systems that don't require that I replace the batteries every month in the cold Wisconsin weather. I will be giving this a shot, but until I can afford new cameras. I'm going to try to rig this to my current cheap cameras. THANKS! :)
I run Brownings and they have great battery life but I still run extended battery setups on all either by solar or battery box. Either way will give you months of power without worry. Good luck and let me know if need help.
Hey, I have a couple solar panel set ups with my cameras. However, I still have one problem. In Saskatchewan when it gets to around -20 degrees Celsius or colder the cameras simply don’t work regardless of what batteries are used. I was wondering if you could come up with a way, coupled with the solar power and batteries, to keep them from freezing up? They just need to be kept above that 20 below mark. I have some cameras that have room inside the casing to put something and others where there is no room. I realize it takes lots of power to create heat but just thought I’d ask.
Thank you for taking the time and trouble to make this video. You have me started on a new project. I do have a question. Do I need to install a diode in the power line (white wire) from the solar panel going to the battery? If so does the band on the diode face the battery or the panel?
Don’t need a diode because the solar panel has one already. If you ever have to install a diode just remember that the ring always points downstream of the flow of power. Hope that helps!
thank you this is great!
You are welcome! Glad you found it helpful and thanks for watching!
Thanks very helpful
Great! Good luck!
good job!
Thank you so much! Appreciate you watching!
Thanks for the excellent videos. Perhaps a silly question: what do you use to crimp the wires onto the leads of the voltage regulator? I tried soldering unsuccessfully. Thanks if you can help!
I was wondering the same thing
@@marshallmclain2430 I use the smal red butt end connectors and crimp one end onto the wire and insert the appropriate pin out of the regulator in the other end. You will need to trip the plastic insulation on the connector back flush with its metL insert for it to fit snug against the regultor body.
I have several of these cameras. What is the little top on this one made of, I'm guessing it's a rain shield. That's a great idea.tks
Andrew Greene Hi Andrew, it's a simple 1 quart plastic paint measuring cup that you can get at Home Depot (in the paint dept). I simply cut them in half to make two lids. Makes a great sunshield for glare and produces better pics in the rain. Cameras aren't cheap so it's nice to protect them over the years! Hope that helps...thanks for checking in!
Why do you need internal batteries if the 12v external battery should operate the battery during the night? Thanks, love all of your videos.
Some cams won’t run without internal batteries even if external power is plugged in. Most people still run internal batteries so as to not lose their timestamp data if you have to unplug the camera from external power. Best to run lithium batteries internally so they don’t corrode over time. Hope that helps!
Great Videos!! I Have A Campark T45, It Has A 6V External Plug. I Contacted Campark And They Advised To Buy Solar Panel in DC 6V 1.5A With Plug Size 3.5*1.3mm To Power For The Trail Camera. My Question Is, Can I Hook Solar Panel Directly To Camera With A 6V Regulator In Between Panel & Camera? Thanks For Your Help HH....
I don’t see why not. As long as you have regulated 6v power you should be good to go. Now, how or if the camera will switch back and forth during day and night is unknown because I’ve never used this camera. Hope that helps and good luck!
Could you do a video on a solar set up for a 6vts 2amp Victure cam from Amazon?
I wish I had one to work on but I don’t have any victims cams. Which model is it?
New subscriber - stumbled on to your channel yesterday and binge watched most of your content. I'm very much a kindred spirit - I love tindering with things and can't believe what sporting goods vendors charge or the lack of functionality of some of the products. Love your ingenuity and budget minded approach - exactly how I think.
I've got a quick question - If I used set up #1 (no external battery pack), but installed rechargeable AA batteries in the the camera itself - would if function the same way as having the external rechargeable battery pack? Just curious what your thoughts are as you obviously surpass me in in knowledge and experience here. Thx!
Hi Tim and welcome to our channel! Great question but wont work for a couple reasons. First, rechargeable AA batteries are 1.2 volts vs 1.5v for regular AA so it may not run out the gate due to lack of voltage. Second, running solar directly into the camera pumps high voltage directly to the batteries which passes through to the camera if no regulator is in place. I highly doubt they have one since the battery pack limits the amount of voltage with the number of AA batteries. Great concept though! The first camera company that figures this out will be my new friends! Hope that helps!
@@TheHandyHunter - Thanks for getting back to me so quickly! I didn't know that the rechargeable AA were a lower voltage, but I intended to put the dime sized regulator you reference in place between the solar panel and the camera. Probably a mute point since the rechargeable AA's output would come up 20% short. Have to figure out a way to cram a couple more batteries in there - Haha! . . . Hmmmm = )
Awesome channel - thoroughly enjoying it and have created a short cut so I can go back and reference your designs - truly inspiring. Would love to come up with something I can share with you in return one day.
