Setup and Overview of the Tactacam External Solar Panel
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 15 ต.ค. 2024
- I've been using the Tactacam External Solar Panel now for a few weeks. In this video I will demonstrate the setup, placement and talk a little about the benefits of the solar panel.
Awesome vid. Straight to the point and no BS. 👍🏹
@rx1hunter896 thanks man!
I have a camera at my hunting property 2 hrs away. It ate the first set of batteries really quick and the weather wasn’t that cold. I was getting a lot of pics as it’s on a food plot. I have a solar panel on order!!!!! I have used solar panels on other cameras with great success.
They've really been good so far this year in the cold!!
Just got one and works great so far!
Nice review. I’m running 7 solar panels and 6 reveal XB’s and 1 X pro all on solar and some have been out since last fall. Totally saves on batteries. I just started buying the lithium battery packs so I can’t wait to see how they hold up.
The solar panel is totally worth it. Alkalines last about a month or so, even less in the winter. The lithiums last awhile but the solar panels are the way to go as far as I can see.
@@After5Outdoors I just bought my first trail camera. My salesman said to use only lithium batteries, not alkaline but now that I've watched this video, I think I'll just go the solar route. Thanks for the video. Good job!
@1stinsonguy if it gets super cold where you live, that's about the only time you'll see any issues
Great review just purchased one today tactacam did listen to you and you charge it now by usb and type c port is in the solar panel
Awesome!!
The more I hear and see people using trail cams, I'm getting the urge to go out and get one or two.
They are a great source of entertainment, they can also be used for security
@@After5Outdoors I'm think two. One where I hunt and the second for around my house.
Excellent review and tutorial Cody ! Thanks for sharing !
Hey thank you! I appreciate it
Very nice and it seems easy to use, l got another model but it is used for camping. Take care and stay safe
Ill probably invest in some more.
Great review brother that looks sweet
👍
Very good video. Anyone have a problem with squirrels chewing the wires or antenna. Just curious.
I haven't an issue yet. But I'm gonna go out on a limb and say red squirrels would be the worst
Thanks for sharing buddy!!
I like it. Looks pretty easy.
That is pretty cool!
Nice review, Cody. Looks like solid product.
Should save some cash in the long run
Pretty cool to save on batteries! Great review!
Thank you sir
I must have stumbled upon and old video of yours from 2012. Who is the young guy talking about cameras?
longer hair makes you look younger
That’s a nice little dolor charger Cody! My camera has an external power source plug. I wonder if that would work on my camera. I’ll have to check into that 🙂🔥👏👏👍
So far so good
Tactacam’s website says it works with all brands of cameras.
@@ChrisDavis333 awesome Chris! I sure appreciate the information brother, I’ll definitely order one for mine 🙂👌👍👍
What camera setting should you use for the battery type? Lithium? Lithium cartridge? Solar panel is not an option. Thanks for the video.
If you are using the solar panel that is lithium.
Those small solar panels have come a long way since the days I used a 35mm trail camera.
Do you have any pictures from the old time ones??
@@After5Outdoors I'm sure I do somewhere... I haven't looked at them in years.
@@After5Outdoors my wife just said I might even have some undeveloped rolls.
Great video!
Really appreciate it
Hey, I really love your video better than anyone’s. I’ve seen so far but how come the top still swivels back-and-forth? I put the wingnut that you attach behind the solar panel and I tightened it but it still wants to swivel back-and-forth on top OK or nothing and those little gadgets in the back, is that put your cord through?
@scottjkern not quite following you sir...
@@After5Outdoors when you fasten the bracket that attaches to the tree when you attach that to the solar it like to swivel back n forth. I might just put a rubber washer on it between soloar panel and mount
@scottjkern gotcha, when I tighten the wing nut on the ones I have I haven't had that issue. The lip on the bottom keeps holding the panel straight up and down and I don't have play in the hinge either
@@After5Outdoors I don’t have play in the hinge either you can tighten that up. It’s just that instrument attaches to the solar panel. I can get it tight, but it won’t stay. I mean, it still has room to turn. I’m gonna use rubber washer
@@scottjkern gotcha
Hello
I was wondering how your tacticam solar panel is holding up? I am thinking of using a Pro with the solar panel and 12 lithium batteries inside.
