just got one of these, charged it with usb for hours. no indication on the battery level. opened it up and the 11.1v lipo has only 150millivolts after hours of charging.
@@JoeTheFarmer the whole RMA and return process is so troublesome and time consuming at best, I looked into it a little closer and one of the wires to the battery was broken. I slipped some heat shrink over the wire, soldered it together, heated the shrink wrap, and it seems fine now.
Running multiple Fusion Cameras throughout the state. No regrets so far. And tech support has always been helpful, though it is hard getting in! Most of my tech support comes out of Texas and they have always been helpful, but this week I was linked up with a New Mexico agent who was spot on regarding a newly added fusion camera.
Awesome to hear! They are a value cell cam no matter how you slice it. Not perfect but they get the job done. The Covert are prob the best that I have run but you could buy more than 2 Fusions for the price of one covert. Good luck this season!!!
Hey Joe I just bought the Stealth Fusion & had actually taken back the sol panel I had purchased similar to yours(it was the older version I believe & I saw bad reviews about water getting in). I got the large 12v battery + solar panel made by the same company, looks like an ammo can. It seems pretty solid, haven’t set it up yet that is how I found your video. I wish I would have kept the smaller panel now and at least tried it out first(it had a 12v battery built in also). When you set the app/phone service up did you actually have to visit a Verizon store or just set it up from the app? I ask b/c I have a different cell carrier that uses Verizon towers. Thanks for the video:)
Hey Lilmama, thanks for watching! I have both the ammo can type by HME and 3 sol-packs that we are running. I did have to return two of the Sol-Packs but the company was very easy to work with on the warranty exchange (they just wouldn’t charge, no matter what!). I think that the performance of the ammo can style works marginally better; but depending on what you need it for...it is not easily concealed. I will say that the Fusion battery life has been VERY impressive. As for the cell service; your phone has no relation to the camera other than using the app to review pictures. The cam has its own sim card. Just be aware of what type of carrier gives the best service where you will put the camera. If you download the app with any phone carrier and scan the QR code you will be up and running! It is incredibly simple and StealthCam has made what used to be an arduous process very easy. Let me know if you have any other questions!
I’m still really happy with it. Agree on battery but if you have it transmit a few times a day and use lithium batteries its a solid camera for the price. Running a handful and only lost one and was replaced under warranty
Hey TwoBrothers, thanks for watching! I haven’t seen an antenna booster but honestly have not needed one. The reception has been very good; even where other cams have struggled. Good Luck This Season, -JTF
Sorry for the delay; but apparently my response from a month ago was deleted somehow. They are good; not great. But for $59 they are as expected. They DO extend the battery life by about 50% but the solar recharging is fair at best and there is not a way to manually recharge them. Hope that helps and thanks for watching! -JTF
Hey Squido; thanks for watching. You do not need rechargeable batteries (at least the instructions don’t mention it), I have been using regular batteries. Also, the one I had replaced under warranty has worked great! The ones I had to send back not so much. Hope this helps! -JTF
I think it’s hit or miss. Had three, and two died and had to be replaced. The HME solar battery may be the better bet. Same thing but I believe it has been upgraded from the Stealthcam model. Both GSM products and the warranty process is pretty decent if you get a bad one.
I’m honestly not a fan. It has some design flaws and I had two that needed to be replaced under warranty. The hme solar battery has worked better imo. Thanks for watching!
Hey Richard, thanks for watching. You do still have to put batteries in. The Sol-Pack seems to be keeping steady charge and batteries still at 100%! Have a Great Day, - JTF
Hi Leland, thanks for watching! The Sol-Pak does not have replaceable batteries in it. It is a closed system that also doesn’t let you charge it. HME has one that is nearly identical that seems to get better reviews. After a year, 1 worked flawlessly and the other two not so much. If you pick one up, I suggest looking for the HME (GSM Outdoors owns both brands, nearly an identical product). Hope this helps! We appreciate you reaching out! 😁👍🏼👊🏼
No problem; great question. I don’t; the only cell cam that requires rechargeable batteries when using an external battery pack is the Covert. StealthCam I just use Energizer max or lithium; they won’t leak and ruin your camera! Thanks for watching!
Depends on the camera brand. StealthCam can use reg batteries. I use energizer max or a brand with a “no leak” guarantee. Lithium are obviously the best.
@@JoeTheFarmer bought 2 solar panels and they worked great, but just for one season. One is still working great and the other is not working at all. Bummer bc I payed like $50 for them
Hey Blake, thanks for watching. Not a solo review; but that is a great idea! I was impressed enough that I bought two more. They aren't cheap; but batteries have become crazy expensive and I usually have a ton of old batteries rolling around the back of the UTV.