Tim Walton youll be surprised how long the direct solar panel will extend your battery life....especially if you use lithium! My brownings run on solar during the day and switch to batteries at night. Works awesome! Good luck and keep in touch!
Do you run regular "AA" batteries with the first camera, or are the rechargeable?
Second camera...how long do the big 12v batteries usually last? I know every location is different...im just looking for a ballpark time frame. 1 year, 2 years, 6 months?
I run regular lithium AA batteries inside the camera. I have big batteries still working after 4 years but depends on brand and use. Hope that helps.
I got a new SPYPOINT flex. Have you every thought of putting rechargeable batteries in your trail cam and then having a solar panel charge those internal batteries? Would this be possible?
If you were able to wire directly to the pack and not through the ext jack you would still need a buck converter to control voltage going into the cam. A 12v solar panel hits around 23volts during full sun so if you didnt have a regulator you would prob burn up the cam. Better to build a proper external solar setup and plug it into the cam. Hope that helps!
Hello, awesome channel. Do you have an idea of how I could split/splitter my 6v game cam and my 6v modem using one solar panel? Thank you.
You would have to run a 6 volt solar panel to a 6 volt battery and then run two cables (w/6volt regulator installed) from the battery to your devices. Should be easy. Just make sure you get the right sized jacks that fit into your devices. Also, buy a good solar panel and battery because I hear the modems are heavy on battery usage. I hope that helps!
@@TheHandyHunter Thank you. You are correct on the modem batteries.
Hey Steve, Thanks For Your Reply! Sorry To Bother You, But I Wanted To Ask If I Could Get A 12V Solar Panel & Put A 12V To 6V Regulator In Between Solar Panel & Camera. Would This Also Work For My 6V Camera? I've Noticed That Its Easier To Get 12V Solar Panels Than 6V Solar Panels... Thanks Again!!
Yep, go with a 12v panel and put a 6v reg befor your camera. I’ve done that before...works great!
Great channel.....love doing DIY stuff...
Can you do this to any trailcam?
It depends. The only way to find out is by hooking a solar panel up to it (with a regulator) and see if it switches over to ext battery. Most cameras should switch over but some may not actually display it on the screen. You can take the batteries out and see if it turns on with the solar plug in while in full sun. Good luck and let me know if you need help.
I have three game cameras that I have been using with external 12v SLA batteries and 1.5w solar panels. After seeing this video, I felt that I had been lucky that I had not fried my cameras. Now I am not an electrician and really don’t understand why, but here is what I discovered in testing battery voltage with and without a solar panel attached. The solar panel was producing around 23v in full sun. The voltage of a new fully charged SLA battery was 13.08v. When I connected the solar panel leads to the battery the voltage out of the battery was still 13.08v. Even the solar panel leads read 13.08 when connected to the battery and 23+v when disconnected. Did the same test on an older battery that registered 12.78v and again the battery output remained at 12.78 after connecting the solar panel. It appears, in these two tests anyway, that the output of the battery remains the same after connecting the solar panel producing 23 volts.
Thanks for the info. Usually the solar voltage will average down but usually not that low. The only way for a 12v battery to charge is to juice it with higher voltage which beings the average voltage higher over time. I would still install a regulator to be safe. Sounds like your cams may be able to handle a wider variance of voltage as well. Good luck this season!
I have a stealthcam battery kit,it has the battery wires,as well as the cable to the trail camera already attached.i was just wondering where to put the voltage regulator on this model,thanks keirh
Without cutting wires if possible
Sorry for the delay...this one got missed somehow! What is the voltage of your camera? Are you trying to install a solar panel to charge the battery? I'm assuming the stealthcam battery kit is 12 volts...correct? Just need a little more info about your setup and what you are putting together. Glad to help guide you where the voltage regulator goes. Thanks!
If i understand well, you have connect the ground of the solar pannel, and of the camera on the same?
You’ll have a positive and negative coming from the solar panel that youll have to splice on a barrel plug that fits your external jack on your camera. When you go to splice on the barrel plug the inside is positive and the outside is negative. Hope that helps!
Hey, just wanted to let everyone know I have a Moultrie m-888 trail camera and the male end that plugs into the 12 volt source on the bottom of the camera is a different size (the middle of the plug was smaller than what this guy recommended). The camera you have may be different... They are NOT universal.. I cut an end off an old charger I had lying around, so you don't even need to buy the cable that plugs into the bottom of the camera if you have some old chargers laying around and can find one that fits. Good luck all and great video!