I tried to do my research. As I understand it the cam will use the solar panel and it’s internal lithium then go to lithiums in cam if solar is not adequate. Is this how you understand it?
I would like to leave the cam up over the winter to watch deer here in Manitoba.
Do you think the solar will operate in -40C?
Thanks and appreciate any replies.
I'm in northern MN, the panels have been out since the summer of 2021, I haven't had issues yet. Just make sure to clean of the snow, ice and bird poop and you shouldn't have issues. I don't run batteries in my camera, strictly off the solar panel
So you do not need batteries in it you can take them off or you can keep them in there and the batteries are still be used and or what??
@@scottjkern your choice works either way
Thanks Buddy!
@PopPopJoe
0 seconds ago
Are you running batteries in camera also or just solar panel??
Just the panel
Had just got this solar panel .and charged it over night When you turn solar panel on does the 4 lights stay on or only on for like 5 seconds .That’s my issue ! I’ve clicked the button so many times to turn it on. And had taken it out to connect to my reveal 2.0 for like a week an bring it back home to charge it
Hi Cody so you don’t use any batteries in the cam while using the solar power?
For right now no. The panel does have a power pack inside of it. So far no issues. Winter may change that, we will see
I have four of these and had poor luck with mine on my SK's BUT I had my SK's settings check on Instant which I guess really eats battery juice since the cellular then is on 100% of the time. I now have 6 Pro's and added two Herd 360 SPP1025's recently and all these cameras (two with Reveal panels) are at 100% with only solar power and empty AA trays with settings check set to Hybrid. My SK's last fall and winter even had the lithium power packs installed along with the Reveal solar panels and the still drained super fast on Instant settings check. Are yours set to Instant or Hybrid?
My checks are set to daily, and except for hunting season, I don't have them activated, meaning I go pull the cards every couple weeks instead of paying for the service. Pulling the sim cards also helps with battery power when in the off season. My SK ran all winter season with the lithium power pack and included small solar panel. It was set to video and pic, and daily check. I usually activate them the month prior to season.
I just bought one, charged it overnight went to test run it to see if it works correctly and the camera won't turn on, any tips?
Which camera do you have? Things to check, make sure the lights on the bottom of the panel light up ensuring a charge. Make sure the cord ends are properly seated in camera and panel. Put batteries in the camera to make sure it works,
What size are the solar/camera cord male ends? Are the cameras 6 or 12V?
To bad the solar panel will not recharge any rechargeable lithium or lithium cartridge that you might have in the camera.
Do i need the rechargable battery or will the solar panel be anough to run the camera?
Solar panel will run it 24-7-365 as long as the panel gets sunlight, charge it fully first with the supplied charger
Considering these are our in the elements 24/7, I’m wondering if some dielectric grease in those ports would be a good idea?
It actually seals pretty tight, but might not be a bad idea
Does anyone know what size the connection is for the camera side plug in? wondering what other cameras this will work on
I’m looking for info , i didn’t read all comments ,
Wondering if anyone is still leaving batteries inside camera due to , critters chewing on exposed cords ?
Thanks
In 7 months I've not had any issues with that
So theres zero anti-theft features with this panel, correct?
Zero
Have you determined how much sunlight during the day it will take to keep it charged? Some areas I intend to use it will not get sun all day. Thks.
I've got one of my cameras in a pretty densely brushed area. I did try clear a path for the afternoon sun to hit it pretty good for a few hours. However it would depend on a few things. Mine takes about 150 pictures and 15 second videos a month. I haven't had a issue yet. But with that said, up here in the summer we have daylight pretty late. In the fall, the foliage is gone and that allows for more charging time. Ultimately you may have to do some experimenting with your specific situation. Hope that helps??