I am conflicted...it is built VERY well and sets up easy; but not charging very well. Been raining but it is supposed to charge in low light. I’ll keep everyone posted! Thanks for watching!!!
Really? What makes it "trash?" I have had good luck with all three that I have. The Sol-Pack's weren't charging right and GSM (the manufacturer) was great to replace them. If it's not working I would reach out to them. Unlike SpyPoint, their customer service is really good. Sorry that you are having an issue but curious to see what it is.
Sorry for the delay my friend; was hunting Velvet in KY. I think that is a good deal. You will probably see them elsewhere at $99 but not much less. Like I said in the follow up video; I have really been impressed with them. Good to have a solid cell cam option for $99. I would also check out the Tactacam. Did a video on that one and will do a review soon...so far REALLY impressed. Just can't find them anywhere.
just got one of these, charged it with usb for hours. no indication on the battery level. opened it up and the 11.1v lipo has only 150millivolts after hours of charging.
I had one that was AWESOME and one that was a dud. If it doesn’t work right, make them replace it! Thanks for watching.
@@JoeTheFarmer the whole RMA and return process is so troublesome and time consuming at best, I looked into it a little closer and one of the wires to the battery was broken. I slipped some heat shrink over the wire, soldered it together, heated the shrink wrap, and it seems fine now.
Well done! There has been some quality issues with those things. Glad you got it fixed.
The fusion is a great camera I run three as of right now. However I need that solar pack!
Running multiple Fusion Cameras throughout the state. No regrets so far. And tech support has always been helpful, though it is hard getting in! Most of my tech support comes out of Texas and they have always been helpful, but this week I was linked up with a New Mexico agent who was spot on regarding a newly added fusion camera.
Awesome to hear! They are a value cell cam no matter how you slice it. Not perfect but they get the job done. The Covert are prob the best that I have run but you could buy more than 2 Fusions for the price of one covert. Good luck this season!!!
Hey Joe I just bought the Stealth Fusion & had actually taken back the sol panel I had purchased similar to yours(it was the older version I believe & I saw bad reviews about water getting in). I got the large 12v battery + solar panel made by the same company, looks like an ammo can. It seems pretty solid, haven’t set it up yet that is how I found your video. I wish I would have kept the smaller panel now and at least tried it out first(it had a 12v battery built in also). When you set the app/phone service up did you actually have to visit a Verizon store or just set it up from the app? I ask b/c I have a different cell carrier that uses Verizon towers. Thanks for the video:)
Hey Lilmama, thanks for watching! I have both the ammo can type by HME and 3 sol-packs that we are running. I did have to return two of the Sol-Packs but the company was very easy to work with on the warranty exchange (they just wouldn’t charge, no matter what!). I think that the performance of the ammo can style works marginally better; but depending on what you need it for...it is not easily concealed. I will say that the Fusion battery life has been VERY impressive.
As for the cell service; your phone has no relation to the camera other than using the app to review pictures. The cam has its own sim card. Just be aware of what type of carrier gives the best service where you will put the camera. If you download the app with any phone carrier and scan the QR code you will be up and running! It is incredibly simple and StealthCam has made what used to be an arduous process very easy.
Let me know if you have any other questions!
So it’s been 2 years. I have a stealth cam fusion, need to run solar on it as the property is 3hrs away from where I live. What’s the verdict now?
I’m still really happy with it. Agree on battery but if you have it transmit a few times a day and use lithium batteries its a solid camera for the price. Running a handful and only lost one and was replaced under warranty
@@JoeTheFarmer thanks. Hope I can make it work well!
I appreciate you reaching out! Keep me posted my friend.
The Sol Pak is good when it works! I have 4 of these and they are all dead withing one season! Junk!
I agree with you man. Initial impression was great, then they went south. Had some replaced under warranty and still in the box.
How does it connect to your cell phone if it's too far away from the house for Wi-Fi?
It has it’s own sim card and is independent of your phone and carrier. It will have it’s own service.
WRAP UP ALL CORDS WITH DUCK TAPE N PEST WONT CHEW THEM UP
SMART!!! I will absolutely try that. Haven’t had a chewing problem yet but I am sure it’s coming. Thanks for watching Stephen!
-JTF
Is there a external antenna booster for the stealth cam fusion?
Hey TwoBrothers, thanks for watching! I haven’t seen an antenna booster but honestly have not needed one. The reception has been very good; even where other cams have struggled.
Good Luck This Season,
-JTF
How did the solar pack work. I have seen mix reviews on them.