Thank you! Just FYI, the two most common sizes of plugs in trail cams are 2.1mm or 1.7mm. You can search them on amazon. All my Beownings are 2.1mm. Hope that helps!
Where can I get the plug that goes into bottom of trail cams???
Like browning or any other 12v plug?
You can find most on Amazon. I have most of them in our Amazin store for easy access under trail cameras, etc.
Have you tried this with the solar panels at Harbor Freight? Been thinking of doing this since solar panels for trail cams have become so expensive.
Yes! The ones at Harbor Freight work great. I run a couple with no issues. Good luck!
What did you use to make that extension pole from that tree to hold solar panel?
Hi Brandon! I used a piece of 1/2in emt pipe and welded it to a handle that screws into the tree. Works well to get you panel out to the sun. Hope that helps!
Hello, where did you get the ''plug'' that plugs into the camera.
You can search amazon for a stealthcam battery cable (cost $13) or search amazon for a 2.1mm x5.5mm pigtail. You can select the length you need and you’ll need to add spades on the end to connect your battery. It’s much cheaper this way.. hope that helps!
So I have an ANCIENT Stealthcam trail camera that uses 6 D cell batteries(=9 volts)It is a prime candidate for an external battery/solar system. However, I am unsure where to place the probes for my multi meter. If I go from the neg. on one row of batteries to the pos. on the last row I get 9 volts(all six batts). Would that mean that the internal operating power is 9volts or could it be less? There are three rows of two D cells each.
Sounds like its 9volts...that’s what I would try first. 6 x 1.5v D-battery = 9 volt. You should be good to go.
Hi there, great video. The camera's I use are 6volt..... If I get a 6volt battery and regulator would I be able to use the same set up as you? Would I need to lower the input to the battery before it goes through the regulator to the camera?
Thanks for any help and insight you may have.
Paul Ry Hi Paul! Just need to clarify if you are planning on using a solar panel with your setup? If so, what you'll need is a 6 volt solar panel connected directly to the external 6 volt battery (with no regulator). You will then need to run a wire from the battery to the camera with a 6 volt regulator installed between the two to protect the camera. You can get the small 6volt regulators off Amazon for cheap. Does that answer your question? Glad to help and good luck!
Yeah I am going to try to run a solar panel. I haven't found 6volt panels though. I have 4 WGI camera's but they are all 6volt
Paul Ry You can find 6 volt panels on eBay...I know Moultrie makes a 6 volt panel.. You can probably find them on Amazon too. Good luck!
My question about the diode is when using an external battery. I see you have already answered that the internal batteries are already protected. I don't want to drain the external battery at night. Thanks again.
You won’t drain the battery at night because most every solar panel has a diode already. The 7 watt panel i use for deer feeders doesn’t so I always install one. The company now says they are installing diodes in their 7 watt panels. Hope that helps! Good luck!
@@TheHandyHunter Thanks for the reply. I've put two sets together just as you have explained. The diode thing was my last concern. Tomorrow they go to the woods I'll let you know how they work. I plan to use these on the new Browning Defender wireless camera. I expect they are going to be power hungry so I'm hoping the external battery with the solar charger will keep me from having to visit them for awhile.
Hi, we don't get 3W 12V solar panels here. Can I use a bigger solar panel? What size do you think?
You could use a larger panel but may want to consider adding a solar controller to keep from overcharging the battery and shortening it’s life.
I have 3 HME 12v solar chargers I converted to 9V and they're going dead in about 2 days. I had to remove the circuit boards to wire in the new 9v regulators. Do you think there might have been a diode in the board preventing energy loss in the original setup and since I didn't put one inline like in your feeder video that might be what's happening?
Yep, if you bypassed the board you probably lost your diode. Easy fix though to install one in-line. Let me know how it goes. Are all 3 doing the same thing?
Yes. I thought the first one was a fluke but after it happened with the other 2 I guess it's not. I'll order the diodes you suggested today. Did you just crimp them inline similar to the regulators you used?
Yep just crimp it and then heat shrink. You can then test it by covering the panel while connected to the battery overnight and see if it drains at all. Always something right?
Do you solder to the regulator or how do you hook the wires?
Hi Justin, I cut the barrel end off a normal aluminum spade connector then slide it over the regulator leg and insert wire and then crimp. Don’t forget to put your shrink wrap on first. Hope that helps! Good luck!👍
How do you determine the operating voltage of a camera or feeder? I have an old camera that takes 6 D cells. One would assume that the voltage would be 9 volt.. 1.5 v X 6..
It really depends. Does it have an external jack port? Sometimes it will say on the little rubber tab that plugs the hole…you have to look closely. If you use a buck coverter you can start with 6volts and go higher to see what the cam runs on. Hope that helps!