That is helpful and I would imagine the leaves dropping of the trees will only help. I am going to us it for a security camera. Snow reflecting off of the lake should help some also. Thks@@After5Outdoors
@stevenrae2797 no problems!!
Does anyone know if you can pair this with Tactacam’s lithium pack? I’d prefer to be able to set it and forget it, everyone I’ve seen talk about it has said it keeps them topped up at 100% charge year round, but I haven’t seen anything about Tactacam’s lithium battery pack and if that is compatible with the solar panel. Thanks!
So, inside the solar panel is a lithium battery. No need for an additional one. I run my camera in northern Minnesota all year with no batteries in the camera, only the panel
Do you set any config camera settings?
Just installed a solar panel with full charge 5 days ago and battery info shows 1% battery, left new batteries inside..
Also does not charge with sun…
You might have a bad unit then
They must have listened to you, my newest solar panel has the new usb like an iPhone on the bottom.
My first panel went out on me today. A little over 2 years outside. Moisture got inside
Anyone know how this does in wooded areas? Does it get enough sun to not need batteries?
I usually clear a little brush to clear for the sun to hit the panel. So far no issues
Great review, just picked up two of these for cameras I have waiting for me when I return home👍🏽
They're pretty handy, I was looking at some lithium batteries the other day, sheesh have they went up, the solar panel is totally the way to go
Whats the output on the charger? I lost mine but i have a power supply i can set for whatever I want.
I did some research and couldn't find an answer to your question
@@After5Outdoors it'll be on the charger itself. Something like 5v @ 2.4 amps. Or 12v at 5amp. Something like that.
@jc2478 yup, I tried to look into that. I don't have one of the chargers handy, it does usually have a label on it
@@After5Outdoors thanks for checking!
@jc2478 if I can find one laying around I'll let ya know
Does anyone have experience using these in a hot climate like florida? Do the panels hold up or does the sun destroy them over time like everything else?
Well, mine have been outside for almost two years, from 90 degrees to -30 and they're still ticking
Anyone know if there is any setting in the app that you need to turn on if you use a solar panel? Does the battery reporting in the app show the solar battery or the actual batteries if you have them installed?
That I'm unsure of
I just got a Tactacam 2.0 an also got the solar panel ! I was told from reveal there isn’t a indicator on the app that shows for solar panel
No more AA batteries....that looks like a great way to go.
We'll see how it goes
Hopefully it’s better then the blue jays
😂
Rodents eat the wires if you don't have cable guard
I guess I haven't experienced that, however I could easily imagine it to be true in the right circumstances. Squirrels, especially the red little buggers are notorious for wrecking things... thank you for the input!
Mine uses the battery and does not charge?
So far I've been lucky. On year 3 of them working. I'd recommend contacting tactacam
That camera won't last very long if a bear comes along. I have experience with them with my cuddeback cameras & solar panels.
I am completely aware of that, in the areas where I know bears are pretty common I put them up in trees much higher. I learned my lesson with bears and cameras along time ago LOL. By the way, whats your experience with the cuddeback cameras?
@@After5Outdoors Well even in a bear box there not safe from damage to solar panels or antenna or cords chewed from solar panel to camera. Last spring I put them back up after fixing again they lasted 3 days & they were wrecked again. Being 5 hrs away from cameras & at home really sucks having no option of a quick fix.
@@jonaase1093 In thick Bear Country I put mine up about 6-7 feet, Ive haven't had them mess with them at all
No clue how you got that long on your lithium batteries. 10 days is max that mine will last.
What are your settings set at? And do you have animals in 24/7 alkaline will last a month or so in mine
Get you a chew proof cable. Trust me.
It dose not charge the battery pack in the camera that's dumb
Lithium batteries for 24 are now 77.00 on Amazon thanks to Biden so this solar panel make sense.
Let's go Brandon
yeah that incompetent old man who beat trump from his basement man sure dictates the battery market too! lmfao
U guys are idiots
! Batteries are high because of Biden lmao Trumptards!
My panel did not get a charger. As of now all I can get is 3 lights after being out in the sun all day.