Sorry for the delay; but apparently my response from a month ago was deleted somehow. They are good; not great. But for $59 they are as expected. They DO extend the battery life by about 50% but the solar recharging is fair at best and there is not a way to manually recharge them. Hope that helps and thanks for watching! -JTF
Do you need re-chargeable batteries for solar pak
Hey Squido; thanks for watching. You do not need rechargeable batteries (at least the instructions don’t mention it), I have been using regular batteries. Also, the one I had replaced under warranty has worked great! The ones I had to send back not so much. Hope this helps!
-JTF
So after 10 months would you give the sol pack a thumbs up or down? I have a few muddy cell cams I need some more reliable power for.
I think it’s hit or miss. Had three, and two died and had to be replaced. The HME solar battery may be the better bet. Same thing but I believe it has been upgraded from the Stealthcam model. Both GSM products and the warranty process is pretty decent if you get a bad one.
Btw, love the idea and set up. As batteries get better it will be awesome!
Thanks for the input!
No problem man. That’s the fun of this. Hope it helps!
For those who don’t know. Some of the HME products are sold at tractor supply
Yes they are!
@@JoeTheFarmer how is that solar Pannel holding up?
I’m honestly not a fan. It has some design flaws and I had two that needed to be replaced under warranty. The hme solar battery has worked better imo. Thanks for watching!
is the ds4k better than the fusion
I haven’t tried the cell version; but the non cell version was not my favorite. Super confusing. The Fusion X is really good for the money. 👍🏼
Thanks for this!
No problemo! Thanks for watching! 😁😁
Do you still have to put batteries in the camera when using sol pack
Hey Richard, thanks for watching. You do still have to put batteries in. The Sol-Pack seems to be keeping steady charge and batteries still at 100%!
Have a Great Day,
- JTF
@@JoeTheFarmer Hello there sir, do you use rechargeable batteries with the sol pack?
Hi Leland, thanks for watching! The Sol-Pak does not have replaceable batteries in it. It is a closed system that also doesn’t let you charge it. HME has one that is nearly identical that seems to get better reviews. After a year, 1 worked flawlessly and the other two not so much. If you pick one up, I suggest looking for the HME (GSM Outdoors owns both brands, nearly an identical product). Hope this helps! We appreciate you reaching out! 😁👍🏼👊🏼
@@JoeTheFarmer sorry i ment do you use rechargeable batteries in the camera while the sol-pack is hooked up to it
No problem; great question. I don’t; the only cell cam that requires rechargeable batteries when using an external battery pack is the Covert. StealthCam I just use Energizer max or lithium; they won’t leak and ruin your camera! Thanks for watching!
So you don’t need any batteries in the camera?
No; you still need batteries. The solar charger just makes them last a whole lot longer. Thanks for watching buddy!
@@JoeTheFarmer so regular batteries or rechargeable batteries?
Depends on the camera brand. StealthCam can use reg batteries. I use energizer max or a brand with a “no leak” guarantee. Lithium are obviously the best.
@@JoeTheFarmer k thanks
@@JoeTheFarmer bought 2 solar panels and they worked great, but just for one season. One is still working great and the other is not working at all. Bummer bc I payed like $50 for them
Happen to have a review on the solar panel?
Hey Blake, thanks for watching. Not a solo review; but that is a great idea! I was impressed enough that I bought two more. They aren't cheap; but batteries have become crazy expensive and I usually have a ton of old batteries rolling around the back of the UTV.
How long are you getting between battery changes now? I just bought one and I’m curious
I have not had to change any batteries yet! Still at at 100% on the camera. 👍🏼
How is the solar panel working for you?
I am conflicted...it is built VERY well and sets up easy; but not charging very well. Been raining but it is supposed to charge in low light. I’ll keep everyone posted! Thanks for watching!!!
@@JoeTheFarmer but when it was sunny out the last few weeks it charged fine and held your cam at 100%?
Not as well as I would hope. Lots of sun today and the two I am running have not charged up. 🤷🏻♂️
Are you able to provide and pictures? Great video.
Yessir! Follow up video coming up soon. Thanks for watching!
$99 until midnight tonight at Midway USA. Is that a good deal?
@@wkualum3194 I bought one since this post and its complete trash. I wouldn't pay $10 bucks for it.
Really? What makes it "trash?" I have had good luck with all three that I have. The Sol-Pack's weren't charging right and GSM (the manufacturer) was great to replace them. If it's not working I would reach out to them. Unlike SpyPoint, their customer service is really good. Sorry that you are having an issue but curious to see what it is.
Sorry for the delay my friend; was hunting Velvet in KY. I think that is a good deal. You will probably see them elsewhere at $99 but not much less. Like I said in the follow up video; I have really been impressed with them. Good to have a solid cell cam option for $99. I would also check out the Tactacam. Did a video on that one and will do a review soon...so far REALLY impressed. Just can't find them anywhere.