@@TheHandyHunter thank you! I thought this seemed familiar, i see my comment asking about this before! LOL
Do you know if you put rechargeable batteries inside the trail camera if it will charge those as well?
Hi Jon...great question! It will not charge rechargeable batteries on the Browning's but I'm not sure about other camera models. These cameras tend to have an either/or switch and no crossover from 12v/solar to battery pack so it won't charge the batteries. You might get lucky with other camera models? Let me know if you strike gold! Good luck...
Thanks man! This is an awesome video and I REALLY appreciate you linking all the materials! I tried to find those solar panels and I kept coming up with $50+ ones until I saw your link; much better deal. Thanks for doing the leg work!
May I get a list of all the items in your video? I’m wanting to try this out for next hunting season.
Hi Ralston, check out the list of parts in the description of the video. There’s many options there that you can choose from. Let me know if you need any help picking items for your setup. You can also email me at steve@digitalsouth.com. Thanks and good luck!
The Handy Hunter where did you get the white plug that plugs into the camera?
Good eye! I just noticed I didn't have a link to the cable on this video. Check out the description...I updated it with a couple of options for cables. I don't use the white plug type anymore because it's L-shaped and it doesn't go deep enough into some cameras to make contact. You want to use a "straight" plug vs and "L-shaped". I use to buy these at Radio Shack until I discovered the Stealth Cam cords and the 2.1x5.5mm cables on Amazon. Let me know if you need anything else. Good luck with your project!
So if I connect the solar panel to the battery do I need to put a regulator? It will be connected to a gsm panel that runs of 12v/24v
Lee Luna Hi Lee, usually you need a regulator to maintain 12 volts between battery and target when using a solar panel but it sounds like your system can run on 12v or 24v? If so, then a full sun output of 23/24 volts by the 12 volt solar panel should be fine (if it will run on either). If you have to select 12v or 24v and you select 12v then you will need a 12v regulator between the battery and the gsm to protect from the solar output in full sun. Hope this answers your question. Thanks for checking in!
The Handy Hunter I went ahead and put a regulator to play it safe. Thanks
Alright, so I just got done with the solar setup (minus the battery). I do not think it works because it did not power up my Stealth Cam G45NG. I think the voltage regulator may be bad because I was having issues soldering. I was wondering if you would be able to email me a diagram with the external battery if possible. I'd like to see everything in detail in hopes I can get this up and going asap. I have to catch some thieves. Thank you
Jason McKillop Hi Jason, first of all I caught thieves at my house on camera and turned them into police so good luck! A couple things, these 12 regulators can be bad or damaged while installing. I crimped my wires on instead of soldering because I wasn’t sure if the heat would hurt it (I’m terrible at soldering). Second and most important, did you test the voltage at the plug while the solar panel is in full sun? The inside of the plug is positive and the outside is negative. You should have close to 12-13.5 volts in full sun. Let’s start there before jumping to a battery setup which I’m glad to help with. Let me know what you find.
So if you are running solar only, the 12 Volt regulator goes in between the panel and the battery? If running and charging a 12 battery, then the 12 volt regulator goes between the battery and the camera correct?
Just to clarify, if running solar only then the 12v reg goes between the panel and the camera. If using an external battery pack then the 12v reg goes between the battery and the camera to prevent high voltage pass through from the solar. Let me know how it goes!
Gathering all of the parts to do this for two cameras, thanks for all of the great info!
razorsharptokill you are welcome! I just unplugged the solar from one of my cameras to check the internal batteries and they were still at 100% after 2.5 months in a food plot! You will love it. Let me know how they work out.
How did you make weather cover for camers
They are little platic paint pales from the home depot paint department. Just cut them in half so you get two for the price of one. Then, just give them a paint job!
How did you build the sun guard?
Hi Jared, I make them out of a simple plastic 1 Quart measuring pale that you can get in the paint department at Lowes or Home Depot. I use scissors or a sharp knife to cut them in half. I then drill a 1/4 in hole in the back and bolt it to either a flat piece of metal or 1/2 in pipe that attaches to the tripod. Maybe I should do a video on it since I'm getting more and more questions??? Hope all is well buddy.
What type Diode is needed?... Im guessing 1 amp would do it?
All solar panels come with built in diodes now so you don’t need to worry. If you are using solar you do need a inline regulator. Hope that helps.
What kind of extensions cord did you use from battery up thr tree?
Hi Brandon, you can use any wire from 18-22 gauge and you will be fine. I think i used a roll of 20ga when I did this setup. Hope that helps. Good luck!
@@TheHandyHunter thanks your a money saving fool. God bless
If it is a tube solar panel, can it be used together
Not sure what you are asking? Can you clarify? Thx!
Hi ? For you what is the volts coming out of the 12v regulator ? I tested mine today I have a 12v battery 7.5am hook straight to the 7812 chip and I’m only getting 11volts out and it won’t run my camera!? Bad chip ??? Thanks great videos keep them coming out 👏
It usually ranges slightly above or below 12volts (like 12.3). What is the voltage coming out of the battery? A 12 volt cam should run on voltage that varies around 12v. It is very possible to have a bad regulator. What kind of cam do you have?
Volts coming out of battery is 12.6 volts
Running a SPYPOINT micro
That’s perfect V on the battery. Double check your connections to be sure but sounds like you might have a bad regulator. It’s happened to me before. Just checking...the spypoint micro is a 12v cam correct?
Also, if you connect the battery directly to the cam (without a solar panel connected) does the cam power on? In other words, take the reg off and try without?
Can you make a solar panel for a wildview with no battery pack?
Not sure if Wildgame will let you do it. You could always try it and then add a battery if it doesn’t work. Let me know how it goes. Good luck.
Why did the first camera only have 76 percent battery, whenever you unplugged the solar panel instead of it being charged up to 100 percent?
The solar doesn’t charge the batteries, it only runs the camera when there is enough sunlight. The batteries take over at night. Hope that helps.
Hi can you hook 2 camera with one battery and a soir panels with that?
You sure can!
@@TheHandyHunter thank you i will try it with cell link from spypoint i plug it with the 12 v regulator and at the plug going to the camera i git only 11.3 volt coming out
That’s within the normal allowed variance of voltage. It should be perfectly fine…good luck!
Are the Coleman solar panels you buy weatherproof? How long do they last?
Shreve Soule they are weatherproof and very durable. I’ve had them in use for about three years with no problems. I put a little bead of silicone around the glass on a couple but not sure it’s needed. So far they’ve been great! Hope that helps and thanks for watching!
Thanks! Great video. I have some beehives and want to see how often the bear come around to check if the electric fence is on and I'm tired of changing AA batteries all the time.
with this set up do you need rechargeable batteries.
Nope, just regular. Hope that helps!
Hi saw this and thought this was brill so went out bought a 1.5w 12v solar panel and a 12v voltage regulator (7812) and connected it all together just like your video ..did it work no .dont know why as i ve tried to connect it to a Browning Dark Ops HD Pro camera ,when i plug in solar panel to cam it tells me the DC is 100% ..also if i disconnect solar panel and leave in plug it also tells me DC is 100% ..also if solar panel is connected and i cover it over ,cam does not change over normal batteries. also can you give me all the stats of your 1.5w solar panel so i could try and work out what is wrong..
Roy Robertson Hi Roy! Sorry you are having trouble. I love the Browning's line of cameras but never used a dark ops but I can't imagine that the internals are different from the Strikeforces I use. It could be several things so let me ask a few questions. Did you test the plug of the solar panel with a voltage tester to check output in sun? The inside of the plug is positive and the outside is negative. If you are getting power at the plug (12v in sunlight) on just solar then next I have to question whether the plug fits well into the camera. It sounds like camera isn't recognizing any power from ext source. If your panel is putting out power and it's not recognizing it then I might plug a 12 volt plug from a 110 wall outlet and see if that works (if you have one...I think Walmart might sell them). It may be the camera if neither of those solutions work. Let me know how your diagnosis goes. Glad to help!
Roy Robertson Hi Roy, the two solar panels I use are the 1.5 watt from Ironton and 2 watt from Coleman. Never had a problem with either. I'm interested to know how your problem works out because I was thinking about trying a Dark Ops. If you are getting 12 volts to the plug on right polarity it should switch to external power. Let me know and good luck!
At 2:40, who will be there to unplug the solar panel? Would it have switched over if you covered the solar panel, or just shut off?
Joseph Riffle you are on the right track. I could have easily just covered the panel and it would have switched vs unplugging...I actually do this in the last part of the video during the last test. I hope that helps...let me know if you need more help! Thanks for stopping by!
Thank you for getting back with me right away. I have the Stealth Cam STC-G42NG and it eats the Alkaline batteries in a week in movie mode. I will be putting something together this weekend and I will let you know whether mine will switch back and forth. Really leaning toward running external solar/battery full time. Love the 1/2 bucket upgrade too.
Joseph Riffle Great Joseph, keep me updated! If the direct solar doesn't extend long enough then an external battery box might be the way to go. The first camera company that develops a cam that allows solar to recharge the internal batteries will be a hit! Good luck!
I've done some research with my "stuff". I have the Stealth Cam G42NG. I use it in video mode for 30 sec videos , 5 sec apart. 98% of videos are at night, which means a high current draw of 500 mA at 12 V. for the LED's. (tested with variable power supply) Camera will work in the 11-15 volt range, but if at night and the video starts at the low end of the voltage, the camera quits. Internal vs external; it does switch automatically to which ever voltage is the highest. Eight brand new alkaline cells read 13 Volts, but I decided I wanted to use those for back-up only. So that means I have to keep the external voltage (at the camera) above 13 volts. Here's what I did... Bought the new 12 Ah battery like you suggested. Bought a buck/boost converter from Amazon, The 1.5 watt solar panel from Harbor Freight at the very best conditions would only put out 75 mA. So I hooked the panel directly to the Battery ( after the removal of the LED from the panel ) also make sure the isolation diode is working). I have no fear that this panel will ever overcharge this battery. The next part you want to make sure the voltage is right before you plug it into you Camera. Battery voltage goes to the input of the buck/boost converter, and the output of that goes to the camera. I adjusted it to 13.2 volts at a 500 mA load at the end of the plug that goes into the Camera. When camera is at idle voltage may go to 13.3 volts. The buck /boost converter keeps a regulated output over the 11- 13.5 volt range of the battery. I may never have to buy alkaline's again. Thank you for the inspiration in this project!
Hi Joseph! Man, it sounds like you've been having some fun! Great idea on the Buck Boost regulator. Also, let me know how that 1.5watt keeps that 12Ah battery charged. I cut the LED light on my panel and it wouldn't seem to maintain the battery charge (didn't know if it was underpowered or I messed it up). I never tested it but felt that maybe I also cut the diode and it was dark draining the battery. I ended up moving to bigger panels anyway so not a big deal. Thanks for all the info. Happy Hunting!
Does one absolutely need the voltage regulator? I ordered a cheap Campark camera off amazon (Actually has worked good for me). I have many other more expensive cameras and could justify spending the money for another one. The camera has a 6v input on it. I have the exact set up you have - with a 6v solar panel and a 6v battery. However with just 6v going to the camera it shows low battery and in “low battery mode” it will not take night pictures.
Hi there, need a little more info. Does the camera have an external plug built in or did you direct wire into the battery case?
The external plug is built in
Bauml16 ok, so first of all if you are running a solar panel to a battery and the connecting to the camera...you definitely need a voltage regulator to prevent high pass through voltage to your camera. What happens if you disconnect the solar panel and just run the 6volt battery with no regulator into the 6volt camera plug? If that doesn’t work it may be a faulty camera and warranty issue? Just make sure your Ext battery is good and all your wiring correct. What is your voltage output at the plug with all the solar connect and reg installed...is it 6.3v or close? The other thing you could try is hooking a 9volt battery up to the camera to see if it works? Sometimes things will run ok on slightly higher voltage just not doubled voltage like solar panels. That would be my last resort but if you run out of options... let me know how it goes!
Works perfect with just the battery. Just checked at the plug. I’m getting less than 6. So possibly a bad regulator?
Yep, bad reg. Try a new one and see what happens. Check your voltage on the old one and then the new one to see if there’s a difference.
Hello , i would like to buy the same trail camera you are using, what browning trail camera model do you have?
CARDS FAN Hi friend, I have several models that have minor differences but the one you see in the video is a BTC-5HDE. This is one of their older models but still works great! Let me if I can be of further help. Good luck!
The Handy Hunter okay gotcha, i want to run a few trail cameras with your same battery pack & solar panel setup. If i go with a newer browning trail camera which model would you recommend? Thank you!
Don't buy the Ironton panels...I just bought two more and they were both bad. Stick with Coleman or Strongway. I'm taking the Ironton panel out of the description above because I think their quality has gone down. Also, can't go wrong with any Browning cameras...even the lower line is better than competitors top of the line. I'm eyeing the Strikeforce ProXD (2018) or the Defender 850 (2017) because they both have 1080P full HD video. My next upgrade will be to 1080P. Here's a link to a comparison chart that will help you pick from Browning cameras....browningtrailcameras.com/pages/camera-comparison. Hope that helps!
The Handy Hunter thank you Brother! I appreciate the help!!
CARDS FAN You are welcome! You will not be disappointed with any Browning cameras. I’ve wasted a lot of money on other brands but I always come back to Browning as my main setup. 99% of the trail camera market is junk.
What happens to the excess power when your battery is fully charged?
Nothing really...some people worry about overcharging shortening the life of the battery but I’ve never had a problem.
cool thanks
Where did you get the connector from the regulator to the camera?
Hi Will, thanks for stopping by! I use the Stealth Cam 12v battery connector cords off Amazon. I usually pay around $7-10 bucks but I now see that Amazon has them for $13 (because it's hunting season). They work great with my cameras and are worth the money!
www.amazon.com/Stealth-Cam-Battery-Connection-Cable/dp/B001U7KDYK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1512091921&sr=8-1&keywords=stealth+cam+12v+cord.
Let me know if you have any more questions. Happy Hunting!
The Handy Hunter Do you have a website for the 90 genre adapter?
Hi Will...Here's the information you are looking for on the plug tip and the wire that it plugs into. See both link below:
Hope that helps...Happy Hunting!
Here's a link to the 90degree plug. It's called an Adaptaplug "K" (it has a purple tip and that is what I've always used). You can also get them at Radio Shack if you live near one.
www.amazon.com/dp/B01J8YUCA6/ref=asc_df_B01J8YUCA65287797/?tag=hyprod-20&creative=395033&creativeASIN=B01J8YUCA6&linkCode=df0&hvadid=216499414469&hvpos=1o3&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10664395421699025193&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9012375&hvtargid=pla-351356169598
Here's the wire that the plug goes into-(It has a female end on each end so you cut it in half to make two cords for your set up's)
www.amazon.com/Female-to-Female-Adaptaplug-Power-Cord-6-ft/dp/B0081U7BZS/ref=sr_1_7?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1512141968&sr=1-7&keywords=adaptaplug+wire
Thanks for all of the info. Once all comes in, I'll be dropping off in the woods! Like the stands as well.
You are welcome...good luck in the woods! Thanks for stopping by!
I recently got trail camera vsv-mbox1 and using batteries will last a short time on a 24 hour period , how can i use with a 6 volt battery to power the camera for long period of time..
Does the cam have an external power jack? Does the ext jack take 6 volts? (Just want to clarify). If so, you can buy a 6 volt external battery on Amazon/ebay, put it in a box, buy the right size cable and plug it in. You’ll likely be good for months.
@@TheHandyHunter the camera uses 8. AA 1.5 ea. May have missed judge the power. Camera does have a plug in for external power. Then how do I size up the plug in for the battery
Look very closely on or near the little rubber tab that covers the jack hole and there should be a schematic showing what volt it is. If not, you may have to look in the manual. The battery pack voltage doesnt always represent the ext jack voltage. Your going to need the right sized jack plug to go into the jack and it will either be a 1.7mm or a 2.1mm
If you use 8 AA at 1.5 then you have a 12 volt battery pack. You ext jack is going to either run on 6 v or 12 volt. 12 volt would be best. Let me know what you find!
@@TheHandyHunter I found 6 volt. The camera was bought from the the spy shop and will most extras be able to function on the camera.
Battery overcharge protection?
Hi Ray, I don’t use solar contollers on these small setups and I’ve never had a battery go bad prematurely. So far so good.
In regards to the regulator, when you are using the 12v battery do you habe the regulator in between the battery and the panel , or the battery and the camera ? I would assume your circuit goes : panel > battery > regulator > camera ?
Hi Dustin, you want the regulator between the battery and the camera to prevent high pass through voltage from the solar panel. Hope that helps! Good luck!
Okay, I need some help. I built the set up with the solar panel and voltage regulator with no battery. Hooked directly to my game cam. I am using a Stealth Cam G45NG. I tested the output from the solar panel and was getting 12.1 volts in the shade. I put new AA batteries in the camera and the plugged in the solar panel into the DC external plug. I got nothing. the camera stated batteries were 100% like it wasn't detecting an external source. I removed the battery pack out and left only the solar panel hooked up and the camera went dead. Again I tested the voltage from the panel and still got 12.1 volts?? Any ideas?? I would have thought the camera would have at least detected it even if it didn't switch between the solar and battery pack.
Thanks
Yep, sounds like it's definitely not detecting the external source. So a few things to check. First, are you sure the polarity on the plug is correct and not reversed? There should be a little schematic sometimes on the rubber plug that cover the camera jack hole. Sometimes it may be stamped in the plastic next to the hole. The internal part is usually positive and the outside is negative (but just double check yours). Second, did you try plugging in while the panel was in full sun? I know you said it had 12volts in the shade but just curious if you tried full sun? Third, do you have an external AC plug you can try to see if it will work off that? If none of the above work I would have to imagine a faulty internal jack. Let me know what you find...interested in what you find! Hope that helps!
@@TheHandyHunter thanks I will check those things next time I'm down there. Have these cameras set up on my farm that is 1 1/2 hours away and not easy to just shoot down and check the cams. Thanks again.
My plug is set up like yours. Positive inside negative outside. Are you saying the camera may be calling for the opposite?
Also it was pretty crappy day today for solar. Really cloudy. I will check better another day
I doubt the polarity is different but just wanted you to check. Sometimes the shade will make the voltage drop down to the point it won’t come on. Not sure that’s its since you said it was 12 volts in the shade but just check it out. Hope it works for you. Have fun at the farm! Let me know. Thx
Ok, I will move it into direct sunlight when I get back down there. I left it connected. it is sunny here in Kentucky today. Who knows it may be working right now. That's sort of the reason I left it hooked up. 12.1 volts is pretty low. It possibly may think the battery is very low and is just not allowing it to connect. I will try and keep you updated. Even if it doesn't switch like your browning strike force it should at least detect the incoming voltage.
Hey bud, went back down to the farm after the solar panel had been hooked up for about 5 days. If you remember I had left it hooked up even though I wasn't sure if it was doing anything. I have 2 identical cameras down there. I checked both. One has no solar panel and the other does. Both had identical AA batteries installed on the same day.
The one with no solar had 106 ( 30 sec ) videos and was at 64 % Battery
The one with solar had 21 ( 30 sec ) videos and was at 98 % Battery
Granted the one with no solar had a lot more video but I still was surprised to find the one with solar at 98 %
I placed new cards in both and will wait to see after more time if it continues to stay up?? If so then the solar panel must be doing something.
What are your thoughts??
No solar controller? How are you not cooking your battery? low amperage panels or a panel with built in solar controller? What kind of life are you getting from a battery not using a solar controller? I understand the voltage regulation just asking about not cooking the batteries. Most panels builders don't recommend not using a controller to prevent cooking the battery. Thank You! Awesome video's!
Hi Bruce, you can certainly use solar controllers if you want. Keep in mind that they do have draw and will pull on your system. I took a chance in the beginning to see if I could get away not having one and its worked fine for me over the years. I run all my setups, feeders, trail cams, etc with no controllers. Deer feeder batteries last me 3-5 years but I can’t imagine them lasting any longer with a controller. I think its ok because its such low amp setups with small panels. Now, if you are powering your house...different story. Solar makes my life so much easier. All my setups are maintenance free! Good luck and let me know if you need more info!
@@TheHandyHunter Thanks for the quick come back! Part of setting one up correctly would be to figure in the draw and use a panel that puts out enough amperage to start with. Then cost go up etc. Figured its the lower wattage panels. 3-5 years is about all one will most likely last. I usually over think stuff. Really enjoy your DIY videos.
Hi
Solar panel is 12v and how much w?
It’s a 1.5 watt panel. Hope that helps
@@TheHandyHunter thank you
Ditch the unnecessary/distracting music and it'll raise my score for this tutorial from 97% to 100%.
Great production - liked and subbed.
LOL! You are so right! I rewatched this video a little while back and thought the same thing....the music was so annoying when you are trying to hear the details. Live and learn but I do agree with you. Welcome to our channel :)
You can learn more about it on INPLIX website.
Nice video very helpful but it would be nice if there was no music when you were talking it's very distracting
RockyMtnGobblers I totally agree with you...it’s annoying. I quit adding music during talking because it can be distracting. Live and learn! Thanks for watching and commenting!
The Handy Hunter that's great I really like your videos they are helpful and informative so I subbed
** Ammo Box ** Harbor Freight Tools LINK: www.harborfreight.com/030-caliber-ammo-box-63135.html ** Price: $6 ea. + TX
23 volt going into a 12v without a charge controller? over charge I would put the regulator in between the solar panel and the batteries so the battery also is only getting 12 volts
Also have a diode to stop power from flowing back into the solar panel from the battery a diode only allows power to flow one way
Harold McDermott Hi Harold, you don't want to put a 12 volt reg between the solar and battery because the battery wouldn't charge. You need the higher volts to build the 12volt battery charge. You can certainly install a controller to regulate the variable charging process but controllers create draw and good ones are pricey. I don't use any solar controllers on my deer feeders or solar trail cameras and all batteries are still good after 4 years. So far I haven't ruined any batteries from overcharging. Thanks for commenting!
Harold McDermott the solar panels I use in the video have built in diodes to prevent backflow. Most will come with them. If you buy a panel without a diode you certainly want to install one.
The Handy Hunter ok but I know not all salor panel have a diode but a useing higher watt salor panle I would not recommend not using a charge controller 1 or 2 watts you may get away with it if the panel is not in the sun all day
Harold McDermott Agree, I think these low watt panels allows you to get away without controllers for this setup. Do you have a good controller that you've used on small setups?
just use Avasva Solutions :)))